Peng Haogu, a scholar from Laizhou, was studying far from home. One Mid-Autumn Festival, lonely and bored in his distant lodgings, he mused, "There is no one in the village worth talking to, save for Qiu Sheng, a known figure in the county seat—though his character is atrocious. Drinking alone is tedious; perhaps I should invite him?" As he pondered, the moon reached its zenith, deepening his solitude. Having no better option, he finally penned a letter inviting Qiu Sheng.

Shortly after, Qiu Sheng arrived. The two shared wine at the table. After several cups, a knock sounded at the door. The page boy went to see who it was; standing there was a young scholar, exquisitely handsome, who inquired, "Is the master at home?" Peng Haogu rose from his seat, respectfully ushering the guest inside. Once settled, he asked about the visitor's origins.

The scholar spoke: "My surname is Peng, courtesy name Haiqiu, and I hail from Guangling. On this fine night with excellent wine, a traveler in a foreign land feels lonely. I have long heard of your renown, Master Peng, and thus took the liberty of calling upon you." Peng Haogu, observing the visitor's neat attire and engaging conversation, felt favorably impressed. He replied, "Brother, we share the same surname. Your presence illuminates my humble abode." He urged the scholar to drink, and the guest accepted every offering; host and guest thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Peng Haogu subtly observed the scholar, noting his air of lofty superiority and the marked disdain in his expression toward Qiu Sheng. Whenever Qiu Sheng attempted conversation, the scholar offered only curt, haughty replies. Peng Haogu felt secret pity for Qiu Sheng, watching him drone on incessantly. Decisively, Peng waved his hand to interrupt, smiling, "With such talent gathered, this is a rare gathering! I propose each of us sing a song. What say you?"

The scholar chuckled, "A fine idea. Brother Peng, as the host, you should begin." Peng Haogu made no pretense of modesty and immediately began to sing "The Ballad of the Gallant Men of Fufeng." His voice was impassioned, earning thunderous applause. The scholar smiled, "Well sung. Now it is my turn, yet I know nothing of music. May I perhaps ask someone to sing in my stead?"

"Certainly," Peng Haogu replied. The scholar nodded and asked, "May I ask the host, does Laizhou have any renowned courtesans?" "No," said Peng Haogu. The scholar paused for a long moment, then instructed the page boy, "When I arrived, I brought a beautiful companion with me; she is waiting just outside the door. You may invite her in." The boy obeyed, going out to find a lovely woman pacing nearby, whom he promptly led into the room.

The beauty appeared to be fifteen or sixteen, radiant as a celestial being. Peng Haogu was instantly captivated and invited her to join the gathering. The maiden sat gracefully, filling the room with fragrance. Peng Haogu asked, "Like Brother Peng, are you also from Guangling? Thank you for traveling such a great distance." The maiden offered a faint smile but offered no confirmation. Peng Haogu, feeling puzzled, inquired further, "Then tell me, where do you truly hail from, young lady?"

Before the maiden could answer, the scholar interjected with a laugh, "There are no beauties in this region. I happened upon this lady just now while passing West Lake, and invited her along." He looked at the woman and said, "That song you sang on the boat earlier, 'The Faithless Lover's Tune,' had real flavor. Would you grace us by singing it once more?"

The maiden smiled in assent, took a brief moment to compose herself, and began to sing: "Faithless lover, leading your horse to wash the spring pond. Voices fade, horses vanish; the river sky is vast, the mountain moon is small. Turning back, you do not return; by dawn, the courtyard grows pale. I do not lament many partings, only mourn the few joys shared. Where shall I sleep? Do not become the wind-blown willow. Even if you fail to win a marquisate, do not journey to Linqiong!" As the maiden sang, the scholar took a jade flute from his robes and played accompaniment.

Soon the song ended and the flute fell silent. Peng Haogu was amazed, exclaiming, "West Lake is more than a thousand miles from here! Brother Peng, you arrived in the blink of an eye—are you perhaps an immortal?" The scholar laughed, "Immortality is too grand a term. But a journey of ten thousand li is no different from a leisurely stroll to me. The sights and moonlit ambiance of West Lake tonight surpass even those of old; you must see it. Are you interested in joining me for an excursion?"

Peng Haogu, seeing an opportunity to observe the scholar further, readily agreed with a smile, "I would be delighted!" The scholar asked, "Shall we ride or take a boat?" Peng Haogu thought the water route would be more comfortable and replied, "A boat, if you please." The scholar pondered, "The ferry crossing is far from here. For now, we must borrow a boat from the Milky Way in the Ninth Heaven." As he spoke, he extended his right hand, beckoning twice toward the empty air, calling out, "Boat, come! We are going to West Lake; you will not be short-changed on the fare."

Before the words were fully out, a painted vessel drifted down from the sky, wreathed in mist and clouds. They boarded one by one. They saw a boatman holding a short paddle, the end of which was adorned with long plumes, resembling a feather fan. The man gave a light flick of his wrist, the paddle moved, a gentle breeze arose, and the painted boat soared upward, ascending into the clouds and heading south, swift as an arrow. In moments, the boat descended onto the water. A sound of pipes and strings drifted over, accompanied by pleasant singing. Peng Haogu leaned out to look; the surrounding fog and waves were immense. Unaware of how, they had arrived in the middle of West Lake. The moonlight reflected purely on the water, and pleasure boats dotted the expanse like woven threads.

The boatman ceased paddling and stood still, allowing the painted vessel to drift. The group brought out fine wine and delicacies, drinking heartily. Before long, a pleasure barge floated near, sailing parallel to their boat, adding a romantic touch to the scene.

Peng Haogu peered through the window and saw two or three women playing Go across the way—all of them peerless beauties. The scholar poured a cup of wine, offered a slight smile to the maiden, and said, "This cup is a farewell toast for you." The maiden took the cup and sipped delicately.

Peng Haogu knew that once this cup was finished, the maiden would depart. A strong reluctance to part settled in his heart. He secretly nudged the maiden's delicate foot with his own, hoping she might stay. The maiden’s eyes offered a lingering glance, conveying unspoken emotion, which stirred Peng Haogu even more. He asked, "When might I see you again, dear lady?"

The maiden replied, "If you truly care for me, Master Peng, you only need to ask anyone for the name Juan Niang; the whole world knows her." The scholar smiled faintly and asked Peng Haogu, "Do you happen to have a silk scarf on you?" Peng Haogu nodded, withdrew a pure white scarf from his robes, and handed it to the scholar. The scholar barely glanced at it before turning and pressing it into the maiden's hand, laughing, "With this scarf as surety, I now settle a three-year pledge between you two. In three years’ time, there will be another chance to meet."

With that, he stood up, lifted the maiden into his palm, and with his left hand braced against the neighboring boat's window lattice, tucked her through the opening. The lattice was only the size of a dinner plate, yet the maiden folded herself in without seeming cramped. They heard voices from the opposing cabin: "Juan Niang is awake." It turned out the maiden’s spirit had been wandering; only then had her soul returned to her body.

Peng Haogu watched intently, tracking the distant painted barge as it gradually drew nearer to the shore, eventually docking. The women disembarked one by one and vanished in a moment.

Peng Haogu’s enjoyment waned. He sighed and told the scholar, "I think I'll walk on land for a while." Before the words were fully spoken, the painted boat had already reached the shore. Peng Haogu stepped off, wandering aimlessly until he found himself a li away.

The scholar followed soon after, leading a fine horse. He told Peng Haogu, "Brother Peng, I give this horse to you. Wait here for me; I will fetch two more." He turned and left, but did not return for a long time. The road was sparse with travelers, and the horizon was just beginning to show the first light of dawn. Peng Haogu waited until he grew restless. His friend Qiu Sheng, who had been with him, was also nowhere to be found.

Trapped between waiting and leaving, Peng Haogu gave it a moment's thought, led the horse back to where the boat had landed, only to find both the boat and the people gone. He thought, "I left in such a rush last night; I forgot to bring any money. West Lake and Laizhou are a thousand miles apart—how can I possibly return?" While fretting, he spotted a small pouch beside the saddle. Opening it, he found three or four liang of silver. He used the silver to buy some dry rations and ate his fill quickly. Looking up, the sun was high; it was already noon.

Peng Haogu considered his options: first, find out where Juan Niang lived and borrow some travel money. Second, search for Qiu Sheng. He asked nearby villagers about Juan Niang’s residence, but all replied they had never heard the name. Dejected, Peng Haogu rode back toward home the next day. Fortunately, the mount was docile and perfectly responsive to handling. After half a month, he finally arrived home.

Back at the lodgings, Peng Haogu's page boy had rushed home and told the family, "Master has ascended to immortality!" The entire family mourned, believing their son had become an immortal and would never return.

When Peng Haogu returned safe and sound, his family was overcome with surprise and joy. They flocked around, demanding an explanation. Peng Haogu tethered the horse and briefly recounted the events, concluding, "Qiu Sheng and I went to West Lake; only I have returned. If the Qiu family demands their son back, it will cause trouble. Everyone must keep silent, understood?"

The household loudly agreed. Upon hearing the horse was a gift from an immortal, they clamored to see the wonder. They proceeded to the stables, but the horse was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Qiu Sheng was tied by his reins to the feeding trough. Peng Haogu saw Qiu Sheng’s ashen face and tightly shut eyes, looking utterly lost. Feeling compassion, he immediately directed his servants to carry Qiu Sheng to the main room and force-fed him several bowls of hot soup before he could be revived.

After waking, Qiu Sheng said nothing, rushing instead to the privy to void a large mass of horse manure. After drinking a few more mouthfuls of hot soup, he finally regained his spirit. Peng Haogu asked what had happened. Qiu Sheng recounted, "After the painted boat docked, the scholar engaged me in conversation and led me to a secluded spot. He clapped me several times on the back of the neck. My head spun, and I collapsed. When I woke, I had turned into a horse. Though my mind was clear, I could not speak. This is an unbearable humiliation—do not tell my wife, or I will never show my face in public again." Peng Haogu promised he would not, then ordered his servants to escort Brother Qiu home.

From that day forward, Peng Haogu often thought of Juan Niang. Three years passed in a flash. Peng Haogu’s brother-in-law held an official post in Yangzhou, and Peng went to visit him. In Yangzhou, a young Master Liang, who had long been acquainted with the Peng family, hosted a banquet for Peng Haogu. During the feast, several singing girls came forward to pay their respects. Master Liang asked, "Why haven't we seen Juan Niang?" The reply came, "She is ill."

Master Liang flew into a rage, cursing, "That insolent slave thinks too highly of herself! If she won't come, I will have her dragged here with ropes!"

Peng Haogu, startled at the mention of the name Juan Niang, felt his heart surge. He asked in astonishment, "Who is Juan Niang?" Master Liang replied, "She is the number one courtesan in Guangling, quite famous, but notoriously ill-tempered and rude." Peng Haogu nodded, thinking it might be someone with the same name. He asked, "May I see her?"

"Certainly," Master Liang agreed.

Soon after, Juan Niang arrived for the gathering. Master Liang, angry at her tardiness, began to berate her immediately. Peng Haogu fixed his gaze on Juan Niang and was overjoyed to find she was the same maiden from West Lake. He pleaded, "Juan Niang and I are acquainted. For my sake, forgive her this once."

Juan Niang looked up at Peng, her expression filled with shock; she never imagined they would meet again here. Master Liang ordered Juan Niang to pour wine. Peng Haogu asked, "Do you still remember that song, 'The Faithless Lover's Tune'?"

Juan Niang smiled, "I have never forgotten it for a moment." As she spoke, she lightly opened her throat and sang "The Faithless Lover's Tune" again, the melody and rhythm exactly as before. When the feast concluded, Master Liang instructed Juan Niang, "Attend to Brother Peng diligently; fail him in nothing."

The two entered the bedroom. Peng Haogu took Juan Niang's hand and smiled, "The three-year promise has finally been fulfilled today." Juan Niang responded, "That day, my sisters and I were boating on West Lake, and after a few cups of wine, I felt suddenly drowsy. In a daze, someone took me to a village, where a page boy led me into a room. Among the guests at the table, you, Master, were one. Later, we boarded a boat onto West Lake. A scholar then tucked me through a window lattice. When we parted, you held onto my arm, unwilling to let go. I thought it was all a dream, but the silk scarf is clear in my memory, and I still keep it."

Recalling the past, they felt deeply moved. Juan Niang fell into Peng’s embrace, weeping softly, "Since the immortal acted as our matchmaker, from now on, I never wish to leave you. Please, Master, do not despise me for my humble profession." Peng Haogu replied, "I have not forgotten the vow on the boat for a single day. If you are willing, I will bankrupt myself to buy your freedom."

The next day, Peng Haogu bought Juan Niang's freedom for a thousand liang of silver and brought her back to his hometown. Occasionally, they would visit the study, and Juan Niang recalled the events of that night, never having forgotten a single detail.