Nan Sanfu, a scion of the Jin-Yang gentry, owned a villa ten li from his main residence, which he visited daily on horseback for inspection. One day, it happened to be raining, and along the route, he spotted a village. A farmhouse there possessed a spacious courtyard, so Nan Sanfu stopped to take shelter from the downpour. The master of the house, intimidated by the Nan family’s power, dared not refuse and rushed out to greet the guest with utmost deference.

Upon entering, he found the reception room cramped. The owner busied himself cleaning the table and chairs, then poured a cup of honeyed water to offer the esteemed visitor.

Nan Sanfu motioned for him to sit, and only then did the owner dare to take a seat. When asked his name, he introduced himself: “My surname is Dou, my given name, Tingzhang.” Before long, Dou Tingzhang had slaughtered a chicken and brewed some wine to entertain his guest. A young maiden emerged to fetch warm wine, darting back and forth, occasionally pausing at the doorway, revealing perhaps half her body. She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen, exquisitely beautiful.

Nan Sanfu felt a stirring in his heart. Soon after, the rain stopped, and Nan Sanfu returned home, obsessed with the girl, his yearning a torment he could not assuage.

The next day, Nan Sanfu prepared rice and silk cloth and headed to the farmhouse to offer his thanks, seizing the chance to become closer to the lovely maiden. From then on, he frequently visited the Dou residence, bringing wine and meat, showing exceptional attention. As time passed, Miss Dou grew familiar with him and lost her fear, often moving about freely in front of Nan Sanfu without restraint. Nan Sanfu would sometimes steal glances at her, and Miss Dou would merely lower her head, smile, and never take offense. Nan Sanfu became increasingly besotted, visiting the young woman’s home every few days.

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