Wang Ding of Gaoyou, whose courtesy name was Xianhu, was a generous man, possessing great physical strength and wide social connections.

At eighteen, he was not yet married; his betrothed died before the wedding ceremony could take place.

Wang Ding often left on long journeys, remaining away from home for years at a time.

Wang Ding’s elder brother, Wang Nai, was a celebrated scholar from North of the River.

The brothers shared a deep affection, and the elder would often urge his sibling not to wander, planning to arrange a suitable marriage for him.

Wang Ding paid no heed, boarding a solitary boat for Zhenjiang to visit an old friend.

As luck would have it, his friend was unexpectedly away on business.

Wang Ding, unbothered, settled into a local inn.

The hostelry bordered the vast expanse of the Yangtze, offering a clear, sweeping view of Jinshan across the water, which greatly lifted his spirits.

The next day, his friend arrived and invited Wang Ding to his residence for a proper reunion, but Wang Ding respectfully declined.

After half a month’s stay, one night while sleeping, he dreamt of a young maiden, perhaps fourteen or fifteen, whose beauty was exquisite.

She came onto the bed and they engaged in intimacy; upon waking, he found he had inexplicably discharged semen.

He felt a sense of strangeness, musing, “Perhaps it was a coincidence, just a single erotic dream.” The following night, the young lady appeared again in his sleep.

This repeated for three or four consecutive nights—every night the same—causing him deep alarm.

He dared not extinguish his lamp, remaining in bed but with his mind vigilant.

As soon as he closed his eyes, the maiden inevitably returned.

They were in the throes of their embrace when Wang Ding jolted awake.

Opening his eyes, he saw the maiden, beautiful as a celestial being, clearly nestled in his arms.

Noticing Wang Ding was awake, she flushed with shame.

Wang Ding knew then that the maiden was no ordinary person, yet he felt no fear.

Lust overwhelmed him; there was no time to inquire about her origins before