This is China's first novel to explore contemporary officialdom and secular life through the lens of physiognomy and shamanic culture. The story begins with a mystical divination ritual and unfolds in flashbacks: He Liaofan rescues a master physiognomist during a blizzard, learning the secret art of reading faces—the ability to discern a person's status, fortune, and misfortune through their appearance, complexion, voice, and gait. As Master He's reputation soars, clients flock to his doorstep: businessman Lao Hong seeks his first fortune, official Liu Tie covets a coveted position amid political intrigue, and the county magistrate's wife hopes he'll divine a match for her son.
