Liu Heng's Take on Liu Zhuang's Feng Shui: What Qualities Attract a Prosperous and Virtuous Wife?

The relationship between the Yongle Emperor and Master Liu Zhuang offers a deep dive into the principles of physiognomy and destiny, structured as a series of questions and answers. It stands as a classic reference in the field, addressing various uncertainties and intricacies. Teacher Liu Heng adds commentary from a modern viewpoint, enriching the original text.

"Yongle's Hundred Questions" is a historic text on physiognomy. This book emerged from a dialogue between the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, an enthusiast of physiognomy, and the eminent physiognomist Master Yuan Liu Zhuang. It encompasses a broad array of topics, spanning from nobility to commoners, and is a cherished resource for those devoted to the study of physiognomy.

What signifies a man's ability to gain fortune through his wife?

The text explains: "A well-defined jawline symbolizes wealth gained through marriage. A full and prominent nose is a sign of attracting a capable and virtuous wife. Wealth through one's wife can be indicated by a clear and well-defined nose tip, while a prosperous home is signified by a bright and auspicious forehead." It further notes: "A small and white nose tip suggests a capable wife."

Teacher Liu Heng's Supplementary Commentary: What facial features suggest a man can marry a prosperous wife?

Firstly, the area around the jawline should be flat and slightly concave. The bridge of the nose, or "mountain root," is related to marital happiness, while the area around the outer corners of the eyes, known as the "cunning gate," pertains to marital affection. A calm, smooth jawline without vertical lines or blemishes indicates a man likely to marry a compatible woman who effectively manages the household and supports her husband in building a family;

Secondly, a full and prominent nose indicates a strong, straight nose bridge with a well-defined nose tip. Teacher Liu notes that a nose tip that's too round lacks influence, while one that's too pointed lacks connection. In physiognomy, the nose bridge represents the husband, and the nose tip represents the wife. A straight, broad nose signals harmonious marital relations and a fulfilling family life, enabling the man to thrive with his wife's support;

Thirdly, a clear and clean forehead, approximately two fingers wide and free from lines or blemishes, suggests a man can marry a skilled wife adept at managing the home, handling finances, and fostering family relationships;

Fourthly, a man with a small and white nose tip and a strong, prominent disposition indicates robust liver and kidney health. This suggests that the wife he marries will take charge, lead her husband to success, and have strong reproductive capabilities, ensuring that their offspring will strive for success.

Why do some men experience poverty after marrying?

The text states: "A man who attracts a wife but ends up in ruin often has an empty kitchen. Marrying can lead to family downfall, especially if the jawline is only slightly defined, indicating a lack of depth. Poor overall facial structure may result in family loss upon marriage. A man with numerous lines around the eyes is likely to face lifelong poverty. In old age, family disarray often stems from marrying a virtuous wife. If a woman possesses a low nose, her husband's family may suffer greatly. A man with blemishes might encounter misfortune and family ruin. If a man is destined to die but the woman doesn't bring misfortune, he might still salvage his life. The imbalance of resources reflects the nature of things, necessitating trust. A short-lived man will marry a woman who brings misfortune, and a woman with adverse features will have a husband who suffers."

Teacher Liu Heng's Supplementary Commentary: Why do some men become extremely impoverished after marrying?

Firstly, a man with exposed nostrils, thin nose wings, lack of flesh at the nose tip, and a flat nose bridge is prone to marry a woman who ruins the family. Signs of decline might appear even before the woman enters the household, a situation often referred to as "the door brings misfortune." If the woman mismanages the home, it can result in financial ruin;

Secondly, a man with a sunken jawline, narrow enough to fit one finger, is likely to see family wealth dwindle post-marriage, living off past savings without making progress, facing unsuccessful ventures or poor investments, ultimately leading to ruin;

Thirdly, a man with deep or chaotic lines around the eyes has facial features that bring misfortune to his wife, indicating a tendency to marry poorly. Acting impulsively and blindly, this leads to a life of hardship and poverty, making it difficult to find kindness in marriage, characterized by selfishness and short-sightedness;

Fourthly, if a woman has a flat nose bridge and a thick nose tip, she might offer some comfort, but if the nose tip is fleshless, she could bring misfortune to her husband. This could result in significant familial losses, causing him to struggle throughout life with business failures, identifying a woman who brings misfortune to the husband;

Fifthly, a man with blemishes or slanted lines on the forehead or nose root (Teacher Liu notes the forehead is between the eyebrows, and the nose root is between the inner corners of the eyes) signals marrying a woman who brings misfortune and death, complicating the search for a virtuous partner.

If a man is destined for a short life, marrying a woman who doesn't bring misfortune might save his life, but his wealth and property could still be lost; a man destined to die young will, inevitably, marry a woman who brings misfortune. There's no need to rush! A short-lived man will surely marry a woman who brings misfortune, and a woman with an ill-fated face will inevitably marry a short-lived man.