Liu Heng's Analysis of Liu Zhuang's Physiognomy: Facial Features of Women Who Bring Prosperity or Misfortune to Their Husbands

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The relationship between the Yongle Emperor and Master Liu Zhuang offers an in-depth exploration of the principles of physiognomy and destiny, presented in a question-and-answer format. This work serves as a classic example of this discipline, tackling various complexities within the field. Teacher Liu Heng provides modern commentary to supplement the original text.

"Yongle's Hundred Questions" is one of the ancient texts on physiognomy. It was created as a dialogue between the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who was deeply interested in physiognomy, and the renowned physiognomist Master Yuan Liu Zhuang. Covering a wide range of topics, from nobility to common folk, it is a rare gem in the study of physiognomy, essential for anyone with a keen interest in the subject.

What does it mean for a woman to bring prosperity or misfortune to her husband?

Response: A woman who brings prosperity to her husband has a broad back and rounded shoulders, whereas a woman who brings misfortune has high cheekbones and a small nose. In the assessment of a woman's physiognomy, there are twelve palaces, five features, six organs, and three sections, but only four key aspects are essential. The forehead represents parents, the nose signifies the husband, the mouth indicates children, and the eyes reflect status. When observing a woman's physiognomy, the nose is the primary focus because it represents her spouse's star. For those desiring prosperous children, the lips should be lined with many creases, while phoenix-like eyes in children will suggest they will achieve fame. A woman destined to bring prosperity must also have a well-balanced facial structure.

A face with sharp features and a pointed chin may struggle to establish a family. However, a face like polished jade promises the birth of remarkable offspring. A supportive partner must have harmonious proportions across the three sections. A blessed person will possess a well-proportioned forehead and clear eyebrows. To pair with a noble husband, a woman must have a fragrant and upright demeanor. Those who are promiscuous and chaotic will have blemished faces and small noses. A woman with large eyes, high cheekbones, and a straight nose is often one who brings prosperity. Someone with a solid foundation and a clear spirit is likely to encounter good fortune. If her blood is rich and her eyes shine with hidden brilliance, she will indeed produce exceptional children. A woman with a large face and no jawline should not anticipate blessings, and skin as white as snow often indicates promiscuity. Soft, cotton-like flesh may suggest a life filled with debauchery.

Teacher Liu Heng's Supplementary Notes: Is there a physiognomic explanation for why some women bring prosperity while others cause misfortune? Those who bring prosperity have broad backs and round shoulders, while those who bring misfortune have prominent cheekbones and narrow noses. In evaluating a woman's physiognomy, despite the presence of twelve palaces, five features, six organs, and three sections, only four critical aspects are vital. The forehead symbolizes parents and career, the nose represents the husband and wealth, the mouth relates to children and finances, and the eyes convey status and spirit.

When analyzing a woman's physiognomy, the nose is the principal focus (comprising the root, bridge, tip, wings, and nostrils; the tip refers to the nose itself) because it represents the husband's star. A woman with many successful children should have a wide, lined mouth. If her children are to attain fame, she must possess long, phoenix-like eyes, as this eye shape signifies intelligence, passed from mother to child. A mother of high intelligence will naturally have smart children, as intellect is the cornerstone of success.

A woman who enhances her husband's life must have a well-balanced facial structure. If a woman's features and chin are sharp, how can she establish a family? (Teacher Liu's note: Sharp features denote greed; a pointed nose suggests stinginess, and a pointed mouth indicates loneliness. A forehead without power, declining cheekbones, a weak husband star as indicated by a pointed nose, minimal connections from a pointed jaw, lack of fortune from a pointed mouth, and small ears evidencing lack of wisdom all stem from sharp features, which are often weak and frail.)

A woman with a delicate, harmonious face and well-proportioned features is likely to bear capable offspring. A woman who supports her husband and family must have equitably distributed sections (Teacher Liu's note: The three sections are the upper section (forehead), middle section (nose, eyes, and cheekbones), and lower section (jaw and teeth)). A woman who enjoys blessings will have a round, defined forehead, clear eyebrows, and bright eyes. A woman who can impress a noble husband will have clear and gentle eyes, ensuring her husband's family's prosperity, while a greedy and malicious woman will see her wealth diminish quickly, even if married into riches.

A woman with a promiscuous physiognomy will exhibit many facial blemishes (indicating liver stagnation and promiscuity), and a pointed, thin nose suggests promiscuity. Misaligned teeth can also indicate promiscuity. Eyes that are kind and gentle typically signify compassion, while a straight nose (neither sunken nor hooked) and a broad forehead indicate a woman who brings prosperity. A well-rounded jawline with graceful curves and gentle, intelligent eyes denotes a woman destined for good fortune, surrounded by ample resources and strong social ties.

Men are associated with energy, while women relate to blood. A woman with sufficient energy and vitality can give birth to healthy children. Delicate, radiant skin often denotes strong leadership qualities and self-control, makings her an exceptional financial manager. A woman with bright and honest eyes is likely to bear children who can uphold the family. If a woman's face is large without a jawline, she may be seen as unfilial and without blessings; how can she expect fortune? A woman with snow-white skin and who smiles sweetly at men may be inclined towards promiscuity. A woman with soft, cotton-like flesh, lacking focus, coupled with a large face and small nose, is destined for a wayward life.

Teacher Liu Heng summarizes the criteria for a woman to bring prosperity: a woman with a beautiful, straight nose and a square mouth indicates determination and principle, enabling her to help her husband succeed; slightly prominent, robust cheekbones empower her to manage the household and handle finances; a woman with a full, rounded jawline and graceful curves enjoys excellent social connections and will accumulate wealth throughout her life; a rounded, complete forehead signals intelligence and capability as an ideal partner.