One night, Old Mr. Li dreamed his closest friend visited him. They spoke in hushed tones, and Old Mr. Li asked, "Why have you come?" Lord Yutian replied, "I am about to depart, and so I bid you farewell." "Where are you going?" the elder asked. Lord Yutian said, "Very far." With that, he left. The old man escorted him into a valley where he noticed a fissure in the stone wall beside the path. They bowed to each other in parting; Lord Yutian, with his back to the crack, hesitated, backed away, and slipped into it. When called, there was no reply, and Old Mr. Li awoke with a start.

When dawn broke, the old man recounted the dream to his father, Mr. Jingyi, asking him to prepare mourning attire, declaring, "Lord Yutian has passed away." His father cautioned, "Do not rush. First, send someone to inquire about the news. If it proves true, then it is time to pay respects." Old Mr. Li paid no heed. Dressed in simple white garments, he proceeded to Lord Yutian's residence, only to find, indeed, a white banner hanging over the gate.

Alas! The ancients placed such unwavering faith in matters of life and death between friends. Was the tale of Fan Juqing faithfully keeping a promise and burying his deceased friend Zhang Shao merely a fabrication?

(The story of Fan Juqing can be found in Chapter Sixteen of Ming Shi Yuyan. Those interested may consult it themselves.)