The Prefect of Fenzhou, Master Zhu, lived in a house plagued by fox spirits. One still night, while sitting quietly in his study, a woman moved back and forth in the lamplight. Zhu initially assumed she was one of his maids, paying her little mind. However, focusing his gaze, he saw a woman of stunning beauty whom he did not recognize, immediately thinking, "This must be a fox demon."

Captivated by her appearance, he beckoned her closer. The woman laughed lightly, "My lord speaks sternly, surely taking me for a servant in this house. What a pity your eyes have been mistaken."

Master Zhu smiled, rose, and pulled over a stool, inviting the woman to sit. After some conversation, their spirits entwined, and they embraced, sleeping together. They spent their days in happy intimacy, much like a newly married couple.

One day, the woman told Master Zhu, "My lord, you will soon be promoted."

Zhu asked, "When exactly?"

The woman replied, "It is imminent. However, while there is celebration in the prefecture, there is also mourning at your ancestral home—it will be difficult to take up the new post."

Three days later, the promotion order arrived exactly as foretold. But the very next day, grievous news reached him from home: the venerable Madam had passed away.

Master Zhu resigned his post to return home for the mourning period and attempted to invite the woman to accompany him. She refused, escorting him only to the riverbank. Zhu forcibly tried to pull her onto the boat, but the woman stated, "My lord, you do not know this: fox spirits cannot cross running water." Hearing this, Zhu was filled with reluctance to part.

The woman suddenly departed, saying she had to visit an old acquaintance. A short while later, she returned, saying, "Please, my lord, board the boat. I shall see you across the river."

Zhu questioned her, "Did you not just say foxes cannot cross water? How is it possible now?"

The woman explained, "The reason I left just now was to petition the River God himself, asking his permission for me to cross. The God has granted me a ten-day grace period, which is why I can ride the boat with you, my lord."

Ten days later, the woman indeed bid Master Zhu farewell and departed.