Lady Xingyun, wife of Li Lianfang (prefect of Yuzhou), was the daughter of Mr. Yiquan from Lingshi, Shanxi. A woman of remarkable talents, she excelled in calligraphy, painting, music, and all forms of intellectual games and social arts. When she married Li while he was still a low-ranking scholar, she encouraged his studies. Within years, he passed provincial exams and eventually became Yuzhou prefect through merit-based promotion. Lady Xingyun actively assisted in governance matters while her husband grew increasingly irresponsible – frequenting brothels and taking two courtesans as concubines. After losing his position due to ineffective defense against the Nian Rebellion (though later reinstated), he idled in the provincial capital, sinking deeper into depression and constant marital disputes.
Forced by circumstances, Lady Xingyun returned to Jiexiu in autumn 1861 (Xinyou year). Managing a declining household with elderly in-laws, she maintained family dignity. I once visited and received a painted fan from her depicting peach blossoms and spring swallows – a treasured gift.
In summer 1862 (Renxu year), she suddenly summoned me. Arriving promptly, I found her properly dressed but with a deep, weak pulse in all six pulse positions. “This is stagnation from emotional constraint,” I diagnosed. “Xiaoyao Powder (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) should help.” Lady Xingyun, being knowledgeable in medicine herself, nodded in agreement. Two doses cured her.
A month later at a constabulary banquet, Xiaopu intercepted me: “Brother, you’re just in time! Fifth Sister-in-law is ill again.” Entering her chamber, Lady Xingyun explained: “I thought it was common cold with chills, fever, and fatigue. But after taking Bupleurum & Four Substances Decoction, abdominal pain intensified – intermittent yesterday, constant since dawn. With epidemics spreading, I feared contagion.”
Her pulse showed normal readings except for a sluggish, excessive right guan pulse (spleen/stomach region). “Neither infection nor plague,” I concluded. “This is food stagnation blocking middle energizer, causing pain and bloating. The chest tightness and belching confirm it. Huoxiang Zhengqi Powder (Agastache Qi-Rectifying Powder) will resolve this.”
Approving the diagnosis, she took the prescription. Two days later, Xiaopu at a tavern reported: “Two doses worked completely. Fifth Sister-in-law sends thanks.”
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