Chen Bijiao, courtesy name Yunming, was a native of Hebei. His family was poor, and he served under Deputy General Jia Wan.

One day, the two traveled to Hunan and anchored their boat in Dongting Lake. A Zhuopolong (River Dragon) surfaced from the water. Jia Wan shot an arrow into its back ridge, but a small fish tightly clamped onto the dragon's tail. They captured the dragon and the fish together, secured them with iron chains, and placed them on the deck. The Zhuopolong lay gasping, its mouth opening and closing as if begging for help.

Chen Yunming felt a pang of pity and pleaded with Jia Wan to spare the Zhuopolong. He applied his Jinchuangyao (Trauma Powder) to the dragon's wound and released it. The creature slipped back into the water, floated momentarily, and then vanished. A year later, Chen Yunming was returning north to his hometown, passing through Dongting Lake again. A sudden gale struck, overturning their vessel. In the chaos, he managed to grasp a piece of driftwood and drifted through the night until he reached the shore.

Just as he scrambled ashore, a floating corpse drifted by—it was Chen's young attendant. Chen Yunming pulled the body onto the bank. The boy had been dead for some time, and Chen felt deep sorrow. He looked around: green hills, lush willows, and few travelers; there was nowhere to ask for directions. He sat there from dawn until the Chen hour, the sun high in the sky, feeling melancholic.

Suddenly, the attendant's limbs twitched, and he spat out several gallons of clear water, reviving completely. Chen Yunming was overjoyed. The master and servant stripped off their clothes and laid them on a large rock to dry. By noon, the clothes were finally dry. Both were ravenously hungry and could not bear it any longer. They hurried up the mountain, seeking a village. Halfway up, they heard the sharp sound of long arrows piercing the air, incessantly. Listening closely, they saw two fine steeds galloping toward them. On the horses were two young maidens, expert riders, both with red scarves wrapped around their heads, pheasant feathers tucked into their topknots, wearing purple robes cinched with green sashes. One maiden held a slingshot, while the other wore a protective guard on her arm.

Chen Yunming paid them no mind and climbed over the ridge. He then saw dozens of horses racing through the forest, all ridden by young women dressed identically to the first two. Chen Yunming dared not approach. A man resembling a groom galloped up. Chen Yunming stopped him to inquire. The man replied, "This place is called Shou Mountain. Today is the day the Lord of West Lake goes hunting; these maidens are all his subordinates. Who are you, sir?"

Chen Yunming briefly recounted his story and concluded, "I am exhausted and thirsty. Do you have any food?" The man retrieved dry rations from his pack and gave them to Chen, warning him, "The Lord of West Lake dislikes strangers. You had best leave quickly, or your life will be in danger." Chen Yunming, filled with dread, immediately sped down the mountain. At the foot of the mountain, he suddenly spotted a corner of palace buildings faintly visible through the dense woods. He thought, "Perhaps it is a temple; I could ask for shelter there."

When he approached, he saw towering red walls and a small stream flowing before the main hall. The hall doors were half-open, and a stone bridge spanned the water, connecting to the main structure. They passed through the gates and found the courtyard filled with exquisite pavilions and waterside houses, as grand as an imperial palace. They wandered about, noticing occasionally the growth of green vines and the fragrant blossoms. Passing through several covered corridors, they came upon another secluded courtyard with dozens of weeping willows; the cry of a mountain bird sent petals scattering, and a gentle breeze made elm seed-leaves fall in showers.

Chen Yunming felt his spirit refreshed and wandered about. Passing through a small pavilion, he found a garden with a swing set that seemed to reach the clouds. The area beside the swing was silent and deserted, with no sign of human presence. Chen Yunming thought, "Since there is a swing, this must be near the ladies' quarters; I must not venture further." As he pondered this, he suddenly heard the whinnying of horses outside the gate, mixed with the clamor of women’s laughter. Chen Yunming was greatly startled and quickly hid with his attendant among the flower bushes.

Soon, the laughter grew closer. He heard one woman say, "Our luck was poor today; we didn't catch anything good." Another replied, "It’s a good thing the Princess shot down that great goose, or we would have returned empty-handed." As they spoke, several maids in red escorted a young lady into the pavilion. The lady was fourteen or fifteen, dressed in short-sleeved military attire, with hair like silk and a waist like a willow, possessing unparalleled beauty.

The maids presented fragrant tea. After sipping a few mouthfuls, the lady stepped down to the base of the platform. The maids asked, "Your Highness, you must be tired from riding. Are you still in the mood for swinging?" The lady smiled and nodded. The maids crowded around her, holding her shoulders and arms, adjusting her skirt and shoes, attending to her pleasure. The Princess gracefully rested her wrists and sat on the swing. The maids pushed together, sending the swing soaring into the sky, light as a flying swallow.

After a spell of play, the Princess grew a little weary and stepped down to rest. The maids chuckled, "Your Highness's spirit is truly divine." Amidst the laughter, the entourage slowly dispersed. Chen Yunming watched for a long time, his soul captivated. Seeing the women depart, he walked dazed to the swing, lingering in ecstasy as he recalled the Princess’s grace.

In a fleeting glance, he spotted a red kerchief lying on the grass. Knowing it must have been dropped by the ladies, he quickly picked it up and tucked it into his sleeve. Seeing the writing implements set on the desk in the pavilion, his poetic inspiration surged. He took up a brush, moistened the ink, and inscribed a poem on the red kerchief: "Whose elegant game rivals the half-immortal? Clearly the Jade Maiden scattering golden lotuses. Even the troupe in the Moon Palace must envy this sight; Believe not that she treads the Ninth Heaven."

Having finished the inscription, Chen Yunming recited the poem aloud as he slowly left the pavilion. He tried to retrace his steps, but the heavy gates and doors were all tightly locked. With no choice, he began to wander aimlessly. Just as he felt lost and helpless, a woman suddenly appeared and asked, "Who are you, sir? How did you get here?"

Chen Yunming replied, "I am a lost traveler; I beg you, good lady, to show me the way." The woman asked, "My sisters have lost a red kerchief; did you pick it up?" Chen Yunming admitted, "That is correct. However, the kerchief has been soiled; what should be done about that?" As he spoke, he handed the kerchief to the woman. Her expression changed: "You are done for. This red kerchief is the Princess's personal token; who permitted you to scribble upon it?" Chen Yunming grew fearful and begged, "Please, sister, save my life." The woman said, "You trespassed into the royal palace, a serious crime already. Now you have defiled the Princess's silk scarf—you brought this upon yourself, and there is no saving you. Though I wish to help, I have no means." She took the kerchief and hastily departed.

Chen Yunming waited, anxious and apprehensive, wishing he had wings to escape the dangerous place quickly. Realizing he had committed a grave offense and was far from home, whom could he ask for help? He could only await execution.

After a long while, the woman returned, her face smiling, congratulating him, "Sir, there is a slim chance of survival. The Princess just gazed at the kerchief, reading it over three or four times, and showed no anger. Perhaps she will let you go. For now, you must simply endure. Do not climb trees or hide in walls; if discovered, you will surely die." With that, she left.

Chen Yunming waited alone in the room for news, uncertain of his fate. As time dragged on, hunger gnawed at him, making him suffer almost to death. Soon after, the woman returned with a lamp, bringing wine and food to entertain Chen. Chen Yunming asked, "What did the Princess say?" The woman replied, "I just asked the Princess, 'How should the scholar in the garden be dealt with? If we forgive the past transgression, let him go. Otherwise, just let him starve to death.' The Princess pondered for a long time and then said, 'Where can I send him in the dead of night?' She specifically instructed me to bring you food and provisions; this is a good omen."

Chen Yunming remained in the secluded room, restless through the night. The next day, just before the Chen hour, the woman came again, frowning, "The Princess neither ordered you killed nor released. We servants cannot fathom our mistress's mind and dare not speak rashly on your behalf." As the sun began to set, the woman rushed into the room, her expression panicked, saying, "This is bad. Someone with loose lips has leaked news of your presence to the Queen Consort. The Queen Consort is furious and is coming to settle accounts with you. Disaster is near." Chen Yunming was greatly alarmed, his face turning ashen. He knelt down, crying only, "Save me."

Just then, he heard a clamor of voices. The woman signaled him to hide. Before Chen Yunming could rise, several maids carrying ropes burst in with menacing intent. One maid, spotting him, exclaimed in surprise, "Young Master Chen, is that you?" She waved her hand, ordering her companions, "Hold on before seizing him. Let me report back to the Queen Consort and then we can decide." She turned and rushed out. Not long after, the maid returned and said, "The Queen Consort requests your presence, Young Master Chen. Please follow me."

Chen trembled as he followed through dozens of gates to a palace. A charming maid lifted a pearl curtain and called out, "Young Master Chen has arrived." Chen Yunming looked up and saw a beautiful lady seated on the high dais, clad in magnificent splendor. He immediately knelt and kowtowed, saying, "I unintentionally offended the Princess; I beg the Queen Consort for mercy." The Queen Consort hastily stood and helped him up, saying, "If it hadn't been for your saving grace, I would have died violently long ago. My servants lack proper etiquette; please forgive any offense given, please." She ordered servants to set up a banquet and entertained Chen.

During the feast, the Queen Consort kindly urged him to drink, leaving Chen confused as to the reason. The Queen Consort said, "I have never had the chance to repay your life-saving kindness. My daughter was shown your declaration of affection through poetry; this must be destiny. Tonight, she will attend to you." Chen Yunming was overjoyed, almost unable to believe it. Soon, darkness fell, and a maid approached, saying, "The Princess has finished preparing and awaits the nuptial rites."

Suddenly, the sounds of drums and music swelled. The palace was decorated everywhere with lanterns and festive hangings. Dozens of maids helped the Princess emerge to exchange vows with Chen Yunming. Fragrance filled the entire chamber. Soon, they entered the bridal chamber and shared their mutual joy. Afterwards, Chen Yunming said, "I have been wandering abroad without paying my respects to the noble guests, which was rude of me. Under my recklessness, I also soiled the Princess's silk scarf, which deserves ten thousand deaths. It is a great fortune that the Queen Consort was so magnanimous as to overlook my past mistakes. To be able to marry the Princess now is an unexpected joy."

The Princess replied, "My mother is the beloved consort of the Lord of West Lake, the daughter of King Yangjiang. Last year, she returned to Dongting Lake to visit relatives and happened to be traveling on the lake when she was accidentally struck by an arrow. Fortunately, you kindly rescued her and even provided healing ointment. My entire family remains deeply grateful. I am not human, sir, please do not despise me. When I was young, I followed the Dragon King and learned the art of longevity. I wish to share it with my husband."

Chen Yunming suddenly understood; his wife must be an immortal. He asked, "How did the maid recognize me?" The Princess replied, "Long ago on Dongting Lake, a small fish bit the dragon's tail; that small fish was the maid." Chen Yunming then asked, "Since the Princess was not angry, why did you not let me go earlier?" The Princess smiled, "I admire your talent, but I could not make decisions on my own, which caused me worry day and night. Moreover, the maidservants were too clumsy and could never guess my true intentions." Chen Yunming sighed, "The Princess is truly my soulmate. The older sister who brought me food—who is she?"

The Princess said, "Her name is Anian; she is my confidante." Chen Yunming asked, "How should I repay her?" The Princess laughed, "She has many days to serve my husband; we can repay her later." Chen Yunming inquired, "Where is the Lord of West Lake? Where has he gone?" The Princess replied, "He left with Lord Guan to campaign against Chiyou and has not yet returned."

After staying several days, Chen Yunming worried that his family might be anxious. He wrote a letter reporting that he was safe and ordered his attendant to take it back. Since Chen Yunming’s boat capsized, his family had long given up hope of his survival; his wife had worn mourning clothes for a year. It was only upon the attendant’s return that they learned Chen was safe. However, as there was no way to communicate between the two places, they worried that it would be difficult for their husband to return home.

Half a year later, Chen Yunming suddenly returned home, arriving in a luxurious carriage, bringing countless jewels with him. From that day forward, the Chen family became wealthy overnight, their wealth inexhaustible. Seven or eight years later, Chen Yunming fathered five sons. He hosted banquets for guests daily, with lavish cuisine. If anyone asked about his experiences, he told them frankly.

Chen Yunming’s close friend, Liang Zijun, had been an official in the south for more than ten years. When returning home, he passed by Dongting Lake and saw a pleasure boat on the water, exquisitely carved and highly ornate. Sounds of flutes and music occasionally drifted from the grand vessel as the oars moved, rippling the water. A beauty gazed out of a window, her countenance peerless. Liang Zijun stared intently and then saw a young man sitting on the boat, resting his leg while a young maiden massaged him beside him.

Liang Zijun thought, "This person must be a high-ranking noble; it's a pity I haven't met him before." Upon closer inspection, the young man was none other than Chen Yunming. Overjoyed, Liang Zijun immediately shouted his name loudly. Chen Yunming heard the noise, came out to see, and was equally delighted to see Liang. He immediately invited him aboard for a chat.

Inside the cabin, the table was covered with countless remnants of wine and dishes. Chen Yunming ordered his servants to clear the used settings and replace them with mountain delicacies and rare meats, courteously urging his guest to partake. After a few cups of wine, Liang Zijun exclaimed with emotion, "Ten years have passed, yet I never imagined Brother Chen would achieve such wealth and status." Chen Yunming smiled, "Brother Liang, you underestimate me too much. Can poor people not rise to prominence?"

Liang Zijun asked, "Who was that beauty just now?" Chen Yunming replied, "She is my wife." Liang Zijun was even more astonished and asked, "Brother Chen, where are you taking your family?" Chen Yunming said, "To the West." Before Liang could ask further, Chen Yunming waved his hand and said, "Drink, drink." He then instructed his attendant maids, "Play music."

As soon as the words fell, the sound of strings and wind instruments grew chaotic, and beauties shuttled within the cabin, dazzling the eyes. Carried away by the wine, Liang Zijun shouted loudly, "Brother Mingyun, can you truly bring me ecstasy?" Chen Yunming laughed, "You are drunk. I have no beauties for you, but I do have a luminous pearl." He took out a night-shining pearl and presented it to Liang, saying, "This pearl is priceless, enough to buy a hundred beautiful women. I am busy with worldly affairs and cannot stay long with you, Brother. Please return." He stood up to see his guest off.

Liang returned home and visited the Chen residence. He saw Chen Yunming drinking with guests and asked doubtfully, "Brother Chen, you were at Dongting yesterday; how did you return so quickly?" Chen Yunming replied, "That is not the case. I have been at home the entire time and have never left." Liang Zijun did not believe him. He recounted his experience on the lake, causing all the guests in the room to be horrified.

Chen Yunming laughed, "You must be mistaken. Do I possess the art of self-duplication?" The crowd remained half-believing, never grasping the truth. Later, when Chen Yunming died at the age of eighty-one, the coffin was very light on the day of his funeral. When it was opened, the coffin was empty; Chen had vanished long ago.