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He Meng-yao, born in the 31st year of the Kangxi reign (1692), courtesy name Bao Zhi, alias Xichi, and in his later years self-styled as Yannong, was a native of Yunjinbao, Nanhai County, Guangdong (now Chongbei Village, Xiqiao Township, Nanhai County). He was a renowned medical scholar of the Lingnan region during the Qing Dynasty. He was "exceptionally intelligent, capable of writing essays at the age of ten and skilled in poetry by thirteen." During the Yongzheng era, he became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). He was erudite and versatile, with a broad knowledge of various schools of thought, "discussing ancient and modern affairs extensively, often continuing until the candles burned out," especially engaging in deep discussions with friends on "Western calendars, plane and spherical trigonometry, and the eight trigonometric functions," indicating his research into Western culture. In 1721 (the 60th year of Kangxi), at the age of 29, He Meng-yao met Hui Shiqi, the educational commissioner of Changzhou Tianmu, who was stationed at the Jiuyao official residence in Yangcheng (now the Southern Theater on Education Road in Guangzhou). Hui was examining students from various counties and held He Meng-yao in high regard, considering him a "disciple who entered his chamber and personally received his teachings." Along with Lao Kaoxing, Wu Shizhong, Luo Tianchi, Su Er, Chen Shihe, Chen Hailiu, and Wu Qiu, they were collectively known as the "Eight Disciples of Hui." In 1724 (the 2nd year of Yongzheng), when Hui Shiqi returned to oversee the Guangdong examinations, he exempted He Meng-yao from the tests, stating, "He Meng-yao excels in both literature and conduct, as I have long known," and praised him as the "Pearl of Nanhai."

He Meng-yao served as the magistrate of Yining, Yangshuo, Cenxi, and Si'en counties in Guangxi, and as the prefect of Liaoyang in Fengtian. He was known for his integrity and incorruptibility, often "not possessing a single coin" and "too poor to afford travel expenses." Although he held official positions, he was not keen on being an official and voluntarily treated the common people. While serving as a county magistrate, he "traveled through misty rivers and frosty sands," moving among the people and continuously treating illnesses with remarkable efficacy. For instance, during an epidemic in Si'en County, "Xichi widely distributed prescriptions, and those who took them recovered quickly. The governor, Ce Gong, disseminated his prescriptions throughout the counties, saving many lives." At the age of 58, He Meng-yao resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown from Liaoyang, making a living as a physician, "hanging his gourd to support himself." He "lived to the age of 72, ending his life as a physician" in 1764.

He Meng-yao left a rich legacy of writings. In poetry and literature, he authored "Jufangyuan Poetry Collection," "Zhuangzi Jing," "Huangji Jingshi Yizhilu," "Genghe Lu," "Hu Jinzhu's Plum Blossom Four-Style Poetry Notes," "Dashan Ancient Sites Poetry," and "Zimianlou Yuefu." In mathematics, he wrote "Suan Di" and "Sanjiao Jiyao." In medicine, his works include "Yi Bian," "Cold-Damage Disease Theory Jin Yan," "Gynecology Jiyao," "Smallpox Jiyao," "Pediatrics Jiyao," "Materia Medica Rhymes," "Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chuiyun Collection," "Shenxiao Jiao Qi Constipation Prescriptions," and "Lezhitang Renzixuzhi Rhymes."