Art of physiognomy

Author: Gu Tu

I know nothing about the art of physiognomy, nor have I studied works such as "The Divine Mirror of Tai Qing" or "The Physiognomy of Ma Yi." When I see a head, I don't know how it qualifies as "the abode where all yang gathers, the true home of the five elements," and when I see a face, I wouldn't begin to evaluate it through the eight methods of "dignity, thickness, clarity, antiquity, solitude, thinness, evil, and vulgarity." Though I occasionally catch sight of someone with a weasel-like head and rat-like eyes, I've never been able to discern features akin to those of dragons or phoenixes. However, in recent years, I suddenly discovered that my skill in reading people has developed without any formal teaching, and it proves accurate time and again.

Two years ago, I heard a vice mayor issuing commands over the radio. His words revealed a mixture of coarseness and nonsense, culminating in a laughable statement: "As they say in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' soldiers come in droves, and generals gather in crowds!" A few days later, I saw his face on the screen, and indeed, his appearance matched his words—he didn’t look at all like a 21st-century vice mayor. Little did I expect that my assessment would come true this year. As it turned out, once exposed, this vice mayor more resembled a thug...

...To be continued...