Han Sheng, a young master from a prominent family, was known for his hospitality. His neighbor, Xu, was a close friend who frequently visited just to share in Han Sheng's wine. One day, as the two were feasting, a Daoist priest appeared, holding an alms bowl and begging. The servants offered him money and grain, but the priest refused both, yet made no move to leave. The servants grew furious and ignored him, but soon they heard a clatter and banging from outside that reached Han Sheng's ears.

Han Sheng inquired about the commotion, and the servants explained the situation. Before they could finish, the priest entered uninvited. Sensing something amiss, Han Sheng gestured for the Daoist to sit. The priest cupped his hands in a formal bow to the four directions, then unceremoniously seized a chair and sat down. When Han Sheng asked his origins, the priest replied, "I reside in the ruined temple in the East Village." Han Sheng, astonished, remarked, "When did the Daoist master move to the East Temple? I, your humble host, was entirely unaware and beg your forgiveness for failing in my duties."

The priest smiled faintly. "I travel far and wide. I heard the esteemed layman spends lavishly, so I came especially to beg a cup of wine." Han Sheng graciously poured him a large cup, which the priest downed in one gulp; he possessed a remarkable capacity for drink.

Xu, noticing the priest's ragged clothes, felt a distinct displeasure, his mannerisms growing cold and lacking in courtesy. Han Sheng, too, treated the priest merely as an audacious fellow from the Jianghu. After more than twenty cups, the priest announced his departure.

From that day forward, whenever Han Sheng and Xu gathered for a drink, the priest would invariably appear, partaking of any food or wine offered. As time passed, Han Sheng grew somewhat weary of this routine, thinking to himself, "This Daoist is far too persistent; coming here daily to sponge food and drink—the frequency is simply excessive."

One evening, during a shared meal, Xu jokingly, yet with a hint of sarcasm, remarked, "The Daoist master is a guest at our table every day; when will you ever host us in return?"

The priest laughed. "Like the esteemed layman, I, too, carry a mouth upon my shoulders." Upon hearing this, Xu's face flushed crimson, too ashamed to formulate a reply.

The priest drank another cup and then said, "Even so, what Layman Xu said is not without merit. Tomorrow, I shall prepare wine and refreshments at my humble dwelling. If you two gentlemen do not disdain the offer, please join me for a visit." After speaking, he took another sip and added as an instruction, "The feast is set for noon tomorrow. If you are late, I will not wait." With a hearty laugh, he departed.

The following day, Han Sheng and Xu made plans to visit the East Temple together. Upon arriving before the temple gates, they found the priest waiting outside, chatting merrily, who then escorted them inside. Stepping into the compound, they were stunned to see the temple pristine, its pavilions continuous and newly built. They asked in wonder, "We haven't been here in ages; when was this magnificent new temple completed?"

The priest replied, "It was finished just this morning."

They entered the main hall, where the furnishings were so opulent and magnificent that they far surpassed the homes of princes and lords, instantly filling them with solemn reverence. Seated on their chairs, seven or eight youths, around fifteen or sixteen years old, clad in silk brocade and embroidered shoes, bustled back and forth, continuously serving an array of exquisite dishes and fine wines. The liquors were fragrant, the cuisine delicate—every single item a supreme delicacy.

After the meal, serving maids presented desserts, accompanied by a full spread of seasonal fruits: cherries, waxberries, slices of watermelon, water caltrops, and lychees—countless varieties of fruit, all presented in crystal plates and jade bowls and platters. The glass goblets were filled with ruby-red wine, its scent almost intoxicating.

The priest lifted his cup, took a small sip, and remarked, "Where are the Shi sisters? Why haven't they come out to greet our guests?" A short while later, two stunning beauties gracefully emerged. The elder was perhaps twenty, slender as a young willow, while the younger was fifteen or sixteen, graceful and alluring. Both were unparalleled in beauty.

The priest commanded, "Sing us a tune to liven the mood." The two women agreed with a smile; one kept the beat while the other played a haunting melody on a transverse flute. Their voices were clear and delicate, exquisitely beautiful.

When the song concluded, the priest pointed to the empty wine cups before them and said, "The wine is finished; why haven't you refilled the guests' cups?" The two women obeyed in sweet tones, gently flexing their pale wrists as they poured the fine wine into the crystal goblets in turn.

The priest then said, "The beauties haven't danced in ages; perform one for us to see." With a clap of his hands, several young attendants spread a crimson carpet on the floor. The two beauties swayed their hips, dancing in tandem, their long robes swirling, scattering fragrant dust.

When the dance ended, the two beauties leaned against a painted screen, appearing somewhat fatigued. Han and Xu, their minds clear and spirits soaring, were utterly captivated, their souls lost in the moment.

The priest smiled faintly, grabbed his wine cup, and drank it down in one swallow. He then stood up and announced, "Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable; I shall return shortly."

They watched him proceed to the south wall, where a soft, inlaid couch lay waiting. The two beauties smoothed the embroidered quilts and helped the priest recline. The priest extended a wrist, drawing the elder girl to lie beside him for companionship, while commanding the younger girl to kneel at the foot of the bed to massage his soles.

Han and Xu watched this display, their resentment mounting. Xu bellowed, "Impudent Daoist, cease your rudeness!" His fists clenched, adopting a posture ready for battle. The priest startled, scrambled up from the bed in a flurry, and fled in haste.

The younger girl remained kneeling by the edge of the bed. Xu, feigning intoxication, suddenly pulled her into his embrace, dragged her toward the northern couch, and began shamelessly groping her.

The elder girl lay motionless beneath the quilt. Xu chuckled, "Brother Han, are you a blockhead? The beauty is right beside you; shouldn't you be doing something?"

Han Sheng suddenly understood, stripped off his clothes, and climbed onto the bed, intent on embracing the maiden. However, the girl seemed deeply asleep; no matter how he moved her, she showed no response. Han Sheng sighed in resignation, yet reluctant to let go, he simply held the girl tight in his arms until dawn.

The next morning, Han Sheng awoke, sobered by the chill in the figure he held. He focused

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