Yong Le Bai Wen (永樂百問)

朕居王位，出於何相，而得萬民王之？對曰：王乃龍生鳳長，身長六尺，面大腰圓，能步開三尺。少年所困，未出鬚之故，今已鬚長一尺八寸，以合龍相，當年之壽。

The Yongle Emperor asked: Since I hold the position of emperor, what kind of physical constitution enables me to be revered by the people as a king? Yuan Gong answered: Your Majesty has the appearance of 'a dragon born and raised by a phoenix'—you were born with the aura of a dragon and nurtured by the noble dignity of a phoenix. Your height is six chi, your face is broad and your waist is thick. When you take a step, it spans three chi. In your youth, you encountered difficulties and obstacles because your beard had not yet grown. Now your beard has grown one chi eight cun, which matches the dragon's form, thus aligning with the current era of prosperity and longevity.

凡庶民生下小孩，其父見子的爵者何說？莫非是小兒之福乎？對曰：凡小兒生下瑞香滿室，必主大貴。書云：生下身香必主父爵身後榮者，如劉阿斗、宋太祖生身具異香百日。

A common person gives birth to a child, and the father instead gains a title because of this son. What is the reason for this? Is it the child's own fortune? Yuan Gong answered: Whenever an infant is born with a fragrant aura filling the room, it is a sign that he will later achieve great status. The book of physiognomy says that a child born with an unusual fragrance will surely bring honor to his father and himself. For example, Liu Shan, the later Shu Han emperor, also known as A Dou, and Zhao Kuangyin, the founder of the Song dynasty, were both born with a special fragrance that lasted for a hundred days.

朕昨見一尚書天庭低，何故又得為官？對曰：天庭雖低，日月角開，輔弼骨朝，頭平面圓，此乃五行相配，故不忌低，是以得為尚書。

I met a minister yesterday whose heavenly palace, the upper part of his forehead, was low. Why could he still hold an official position? Yuan Gong answered: Although the heavenly palace is low, his moon and sun angles, the two sides of his forehead which indicate parents and auspiciousness, are broad and full. The auxiliary bones on the sides of these angles are strong and supportive. Combined with a flat head and a round face, this is a pattern of the five elements, metal, wood, water, fire and earth, being in harmony with each other. Therefore, there is no need to be concerned about the low heavenly palace, so he was able to become a minister.

朕宮中無方面之妃，朕之面方，欲得一方面為配，再有何說？對曰：婦人貴在眉目肩背，子在肚、服、臍、乳，凡面方者為虎面，必犯煞星，豈能入宮為貴人？凡女型如鳳者，方為大貴。鳳型面圓長，上下相配，眉弓高、目細秀、項圓長、肩背平，此乃真貴，縱不入宮，亦不失為夫人。

I have no concubine with a square face; myself having a square face, I wish to choose a woman with a square face to match. Are there any other considerations? Yuan Gong answered: A woman's noble appearance is judged by her eyebrows, eyes, shoulders, and back. The appearance related to having children is seen in her abdomen, sides, navel, and breasts. Any woman with a square face is called "Humen," which necessarily conflicts with Inauspicious Sha stars, how could she enter the palace as a noblewoman? A woman whose appearance resembles a phoenix is truly great. The phoenix appearance is round and slightly long in the face, with the upper and lower parts in harmony, high eyebrow arches, long and clear eyes, a round and long neck, and flat and upright shoulders and back. This is the true noble appearance; even if she does not enter the palace, she would still be a distinguished lady.

朕向日寵王公女，相她必為母后，朕今不喜她，何能得為母后？對曰：非國母福薄，但聖上子星未現，故此不寵。彼生成國後，命壽延長，若要出得太子，必定是她。永樂未信，後三年復寵，果生太子。

I once favored the daughter of a noble, and you predicted she would certainly become the empress. Now I no longer favor her, how can she still become the empress? Yuan Gong replied: This is not due to the empress's insufficient fortune, but because the emperor's "son star" (the area and color indicating the vitality of the heir) has not yet appeared, so she is temporarily not favored. She is born with the destiny of an empress, with a long life. When she gives birth to a crown prince, it will certainly be her. At that time, the Yongle Emperor did not believe it. Three years later, he favored her again, and indeed she gave birth to the crown prince.

選妃用綿認厚窮令女走出汗來，此是何說？對曰：非令女走出汗來，乃知其體香若何？凡女人體香，方得大吉。否則，下賤也。

When selecting a concubine, they wrapped the woman tightly in thick cotton clothing and made her move around until she sweated. What was the significance of this? Yuan Gong answered: It was not merely to make her sweat, but to use the sweat to test whether her body had a pleasant fragrance or not. Those women whose bodies emitted a fragrant scent were considered a great auspicious sign; otherwise, they were regarded as of low birth.

為官者乃貴人，常有遭刀劍刑者為何？對曰：皆因項下有紅絲，耳輪多赤色，犯此者，難逃刀斧身亡。

Officials are by nature noble people, yet often suffer from injuries caused by weapons. Why is this so? Yuan Gong answered: It is because there is a red thread-like blood vessel visible below the neck, and the earlobes also have a reddish tinge. Those who have both of these characteristics are inevitably doomed to die by the hands of axes and swords.

日月交烽，反得善終為何？對曰：凡武將兩邊眼眉上生殺氣，正高而有顴，所以當得征戰。眼下露光，項無紅絲，非豬食鼠食，乃善人之相，能戰之人。

Some people spend their whole lives engaged in warfare, fighting day and night, yet manage to die peacefully. Why is this so? Yuan Gong answered: All generals have a killing aura above their eyebrows, their eyebrow bones are straight and high, and their cheekbones are strong, which enables them to bear the responsibilities of war. If their eyes shine with a divine light, their neck has red threads, and when eating they are neither greedy like pigs nor hurried like mice, then they have the appearance of a virtuous person, and they are warriors who can fight well without meeting a sudden death.

吳尚書之母極陋生，二子如梓童，是出何相？對曰：面雖陋，眼若星，唇若朱。子乃臍腹所載，何在面目？必是臍深腹厚，腰正體堅，人若見之，俱有懼色。凡婦人威嚴者，多生貴子。非面之福，乃五臟六腑寬宏秀麗也。後永樂封為錦陽夫人。

A lady's mother was extremely ugly, yet her two sons were esteemed as if they were from the palace. What was the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: Although her face was ugly, her eyes were bright like stars, and her lips were red like cinnabar. Moreover, children are conceived and carried in the lower abdomen, so why only look at the face? She must have had a deep navel, a thick abdomen, an upright waist, and a strong body, which would make others feel respectful. Women who possess a dignified and commanding presence are often able to give birth to noble sons. This is not the fortune brought by facial features, but rather caused by the beauty and strength of the internal organs. Later, the Yongle Emperor honored her as the Lady Jinyang.

宮中之女，多不出子，何也？對曰：古人言，“美女無肩，將軍無項”。肩太垂而身太弱，腰太細而體太輕。犯此四者極多，乃非厚福之相，何得有子？

In the palace, many women are unable to have children. Why is this so? Yuan Gong answered: There is an old saying that "beautiful women have narrow shoulders, and generals have short necks." Beautiful women often have slender shoulders, while generals usually have short necks. Palace women often have drooping shoulders and weak bodies, thin waists and light figures. Many suffer from these four problems, and none of them have the appearance of great fortune, so how could they have children?

朝中大臣不能飲食，既為官，何又祿少？對曰：官高雖是印堂寬，富貴還須手過膝。官高因印開眉秀，耳正目清，因此大貴。食祿在口，若唇薄口蹙，食自少也。

Some officials in the court have a small appetite and do not eat much; since they have already held official positions, why do they receive a small share of the state's provisions? Yuan Gong answered: Although a high official position depends on the "Yintang" (the area between the eyebrows) being broad, true wealth and honor are determined by whether the hands can reach below the knees when hanging down. A high official position is due to the broad Yintang, clear eyebrows, properly shaped ears, and bright eyes, thus indicating great fortune. As for the amount of provisions enjoyed, it is determined by the mouth shape: if the lips are thin and the mouth is tightly furrowed, then naturally the amount of food consumed is small.

眉長壽不長何說？對曰：書云：“眉毫不如鼻毫，鼻毫不如耳毫，耳毫不如枕骨高”。故此眉長難保壽。凡壽在頭髮、項皮血色為主。

Long eyebrows do not necessarily mean a long life. Yuan Gong answered: The classic texts say, "Eyebrow hairs are not as important as nose hairs, nose hairs are not as important as ear hairs, and ear hairs are not as important as the prominence of the occipital bone." Therefore, long eyebrows alone cannot guarantee a long life. When judging longevity, the main factors are the moisture and dryness of the hair, the thickness and thinness of the skin on the neck, and the brightness and darkness of the blood color.

耳反，為官大，何說？對曰：相有可忌不可忌之說，豈可一理而推？書云：“睛雖黃有神光，梁雖折準頭豐，身雖瘦不露骨”。此俱不作破敗，還作貴相推之。

An ear that flips outward and a reversed official position leading to a large official rank, what is the reasoning behind this? Yuan Gong answered: In physiognomy, there are distinctions between what should be avoided and what does not need to be avoided. How can one reason about it with just a single principle? The physiognomy texts say, "Although the eyes are yellow, they have a divine light; although the nose bridge is broken, the tip of the nose is full; although the body is thin, the bones are not exposed." These three aspects are not considered signs of a ruined appearance, but rather should be regarded as signs of nobility.

舜目重瞳，項羽亦有重瞳，何說？對曰：舜目細而長，乃鳳目也。項羽目圓而露，眼邊起皺紋，如雞眼乃凶相也。

Yu Shun had eyes with double pupils, as did Xiang Yu, yet their outcomes were different. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: Yu Shun's eyes were long and slender, belonging to the 'Phoenix eyes' which are a sign of supreme virtue. Xiang Yu's eyes were round and protruding, with wrinkles at the corners, resembling a chicken's eye, which is a sign of a fierce and evil nature.

甘羅十二，太公八十，一遲一早，何說？對曰：此二位前賢，雙耳俱有珠齊口角，為明珠出海。甘羅紅如火，十二到此即遷。太公白如雪，故主老來相遇。

Gan Luo became a high minister at the age of twelve, while Jiang Taigong met King Wen at eighty. One was early and the other late; what is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: These two sages both had hanging pearls on their ears, level with their mouth corners, called "pearls emerging from the sea," which is a sign of prominence. Gan Luo's ears were red and lustrous like fire, and the color of fire indicates speed, so he was promoted at twelve. Jiang Taigong's ears were white and clean like snow, and the color of white indicates slowness, so he met a wise ruler only when he was old.

凡一人生無疾病，何說？對曰：人生在世，相合乾坤。驛馬高明邊地靜，印堂平正六陽光，疾厄再加無暗滯，一生福壽永綿長。

Some people never get sick throughout their lives. What is this appearance? Yuan Gong answered: Living in the world, one's appearance should harmonize with the energies of heaven and earth. The 'Post Horse' (the areas outside the two temples, indicating travel and movement) should be high and open, the 'Border Areas' (the edges of the hairline) should be calm and not mixed, the 'Palace of the Forehead' (the area between the eyebrows) should be flat and upright, and the 'Six Yang' areas (the yang positions around the forehead and eyes) should be bright. Additionally, the 'Disease and Misfortune Palace' (the area at the root of the nose, between the two eyes) should not show dull or blocked colors. Such a person will have a long and prosperous life.

凡人一生多疾病，何說？對曰：山根常暗準頭青，兩耳生塵目又昏，邊地如泥髮如草，一生何日得安寧？

Some people suffer from constant illness, what is this sign? Yuan Gong answered: "The area between the eyebrows, called the mountain root, is always dull and dark. The tip of the nose, called the准头, is bluish. Both ears are gray and dull, as if covered with dust. The eyes are dim and lack luster. The areas around the face are dirty and muddy, like mud. The hair is dry and disordered, like grass." How can such a person ever have a peaceful day in their life?

朕自為君以來，不脫憂心，何說？對曰：山根倉庫常青青，準赤腮黃氣不勻，縱此為君也愁悶，庶人得此百無成。必待此色一開，聖心自安矣。

Since I have become the emperor, I have been unable to shake off my worries. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: The area between the eyebrows and the sides of the nose, which governs wealth and fortune, often shows a greenish color, the hair on the forehead is red, and the cheeks are yellow. The complexion is uneven and disordered. With such a complexion, even as an emperor one cannot avoid worry; if a common person has this complexion, they will achieve nothing. As long as these dull colors disappear, your mind will naturally become at ease.

朕為君以來，幸國已平，民已富，土已裕，何說？對曰：血足神舒眼愈光，印堂平潤是榮昌，為士為官多獲福，庶人得此多安康。

Since I have been emperor, the country has already become stable, the people have become affluent, and the land has become bountiful. What does this correspond to in terms of aura? Yuan Gong answered: The blood and qi are abundant, the spirit is relaxed and at ease, and the eyes are increasingly bright. The area between the eyebrows is level, full, and moist, which is a sign of prosperity and flourishing. Those who are scholars or officials who possess this aura are likely to receive blessings, while common people who possess this aura are likely to enjoy health and well-being.

女人多貴中生賤，賤中生貴，何說？人言女人無相，又何說？對曰：凡女相與男相不同，女豈不相？頭尖髮少，必是賤人之女，面圓目正，配良人之妻。血足氣和，可生貴子。土正顴平，可維家業。體正面圓，目秀唇紅，再得肩圓，可許大貴。凡福室之女，頭平額潤，目若流星。唇薄身輕，貌美倉削，齒白肉光，乃賤婦也。

Women often come from noble families but become lowly, while those from humble backgrounds may become prominent. What is the reason for this? People also say that women do not have a visible appearance to judge, so how should this be explained? Yuan Gong answered: The method of judging women's appearances differs from that of men, so how can it be said that women have no appearance? Those with sharp and narrow heads and sparse hair are surely daughters of lowly families. Those with round faces and proper eyes are suitable to be the wives of good men. Those with abundant and harmonious vitality can give birth to noble children. A properly shaped nose (representing Saturn), flat cheekbones, and a solid appearance indicate the ability to sustain family fortune. A person with a straight body, round face, clear eyes, red lips, and broad shoulders can be judged as highly prosperous. Women from prosperous families usually have a flat and level head, a moist forehead, and bright eyes like shooting stars. As for those with thin lips, light body, beautiful appearance but sunken cheekbones, and white teeth with oily skin, these are the appearances of lowly women.

五露、五反何說？對曰：凡一露二露家無隔宿，三露四露命常短促，五露具全，大貴之格。眼露睛不露光，鼻露竅不偏梁，唇露齒不露，耳露廓不失珠，此乃金木水火土。五露俱犯，露梁、露光、露齒、露珠，此乃十分下賤之相。五反，非善相也，乃兇惡之徒。書云：“五反之中奧妙多，術人何以得知之，若還一件俱無反，方許朝中掛紫衣”。

In physiognomy, what is meant by "five exposures" and "five reverses"? Yuan Gong answered: If only one or two exposures are present, the family cannot store food for more than one night; if three or four exposures are present, the person often has a short lifespan; but if all five exposures are present and properly harmonized, it is actually a very prosperous and noble appearance. A qualified "five exposures" refers to: the eyes are exposed but the spirit light does not leak out, the nostrils are exposed but the nose bridge is not crooked, the lips are exposed but the teeth do not protrude, the ears are exposed but the ear pearls are not missing — these correspond to the Five Phases of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. If all five exposures are broken and improper, such as the nose bridge exposed, the eyes scattered, the teeth protruding, and the ear pearls missing, it is a very lowly appearance. As for "five reverses," it refers to the five organs being in opposite directions, which is definitely an evil appearance, and such people are often wicked. The physiognomy book says, "Among the five reverses, there are many subtleties; how can a practitioner know them? If none of the five are reversed, then one is worthy of wearing purple robes in the court." The principle of the five reverses is subtle, and practitioners may not fully understand it; only those who have none of the five reversed can be considered worthy of holding a high position in the court.

五小、五極何以分明？對曰：凡五小者，一小頭，二小身，三小手，四小足，五小面。此乃五件一身，還要五官六府為主。此乃身體五小也，非五官之五小。若五官俱小，為五極，乃下賤之相也。凡五小聲大，五官三停六府為配方妙，如有一件不配，即不如也。五極乃額、耳、鼻、口是也，即五星金木水火土。書云：“五小身頭共四肢，莫言耳鼻口如眉，若是五官俱得小，一生下賤是痴愚。

How to distinguish between "five smalls" and "five extremes"? Yuan Gong answered: The so-called "five smalls" refer to five parts of the body: a small head, a small body, small hands, small feet, and a small face. When judging fortune and misfortune, one should still focus on the "five organs" (brows, eyes, nose, mouth, ears) and the "six organs" (two cheekbones, two zygomatic bones, two jawbones). These are the five smalls of the body, not the five smalls of the five organs. If all five organs are small, that is called "five extremes," which is a sign of low status. If the body's five smalls are accompanied by a loud voice and harmonize well with the five organs, the three stops (dividing the face into upper, middle, and lower sections), and the six organs, it is considered a wonderful appearance. If any part does not match, the ranking is reduced. The "five extremes" refer to the forehead, ears, nose, and mouth, which are the "five stars" in physiognomy, corresponding to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The physiognomy texts say, "Five smalls in body and limbs, do not say ears, nose, mouth are as fine as eyebrows. If all five organs are small, one will be born low and foolish." Having a small body and head along with small limbs is not a problem, but if the ears, nose, mouth, and eyebrows, which are the five organs, are all small, then one will be born low and foolish.

相分南北，何以說？對曰：此論南北二京十三省說（古書無此乃先生心法也）。分十二宮言之，南方屬火，故相天庭，宜火旺，方為有用。北方屬水，相地閣，宜水旺為妙。浙人屬金，故金宜清，方許榮身。閩人相唇口齒，閩地近海，乃唇齒之間。太原乃山陝西，西方也，為中國屬土。河南相穩重。淮南相屬實。淮北相軒昂，江南相清輕，江北不嫌重濁。徽州乃山嶽峻地，故獨看眉。江西越尾相氣色，不以骨骼為念。但各處相若得局方妙，不合難許榮身。

Facial physiognomy should be divided according to the north and south. Yuan Gong answered: This refers to the regions of the northern and southern capitals and the thirteen provincial administrations. (This is not mentioned in ancient physiognomy texts, but it is Yuan's own method.) According to the twelve sections (the palace of destiny, wealth, siblings, property, children, servants, wives, illness, movement, official rank, fortune virtue, and parents), the regions are divided as follows: the south belongs to fire, so when examining people from the south, emphasis is placed on the "heavenly court" (the forehead), as a strong fire energy in the forehead is considered beneficial. The north belongs to water, so when examining people from the north, emphasis is placed on the "earthly terrace" (the chin), as a strong water energy is preferred. People from Zhejiang belong to metal, and metal energy should be clear and bright in order to achieve honor and success. People from Fujian are examined by their lips, mouth, and teeth, because the region is coastal and the energy is reflected in the lips and teeth. The area around Taiyuan belongs to Shanxi and Shaanxi, which are in the west and belong to earth in terms of Chinese directional classification. People from Henan are examined for steadiness, people from southern Huai are examined for thickness, people from northern Huai are examined for grandeur, and people from southern Jiang are examined for lightness. People from northern Jiang are not disliked for having thick and turbid appearances. Huizhou is a mountainous and rugged area, so emphasis is placed on the eyebrows. Jiangxi is located at the end of the Yue region, so emphasis is placed on the complexion rather than the bone structure. In summary, the physiognomy of each region should match the local energy and atmosphere; if they do not match, it is difficult to predict honor and success.

三尖、六削，如何？對曰：頭尖、面尖、中、豚尖，不良之相。六府俱削，好殺之徒。犯此怎得富貴？

What are the characteristics of the "three sharp points" and "six hollows"? Yuan Gong answered: A sharp head, a sharp face shape, a sharp middle part of the face, and a sharp buttocks are all bad signs. The "six organs" (the two cheekbones, the two zygomatic bones, and the two jawbones) being completely hollow and lacking flesh indicate a person who is cruel and murderous. If one has these features, how could they attain wealth and honor?

人言鶴形龜息，如何？對曰：凡鶴形起步，離地三尺，肩偏項長，頭先過步。今人鶴形不過步離地高者為是，肩項要同前，官到尚書。可學神仙龜息，乃安睡之說。凡氣從口出，亦不聚財，亦不長壽。氣從鼻出，則財福祿俱好。凡口鼻俱無氣息，從耳出方為龜息，易睡易醒，乃大貴之相，神仙之體，世人鮮矣。今人亂言二形，俱少得此者難。

People often talk about "the form of a crane" and "the breathing of a tortoise." What exactly do these mean? Yuan Gong answered: The true form of a crane starts with the feet three feet above the ground, the shoulders slightly slanted, and a long neck, with the head leading the feet. Nowadays, what is called the form of a crane is merely lifting the feet higher off the ground. As long as the shoulders and neck conform to what was mentioned earlier, one can rise to the position of a Minister of State. As for the breathing of a tortoise, it is a divine technique that can be learned. It refers to the breathing during peaceful sleep. Those who breathe out through their mouth cannot accumulate wealth and do not live long. Those who breathe through their nose have good fortune, wealth, and official rank. If one cannot detect the breath through the mouth or nose, but it comes out from the ears, that is the breathing of a tortoise. Such people fall asleep and wake up easily, and they are signs of great fortune and a divine body. This is extremely rare in the world. Nowadays, people talk carelessly about these two forms. Those who truly possess them are indeed rare.

朕陣上交鋒並無懼色，今來宮內御室不強，何說？對曰：人非懼內，表壯不如裡壯，宋太祖左目小右目大，故懼內。張尚書鬚拂於左，一生多畏夫人。聖上眼皮多黑子，故得賢能國母。此論眼皮黑子、鬚拂於左、雙目雌雄，此三者多懼內也。

I have never shown fear in battle, but when returning to the palace and facing the inner chambers, I cannot suppress my fear. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: This is not truly fear of one's wife, but rather the principle that the exterior is not as strong as the interior. Emperor Song Taizu had a small left eye and a large right eye, hence he feared his wife. A certain Minister Zhang had his beard leaning to the left and swaying, and throughout his life he feared his wife. The Emperor has many black moles on his upper eyelids, hence he obtained a virtuous empress. In summary, those who have black moles on their eyelids, beards that lean to the left and sway, or eyes that are one large and one small, known as "cixiong eyes," are mostly fearful of their wives.

女人陰毛長，主貴賤，何說？對曰：當時漢國母呂太后陰毛長一尺八寸，根據黃如金色，卷於陰上，用手扯開過膝，放手覆拳，故名為“金線綴陰”，主極品，亦主多淫。若直、若長、若黑，乃姦殺之婦，雖貴不長。陰毛宜黃、宜軟，亦成貴人。如草者賤，硬者賤，生早者夭，生遲者淫，三七年內生方妙。

A woman's pubic hair being long indicates either high status or low status, depending on its characteristics. Yuan Gong answered: In ancient times, the Empress Dowager Lu of the Han dynasty had pubic hair that was one foot eight inches long, with a golden yellow base, curled and attached to her genital area. When pulled, it could reach below the knee, but when released, it could cover a fist. This was called "golden thread attached to the private parts," indicating supreme power and high status, but also suggesting a nature prone to promiscuity. If the hair is straight, excessively long, and black, it indicates a woman who is deceitful and fierce, who may achieve temporary power but will not last. Pubic hair should be yellow and soft, which can indicate a noblewoman. If the hair is like dry grass, it indicates low status; if it is hard, it also indicates low status. If it grows too early, it may indicate a short life; if it grows too late, it may indicate promiscuity. It is most appropriate if the hair grows within the age of twenty-one.

相法原取五行為主，又取禽獸之形，莫非將人比畜麼？對曰：郭林宗相法有三百六十外形，相理多端，一時難辨。類獸者多富，類禽者多貴。龍形隱隱，虎形步闊頭藏，猴相睛圓黃，耳鼻俱小，頭小，性快不定，一時福生財祿壽好，難言老後之。兔形性疑多自怯，眼正鼻露，合此。鳳形項長肩圓，身直，女得此亦貴。舌長唇齊，鼻大面長身闊，為牛形，主一身安逸，有錢萬金。賦云：鳳形要眼秀，牛形要睛圓。此乃一陰一陽之大貴格也。雀步蛇行，男女大忌。雞眼鼠目，必犯刑傷。豬形目赤，憂防網羅之非。

Xiang Fa is based on the Five Phases, but also takes the forms of animals and beasts as a reference. Is it not comparing humans to animals? Yuan Gong answered: The method of physiognomy established by Guo Linzong of the Eastern Han dynasty lists 360 different external forms. The principles of physiognomy are complex and numerous, making it difficult to distinguish them all at once. Generally speaking, those whose appearance resembles wild beasts tend to be wealthy, while those resembling birds tend to be of high status. The dragon form has a subtle and hidden aura, the tiger form has broad steps and a hidden head and neck. The monkey form has round and yellow eyes, small ears and nose, and a small head, with a restless and impetuous nature. In their youth, they may have good fortune, wealth, and longevity, but it is hard to say about their later years. Those resembling rabbits are suspicious and timid, with upright eyes and exposed nostrils, which fits this form. The phoenix form has a long neck, round shoulders, and a straight body; women with this form are also considered to be of high status. Those with a long tongue, even lips, large nose, long face, and broad body resemble cattle and are destined for a peaceful and affluent life. The physiognomy text says, "The phoenix form requires bright eyes, and the cattle form requires round eyes." This bird and this beast, one yin and one yang, are both grand and noble patterns. As for those who walk like quails and move like snakes, both men and women are greatly disliked. Those with chickenpox-like spots and rat-like eyes are sure to suffer from legal troubles. Those resembling pigs with red eyes should beware of imprisonment and legal troubles.

三停有面有身，何說？對曰：面上三停，髮際到山根為上停，為初限。山根到準頭，為中停，為中限。人中到地閣，為下停，主末限。如上停短削，少年不利。中停低陷，一世不榮。下停若長，一生憂滯。大概上停中停俱長，下停宜短。身上三停頭腰足，此三停俱要得配。

The concept of "three stops" includes the three stops on the face and the three stops on the body. Yuan Gong answered: The three stops on the face are from the hairline to the root of the nose, called "upper stop," which governs the early years of youth; from the root of the nose to the tip of the nose, called "middle stop," which governs the middle years of life; and from the philtrum to the chin, called "lower stop," which governs the later years of life. If the upper stop is short, abrupt, or sunken, it indicates unfavorable fortune in youth; if the middle stop is low and sunken, it suggests a life without honor or success; if the lower stop is too long, it implies a life of worry and blockage. Generally, the upper and middle stops should be longer, while the lower stop should be slightly shorter. The three stops on the body refer to the head, waist, and feet, which should also be evenly proportioned.

凡人一體無鬚，何說？對曰：鬚乃腎經之苗，丹田元神。水形人多有腎虛，土形人丹田不足，此二形人無鬚極多。凡水土形人有鬚必有好子。濁者富，清者貴。若無形，乃腎水不足，元氣虛弱，豈能有子乎！木形人火旺，故此無鬚，還須有子，不可以鬚言人子息，恐誤其大事。

Some people do not have facial hair, and this is due to certain reasons. Yuan Gong answered: Facial hair is the manifestation of the kidney meridian and represents the origin god. Those with a water shape often have deficient kidney energy, while those with a earth shape often have insufficient dantian energy. Among these two types, those without facial hair are very common. If a person with a water shape or earth shape has facial hair, it indicates they will have good sons. Thick facial hair signifies wealth, while clear facial hair signifies nobility. If there is no facial hair at all, it indicates insufficient kidney water and weak origin energy, so how could they have descendants? As for those with a wood shape, they naturally have strong fire energy, so they often lack facial hair, yet they still may have descendants. Therefore, one should not judge a person's ability to have children solely based on the presence of facial hair, to avoid causing great mistakes for others.

身發，髮落，何故？對曰：凡肉隨財長，髮逐神清。髮乃血之餘，髮濁血亦枯，髮秀血亦榮。凡髮落財遂生，肉長亦髮落。木形人落髮，即死無疑。書云：肉長財豐髮自疏，血枯神濁亂如絲，若是木形鬚鬢落，再加髮落壽無歸。

A person who becomes fat but loses hair, what is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: Muscles grow with wealth, and hair becomes fine and lustrous with mental clarity. Hair is the residue of blood: dull and matted hair indicates poor blood quality, while clear and fine hair indicates strong blood. Whenever hair falls out, wealth often increases, and when muscles grow fat, hair often falls out as well. However, for people of the Wood type, hair loss is a sure sign of death. The book of physiognomy says, "When muscles grow and wealth increases, hair naturally becomes sparse; when blood is dry and the spirit is turbid, hair becomes disordered like threads. If a person of the Wood type loses his beard and hair, his life is surely over." — People who gain weight and wealth naturally have sparse hair; those with dry blood and a turbid spirit have hair that is disordered like threads; if a person of the Wood type loses both beard and hair, his life is certain to end.

三陽明旺，何為三陽？對曰：三陽三陰，乃雙目之下，又名臥蠶，亦名男女宮，亦名福德宮，乃是眼下三陽。面上三陽，印顴準，乃一面之要處。故宜暢旺，不宜暗滯。

It is often said that "three yang" are bright and flourishing. What does "three yang" mean? Yuan Gong answered: "Three yang" and "three yin" refer to the areas below the eyes, also called "wocan," or "male and female palace" (governing children), and also called "fortune virtue palace." This is the "three yang" of the eyes. As for the "three yang" above the face, they refer to the area between the eyebrows, the cheekbones, and the nose tip, which are the most important parts of the face. Therefore, these areas should be bright and smooth, and should not be dull or blocked.

額上紋見，大巨常有，何為不好，繫何說？對曰：凡額上紋，一條為華蓋，二條為偃月，三條為伏犀，多者不妙。凡紋欲從輔骨邊起，橫深為妙。華蓋主孤獨，偃月主中貴，伏犀者大貴。如短如亂，大不好，一生主辛苦、下賤刑傷。

A wrinkle on the forehead is common even among officials and nobles, but why is it considered bad? Yuan Gong answered: A horizontal wrinkle on the forehead is called "Hua Gai纹" (Heavenly Cover纹), two are called "Yan Yue纹" (Reclining Moon纹), and three are called "Fu Xi纹" (Hidden Rhino纹). Too many wrinkles are not good. All forehead wrinkles should start from the edge of the auxiliary bone, be horizontal, and deep. "Hua Gai纹" indicates loneliness, "Yan Yue纹" indicates moderate wealth and honor, and "Fu Xi纹" indicates great wealth and honor. If the wrinkles are short, scattered, and disordered, it is very bad, indicating a life of hardship, toil, and low status with injuries.

凡人之相，有氣色何為？對曰：書云：“骨骼正，氣色定”。凡氣色，五臟六腑之餘光，故有金木水火土之詳說。在外為氣，在內為色。色為苗，氣為根。凡看根，先看苗。在內者還未遇，在外者已遇。鮮明者正旺，淡色者已散。凡欲求謀，即在此宮看氣色，有鬼神不測之機，乃奪天地之秀氣。世間各樣異術，惟氣色最驗，但恐耳聾目盲，妄言則不驗。

In human appearance, the term "qi se" refers to the complexion and vitality. Yuan Gong answered: The classic texts say "if the bone structure is upright, the qi se will be stable" — only when the bone structure is properly aligned can the qi se be accurately assessed. Qi se is the subtle manifestation of the five internal organs and six腑, and thus it is explained in detail according to the Five Phases. What is visible on the outside is called "qi", and what is contained within is called "se". "Se" is the sprout, and "qi" is the root; to examine the root, one must first observe the sprout. If the color is still within the skin, the event has not yet occurred; if it has already emerged on the surface, the event has already taken place. Bright and vivid colors indicate prosperity, while pale and faint colors suggest decline. When planning matters, one should examine the qi se in the corresponding area. There are mysterious and unpredictable elements in this, which is the skill of capturing the refined essence of heaven and earth. Among all the various esoteric arts, qi se is the most accurate; the only fear is that the practitioner has unclear eyes and ears and makes false judgments, which would make it ineffective.

女看血氣，出於何處？對曰：凡女人以血為主，皮乃血之外，血乃皮之本，看皮可知血之旺衰矣。皮明則血潤，皮紅則血枯，皮黃則血濁，皮赤則血衰，皮白則血滯，滯則夭。故此血宜鮮明，表裡明潤則為貴也。

To assess a woman's blood energy, one must observe its manifestations. Yuan Gong answered: A woman's blood is fundamental, the skin is the outer expression of blood, and blood is the essence of the skin. By observing the skin, one can determine the prosperity or decline of blood. If the skin is bright and clear, the blood is moist. If the skin is reddish, the blood is dry. If the skin is yellowish, the blood is turbid. If the skin is dark red, the blood is weak. If the skin is pale and dull, the blood is stagnant, and such people are prone to early death. Therefore, a woman's blood energy should be bright and clear, with both exterior and interior showing a lustrous appearance, which is considered a noble sign.

男以精為主，出於何處？對曰：一身之本不過精神，神一散豈能有命？目為五形之領，故看眼上即知。凡養精神，發在雙目，目秀神必秀，目清神必清。目枯濁神必枯濁，目散光神必散光。故目要神為主。眼乃一身精華，不宜不秀。日月若流星，必是身榮之客。眼若盲昧，多因困苦之人。不露不偏不陷不浮光，方為美相。此數件若犯一件，決然不好。書曰：“一體精神二目中，睛明點漆必榮身，若是焦黃亂濁眼，為人下賤也貧窮”。

A man's essence is fundamental, but where can we see this essence? Yuan Gong answered: The fundamental of a person is only essence and spirit. Once the spirit is scattered, how can life and destiny remain? The eyes are the leader of the five senses, so looking at the eyes can reveal the truth. All the spirit cultivated by a person is reflected in the two eyes: if the eyes are beautiful, the spirit is beautiful; if the eyes are clear, the spirit is clear; if the eyes are dry and turbid, the spirit is dry and turbid; if the eyes are scattered, the spirit is scattered. Therefore, when observing the eyes, one should focus on the spirit. The eyes are the essence of the whole body, and they must be clear and beautiful. If both eyes are bright like shooting stars, the person is certainly in a prosperous and distinguished position; if both eyes are dim and lack luster, the person is likely to be in hardship and suffering. The eyes should not be protruding, slanted, sunken, or with floating light; only when these four conditions are met can the appearance be considered beautiful. If any of these conditions are violated, the appearance is definitely bad. The classic says, "The whole body's spirit is in the two eyes. If the pupils are bright as ink, the person will be prosperous. If the eyes are dry, yellow, turbid, and scattered, the person will be lowly and poor." The spirit of the whole body is in the two eyes. If the pupils are bright as ink, the person will be prosperous. If the eyes are dry, yellow, turbid, and scattered, the person will be lowly and poor.

得妻發福者何說？對曰：書云：“奸門如鏡，因妻至富成家。鼻準豐隆，招妻多能賢德。得妻發福，準頭魚尾明潤，多得妻財，印堂紫氣如蠶”。又云：“龜頭小白，妻妾賢能”。

After marrying a wife, one becomes wealthy and prosperous. What is this appearance? Yuan Gong answered: The classic texts say, "The 'Jian Men' should be like a mirror; through the wife, one becomes rich and establishes a family. A full and high nose indicates a wife who is virtuous and capable. Those who gain fortune through their wives have a bright and moist tip of the nose and 'fish tail' (the area at the outer corner of the eyes) that are clear and lustrous, often gaining wealth from their wife's family. The area above the nose (the 'Yin Tang') also shines with a purple glow resembling a silkworm." "The 'Gui Tou' (the tip of the nose) being white and small indicates that the wife and concubines are virtuous and capable." For men, if the tip of the nose is small and white, their wives and concubines are virtuous and capable.

得妻財反窮困何說？對曰：招妻破敗，只因櫥灶兩空。娶婦破家，多為奸門容一指（陷也）。形局若惡，招妻之後亡家。魚尾多紋，一世苦窮。到老骨肉磊落，一生長得妻賢。女若鼻低，出嫁夫家大敗。男生斑點，招妻傷命亡家。男若該死，女不犯刑，可得全其性命。物之不齊，物之情也，信須有之。短命男兒，自有妨夫之妻。女相不良，自有剋夫之相。

Some people marry and bring wealth with them, yet become even more destitute. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: After marriage, a person's fortune declines because the area around the nose (representing the kitchen stove) is hollow and lacks gathering power. When a man marries and his family declines, it is mostly due to the 'jian men' (the area around the nose) being concave enough to hold a finger, which is called 'xiang'. If the facial pattern is originally凶恶, then after marriage the family will be ruined. If the fish tail lines are chaotic, one will be poor all their life. If the bones of the face are clearly defined and upright, they will have a virtuous wife all their life. If a woman has a low and concave nose bridge, her husband's family will suffer great defeat. If a man has spots on his face, after marriage he will harm his life and his family will be ruined. If a man is destined to die young but his wife does not commit a harmful influence, he can still preserve his life. All things are naturally different, this is the common truth, and it is indeed the case. A short-lived man will naturally be paired with a wife who harms him; if a woman has an unfavorable appearance, she will naturally carry the mark of harming her husband.

父相起家子相敗，可得破家否？對曰：欲知暮年破敗，需觀地閣頭皮。要知子息榮華，還看乳頭臍腑。此數件可定運矣。地閣削陷，頭皮乾枯，老景難言子孝。乳朝下，肚皮薄，臍若淺，老年定有破敗之兒。一面相好，獨此數件不如，雖得過日，自是消乏，身亡之後，子必敗矣，此言父相老運不如也。

The father has the appearance of someone who brings prosperity to the family, but the son has the look of someone who brings ruin. Will the family fortune eventually decline? Yuan Gong answered: To know whether the later years will be ruined, one must look at the area below the nose and the top of the head. To know whether the sons will be prosperous, one must examine the nipple and the navel. These areas determine one's fate. If the area below the nose is hollowed out and the top of the head is dry and withered, the later years will not have a filial son. If the nipple points downward, the abdomen is weak, and the navel is shallow and flat, then in old age, a son who brings ruin is certain to appear. If the entire face is well-proportioned but these areas are not favorable, although life can still continue, there will be constant depletion and loss. When the person passes away, the son will certainly bring about the family's downfall. This describes precisely the situation of a father whose later years are not prosperous.

凡人受子之爵，何說？對曰：乳頭圓硬耳如霜，當受子爵。項皮寬厚臥蠶高，子立朝綱。欲生貴子，還須枕骨雙峰。欲產俊秀，還看臍深腹垂。老來封贈，須觀背厚腰豐。食子天恩，定是皮和血潤。觀封君不獨一處，此數者俱許身榮。

Some people receive titles and honors through their sons. What is the appearance of such a person? Yuan Gong answered: Those with round and firm nipples and white, clean ears like frost are destined to receive titles through their sons. Those with broad and thick neck skin and full, prominent lower eyelids will have sons who can serve in the court. To foresee a noble son, one should also look at whether the occipital bone behind the head is prominent like two peaks. To foresee a handsome son, one should also observe whether the navel is deep and the abdomen is hanging and thick. Those who can receive honors from the court in old age must have thick backs and full waists. Those who can bear the imperial favor from their sons must have harmonious skin and moist blood color. To determine if someone will receive honors, one cannot rely on a single feature; if all these signs are present, they are destined to attain honor and distinction.

凡男女犯孤，莫非全犯？不然，二人豈俱無子息。對曰：書云：“男相有兒女相無，除非娶妾招親妓。女相有生男不立，雙雙偕老自嗟孤”。

If both partners exhibit the appearance of being lonely, does that mean both are guilty of this? Otherwise, how could a couple have no children at all? Yuan Gong answered: The divination text says, "If a man's appearance indicates he has the potential for children but does not, unless he takes a concubine or marries again, he will not have children. If a woman's appearance indicates she can bear children but the man's appearance does not support it, then the couple can only grow old together and lament their loneliness."

夫相窮妻相富，不知能否榮身？妻相不如夫相貴，不知可能得配？對曰：書云：“夫從妻貴，妻從夫貴，此一理也”。如夫不如妻相富，可賴全身。常言道：“一家之福，在於一人”。所以世人擇夫者多，擇妻者更多。夫壽乃先天生定，而富貴實有可以托賴之理矣。

A man's appearance indicates poverty, while his wife's indicates wealth. One wonders if he can achieve success and honor. If the wife's appearance is not as noble as the husband's, one wonders if they are compatible. Yuan Gong replied: The divination texts say, "A husband can become noble through his wife, and a wife can become noble through her husband; this is the same principle." If the husband's appearance is not as prosperous as his wife's, he can rely on her to secure his life. It is often said, "The fortune of a family depends on one person." Therefore, people often choose a husband, but even more often choose a wife. A man's lifespan is determined by heaven, but wealth and honor can indeed be mutually supported.

父相不如子相富，不知可否興家？對曰：若得末年成家，自有成家之子。若一面格局不如，獨臥蠶老潤，乳頭高，末年可立成家之子。邊地豐隆，下頦驕，末年必有成立之男。又云：如印堂廣，雙眉成彩，興家助國之人。四庫豐，耳輪正，榮公顯父之男。卓立興家，必是頭圓額廣，自來發積，皆因土厚顴高。

The father's appearance is not as prosperous as his son's; I wonder if this family fortune can flourish? Yuan Gong replied: If one's destiny allows him to establish a family and achieve success in his later years, naturally he will have a son capable of establishing a family. If the overall facial structure is not favorable, but the area around the lower eyelid remains moist and the nipple is prominent, he will still have a son capable of establishing a family in his later years. If the areas around the cheeks are full and rounded, and the chin is prominent and strong, he will certainly have a successful son in his later years. He also said: A broad and bright forehead, with bright eyebrows, indicates a person who can build a family and serve the country. If the areas of the forehead and the cheeks (the 'four reservoirs' representing storage) are full, and the earlobes are straight and upright, it indicates a son who can bring glory to his ancestors. Those who can establish a family on their own are necessarily those with a round head and a broad forehead. Those who can accumulate wealth from scratch are due to a thick nose (representing the earth element) and prominent cheekbones.

面相厚而心田壞，是看何處？對曰：書云：“眼乃心之苗，眼善心善，眼噁心惡，眼秀心秀”。此不過見人賢愚善惡，難辨德行。要看心田，除非陰陽宮，臥蠶下三分為陰陽宮。為人心善，此處平，為人心好，此處滿。心壞，此處深，陰毒害人，此處青，或起青脛。紅脈，非良人也。女人若深陷青暗，不敬公婆，不和酃裡，多亂多貪，不出好子，不得成家。若此處豐滿，主有貴子，大益家道，壽命綿長。男人若滿，書云：“陰陽肉滿，福重心靈，為人有智慧，曾行陰德救人。上起蠶紋，為陰德，永保子孫福壽綿長”。

Looking at a person's face, they may appear sincere and upright, yet their heart may be wicked. How can we discern this? Yuan Gong answered: The classic texts say, "The eyes are the sprouts of the heart; good eyes indicate a good heart, evil eyes indicate an evil heart, and refined eyes indicate a refined heart." — the eyes are the sprouts of the heart; if the eyes are good, the heart is good; if the eyes are evil, the heart is evil; if the eyes are refined, the heart is refined. However, this can only reveal a person's virtue or wickedness, but not their moral character. To judge a person's inner nature, one must look at the "Yin-Yang Palace": located three parts below the卧蚕 (the flesh under the lower eyelid). For a person with a kind heart, this area is flat and full; for one who is sincere and upright, it is broad and prominent. For someone with a wicked heart, this area is deep and sunken; if someone is阴毒 (scheming and harmful), this area appears dark blue or has visible blue veins. If red veins appear here, it is also not a sign of a good person. For women, if this area is deep and dark, they are disrespectful to their in-laws, quarrelsome with neighbors, prone to promiscuity and greed, unable to have good sons, and unable to maintain family prosperity. If this area is full and prominent, it indicates the birth of a noble son, greatly benefiting the family, and a long life. For men, if this area is full and prominent, the classic texts say, "The Yin-Yang Palace is full of flesh, indicating great fortune, a clear mind, wisdom, and having once performed Yin Virtue to save others. If there are patterns resembling蚕纹 (caterpillar patterns) above this area, it is a sign of Yin Virtue, ensuring long-lasting blessings and longevity for descendants." — a person with a full Yin-Yang Palace has great fortune, a clear mind, and wisdom, and has once performed acts of Yin Virtue to save others; if there are patterns resembling caterpillar shapes above this area, it is a sign of Yin Virtue, ensuring long-lasting blessings and longevity for descendants.

為子不孝，在何處看？對曰：胸高臀驕，休言父子親情。髮黃鬚逆，莫言孝名。唇厚，孝義之人。唇動齒疏，豈能孝道。雞睛蛇眼，陰毒難言。蜂項兔頭，孤眼獨食。咬牙切齒，弩目搖頭，壞倫之子，真是下愚。

A son who is unfilial can be identified in several ways. Yuan Gong answered: Those with prominent chests and protruding buttocks do not deserve to be discussed in terms of father-son affection. Those with yellow hair and inverted mustaches cannot be considered filial. Those with thick lips are filial and righteous. Those who move their lips excessively while speaking and have sparse teeth cannot practice filial piety. Those with warts and snake-like eyes are sinister and hard to describe. Those with thin necks like bees and small heads like rabbits are solitary and selfish, enjoying things alone. Those who often bite their teeth and glare and shake their heads are sons who disrupt family order, truly being the most ignorant and wicked.

為臣不忠，在何處看？對曰：顴高準大，忠直之臣。眼陷眉高，好貪之輩。眼圓光正，可代君王之難。鬚白唇紅，致死英靈報國。耳小腮尖，一世為人奸吝。若要不忠不孝，只因水陷土偏。面方須正，直性多忠。面陷顴陷，奸邪陰毒。

A minister who is unfaithful, how can we tell? Yuan Gong answered: Those with high cheekbones and a full nose are loyal and upright ministers. Those with deep eye sockets and high eyebrows are greedy. Those with round eyes and steady gaze can shoulder dangers for the king. Those with white hair and red lips will die with spirit and serve the country with their lives. Those with small ears and sharp cheeks are always deceitful and stingy. If we talk about being unfaithful and unfilial, it is because the "Water Star" (mouth) is weak and the "Earth Star" (nose) is crooked. Those with a square face and proper beard are straightforward and loyal. Those with a sunken face and low cheekbones are cunning and treacherous.

一世財多祿不足，何說？對曰：土星齊，井灶正，竅門小，一生常有餘錢。唇若薄，色若青，只好隨緣度日。唇青者，縱有萬貫不能衣食。

A person who has a lot of wealth but insufficient official salary is due to what reason? Yuan Gong answered: If the 'Saturn' (nose) is straight, and the 'well and stove' (nostrils) are square, with small nostril openings, such a person will always have surplus money throughout their life. If the lips are thin and the lip color is bluish, they can only live by chance. Those with bluish lips, even if they have thousands of gold, cannot enjoy good clothing and food.

一世祿好，財不如。何說？對曰：書云：“欲食貴人祿，須生貴人齒。欲穿貴人衣，須生貴人體”。凡人唇紅又潤，上下得配，一生酒食無虧。若是準露庫偏，豈得資財有份。

One lives a life of abundant official salary but lacks wealth compared to others. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: The book of physiognomy says, "To enjoy the salary of a nobleman, one must be born with the teeth of a nobleman. To wear the clothes of a nobleman, one must be born with the body of a nobleman." Ordinary people have red and plump lips, with upper and lower lips in harmony, thus never lacking in wine and food throughout their lives. But if the nose's tip is exposed and the nasal cavity is crooked and uneven, one will not have a share in wealth.

相好夭亡者何說？對曰：莫以貌美而言善。夭者，多有神短、色浮、皮急、骨弱、肉血不均、五官不配、雙目無神、聲音不響、音圓不應喉。一面俱好，神不足，難言長壽。精神太旺，氣不勻，不得長生。神短壽夭，氣短壽促。凡壽以神氣為主。

A person with a good appearance but who dies young, what is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: Do not judge a good appearance as necessarily indicating a good fate. Those who die young mostly have a short spirit, a light complexion, tight skin, weak bone structure, uneven muscles and blood color, mismatched facial features, dull eyes, a voice that is not clear and resonant, and a sound that is smooth but does not come from the throat. If the whole face is good but the spirit is lacking, it is still difficult to achieve longevity. Those with overly strong spirit but uneven breath also cannot achieve longevity. A short spirit leads to early death, and a short breath leads to a short life. When judging longevity, it is always based on the spirit and breath.

貌陋者心多聰明。何說？對曰：此乃濁中有清之說。濁中清，清中濁，未曾辨明。凡人一身濁色，五嶽偏陷歪斜，止取印堂平，為福德學堂，耳有輪廓，為外學堂。睛清秀，為聰明學堂。齒白為內學堂。有此四學堂不論貌醜，乃濁中清，甚是聰明，可為卿相。

A person with an ugly appearance often has a sharp mind. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: This is the concept of "clearness amidst turbidity." Turbidity mixed with clarity, or clarity mixed with turbidity, is often difficult for people to distinguish. Some people have an overall dull appearance, with the "Five Mountains" (the forehead as the Southern Mountain, the chin as the Northern Mountain, the nose as the Central Mountain, the left cheek as the Eastern Mountain, and the right cheek as the Western Mountain) tilted or crooked. However, if the area between the eyebrows is flat and full, it is called the "Academy of Virtue and Fortune." If the ears are rounded and distinct, it is called the "Outer Academy." If the eyes are clear and bright, it is called the "Academy of Intelligence." If the teeth are white and clean, it is called the "Inner Academy." Those who possess these four academies, regardless of how ugly their appearance may be, are considered to have clarity amidst turbidity and are extremely intelligent, capable of becoming high officials and ministers.

貌俊心朦何說？對曰：此乃清中濁之相。凡人雖貌俊耳正，睛欠神，齒欠齊，氣不和，神多亂，此乃萬事無成之相。

A person may have an attractive appearance and well-proportioned ears, yet lack the vitality in their eyes, have misaligned teeth, an unbalanced breath, and a scattered demeanor. This is known as the appearance of 'clearness mixed with turbidity.' Such characteristics indicate a person who will achieve nothing in life.

武相作文官，文相作武職，何說？對曰：包公之面，七陷三顴。楊帥之身，瑩白如玉，六郎銀面金睛，故有封侯之職。包公鐵面銀牙，都堂宰相之顴。伍子胥顏如美婦，只為眉分八字。党太尉青面赤須，只因眉秀反做文臣。此四古人都是文武全才，出將入相之貌。莫以清濁言之。

Why does a person who is naturally suited for a military role become a civil official, and vice versa? Yuan Gong answered: Bao Zheng's face had seven concave areas with his cheekbones protruding three parts; Yang Ye, the commander of the Yang family, had a body as white and smooth as jade; Yang Yanzhao, the sixth son of Yang, had a silver face and golden eyes, so he was granted a title of a marquis. Bao Gong had a stern face and silver teeth, with cheekbones suitable for a chancellor. Wu Zishu had a beautiful appearance like a graceful woman, but because his eyebrows were shaped like the character 'eight', he became a fierce general. Party Taiwei (Party Jin) had a green face and red beard, yet because his eyebrows were refined, he became a civil official. These four ancient people all had both literary and military talents, capable of serving as generals and chancellors. They cannot be judged solely by the terms of clear or turbid.

病重反生，無病反死，何說？對曰：此兩這獨言氣色，不在相上。凡病氣色，所忌五件，俱主死。山根枯、耳輪黑、命門暗、眼角青、口角黃。書云：“黑繞太陽盧醫莫救，青遮口角扁鵲難醫”。外有雜色，暗滯青黃，不過病色。若準頭一明，死者復生。命門一亮，不日身安。年壽一開，災厄即遠。又云：“三陽如錠，死必無疑。年壽光明，還須有救”。此五處一開，不死。凡人氣色常暗，一日光明，死期至矣。常明忽暗，死亦至矣。病必死者，年壽三陽一赤，旬日身亡。白發印堂黃發口，一七殞命。四壁如煙起赤光，須防二七。老人滿面黃光現，一七難逃。少者青來口角達，一月之數。有病人，雖看準頭不潤好。人死，只看年壽如泥。耳生塵，還須有疾病。耳輪赤，萬事無憂。印堂黑，非死也。重顴骨青，大難來臨。一身血紅有光華，一年之內。皮血滯如泥不亮，半載之間。

A person who is very ill yet survives, while someone who is healthy dies, what is the reason behind this? Yuan Gong answered: These two situations should be judged by the complexion, not by the bone structure. For a sick person, there are five things that are most dangerous, all indicating death: the mountain root is dry and withered, the earlobe turns black, the "life gate" (a place one inch in front of the ear) appears dark and dull, the corners of the eyes turn blue, and the corners of the mouth turn yellow. The book of physiognomy says, "Black surrounding the sun is beyond the help of Lu and Bian, blue covering the mouth corner is beyond the help of Bian." - If black qi surrounds the sun, even famous doctors like Lu and Bian cannot save the person; if blue qi covers the mouth corner, even Bian cannot cure the illness. In addition, if there are only miscellaneous dark colors or a general bluish or yellowish appearance, it is just a common illness. However, if the "precinct" (the tip of the nose) suddenly becomes bright and moist, a person on the verge of death can recover; if the life gate brightens, the person will soon be safe; if the "year and longevity" (the middle part of the nose bridge) opens up, misfortune will immediately disappear. It also says, "If the three yangs are dark like lead, death is certain. If the year and longevity is bright, there is still a chance of survival." - If the three yangs appear dark like lead, death is certain; if the year and longevity is bright, there is still a chance of survival. As long as any of these five areas opens up, the person will not die. If a person's complexion has always been dark and dull, but suddenly becomes bright, death is coming; if the complexion has always been bright and moist, but suddenly turns dark, death is coming. Those who are certain to die while sick are those whose year and longevity and three yangs all turn red, and they will die within ten days. If white qi appears on the forehead or yellow qi appears on the mouth, they will die within seven days. If the four sides of the face glow red like smoke and mist, be cautious of the second seven days. If an old person's whole face glows yellow, they will not survive seven days. If a young person has blue qi reaching the mouth corner, they will die within a month. For a sick person, even if the precinct is observed, it may not be moist. When a person is about to die, only the year and longevity area appears dirty and muddy. If dust appears on the ears, it is just an illness; if the earlobe turns red, everything is fine. If the forehead appears black, it does not necessarily mean death. If the two cheekbones turn blue, it indicates a great disaster is coming. If the whole body's blood color is red and bright, the person will die within a year; if the skin's blood color is stagnant like mud and has no brightness, the person will die within half a year.

官居極品，臨終衣食具無，何說？對曰：凡人老運，不拘富貴，俱要皮土為主。老來皮土潤，血色足，日後還有晚景，必當大旺。老來皮土乾，血色衰，為官退位致窮，為民困苦，死後結果俱難。

When someone reaches the highest level in official position but ends up with nothing for clothing and food at the end of his life, what is the reason behind this? Yuan Gong answered: When judging a person's later years, regardless of whether he was originally rich or poor, one should always focus on the "skin and earth" (the color and thickness of the skin). Those who, in old age, have moist and nourished skin with abundant blood color will have a good future and will certainly prosper greatly. Those who, in old age, have dry and withered skin with declining blood color will, if they are officials, lose their positions and become poor, and if they are common people, will suffer hardship and have no support, even unable to arrange their funeral decently.

人老來臥蠶低，乳朝下，不得子力，主老窮，何說？對曰：皆因皮土弱、血不旺、蠶方低、乳方朝下，若血色潤好，豈有臥蠶反低、乳方朝下之理？

When a person reaches old age and their lower eyelids are sunken and their nipples point downward, they do not receive assistance from their sons, leading to poverty in old age. Why is this so? Yuan Gong answered: This is because the skin and earth element are weak, and the blood and qi are not vigorous, causing the lower eyelids to be sunken and the nipples to point downward. If the blood is moist and vibrant, how could the lower eyelids be sunken and the nipples point downward?

一生無運，老來反得安逸，何說？對曰：一生無運，因一面失局，星辰不勻，部位不停，以至一生勞苦。老來若神定血旺，不在相上。凡老運只看皮色氣血，若氣神血俱好，雖無運亦好。若皮色一枯，死期至矣。

Why does someone who has never had good fortune in their lifetime end up being peaceful and comfortable in old age? Yuan Gong answered: The reason one has never had good fortune is because the whole face lacks a proper structure; the positions of the five elements and the stars are uneven, and the various parts cannot be balanced and harmonious, leading to a lifetime of hardship. However, if in old age one can have a calm spirit and strong blood color, then it is no longer determined by the bone structure. When judging the later years, one should only look at the skin color and the flow of qi and blood. If the qi, spirit, and blood are all good, even if one originally had no good fortune, it can be considered as good fortune. If the skin color suddenly becomes withered and dull, then death is imminent.

五官俱好，一體無欠，困窮途，何說？對曰：此乃運氣相好，獨氣色不好。天不得晴，日月不得明。人不得氣色，則運不通。骨骼外貌部位俱好，惟氣色不好，亦難得顯。直待氣色明潤，方得通時。氣滯九年，色滯三年，神昏一世。神氣色三件俱暗，窮苦到老，部位好而終不顯達。故人以氣色為主，骨骼定一世枯榮。

All the five senses are good, and there are no physical defects, yet one is stuck in a difficult situation. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: This is because both the bone structure and the destiny are favorable, but the complexion is not good. If the sky is overcast, the sun and moon cannot shine brightly; similarly, if a person lacks a good complexion, their fortune will not flow smoothly. Even though the bones, appearance, and body parts are all excellent, if the complexion is poor, it is still difficult to achieve success. One must wait until the complexion becomes bright and smooth to have a change of fortune. If the qi is stagnant, it will take nine years; if the complexion is dull, it will take three years; if the spirit is dim, then one will remain in darkness all their life. If the spirit, qi, and complexion are all dark and dull, one will remain poor until old age. Even if the body parts are well formed, they will never achieve success. Therefore, when judging a person, one should first look at their complexion, while the bone structure determines their lifelong prosperity or decline.

格局不如，而又大發財，何說？對曰：此縱發財還須有失。此言部位不好，氣色好之說。須應氣色，無人不發。部位均停，運至必興家道。色若鮮明，長年可遂心懷。部位定行年休咎，氣色主當月吉凶。萬言諸事，不如氣色。美玉不出山，徒自埋山。破船遇順風，亦能航海。

The original structure is not good, yet great wealth is obtained. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: This wealth obtained in this way will eventually suffer loss. This is exactly the situation where the position is not good but the color is good. As long as the color appears at the right time, no one fails to prosper. When the position is properly balanced, when the destiny arrives, the family fortune will certainly flourish; if the color is bright, one can be content every year. The position determines the fortune of the coming year, while the color governs the fortune of the current month. A thousand words are not as accurate as observing the color. It is like a fine jade not emerging from the mountain, remaining buried in the mountain in vain; while a broken boat encountering favorable winds can still sail across the sea.

一骨骼、二部位、三形神、四氣色，此四件何一件更準？對曰：骨骼定一世貧富，部位定一世消長，形神定終身福壽，氣色定當年吉凶。此四件俱準，各有一用。

The first is bone structure, the second is body parts, the third is form and spirit, and the fourth is complexion. Which of these is more accurate? Yuan Gong answered: Bone structure determines one's lifetime wealth and poverty, body parts determine the ups and downs in one's life, form and spirit determine one's lifetime fortune and longevity, and complexion determines the good or bad fortune of the current year. All four are accurate, each with its own use.

相還好看，氣色或者難看，何以辨之？對曰：相有萬千之變，豈能容易？氣色不過一理，豈為難乎？屢屢看相，欠真傳實學。故失之毫釐有千里之差。不知宮分，不識生克，不明道理，不得眼力。不知何為氣，何為色，何為吉，何為凶。以何方可脫，何日可見。縱然不得訣法，難以盡明。

His bone structure is still quite good, but perhaps his complexion is even harder to judge. Yuan Gong answered: The bone structure has thousands of variations, how could it be easy? Complexion is just a single principle that runs through everything, so how could it be difficult? People often try to read others' fortune, but they lack genuine transmission and practical knowledge, so they make even the smallest mistake and end up with great errors. They don't understand the division of palace positions, don't recognize the generation and overcoming of the Five Phases, don't grasp the underlying principles, and can't develop their eyesight. They don't know what is qi, what is color, what indicates good fortune, and what indicates bad fortune. They don't know which direction they can escape difficulties or which day the outcome will be verified. In the end, because they can't obtain the secret formulas and inner teachings, they find it hard to fully understand.

女人旺夫敗夫何說？對曰：旺夫之女，背厚肩圓。剋夫之妻，顴高鼻小。凡女相，雖部位十二宮、五官、六府、三停，只取四件為用。額為父母，鼻為夫，口為子星，眼乃貴賤。凡觀女相，先看鼻準，為夫星。若要收成子貴，還須唇配多紋。子息成名，必定眼如鳳目。旺夫起創，還須一面無虧。六削三尖，豈得興家立事。面如瑩玉，何愁不產麒麟。興家之婦，定是三停得配。享福之人，必然額正眉清。要配貴夫，身香體正。多淫多亂，面斑鼻小。眼大睛高鼻正，總是旺夫之女。土正神清，發福之人。血利光彩，眼中藏秀，必產佳兒。面大無腮，休言福德。肉白如雪，下賤多淫。肉軟如棉，一生淫賤。

A woman who brings fortune to her husband or brings misfortune to him can be discerned by certain physical characteristics. Yuan Gong answered: A woman who brings fortune to her husband has a thick back and round shoulders; a woman who brings misfortune to her husband has high cheekbones and a narrow nose. Although examining a woman's face involves the twelve palaces, the five organs, the six internal organs, and the three stops, in practice only four areas are considered important: the forehead represents parents, the nose represents the husband, the mouth represents children, and the eyes determine status. When examining a woman's face, first look at her nose, which represents the husband. If one wishes to have noble children, the lips should be well-shaped and have many lines on them. Children who become famous are sure to have a pair of phoenix eyes. A woman who brings fortune and prosperity to her husband must have a face without any defects. Those who commit the six reductions and three sharp features cannot establish a family or achieve success. A woman whose face is bright and smooth like jade will not have difficulty giving birth to a son of noble lineage. A woman who establishes a family is certainly one whose three stops are harmonious; a person who enjoys happiness must have a proper forehead and clear eyebrows. To marry a wealthy husband, she should have a pleasant fragrance and an upright posture. Those who are promiscuous and disorderly have spots on their faces and a narrow nose. Those with large eyes whose pupils are positioned high and whose nose bridge is straight are certainly women who bring fortune to their husbands. Those with a proper earth star and a clear and bright spirit are people who will gain fortune; those with bright and radiant blood color and eyes that are refined and delicate will surely have good sons. A woman with a large face but no cheeks should not be considered for fortune; those with white skin like snow are lowly and promiscuous; those with soft skin like cotton are promiscuous all their lives.

凡小兒骨骼未成，可看得貴賤？對曰：骨骼未成，五官六府三停已定。還看聲音與神為主。聲音響亮貌溫和，成家之子。五官俱正，眼如星，大貴之兒。皮肉寬厚，有福有壽。皮急皮浮，且貧且夭。聲清音響，多利雙親。聲威氣粗，難言有壽。眉高耳正，必是聰俊之兒。眉低耳低，多是為僧為道。受夫之福，額廣印寬。見成家業，鼻柱樑高。大概未十歲宜身清體正，氣足神壯，方言成器。

For a child whose bones have not yet fully developed, can one determine his future status? Yuan Gong answered: Although the bones are not yet mature, the five organs, six腑, and three stops have already been determined. In addition, one should mainly observe the voice and spirit. A child whose voice is loud and whose appearance is gentle is likely to be able to establish a family. A child whose five organs are all well-proportioned and whose eyes are bright like stars is a child of great fortune. A child with thick and broad skin is wealthy and long-lived; a child with tight or hollow skin is poor and short-lived. A child with a clear and resonant voice is likely to benefit his parents; a child with a fierce voice and coarse breath is unlikely to live long. A child with high eyebrows and properly positioned ears is certainly intelligent and handsome; a child with low eyebrows and ears is likely to become a monk or a Taoist. A child who can benefit from his in-laws has a broad forehead and an open palace of the forehead; a child who can maintain his family's existing fortune has a high and prominent nose bridge and nose. Generally speaking, children under ten years old should have a clear and upright body shape and sufficient energy and spirit to be considered as having potential for future success.

五官中所忌，何一官大，何一官小？對曰：凡五官俱宜正直平勻，不宜偏陷小削。所宜者，口潤唇紅。所忌者，鼻樑起節。眼大不可露神，耳大最重正厚。鼻小者資財難聚，口小者一世無糧。眉宜高不宜低重，口忌尖又嫌唇薄。眼小者不忌眉輕，眼大者不嫌眉重。無顴者不宜鼻大，面大者切忌梁低。口潤不宜露齒，眼大不可浮光。眉蹙不宜眼大，耳小最怕眉寬。

Among the five organs, there are certain taboos; which should be large and which should be small? Yuan Gong answered: All five organs should be upright and evenly proportioned, not crooked, sunken, thin, or flat. What is favorable is a moist and lustrous mouth and red lips. What is to be avoided is a prominent bone on the bridge of the nose. Large eyes should not have a glaring gaze, and large ears should be upright and thick. A small nose makes it difficult to accumulate wealth, and a small mouth means a lifetime of lack of food. The eyebrows should be high, not low, thin, or heavy. The mouth should not be pointed or have thin lips. Small eyes do not mind sparse eyebrows, while large eyes do not mind thick eyebrows. Those without cheekbones should not have a large nose, and those with a broad face should avoid a low and sunken nose. A moist and lustrous mouth should not show teeth, and large eyes should not have a floating and hollow gaze. A furrowed brow should not be paired with large eyes, and small ears should avoid wide eyebrows.

五行何為生克？對曰：木形人故宜水局，土形人得金為奇，火形人宜得木局，水形人肥必富，金形紅潤身榮，水若西方必貴，木遇金則貧賤，土形一瘦即死，金形一胖難生，水形忌嫌土克，金形準紅多難，似木不木難貴，似金不金難榮，似水不水反好，似土不土安榮。五行切忌犯克，生扶可以為榮。

In the art of physiognomy, how are the Five Phases used to determine generation and control? Yuan Gong answered: A person with a wood constitution should be paired with a water element, because water generates wood; a person with a earth constitution benefits from the presence of metal, because earth generates metal; a person with a fire constitution should be paired with a wood element, because wood generates fire. A person with a water constitution who has a thick and plump body is destined for wealth, while a person with a metal constitution who has a red complexion is prosperous. A person with a water constitution who moves to the west, the metal direction, will achieve high status, while a person with a wood constitution encountering metal will be poor and lowly. A person with an earth constitution who becomes thin is in danger of life, while a person with a metal constitution who becomes fat will have difficulty in preserving their health. A person with a water constitution should avoid being controlled by earth, and a person with a metal constitution who has a red nose tip will face many misfortunes. A person who resembles wood but is not purely wood may achieve high status, a person who resembles metal but is not purely metal may achieve prosperity, a person who resembles water but is not purely water may be better off, and a person who resembles earth but is not purely earth may enjoy stability and honor. The Five Phases most detest mutual control, and receiving generation and support leads to honor and prosperity.

有見子傷夫，有見子傷妻者，何說？對曰：書云：“見子傷妻，魚紋通天庫。兒成妻喪，奸門所見有黃光”。紋通天庫，主見子刑妻。奸門紋生，主克妻。有黃光主有奸。

Some women give birth to sons who harm their husbands, while others give birth to sons who harm their wives. What is the reason for this? Yuan Gong answered: The book of physiognomy says, "Seeing the child's mark harms the wife, the fish tail mark connects to the heavenly treasury. When the son grows up and the wife dies, there is a yellow light seen in the immoral gate." If the fish tail mark extends all the way to the heavenly treasury (the area above the forehead where the treasury is located), then having a son will harm the wife. If the son grows up and the wife dies, there is a yellow light seen in the immoral gate. Marks that connect to the heavenly treasury indicate that having a son will harm the wife. Marks in the immoral gate indicate a tendency to harm the wife. A yellow light in the immoral gate indicates infidelity and improper relationships.

出胎傷父，又主刑娘，何說？對曰：小兒髮低必傷父，日月旋螺定傷母。又云，寒毛生角，幼失雙親。眉毛旋螺，定主刑母。刑父者，頭偏額削。妨母者，眼陷眉交。胎毛黃，恐防難養。胎毛黑，恐有刑傷。

Some children are said to be harmful to their fathers and to harm their mothers from birth. What is the reasoning behind this? Yuan Gong answered that those with a low hairline on the forehead are harmful to their fathers, and those with a spiral hair pattern at the inner corners of the eyes will harm their mothers. He also said that if the hair on the temples grows in a horn-like shape, the child will lose both parents at a young age; if there is a spiral hair pattern in the eyebrows, it indicates harm to the mother. Those who harm their fathers have a crooked head shape and a thin forehead; those who harm their mothers have deep eye sockets and connected eyebrows. If the baby hair is yellow, it is feared that the child will not grow up; if the baby hair is black, it is feared that there will be injuries.

面相好，有一處破敗，可有忌否？對曰：周身上下十二宮三十六法，若有一處失陷，難以言其全福。有十二件美中生惡之法。頭雖圓無腦，一世不能成立。天庭高髮如草，一世下賤愚頑。眼雖清雙目壓，一世不能成立。耳雖軟如綿，一世愚頑志劣。梁雖高山根陷，準雖圓井灶大，一生難望聚財。顴雖高，左右不配，主一生孤獨。唇雖紅潤，齒疏少，凡事無成。頸雖圓雙肩聳，主一生貧寒。腹雖厚，上大下小，一生不發。臀雖大，尖驕不平，一生勞苦。掌雖厚上無紋，一生遇賤。此十二件若犯一件，縱有陳平之貌、張良之才，亦不能發。故此莫以美惡而言。

The overall face is good, but there is one area that is broken. Should we be cautious about it? Yuan Gong answered: All over the body, there are twelve palaces and thirty-six methods of facial analysis. If any one of them is damaged, it is difficult to say that he can enjoy full happiness. Among these twelve, there are twelve types of "good leading to evil": if the head is round but there is no枕骨 at the back of the head, he will not be able to establish himself in life; if the forehead is high but the hairline is messy like dry grass, he will be lowly and foolish all his life; if the eyes are clear but the brow bone presses on the eyes, he will not be able to establish himself in life; if the ears are soft like cotton but lack bone strength, he will be foolish and have low ambition all his life; if the nose bridge is high but the root of the nose is sunken, or if the nose tip is round but the nostrils are wide, he will not be able to accumulate wealth in his lifetime; if the cheekbones are high but not symmetrical on both sides, he will be lonely all his life; if the lips are red and smooth but the teeth are few, nothing will be achieved in all affairs; if the neck is round but the shoulders are high, he will be poor all his life; if the abdomen is thick but the upper part is large and the lower part is small, he will not succeed in his lifetime; if the buttocks are large but pointed and uneven, he will have a hard life; if the palms are thick but there are no lines on the palms, he will be looked down upon all his life. As long as one of these twelve is violated, even if he has the beauty of Chen Ping and the talent of Zhang Liang, he will not be successful. Therefore, one cannot judge solely based on the beauty or ugliness of the face.

婦人面帶煞星，傷夫克子，不知如何是煞？對曰：女人相有七殺，此乃洞賓所傳，屢屢有驗。美婦黃睛為一殺，面大口小為二殺，鼻中生文為三殺，耳反無輪為四殺，極美面如銀色為五殺，髮黑無眉為六殺，睛大眉粗為七殺。如五官俱正，一面無虧，犯此亦主刑夫。

A woman with a凶 star on her face will harm her husband and harm her children. She does not know what constitutes a凶 star. Yuan Gong answered: In the facial features of women, there is a "Seven Killings" (七杀). This was passed down by Lü Dongbin and has been repeatedly tested and proven effective. A beautiful woman with yellow eyes is the first killing; a face that is large and a mouth that is small is the second killing; a line on the nose bridge is the third killing; an ear that is outwardly turned without a proper earlobe is the fourth killing; a woman who is extremely beautiful but has a pale face like silver is the fifth killing; black hair but almost no eyebrows is the sixth killing; large eyes with thick eyebrows is the seventh killing. Even if all the five organs are properly formed and there is no defect in her appearance, if she commits any of these seven killings, it will still indicate harm to her husband.

才學在人腹內，何能得知？對曰：書云：“眉聚山川之秀，胸藏天地之機。目如雷灼流星，自有安幫高策”。面如白玉，出世之才。齒白唇紅，塵中隱士。見人不懼，胸中自有長策。作事虛驚，腹內決然無物。

The talents of a person are hidden within his body, so how can they be seen? Yuan Gong answered: The classic texts of physiognomy say, "The eyebrows gather the beauty of mountains and rivers, and the chest contains the strategies of heaven and earth. The eyes shine like thunder and shooting stars, and such a person naturally possesses outstanding strategies for governing the country." The eyebrows gather the refined beauty of mountains and rivers, and the chest contains the changes and strategies of heaven and earth. The eyes shine brightly like thunder and shooting stars, indicating that such a person has outstanding strategies for governing the country. A person with a pale and white complexion is a highly talented person beyond worldly concerns. Those with white teeth and red lips are high-minded scholars living among the common people. Those who show no fear when meeting important people have long-term plans in their minds. Those who are easily startled and lose their composure when handling affairs must have nothing in their minds.

過於酒色，則氣色難辨，何以能定禍福？對曰：凡人過於酒，不過皮上燥滯。過於色，不過三陰三陽燥滯。不可看為災禍。凡男子有色，三陽青。女人有色，鎖陽骨青。不在別處，惟此為驗。所以不關禍福。凡未用酒色在裡，已用酒色在表。

If a person indulges excessively in alcohol and lust, his complexion becomes difficult to discern, so how can one determine his fortune or misfortune? Yuan Gong answered: Whenever a person drinks too much alcohol, it only causes a dry and rough appearance on the skin; when he indulges too much in sexual activity, it only causes a dry and rough appearance in the area of the three yin and three yang beneath the eyes. These should not be considered as signs of calamity. For men who have had sexual activity, the three yang areas turn blue; for women who have had sexual activity, the "lock yang bone" (the area corresponding to the bone above the genital region) turns blue. These signs are not found elsewhere, but only in these two areas, and they are most reliable, so they have nothing to do with fortune or misfortune. Generally, those who have not yet indulged in alcohol or lust have their color hidden beneath the skin; those who have indulged will have their color appearing on the surface.

凡人心善惡，怎看得出？對曰：書云：“心善三陽必光彩，心藏惡毒淚堂深。陰陽失陷人多毒，心內奸邪口角青。眸子若邪心豈正，鷹腮鼠耳是奸雄。目赤睛黃全惡害，青筋面白莫同居”。以上數件最是可忌。又云：“口正唇齊準又隆，三陽潤色印堂紅。顏和語軟神舒暢，價重名高世所崇”。此乃奇福上格，世人不知此法也。

How can we tell if a person's heart is good or evil? Yuan Gong answered: The book of physiognomy says, "A kind-hearted person will have the three yangs shining brightly beneath the eyes; a person harboring evil intentions will have the 'tear hall' (the area beneath the eyes where tear marks appear) deeply indented. Those whose yin and yang are out of balance tend to be more poisonous. Those with inner deceit will have a bluish tint around their mouth. If the eyes are slanted, how can the heart be upright? A face with an eagle's jaw and a rat's ears indicates a cunning person. Red eyes and yellow pupils are entirely harmful. A pale face with visible blue veins is not to be shared a room with." These are the most important things to avoid. He also said, "A proper mouth with even lips and a prominent nose, with the three yangs well nourished and the forehead red and bright, a harmonious appearance, gentle speech, and a relaxed expression indicate a person of great value and high reputation, who is highly esteemed by the world." This is the superior pattern of extraordinary good fortune, yet people do not understand this perspective.

吉凶之事，何以免脫？對曰：地有東西南北，人有五形，色有五樣。如水多遭難，宜往東方可脫。火多金難，宜往北地方安。水若土多，還可西方，助其根本。如火來克金，宜往北方。金來克木，宜往南方。一面木色，宜行火地。一面水色，急去東方。大概氣開色潤，可求謀行動。色閉氣昏，宜守。發在某月，定在某月，現在某位，謀事可知。知者須防，一生堅守，可免凶厄。

How can one avoid good or bad fortune? Yuan Gong answered: The land is divided into east, west, south, and north. People have five kinds of forms, and there are five kinds of colors. For example, if someone has too much water energy and suffers misfortune, they should go east, as wood can drain water and thus escape disaster. If someone has too much fire energy and suffers from metal, they should go north to a water area for peace. If a person with a water form has too much earth energy, they should go west, using metal to drain earth and support their own foundation. If fire overcomes metal, go north; if metal overcomes wood, go south. If someone has a full face of wood color, they should go to a fire area; if someone has a full face of water color, they should urgently go east. Generally, when the energy is open and the color is moist, one can plan affairs and travel; when the color is closed and the energy is dim, one should stay still. If the color appears in a certain month, one should act in that month; if it appears in a certain part of the body, one can know what affair to plan. Those who understand this should be cautious and follow this method throughout their lives to avoid misfortune.