On the auspicious day, Feng Sheng cleaned the house and waited expectantly. By midnight, there was still no sign of the bride. Just as despair settled upon him, he heard a commotion outside the door. He hastily put on his shoes and went out to check. The wedding sedan chair was parked in the courtyard, and two maids helped the bride alight and ushered her into the bridal chamber. Her dowry was remarkably simple: just one large earthenware jar, and nothing else.

Feng Sheng was delighted to have found a good wife and felt no displeasure that Shiniang was an otherworldly being. In private, he asked his wife, "The Lady of the County is merely a female ghost; why is your entire family so deferential to her?" Shiniang replied, "After Minister Xue passed away, he was appointed Inspector of the Five Capitals. All ghosts and foxes within a hundred li are under his command. It is just that his official duties keep him busy, so he rarely comes home."

Not forgetting the Lady of the County’s kindness, the couple went to pay respects at the Old Madam's grave the next day. Upon their return, they saw two maids placing silk congratulations on the table, leaving without so much as a greeting to Feng Sheng. Perplexed, Feng Sheng asked his wife, "What was that all about?" Shiniang entered the room, examined the gifts, and said, "These are from the Lady of the County."

Young Master Chu in the county seat held a distinguished position; his father served in the Directorate of Transmission. Young Master Chu and Feng Sheng were fellow students and shared a deep camaraderie. Upon hearing that Feng Sheng had married, he immediately came to offer congratulations. A few days later, he invited Feng Sheng to his mansion for a banquet. When Shiniang heard of this, she told Feng Sheng, "When Young Master Chu visited last time, I observed him in secret. This man’s eyes are like an ape’s, and his nose like an eagle’s; it is best not to associate with him for long. Cutting off contact would be wise." Feng Sheng meekly agreed.

The following day, Young Master Chu arrived, reproaching Feng Sheng for breaking his promise, and presented a newly written essay, asking for his critique. As Feng Sheng reviewed it, he mocked it mercilessly. Young Master Chu was so ashamed he could find no place to hide, and they parted unhappily. Feng Sheng recounted the incident to his wife. Shiniang’s face palled upon hearing it and she said, "Young Master Chu has the nature of a jackal and a wolf; you should not jest with him. If my husband does not heed my warning, disaster will surely strike sooner or later." Feng Sheng merely laughed it off and paid it no mind. Afterward, he and Young Master Chu traded jests, and all previous resentment vanished.

The courtyard examination convened, and Young Master Chu placed first, with Feng Sheng taking second. Young Master Chu swelled with self-satisfaction and invited Feng Sheng out for a celebratory drink. Feng Sheng declined, but Young Master Chu insisted repeatedly until Feng Sheng finally agreed to attend. Upon arriving at the mansion, Feng Sheng found guests gathered in droves; it turned out to be Young Master Chu’s birthday celebration. During the feast, Young Master Chu displayed the examination papers for everyone to admire, drawing abundant praise. After several rounds of drinks, music swelled, and host and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.

Young Master Chu suddenly approached Feng Sheng and said, "There is an old saying: 'One does not discuss essays in the examination hall.' Now I realize this saying is utterly false. The reason I surpassed Brother Feng in this examination was merely because my opening statement was slightly superior." (The eight-part essay, or baguwen, is divided into eight sections: potou, chengtou, qijiang, rushou, qigu, zhonggu, hougu, and shugu.)

Before he finished speaking, a cheer erupted throughout the room. The effects of the wine overcame Feng Sheng, and he could no longer restrain himself. He burst into loud laughter, "Brother Chu is truly obstinate! You think taking first place was due to real skill? It was nothing more than connections." At these words, all present turned ashen. Young Master Chu was overcome with both shame and fury, clenching his chest in anger. The guests gradually dispersed, and Feng Sheng took the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. After sobering up, he was consumed by regret. He discussed the matter with his wife. Shiniang was displeased upon hearing it and said, "My husband is habitually frivolous and shows no sign of repentance. Yet, treating a gentleman with such levity means losing virtue; dealing with a scoundrel in that manner risks bringing death upon oneself. My husband’s disaster is not far off. I cannot bear to see you destitute, so I shall take my leave now."

Feng Sheng wept, "My lady, please do not go! I know I was wrong." Shiniang replied, "It is not difficult for me to stay, but we must establish three unbreakable rules: From this day forward, my husband must seal his door and cut off all outside friendships, and abstain entirely from wine." Feng Sheng ground his teeth and agreed, "Very well, I shall obey all your commands."

Shiniang was industrious and frugal, weaving cloth and embroidering daily to supplement their household income. Although she often returned to her parents' home for visits, she never stayed overnight. She also used gold and silver to start a small business, and every profit earned was deposited into the earthenware jar. During the day, the doors and windows were closed; if any visitor called, the old servant was instructed to turn them away.

One day, Young Master Chu sent a letter inviting Feng Sheng to meet. Shiniang did not even look at it before tossing it straight into the fire. The next day, Feng Sheng went out of the city to attend a funeral. At the deceased person’s home, he unexpectedly ran into Young Master Chu, who invited him again. Feng Sheng offered an excuse to decline, but Young Master Chu pressed him relentlessly, ordering his groom to forcibly hold the reins of Feng Sheng’s horse. Unable to refuse, Feng Sheng had no choice but to stop for a brief visit.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Young Master Chu arranged a banquet and ordered his concubines to play the zheng for entertainment. Feng Sheng, naturally wild and unrestrained, felt stifled from being idle at home, tasting no wine. Now, with fine spirits before him, he drank deeply without restraint. His high spirits flowed freely, and he completely forgot Shiniang’s admonitions. After several pots of wine, Feng Sheng collapsed onto the banquet couch, drunk.

Young Master Chu’s wife, Ruan Shi, was fierce and jealous. Two days prior, a maid had accidentally entered the study and engaged in impropriety with Young Master Chu. When Ruan Shi discovered this, her jealousy flared, and she beat the maid to death with a stick, smashing her skull. Young Master Chu had long harbored resentment toward Feng Sheng. A wicked plan formed in his mind: to frame him.

While Feng Sheng slept soundly, the husband and wife carried the maid’s corpse to the outer hall. They then helped Feng Sheng into the bedroom, shutting the doors and windows afterward. Feng Sheng awoke on the table, searching drowsily for his pillow and bedding. He felt something entangled around his foot and touched it—it was a woman. He thought to himself, Brother Chu is truly thoughtful; he feared I might be lonely and sent a maid to sleep with me. He kicked the woman lightly with his foot. She remained motionless, like a corpse.

Feng Sheng was terrified. He rushed out and called for help. The servants rushed in, lit the lamps, and upon seeing the dead body on the floor, all gasped in shock. They cried out, "Young Master Feng has committed murder!" Feng Sheng screamed that he was innocent. Soon, Young Master Chu came out to examine the body, falsely accusing Feng Sheng of murder following an attempted rape. He ordered his subordinates to escort Feng Sheng to Guangping Prefecture to face the magistrate.

A day later, the news reached Shiniang. The young woman wept bitterly and sighed, "I knew this disaster would come eventually." She visited Feng Sheng at the county office every day. Feng Sheng was brought before the court for interrogation. He faced the prefect, offered his innocent defense, and endured endless torture until his skin was nearly flayed off. When Shiniang came to visit, Feng Sheng was filled with indignant grief but had no means to defend himself. Shiniang knew her husband had been framed by a deep conspiracy and urged him to plead guilty for the time being to avoid further torture. Feng Sheng tearfully agreed.

Each time Shiniang visited the prison, though she was close by, no one detected her presence. Upon returning home, she sighed with emotion, dismissed her maids, and hired a matchmaker to purchase a respectable young girl named Lu'er, about fifteen years old, with a beautiful countenance. The mistress and servant ate and slept together, forming a deep bond.

Feng Sheng was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. The old servant went to inquire and, upon hearing the news, was overcome with sobs. Shiniang, however, remained composed, showing no concern. Time passed quickly until autumn, and Feng Sheng’s execution date was fast approaching. Only then did Shiniang begin to worry. She hurried about in all directions, leaving early and returning late. Whenever she was alone in a secluded spot, she grieved privately until she could neither eat nor sleep properly.

One afternoon, the maid suddenly arrived. Shiniang rose to greet her. After a brief exchange, Shiniang was all smiles, having completely shed her earlier anxiety, and managed the household affairs as usual. The next day, the old servant visited Feng Sheng in prison. Feng Sheng said, "Please tell my wife that this is our final farewell." Shiniang heard this and showed no sorrow, treating it lightly. The family members secretly murmured, "The mistress is too heartless."

Suddenly, passersby spread the news: Young Master Chu’s father had been dismissed from office for investigation, and an imperial envoy had been sent to retrial Feng Sheng's case. The old servant, hearing this, was overjoyed beyond measure and rushed to inform his mistress. Shiniang was also delighted and sent someone to the prison to inquire; Feng Sheng had already been released. Soon after, Young Master Chu was arrested and interrogated, confessing everything. Feng Sheng was acquitted without blame.

Upon returning home, husband and wife reunited after the disaster, both moved to tears. Feng Sheng asked, "I suffered this injustice; how did His Majesty come to know of this matter?" Shiniang pointed to the maid and said with a smile, "It was all due to her efforts."

Originally, Shiniang had sent the maid away to proceed to the capital to petition on Feng Sheng’s behalf. When the maid reached the capital, she was guarded by spiritual forces in the palace; as she herself was a fox demon, she could not enter. She wandered along the ditches and canals, and several months passed. Fearing she was delaying matters, the maid was preparing to return when she chanced upon news that the Emperor would be touring Datong. She went there in advance and transformed herself into a prostitute.

Emperor Wuzong, being fond of pleasure, visited the brothel for entertainment. The maid used all her charm and skill, winning the Emperor's deep affection. The Emperor was intelligent and saw at a glance that the maid was not one of the common women of the district. He inquired about her origins. The maid could only weep, saying nothing.

The Emperor asked, "Beauty, what grievance do you suffer?" The maid replied, "Your humble servant is from Guangping Prefecture, the daughter of scholar Feng. My father is wrongly imprisoned and will soon be executed. My family has suffered misfortune, forcing me to become estranged from my home. I beg Your Majesty to deliver justice for me." The Emperor was very sympathetic, bestowing upon her a hundred taels of gold. Before leaving, he asked for the full story, recording her name and details with pen and paper, saying, "Beauty, do not worry. If your father was indeed wronged, I will surely restore your justice. When this matter is concluded, I shall share wealth and honor with you." The maid replied, "I only wish for reunion with my father; I dare not ask for wealth and honor." The Emperor nodded and departed.

When Feng Sheng heard the account, he knelt to thank her, tears brimming in his eyes. Not long after, Shiniang told Feng Sheng, "If one is not entangled by affection, where would all this trouble come from? When my husband was arrested, I ran to relatives for help, but not a single person was willing to lend a hand. The bitterness of that experience is too much to recount. Now I have seen clearly through the mortal world and have found a suitable match for you. Let us part ways here."

Hearing this, Feng Sheng wept in sorrow and said, "If my lady has the heart to leave, then I can only kneel and refuse to rise." Indeed, he dropped to his knees and pleaded with her to stay. Shiniang sighed at the sight, but could only yield. That night, she arranged for Lu'er to serve him in bed, but Feng Sheng refused to accept. In the morning, he saw that Shiniang’s complexion had faded, and after another month, she grew increasingly aged. Half a year later, Shiniang’s skin was withered, dark, and ugly. Feng Sheng’s devotion remained unchanged; this did not alter his heart.

Shiniang bid farewell again, saying, "My husband already has a fine wife; why keep an old crone like me by your side?" Feng Sheng would not listen, only weeping. A month later, Shiniang suddenly fell ill, refusing food or drink, and remained bedridden. Feng Sheng sought doctors and diviners, but none were effective. Finally, Shiniang passed away from her illness. Feng Sheng was utterly devastated and attended to his wife’s funeral rites. Several days later, the maid also departed.

Feng Sheng was left alone and helpless. He then took Lu'er as his wife. A year later, they had a son, but the harvest was poor, and their life became difficult. The couple was at a loss and grew worried. In desperation, Feng Sheng suddenly remembered the earthenware jar in the corner; Shiniang often deposited money into it. He wondered if it was still there.

He walked to the corner and looked, finding only accumulated junk, bean pots, and salt containers scattered about. He could not locate the jar. He searched among the items one by one and finally found it. He poked it with a chopstick, but it felt hard and unyielding. He smashed it forcefully, and countless coins spilled out.

From then on, Feng Sheng’s household prospered. Later, the old servant went to Mount Taihua and chanced upon Shiniang. She was riding a green mule, with the maid following her on a lean horse. Shiniang asked, "Is my husband’s health well? Go back and tell him that I have already achieved immortality and he need not miss me anymore." As she finished speaking, she vanished.