Predictions by Yuan Tiangang, the Renowned Master of Physiognomy

From the Tang Dynasty to today, when people think of physiognomy, the first name that usually comes to mind is Yuan Tiangang. In the field of physiognomy, he is unmatched, a pioneer without equal in both the past and future.

Yuan Tiangang hailed from Sichuan. His father, Yuan Ji, was a granary supervisor in Liangzhou, and his grandfather, Yuan Song, served as the governor of Pujiang and Puyang counties in the Qianwei region, as well as a General of Chariots and Cavalry during the Zhou Dynasty. His great-grandfather, Yuan Da, was an inspector during the Liang Dynasty and also served as the governor of Tianshui and Huairen counties during the Zhou Dynasty. Yuan Tiangang spent his youth in isolation and poverty, devoting himself to studying and honing his skills, particularly mastering physiognomy. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, he served as the Fire Well Officer. In the sixth year of the Zhenguan era, he completed his term and returned to the capital, Chang'an. Emperor Taizong summoned Yuan Tiangang and said, “In ancient times, there was a man named Yan Junping in Bashu skilled in divination. Now I have you; what do you think?” Yuan Tiangang replied, “Yan Junping was born at an inopportune time. I have encountered a wise emperor, and thus I should surpass him.”

In the final years of the Sui Dynasty, Dou Gui was residing in De County, Jian'nan, and stayed with Yuan Tiangang. Facing dire circumstances, Dou Gui asked Yuan Tiangang to read his face and predict his future. Yuan Tiangang observed, “Your forehead has a prominent bone structure that extends to the occipital region, and your chin is round and full. Within the next ten years, you will undoubtedly become wealthy, a virtuous minister or a general at court. The right side of your chin is prominent and luminous, indicating that you will make a notable name for yourself in the Liang and Yi provinces.” Dou Gui replied, “If things unfold as you say, I will not forget your great kindness.” Initially, Dou Gui was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Yi Province. Upon his arrival, he summoned Yuan Tiangang and said, “How could I forget our meeting in De County?” After bowing deeply, he asked Yuan Tiangang to read his face again. Yuan Tiangang examined him for a long time and said, “Your face is unchanged, but your eyes are red and restless, and your complexion is flushed. If you become a military general, you may cause many deaths; please be cautious.”

In the ninth year of the Wude era, Dou Gui was summoned to the capital. Before leaving, he asked Yuan Tiangang, “What position will I attain in the capital?” Yuan Tiangang replied, “Examining your face, you have a noble appearance, with luster on the right side of your chin, indicating favorable news awaits you. You will surely gain the emperor’s favor in the capital and return to your home province with an official position.” Indeed, that year, Dou Gui was appointed governor of Yi Province and returned there. When Yuan Tiangang first arrived in Luoyang, he settled in Qinghua Fang, and people from all walks of life, including high-ranking officials and common citizens, frequently visited him, filling his home with guests. During this time, Du Yan, Wang Gui, and Wei Ting visited Yuan Tiangang and sought face readings. Yuan Tiangang told Du Yan, “This gentleman has a full left side of his nose and a broad face.” To Wang Gui, he said, “This gentleman has clear lines from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth, and his forehead and chin are well-defined; within ten years, he will undoubtedly be promoted to a significant fifth-rank official position.” To Wei Ting, he remarked, “This gentleman's face resembles that of a great beast. His literary features are clear, and he will surely gain the support of a noble person. Initially, he will serve as a military officer.” He then told Du Yan, “In twenty years, it is likely that the three of you will face simultaneous punishment and demotion, but it will be temporary, and you will soon be reinstated.”

Soon after, Du Yan was promoted to Imperial Censor. During the Wude era, he became a scholar at Tian Ce Fu. Wang Gui became a trusted advisor to the Crown Prince. Wei Ting was recommended by the Crown Prince Li Shimin during the end of the Sui Dynasty and became a commander. In the sixth year of Wude, the three were exiled to Junzhou. When Du Yan and the others passed through Yi Province, they visited Yuan Tiangang, exclaiming, “What you predicted in Luoyang was like divine prophecy! In light of today’s situation, please read our faces again.” Yuan Tiangang replied, “Your bone structure has surpassed what it was; you will return soon and ultimately enjoy wealth and honor.”

In June of the ninth year of Wude, all three were summoned back to the capital. On their way back, they passed through Yi Province and visited Yuan Tiangang again. Yuan Tiangang said, “When Du Gong reaches the capital, he will achieve a third-rank position. As for your lifespan, I am unsure. Wang and Wei, you too shall reach third-rank positions and enjoy longevity, but in your later years, career advancement may be limited. Wei Gong, this may be more pronounced for you.” Du Yan reached the capital and was appointed as Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Personnel concurrently. Wang Gui quickly became the Imperial Counselor and governor of Tongzhou. Wei Ting served as the governor of Mengzhou for several years until he passed away in office. All this unfolded as Yuan Tiangang had predicted.

During the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong, the emperor summoned Yuan Tiangang to the Jiucheng Palace, where the secretary, Cen Wenben, asked Yuan Tiangang for a face reading. Yuan Tiangang said, “The secretary has a broad face and eyebrows that extend beyond the eyes; your literary talent will be renowned throughout the realm. However, you have a bony head, which suggests unlikely great success. From behind, it seems you may not attain a third-rank position, yet from the front, you might. However, weak limbs and inconsistency between bones and flesh indicate that achieving a third-rank position might shorten your life.” After Cen Wenben was promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, he passed away shortly thereafter.

Fang Xuanling and Li Shensu visited Yuan Tiangang together. Fang Xuanling commented, “Shensu is confident about his talent; you should assess his face first to see what position he might achieve.” Yuan Tiangang replied, “I can’t see a fifth-rank position. Below the sixth rank, significant roles might still be available.” Li Shensu ceased inquiries about himself and asked, “What about Fang Gong? What rank might he achieve?” Yuan Tiangang said, “This gentleman will be very wealthy and noble; if you seek a fifth-rank position, you should enlist his help.” Li Shensu did not believe Yuan Tiangang's words. Later, Fang Xuanling became Prime Minister, and Li Shensu served as a Palace Attendant before passing away in office. When Emperor Gaozong heard about Yuan Tiangang’s predictions for Fang Xuanling, he honored Fang with a fifth-rank official title. Fang Xuanling in turn petitioned the emperor to bestow Yuan Tiangang with the title of Advisor. Duke Shen, Gao Shilian, asked Yuan Tiangang, “What position could you achieve in the future?” Yuan Tiangang replied, “I know my official career has ended; there will be no more advancements. I fear a great misfortune will befall me this April.” Indeed, before April concluded, Yuan Tiangang passed away.