Qin and Han · A man from Shanfu, skilled in physiognomy, and father of Empress Lü.

Lü Gong 呂公

Lǚ Gōng

Attested c. BC 210

Passages: 7
Chapters: 1
Histories: 1

Overview

Lü Gong was an A man from Shanfu, skilled in physiognomy, and father of Empress Lü.

Life and dates

Attested activity

c. BC 210 while Liu Bang was pavilion chief, before the anti-Qin uprising
Strongly inferred · Book of Han 1, passages 13-14, 17, 29

Places and affiliations

Shanfu 單父
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passage 14

Events and relationships

Type father · Person Empress Lü (呂后)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 25, 30
Type husband · Person Lü Po (呂媼)
Directly stated · Book of Han 1, passages 26-27

References in the histories

Book of Han, Chapter 1Volume 1: Annals of Emperor Gaozu 1 · 7 passages

單父人呂公善沛令，辟仇，從之客，因家焉。 Lü Gong from Shanfu was on good terms with the magistrate of Pei. To avoid his enemies, he became the magistrate's guest and settled his family there.

謁入，呂公大驚，起，迎之門。 When the announcement was read, Lü Gong was greatly startled. He rose and went out to welcome him at the gate.

呂公者，好相人，見高祖狀貌，因重敬之，引入坐上坐。 Lü Gong was skilled in reading faces. When he saw Emperor Gaozu's appearance, he was greatly impressed and led him inside to be seated in the place of honor.

酒闌，呂公因目固留高祖。 As the banquet ended, Lü Gong signaled insistently to keep Emperor Gaozu there.

呂公曰：「臣少好相人，相人多矣，無如季相，願季自愛。 Lü Gong said: "Since I was young, I've enjoyed reading faces. I've read many people's faces, but none compare to Ji's. I hope Ji takes good care of himself.

酒罷，呂媼怒呂公曰：「公始常欲奇此女，與貴人。 After the wine ended, Lü Po angrily confronted Lü Gong: "You always said this daughter was exceptional and should marry someone noble.

呂公曰：「此非兒女子所知。」 Lü Gong replied: "This is not something that mere children and women can understand."