Chen Nian-zu (1766～1823), styled Xiuyuan. Powder on quarter of a coin Liangyou, also known as Shenxiu, was from Meicun Village, Changle, Fujian. His grandfather, Chen Julang, was well-learned and versed in medicine. His father, Chen Tingqi, styled Erru, passed away early. He grew up in poverty, diligently studying Confucianism and ancient medical texts, especially valuing the works of Zhang Zhongjing. He studied at the Aofeng Academy in Fuzhou and became a scholar in 1786. Later, he studied with the renowned physician Cai Mingzhuang (Zongyu) from Quanzhou. In 1792, he passed the provincial examination and stayed in the capital, where he treated Yi Chaodong, a senior official at the Ministry of Justice, who had suffered a stroke and was unconscious for over ten days. Xiuyuan cured him with a large dose of medicine, gaining great fame and attracting many patients. The following year, he was appointed as the magistrate of Wei County in Hebei, where he continued to treat people in his spare time. During disaster relief in Hengshan, Baoyang, and Gaoyang, warm malaria spread, and many died due to incompetent doctors. Nianzu then selected 108 prescriptions and compiled them into Shifang Gegua, widely disseminating it.

Chen was known for his integrity and good governance, as recorded in the county annals. In 1819, at the age of 63, he retired due to old age and illness, teaching medicine at the Caotang on Songshan Well in Changle, with many disciples. He authored numerous works, including Changsha Fang Ge Kuo, Jinkui Fang Ge Kuo, Cold-Damage Disease Medical Formula Analysis, Shennong Bencao Jingdu, Medical Three-Character Classic, Medical Essentials Made Easy, Medical Compendium for the Masses, Gynaecology Essentials, Timely Use of Formulas, New Formulas: Eight Tactical Arrays, Nan Jing Simplified Explanation, Cold-Damage Disease Medical Formula Collection, Shiyao Shenshu Commentary, Revised Ke's Commentary on Cold-Damage Disease Theory, Revised Hundred Questions on Saving Lives, Newly Edited Yu Xiyan's Medical Cases, Occasional Records of Medicine, Cold-Damage Disease True Formula Collection, Lingsu Jieyao Commentary, etc. Later generations compiled sixteen of his works into Complete Medical Works of Nanyatang (also known as Chen Xiuyuan's Sixteen Medical Works, or titled Sixteen Works Beyond Official Duties). (There are also editions of Chen Xiuyuan's Medical Works in 21, 60, 70, and 72 volumes, which are collections of works by other physicians compiled by bookstores.)