Wang Zifu, a native of Luodian in Juxian County, lost his father at a young age. Gifted with sharp intelligence, he passed the Xiucai examination at fourteen. He was betrothed to a woman named Xiao, but she died before the marriage could take place, leaving him perpetually single.

That year, during the Lantern Festival, Wang Zifu went sightseeing in the countryside with his younger male cousin, Wu Sheng. A lady, accompanied by her maidservant, approached them with measured steps. The lady held a plum blossom in her hand, possessing a beauty beyond compare. Upon seeing her, Wang Zifu was utterly dumbstruck, staring for a long time, his soul completely captivated.

The lady had walked several paces when she noticed Wang Zifu's discomposure. She said to her maidservant, "This young man's gaze is too intense, like a thief's." She then tossed the flower she held onto the ground, gave a light, silvery laugh, and departed.

The beauty gone, Wang Zifu was filled with melancholy. He bent down to retrieve the fallen plum blossom and returned home in a state of dejection.

Back home, Wang Zifu could not forget the lady. He grew lovesick to the point of illness, refusing to speak or eat, spending his days in a daze, staring blankly at the plum blossom. His mother grew anxious, summoned physicians, and administered medicine, yet his condition showed no improvement. Watching her son waste away day by day, she harbored deep worries.

Not long after, Wu Sheng came to call. Wang Zifu's mother begged him to comfort her son. Wu Sheng readily agreed, laughing as he addressed Wang Zifu, "Cousin, to become this way over a woman—you truly are devoted! Don't worry, this matter is easily managed. I will go find out where that lady is. Since she was walking in the wilderness, she surely isn't the daughter of a noble house. If she is unmarried, I will act as matchmaker. If she is engaged, we'll just have to pay a hefty bride price; there’s no way we can’t succeed. You focus on recovering your health and wait for my news. Leave everything to me."

Hearing this, Wang Zifu’s face brightened, his spirits greatly lifted, and he began to eat a little again.

Several days later, Wu Sheng returned. Wang Zifu asked, "Have you settled things?"

Wu Sheng lied, "I have gathered the information. I thought she was some distinguished beauty, but it turns out she is my aunt’s daughter—your cousin, actually. In a few days, I will prepare the betrothal gifts and propose marriage. Although there might be some constraint against marrying within close relatives, if we explain the true situation, everything can be achieved."

Wang Zifu inquired, "Where does she live?"

Wu Sheng casually replied, "In the southwestern mountains, about thirty li from here." After exchanging a few more words, he hastily took his leave.

From then on, Wang Zifu’s appetite increased daily, and his health improved with each passing day. He would touch the plum blossom hidden beneath his pillow; though withered, it had fortunately not shed its petals. He would gaze at it lovingly, as if seeing the lady herself. However, since Wu Sheng’s departure, there had been no follow-up. Wang Zifu grew increasingly dispirited, thinking, "Thirty li is not a great distance. Why should I rely on others? I should visit her myself." So, concealing the plum blossom in his robe, he set off in a fit of stubborn resolve toward the Southern Mountain.

He traveled quickly until he reached a valley. He saw the mountains lush and green, the scenery tranquil. Gazing down into the valley depths, amidst red flowers and green trees, he vaguely discerned a small village.

Descending into the village, he passed several thatched cottages. To the north was a courtyard; in front of the gate grew a uniform row of willow trees, while inside the walls, the fragrance of peach and apricot blossoms mingled with the shade of tall, dense bamboo. Wang Zifu dared not barge in rashly and instead sat on a nearby large rock to rest.

Presently, a delicate female voice called from within the compound, "Xiao Rong!" He strained his ears to listen. A lady emerged, walking from east to west, holding an apricot blossom, seemingly about to tuck it into her hair. She inadvertently glanced up and immediately spotted Wang Zifu. She couldn't help but show a trace of surprise, hesitated in adorning herself with the flower, offered a slight smile, and entered the courtyard.

Wang Zifu looked closely and recognized her as the lady from the Lantern Festival. His heart soared with joy. He wanted to rush after her, but feared appearing too abrupt. He reasoned, "If my cousin didn't lie to me, this should be my aunt's home. But I have no prior acquaintance with my aunt, nor do I know what she looks like. To simply rush in might lead to a terrible embarrassment if I mistake someone!"

He stood wavering, unable to decide, pacing restlessly outside the courtyard, sometimes standing, sometimes sitting, his movements hesitant. He didn't know how much time had passed until the sun began to set and the sky gradually darkened. During this time, the lady, peeking from behind the courtyard wall, revealed half her face and spied on him several times. Seeing Wang Zifu lingering instead of leaving, she felt considerable surprise.

Suddenly, an old woman emerged, leaning on a cane, and fixed her gaze on Wang Zifu. "Which scholar are you, sitting here since the Chen hour? What exactly do you want? Are you hungry?"

Wang Zifu straightened his robes and replied, "I have come to visit relatives."

The old woman asked, "What is your relative's surname?"

Wang Zifu shook his head. "I do not know."

The old woman chuckled. "What a strange tale! You don't even know their name, yet you come to visit? You must be a mere bookworm. It is getting late; why don't you come inside with this old woman for a simple meal? There are beds inside as well; you can stay the night. After you inquire clearly, it won't be too late to visit your relatives."

Wang Zifu was, in fact, quite hungry and keenly wished to be near the beautiful lady. Hearing this, he nodded repeatedly and followed the old woman into the courtyard with evident pleasure.

Inside the gate, a path paved with white stones wound its way, strewn everywhere with vibrantly colored petals. They advanced along the winding path to a large hall, outside of which lay another courtyard filled with bean trellises and flower racks.

Entering the interior room, Wang Zifu saw walls as white and smooth as mirrors. A branch of a begonia tree extended into the room from outside the window. The tables, chairs, beds, and bedding inside were exceptionally clean.

As soon as he sat down, Wang Zifu noticed two figures outside the window secretly observing them. The old woman coughed and said, "Xiao Rong, hurry and prepare the meal. Who gave you permission to sneak around outside? Haven't you ever seen a man before?" A maidservant outside shouted her acknowledgment and went to prepare the dishes.

The old woman offered fragrant tea. After Wang Zifu took a sip, he began to detail his family history. The old woman listened attentively, then asked with astonishment, "Young man, is your ancestor truly surnamed Wu?"

Wang Zifu nodded. The old woman laughed, "So you are my nephew. Your mother is my younger sister. In recent years, my household fortunes have declined, and I have no sons, which is why I have not kept in contact with relatives. My nephew has grown so large, and I never knew him."

Wang Zifu smiled, "I came precisely to see my aunt. By the way, I have yet to learn my aunt's surname?"

The old woman replied, "My surname is Qin. I never bore children in my life; I only have one daughter, born to my late husband's concubine. Her mother remarried and left the child with me to raise. The little girl is not dull, just lacking in discipline; she is always giggling. I’ll have her come out to meet you later so you two cousins can get acquainted."

Soon after, the maidservant set out a feast, rich with fatty chicken, beef, and everything imaginable. After the meal, as the maidservant cleared the utensils, the old woman commanded, "Go call Ning Gu." The maidservant agreed.

A short while later, faint laughter could be heard approaching from outside the door. The old woman called out, "Yingning, your cousin is here." The soft giggling continued outside. The maidservant ushered her into the room. The lady kept laughing incessantly. The old woman frowned, "There is a guest present; why are you so boisterous? This is Scholar Wang, your maternal cousin—go pay your respects!"

Yingning managed to restrain her laughter, curtsied deeply, and Wang Zifu quickly returned the gesture. He then asked the old woman, "How old is your daughter?"

The old woman, slightly hard of hearing, asked, "What did you say?"

Wang Zifu had to repeat his question loudly. Yingning couldn't help but laugh again. The old woman sighed, "I told you this girl lacks proper upbringing; you see it for yourself. A sixteen-year-old girl, both silly and foolish, just like a child."

Wang Zifu remarked, "My sister is one year younger than me."

The old woman asked, "Is my nephew seventeen already? Perhaps he was born in the Gengwu year, the Year of the Horse?"

Wang Zifu nodded.

The old woman inquired, "Does he have a wife yet? Which family's daughter?"

Wang Zifu answered, "I have not married yet."

The old woman said, "With your talent and appearance, why are you still unmarried at seventeen? Is your standard too high? Coincidentally, Yingning also has no husband. You two would be quite well-matched, if only you weren't related."

Hearing this, Wang Zifu fell silent, only staring intently at Yingning.

The maidservant recalled the scene from the previous Lantern Festival and whispered to Yingning, "Your intense gaze, that thief-like look hasn't changed." Yingning merely giggled sweetly, then said to the maidservant, "Go see if the peach blossoms by the western wall have bloomed yet." As she spoke, she covered her mouth with her sleeve, her footsteps light, and she walked out. As soon as she was outside the door, she could no longer hold back, letting out a string of unrestrained, hearty laughter.

The old woman also rose to her feet and instructed the maidservant to prepare a bed for Wang Zifu. "My nephew has come for a rare visit; stay three or five days before we send you back. If you find it dull, there is a small garden behind the house where you can amuse yourself. If you enjoy reading, you can go to the study; there are many books stored there."

The next day, Wang Zifu went to the back of the house and found indeed a garden about half a mu in size, adorned with colorful flowers and lush green grass. As he wandered, he suddenly heard a rustling sound from the trees. Looking up, he saw Yingning playing in the branches. Upon seeing Wang Zifu, she burst into laughter again.

Wang Zifu worried for her safety and called out, "Don't move about so wildly; you might fall!"

Yingning continued to giggle as she climbed down. As she neared the ground, she lost her footing and finally fell, which stopped her laughter momentarily. Wang Zifu stepped forward to help her up, taking the opportunity to brush her palm twice. Yingning erupted in laughter once more, laughing until her stomach ached and she could not walk, forced to lean against the tree, panting.

When she had laughed enough, Wang Zifu took the plum blossom from his sleeve and showed it to her. Yingning took it, examined it, and said, "The flower is all withered; why keep it?"

Wang Zifu replied, "This is the flower you tossed away on the Lantern Festival, so I have kept it safe."

"What use is keeping it?"

"To see the flower and remember the person—love never fades. Ever since I saw you on the Lantern Festival, I have thought of you daily, falling so ill with longing that I thought I would not live long. I never expected fate would allow us to meet again today. I beg you, Miss, to fulfill my desire."

"This is no great matter; we are relatives, no need to be ceremonious. Do you like fresh flowers? There are plenty in the courtyard. When you return, I will ask the old servant to cut a large bundle and send it to you."

Wang Zifu was caught between laughter and tears. "Are you perhaps simple-minded, sister?"

"How am I simple-minded?"

"I don't love the flower; I love the one who held the flower."

"We are relatives already; isn't that affectionate enough?"

"The love I speak of is not familial affection, but the love between husband and wife."

"Is there a difference?"

"Of course there is a difference! Husband and wife can share a bed."

Yingning lowered her head and thought for a long time. "But I don't like sleeping with strangers." Before she finished speaking, the maidservant quietly approached, and Wang Zifu hastily retreated.

After a while, Wang Zifu and Yingning went together to the old woman's quarters. The old woman asked, "Where have you two been?"

Yingning replied, "Talking with Big Brother in the garden."

The old woman said, "The food is nearly scorched. What is there to talk about for so long?"

Yingning said, "Big Brother wants to sleep with me." Wang Zifu flushed deeply upon hearing this and glared at her, but fortunately, the old woman's poor hearing prevented her from catching the remark clearly.

After dinner, Wang Zifu quietly chided Yingning, "Some things should not be said carelessly."

Yingning asked, "What I just said shouldn't have been said?"

"Of course not. Such things should only be known between you and me, kept secret from others."

"Secret from others? But Mother is not an outsider; why should we keep it from her? Besides, sleeping together is very normal; what's the taboo?"

Hearing this, Wang Zifu could only offer a wry smile. He truly had no way to deal with Yingning’s lack of understanding. Just then, a donkey's bray sounded from outside the gate—it was a servant sent by his own mother, who wondered why he had been away so long.

Wang Zifu also began to miss home, so he went to bid farewell to the old woman, saying, "I wish to take Cousin Yingning home with me; I ask for your permission, Aunt."

The old woman smiled, "I have long wanted to visit my sister, but I am too old to travel far. It is excellent that you will take your cousin back to meet her aunt. You can get acquainted." She called Yingning over and instructed her carefully, "Your cousin is taking you home; pack your things, and we will leave immediately. Your aunt’s family has much land; they won't mind supporting an extra idle person. Don't rush back. When you arrive, you must study more poetry and etiquette so you know how to serve your in-laws in the future. While you are there, ask your aunt to arrange a marriage for you, find a good husband."

Yingning said nothing, just kept smiling. The old woman glared at her and sighed, "What is so joyous that you can’t stop laughing? If you weren't smiling, you would be perfectly flawless."

Yingning returned home with Wang Zifu. Wang Mu came out to greet them. Seeing Yingning’s striking appearance, she was quite startled and asked, "Who is this young lady?"

Wang Zifu replied, "Her name is Yingning; she is my aunt's daughter."

Wang Mu quietly said to her son, "I have no sister, so how can I have a niece? Everything Wu Sheng told you before was a lie." She then asked Yingning, "Child, who is your father?"

Yingning replied, "My father was surnamed Qin. He died when I was still an infant; I don't remember much."

Wang Mu nodded, "I did indeed have an older sister who married into the Qin family, but she died long ago. How could she still be alive?" She then inquired about the appearance of Yingning’s birth mother. Yingning said, "My mother had a mole on her face."

Wang Mu nodded, "That’s right; what you say is exactly correct."

As they were speaking, Wu Sheng arrived to call. Yingning was unwilling to meet strangers and quickly retreated to the inner room. Wu Sheng had never seen Yingning and naturally asked many questions. After some inquiry, he finally understood the situation and suddenly exclaimed, "Is this girl really named Yingning?"

Wang Zifu nodded, "Yes."

Wu Sheng mumbled, "What a coincidence. I had an aunt who married into the Qin family and passed away shortly after. Her husband remained single, was infatuated by a fox spirit, and fathered a daughter. Her name was also Yingning. I saw her when she was a child. Later, when my uncle died, the fox spirit, mindful of their past connection, often visited our home. The family was frightened and invited a Heavenly Master to affix many talismans to the walls, only then did the fox spirit leave with her daughter. Could the Yingning we just saw possibly be the daughter of that fox spirit?"

The three looked at each other, all hesitant to draw a conclusion. At that moment, Yingning's laughter drifted from inside the house, unending. Wang Mu smiled gently, "This young girl is too naive and simple." As she spoke, she sent a servant to ask her to come out and meet the guest. Yingning held back her laughter, stepped out, bowed to Wu Sheng, then immediately turned back into the room and burst into loud laughter again.

Wang Zifu entrusted Wu Sheng with investigating the situation in the Southern Mountain. When they reached the valley, they discovered that the small mountain village had vanished into thin air, leaving only withered grass and scattered wildflowers. Wu Sheng recalled that his aunt's burial site was seemingly nearby, and doubt began to surface in his mind: Could Yingning not be human, but rather a ghost?

Upon returning, he told Wang Mu what he had experienced. Wang Mu also suspected Yingning was a ghost. She entered the room and recounted Wu Sheng's observations to Yingning. Yingning showed no fear. When Wang Mu pitied her for having no family, Yingning showed no sadness either; she only smiled foolishly all day long. None of them could fathom her.

Wang Mu arranged for her younger daughter to live with Yingning. Every morning, Yingning would go to pay her respects to Wang Mu. The needlework and handicrafts she produced were exquisitely fine. But she loved to laugh, and no one could stop her. Although Yingning's laughter was spontaneous, it was exquisitely beautiful, and everyone enjoyed watching her laugh. Neighboring girls vied to associate with her.

Wang Mu planned to choose an auspicious day for her son and Yingning to marry, but she constantly worried that Yingning might be a ghost. One time, she secretly observed Yingning in the sunlight and discovered that her shadow was no different from that of a normal person, finally putting her mind at ease.

On the wedding day, Yingning was adorned with the phoenix coronet and elaborate robes. During the ceremony to pay respects to Heaven and Earth, she could not stop laughing, which rendered the wedding proceedings impossible. They had to conclude the rites hastily.

Because of Yingning's simple and guileless nature, Wang Zifu feared she might inadvertently reveal their private matters. However, Yingning was not ignorant; she never mentioned the secrets between husband and wife to outsiders. Whenever Wang Mu felt troubled or unhappy, simply hearing Yingning’s laughter would immediately lift her spirits. Furthermore, when the servants made mistakes, they all knew to seek Yingning's intercession. Wang Mu cherished her deeply, and when Yingning spoke up, her request was often granted.

Yingning had an obsessive love for flowers, planting them everywhere in the courtyard, even pawning gold and silver jewelry to buy saplings and seeds. In the rear courtyard stood a sweet osmanthus tree, bordering the western neighbor’s house. Yingning often climbed the tree to play. A young man from the western house caught sight of Yingning’s beauty from afar and couldn't resist approaching to tease her. Yingning neither avoided him nor reacted, only continuing to smile incessantly. The young man mistook Yingning's demeanor as interest in him, becoming increasingly reckless.

Yingning pointed toward a corner of the wall and walked away, still laughing. The young man assumed she was indicating a meeting spot. That evening, he eagerly went to the rendezvous and indeed found Yingning waiting by the wall corner. He immediately stepped forward to embrace and fondle her, thrusting his groin against her. Suddenly, a piercing, heart-rending pain shot through his vital organ. He let out a howl, rolling on the ground in agony. Upon closer inspection, there was no Yingning—only an old tree stump.

The young man’s father heard the cry and came to investigate. He saw a hole in the tree stump containing a venomous scorpion. The young man’s injury must have been caused by a sting to a vital area. He returned home, but died shortly thereafter.

The enraged father reported the incident to the magistrate, accusing Yingning of being a demon. Since Wang Zifu had an excellent reputation, the county magistrate quickly closed the case: the old man from the west house had falsely accused an honest citizen and was dismissed without consideration.

When Wang Mu heard the news, she secretly admonished Yingning, "You are always laughing carelessly; I knew this would cause trouble. Fortunately, the County Magistrate was understanding. If we had encountered a muddle-headed official, we would certainly have been summoned to court for interrogation, and I would have no face left if that happened."

Yingning swore, "From now on, I will never laugh again."

Wang Mu replied, "How can a person never laugh? One must simply know the appropriate time and place."

But no matter how gently Wang Mu tried to persuade her, Yingning never laughed again after that incident. Even when family members deliberately tried to amuse her, she would not smile, though she remained carefree, knowing nothing of worry.

One night, Yingning suddenly adopted a serious expression and wept softly to her husband. Wang Zifu was greatly surprised and quickly asked, "What is wrong?"

Yingning choked back a sob, "In the short time I have spent with you, my husband, I dared not reveal my origins. Now that your mother and you have both treated me so well, I can no longer hide it. In truth, I am not human; I was born of a fox. When my mother left, she entrusted me to my Ghost Mother, and we depended on each other for more than ten years to reach this day. I have no siblings, so I must ask my husband for help with one matter. My Ghost Mother lives alone underground and is very lonely. Last night, she dreamt to me, hoping to be buried alongside my father. If my husband does not mind the trouble and expense, fulfilling the Ghost Mother's wish would earn my deepest gratitude."

Wang Zifu readily agreed, "Fine, I will take care of this matter. However, the Ghost Mother's grave is buried under overgrown weeds and will be difficult to find."

Yingning replied, "There is no need to worry about that."

A few days later, Wang Zifu prepared a coffin, and together with Yingning, they journeyed to the Southern Mountain. They exhumed the old woman's body and interred it, then located the tomb of her late husband, Mr. Qin, and buried them together.

That night, the old woman appeared in a dream to thank Wang Zifu. Upon waking, he told his wife. Yingning said, "I also saw the Ghost Mother last night. She instructed me not to frighten you."

Wang Zifu asked, "Why didn't you invite the old lady to stay?"

Yingning explained, "She is a ghost. This place has many living people and strong yang energy; how could she dare stay long?"

Wang Zifu also asked about Xiao Rong's current situation. Yingning said, "She is also a fox spirit, the most cunning of them all. My birth mother left her to look after me, often feeding me with appropriated food, so I always cared for her. Last night, the Ghost Mother told me she is already married."

From then on, every year during the Cold Food Festival, Wang Zifu and his wife would visit the Qin family gravesite to offer sacrifices, never failing to do so. A year later, Yingning gave birth to a baby boy. While still in swaddling clothes, he showed no fear of strangers, smiling at everyone he saw, showing a distinct resemblance to his mother's demeanor.