范蠡
There are early written records of Mien Shiang. In Book of Rites, it writes, "Those who look up are arrogant; Those who look down are worried; Those who look sideways are sly". After Gou Jian (勾践) of Yue (c. 470 BC) settled the State of Wu, Fan Li (范蠡) (536–488 BC) knew that Gou Jian had a "long neck and sharp upper lips", which meant they could face hardship together, but not enjoy peace together. Fan Li fled with Shih Tzu (西施) to the State of Qi and changed their names to lead a new life. Another historical example in which Mien Shiang was used was Wang An-shi (王安石) of Song Dynasty. Wang's eyes resembled those of ox, and his head shaped like those of tigers. It was said that if Wang could stare straight at the sun, he had a face with good fortune (贵相).