What is the appearance of a virtuous ruler?

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 withInauspicious 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.