| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 安道全, 安道全, Ān Dàoquán |
| Nickname | 56 - Earthly Spirit Star - 地灵星 (Dìlíng Xīng) - Địa Linh Tinh; Divine Physician (神醫, Shényī, Thần Y) |
| Other name | An Đạo Toàn |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Weizhou (渭州; Vị Châu) |
| Death Reason | Retained in the imperial court by Emperor Huizong (宋徽宗, Sòng Huīzōng, Tống Huy Tông) to serve in the Imperial Academy of Medicine and lived to old age |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Campaign against the Liao Dynasty, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La |
The Legendary Healer An Daoquan
An Daoquan (安道全), famously nicknamed the “Divine Physician” (Shenyi), is one of the most vital figures featured in the classic Chinese literary epic Water Margin. Hailing from Jiankang (modern Nanjing), he was widely celebrated as the foremost medical master during the Northern Song Dynasty. Revered for his ability to pull patients back from the edge of death through innovative acupuncture and profound herbal wisdom, he occupied an indispensable non-combatant position among the 108 Liangshan heroes.
Role and Literary Significance
Unlike traditional martial outlaws who achieved prominence through raw martial arts and battlefield prowess, the prestige of this miracle doctor stemmed entirely from his extraordinary surgical and diagnostic techniques. In classical folklore, his narrative archetype reflects legendary healers like the Han-era physician Hua Tuo. When the rebel leader Song Jiang suffers from a malignant back carbuncle that threatens his life, the outlaws send the naval specialist Zhang Shun on a perilous journey south to secure the healer’s service. Although initially reluctant to abandon his comfortable urban practice, the physician is eventually compelled to ascend Mount Liang, establishing the fortress’s first comprehensive military medical post.
An Daoquan — Historical & Literary Timeline
Recruitment to Liangshan
Song Jiang develops a critical ulcer, driving the Liangshan band to seek emergency treatment. After Zhang Shun removes corrupt local obstacles, An Daoquan relocates to the mountain stronghold and successfully cures the chief, cementing his reputation as an invaluable asset.
Military Campaigns & Imperial Service
As chief medical officer, he serves during major pacification campaigns against hostile invaders and rebel armies. His presence drastically reduces casualties among frontline officers. Prior to the devastating southern expedition against Fang La, Emperor Huizong demands the doctor remain at the imperial palace in Bianjing to oversee royal health.
Key Relationships and Legacy
- Song Jiang: The paramount Liangshan commander whose life was preserved through timely medical intervention.
- Zhang Shun: The loyal warrior who traversed dangerous territory to bring the physician to the rebel stronghold.
- Emperor Huizong: The imperial ruler who prioritized the master doctor’s surgical talents above his rebel affiliations, appointing him to the prestigious Imperial Academy of Medicine.
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