Fan Shi-yi Niang, the daughter of the Libationer of Lucheng, was possessed of breathtaking beauty and deeply cherished by her parents. Suitors flocked to her door in an endless stream, yet Shi-yi Niang held herself in high regard and found none worthy. That year, during the Lantern Festival, Shuiyue Temple hosted the "Ullambana Assembly." The temple grounds were thronged with visitors, and Shi-yi Niang was among them. As she wandered about, she suddenly noticed a young woman trailing closely behind her, step for step, as if there were something she needed to convey.

Fixing her gaze, she saw a girl of fifteen or sixteen, radiating peerless grace. Shi-yi Niang felt an immediate fondness and offered a bright smile. The woman asked, "Is Elder Sister Shi-yi Niang?" Shi-yi Niang nodded. The woman replied, "I have long admired your name; seeing you today, the rumors are truly deserved." Shi-yi Niang inquired about the woman's background, and she answered, "This humble sister is surnamed Feng, third in birth order at home, and I live in the neighboring village."

The two took hands and conversed. The woman’s speech was gentle and mild, increasing Shi-yi Niang’s affection until she was reluctant to part. She asked, "Why does Sister travel without a companion?" Third Sister Feng replied, "My parents passed away early. There is only an old woman left at home to guard the gate, so I did not bring a maid to attend me."

After a while, Shi-yi Niang prepared to return home, saying, "My humble abode is not far; please come in for a while." Feng San Niang demurred, "Elder Sister belongs to a noble house, dwelling in vermilion gates and embroidered chambers, while my family is poor and friendless. To visit unannounced, I fear it might invite idle gossip." Shi-yi Niang invited her repeatedly, but Feng San Niang insisted, "Another day, perhaps."

Shi-yi Niang removed a gold hairpin from her hair and presented it to Third Sister. Third Sister reciprocated with a green hairpin.

After returning home, Shi-yi Niang, missing Third Sister, took out the green hairpin to admire it. The pin was neither gold nor jade, and her family could not identify it, finding it quite strange. Shi-yi Niang longed for Third Sister’s visit daily, her pining growing into sickness. Her parents learned of the matter and dispatched people everywhere to search for Third Sister, but they found nothing.

Time slipped by until the Double Ninth Festival. Shi-yi Niang lay sick in bed. Bored and restless, she allowed her maid to help her to the rear garden for some air, setting up a couch beneath the eastern osmanthus trees. Suddenly, a woman scrambled over the wall, peering in. Shi-yi Niang looked closely and realized the woman was none other than Third Sister. She heard her whisper, "Come, give me a hand."

The maid rushed forward to greet her, and Third Sister vaulted over the wall into the garden. Upon their reunion, both women were overcome with joy. Shi-yi Niang sprang from the couch, grasped Third Sister’s hand, and pulled her close, asking, "Why did you break your promise? Why haven't you visited me?" She also asked, "Where did Sister come from?"

Third Sister explained, "I have just returned from my maternal uncle's house. When I told you I lived in the neighboring village, I meant my uncle's home. Since we parted, I have often missed Elder Sister, but the vast disparity between our wealth and poverty made me ashamed, and I dared not visit. Just now, passing outside the wall, I heard voices speaking in the garden. Out of curiosity, I climbed the wall to look, never expecting it to be you, Elder Sister."

Shi-yi Niang exclaimed, "You heartless girl! Do you know how much I missed you? I even fell ill." Hearing this, Third Sister wept torrentially and cautioned, "My visit to you must remain a secret. If others were to spread rumors and gossip, it would be unbearable." Shi-yi Niang agreed. The two returned to the boudoir together, and from then on, they were inseparable, and Shi-yi Niang’s illness gradually healed. The two secretly swore sisterhood, becoming intimately close, sharing clothes and shoes. If anyone came, Third Sister would hide behind the curtain. They lived this way for five or six months until their parents finally noticed.

One day, the two were playing chess in the room when the Madam suddenly burst in. She scrutinized Third Sister’s countenance and laughed, "What a beautiful young lady, truly worthy of being my daughter's friend." Then she said to her daughter, "Having a close friend hidden in your chambers, neither of your parents objected. Why keep it from us?" Shi-yi Niang replied, "That was Third Sister’s wish; she did not wish to meet strangers." The Madam looked at Third Sister and asked, "Why is that?"

Third Sister’s face flushed crimson, and she remained silent, only tugging nervously at the sash of her gown. Soon after, the Madam departed, and Third Sister rose to take her leave. Shi-yi Niang pleaded fervently to make her stay, finally succeeding in stopping her.

One night, Third Sister rushed in frantically from outside the door, crying, "I said this place could not be held! Today I have indeed suffered an insult." Shi-yi Niang anxiously asked for the reason. Third Sister said, "Just now, when I went out to change, some young man appeared from nowhere and began to tease me. Fortunately, I escaped by chance; otherwise, what face would I have left?"

Shi-yi Niang asked for a description of the youth and then apologized, saying, "Sister, please do not be angry. That youth is my elder brother; he suffers from an ailment of the mind and is somewhat simple-witted. I beg your pardon for any offense he caused. I will inform Mother and have her punish him." Third Sister insisted on leaving. Shi-yi Niang said, "Even if you must leave, wait until dawn."

Third Sister replied, "My uncle’s house is not far from here. Lend me a ladder, and I can climb over the wall." Knowing it was impossible to keep her, Shi-yi Niang ordered a maid to escort her home. After climbing over the wall, they walked half a li, where Third Sister declined the escort, saying, "You need not send me further; please return."

The maid turned back alone. Shi-yi Niang lay on her bed weeping, unable to contain her sorrow. Several months later, the maid went on an errand to the eastern village and, returning at dusk, chanced upon Third Sister, accompanied by an old woman. The maid was overjoyed and stepped forward to greet her. Third Sister’s expression was mournful, and she asked, "How has Elder Sister been lately?"

The maid replied, "Miss often thinks of you, Young Lady." Third Sister said, "I miss her too. But I do not wish others to know. Here is what we shall do: you go back first and quietly unbolt the back door; I will come myself." The maid reported this to Shi-yi Niang, who was overjoyed. The two went to the rear garden. As soon as the gate was opened, Third Sister was already inside. They met, poured out their hearts to each other, talked the whole night through, and forgot the need for sleep in their delight.

After the maid fell into a deep sleep, Third Sister rose to sleep beside Shi-yi Niang, whispering by her pillow, "I know that you are waiting for marriage, peerless in talent and beauty—how could you lack a husband? But those frivolous young masters are simply not worthy of you. If you wish to find a worthy match, never slight the poor for the sake of wealth." Shi-yi Niang nodded in agreement.

Third Sister continued, "Shuiyue Temple will hold a Dharma assembly again this year. Tomorrow, Elder Sister should go for a visit; you will surely meet the man of your dreams. I have been able to read fortunes since childhood; believe me, I will not be wrong." Just as dawn broke, Third Sister took her leave, saying, "See you at Shuiyue Temple." Shi-yi Niang followed her advice and went to the temple, where Third Sister was indeed waiting.

The two toured together in a carriage, stepping out hand in hand. They saw a handsome scholar, about seventeen or eighteen, plainly dressed yet possessing a noble and striking appearance. Third Sister pointed at the scholar and said, "This is the Hanlin Academician." Shi-yi Niang glanced briefly but offered no comment. Third Sister then said, "Elder Sister, go back first; I will join you shortly."

At dusk, Third Sister arrived as promised and announced, "I have inquired for Elder Sister. The scholar's surname is Meng, and his given name is Anren; he is from the same locality as Elder Sister." Shi-yi Niang had heard of the scholar’s name and remarked, "This family is poor; I fear he is not a good match." Third Sister countered, "Why is Elder Sister like common folk, only judging by money? Scholar Meng is destined for high office; his poverty will not last long. If he does not achieve prosperity in the future, I am willing to gouge out both my eyes and never read fortunes again."

Shi-yi Niang asked, "What should be done now?" Third Sister instructed, "Please have Elder Sister present an item as a pledge, to form a covenant with the scholar, that neither will ever betray the other." Shi-yi Niang protested, "Matters of marriage cannot be so rashly decided. What if our parents do not agree?" Third Sister retorted, "It is precisely because we fear parental refusal that we must pledge our hearts privately. As long as Elder Sister's will is firm, the great matter will surely succeed." Shi-yi Niang repeated, "No, no."

Third Sister declared, "Elder Sister’s marriage fate is stirring, but the trial of passion has not yet passed. The reason I broker this match is to repay a kindness. I shall depart now and present the gold hairpin Elder Sister gave me to the scholar, saying it came from you." Shi-yi Niang said, "Wait, let me think about it further." Before she finished speaking, Third Sister was already gone.

Although Meng Anren was talented, his family’s poverty kept him single. Ever since seeing the two beauties at the temple, he could not forget them. Just as the first watch of the night ended, Third Sister arrived gracefully. The scholar was overjoyed and asked her name. Third Sister replied, "Your humble servant is surnamed Feng, companion to Fan Shi-yi Niang of the Fan household."

The scholar was delighted and asked no further questions. He seized the woman and attempted intimacy, but Third Sister resisted and declined, saying, "Your humble servant is not Mao Sui, but Cao Qiusheng. Shi-yi Niang wishes to pledge herself to you, Master Scholar, and I have come to act as her matchmaker." The scholar was stunned and disbelieving. Third Sister produced the gold hairpin as proof. The scholar was beside himself with joy, and after a long while, he said, "I am grateful for this cherished love. If Meng does not take Shi-yi Niang as his wife in this life, I would rather remain alone till old age."

Third Sister nodded and left. The next morning, the scholar asked an elderly neighbor to act as matchmaker. Madam Fan scorned the scholar’s poverty and, without consulting her daughter, flatly refused. When Shi-yi Niang learned of this, she was greatly disappointed and harbored resentment toward Third Sister. However, the gold hairpin had already been given away; the only path left was to persist.

Several days later, a local squire sought to marry his son to Shi-yi Niang, bringing in the county magistrate as matchmaker. This man held considerable power, and Master Fan felt apprehension and broached the matter with his daughter. Shi-yi Niang grew unhappy upon hearing this. Her mother asked what she planned to do; Shi-yi Niang remained silent, only weeping continuously. Secretly, she sent a message to her mother: "This child will only marry Scholar Meng in this life." Master Fan flew into a rage, suspecting his daughter had been intimate with the scholar. In a fit of anger, he married her off to the squire’s son posthaste.

Shi-yi Niang was furious and refused food, remaining in bed daily. On the day of the bridal procession, Shi-yi Niang suddenly rose from bed, went to the mirror to dress her hair. The Madam felt a secret joy. Moments later, a maid reported, "Miss has taken her own life!" The entire family was grief-stricken, filled with regret. Three days later, Shi-yi Niang was buried.

After the matchmaker returned, the scholar was filled with indignation. He went to the Fan mansion daily to inquire about news, hoping the Fan family might reconsider. Then he heard that Shi-yi Niang was betrothed to another, and his fury flared, plunging him into despair. Soon after, he heard Shi-yi Niang had passed away, and his rage turned into profound sorrow. That night, he went to the gravesite to pay respects to the departed beauty. As he wept uncontrollably, a figure suddenly drifted near. Upon approaching, he saw it was Third Sister.

Third Sister faced the scholar and announced, "Congratulations, Master Scholar; your marriage is about to be settled." The scholar’s tears flowed, and he asked, "Does Miss not know Shi-yi Niang is dead?" Third Sister replied, "It is precisely because Elder Sister has died that I have come to congratulate you. Quickly gather your family and dig open the grave; I have a miraculous medicine that can revive Elder Sister from death."

The scholar nodded in compliance. They dug up the grave, broke the coffin, removed Shi-yi Niang's body, and carefully refilled the earth. The scholar carried Shi-yi Niang back to his home and laid her on the couch. Third Sister fed her the medicine, and shortly thereafter, Shi-yi Niang indeed opened her eyes. Looking at Third Sister, she asked, "Where is this place?"

Third Sister pointed to the scholar and said, "This is Meng Anren." She briefly recounted the events and urged Third Sister not to let the news leak, adding, "Fifty li from here, there is a mountain village, very secluded. You can go there to temporarily avoid trouble." Shi-yi Niang asked, "Sister, will you come with me? If you don't come, I won't go either." Third Sister reluctantly agreed.

The two went to the village to live in seclusion. Shi-yi Niang pawned her burial articles to exchange for money to live on, ensuring their needs were met. Whenever the scholar came, Third Sister avoided seeing him. Shi-yi Niang calmly said, "We are sisters, as close as flesh and blood. Life is but a fleeting few decades; why not emulate Lady Ehuang and Lady Nüying and share one husband?"

Third Sister shook her head, saying, "I have cultivated Daoist arts since childhood, practicing respiration and absorption, seeking longevity. Therefore, I do not wish to marry." Shi-yi Niang laughed, "The arts of health preservation in this world are numerous as ox hair, and which one is truly effective?" Third Sister insisted, "The methods I cultivate are different from those in the world. All the oral formulas and techniques circulated are false. Only the Five Animal Frolics of Hua Tuo are true. Those who practice aim merely to promote blood circulation, reaching a state impervious to all ailments. When a practitioner of the Five Animal Frolics falls ill, they need only strike the postures of the various animals and guide their qi accordingly, and the illness will vanish."

Shi-yi Niang secretly plotted with the scholar, asking him to pretend to leave on a long journey. That night, Shi-yi Niang plied Third Sister with wine until she was drunk. The scholar secretly returned to the room and forcibly possessed her. When Third Sister awoke and realized she had lost her virtue, she lamented, "Elder Sister has caused irreparable harm. If I had not broken my vow of chastity, I would have had a chance to ascend to the Celestial Realm. Now that you have schemed against me, alas, this must be my fate." She got up to take her leave.

Shi-yi Niang sincerely apologized, saying, "I only meant well, but I have harmed you, Sister. Please do not go; stay here." Third Sister sighed, "Let me tell you the truth: I am a fox spirit. I accidentally saw Elder Sister's beauty and developed an affection for you, never intending for it to become self-entrapment resulting in this disaster. This is the trial of the demon of desire; it has nothing to do with you. If I remain, the demon of desire will revive, endlessly. Elder Sister is blessed with deep fortune; I hope you cherish yourself." With these words, she vanished.

The couple marveled for a long time. A year later, the scholar participated in the local and metropolitan examinations, succeeding brilliantly and being appointed as a Hanlin Academician. He prepared visiting cards and went to the Fan mansion to pay his respects. Master Fan was overcome with shame and regret and refused to see him. The scholar requested repeatedly until Master Fan finally appeared. They met, and the scholar performed the rites of a son-in-law, with perfect courtesy.

Master Fan grew even more ashamed and suspicion arose in his heart. He thundered, "Boy, have you come specifically to humiliate this old man?" The scholar replied, "This humble student has no such intention." They moved to a secluded spot, and the scholar related the entire story of Shi-yi Niang's death and revival. Master Fan shook his head in disbelief and sent someone to the village to check, only to be overcome with surprise and joy. He cautioned the scholar, "Only you and I know of this matter; do not spread it abroad, lest trouble arise."

Two years later, the squire was exposed for bribery and exiled to the eastern lands for military service. Shi-yi Niang achieved her wish and could finally return home.