Once, when Liu Liangcai's father lived in South Mountain, an old man visited him, introducing himself as Hu.

When asked where he lived, the old man replied, "Deep within this very mountain.

Life here is leisurely, sparsely populated; only you and I, we can spend time together morning and evening, hence this visit." As they conversed, the old man's speech was quick-witted, and Liu's father took an immediate liking to him.

So, he prepared a banquet to treat him.

The old man drank heavily and left in a drunken stupor.

The next day, the old man returned.

Liu's father said, "I am deeply honored by your affection, Old Brother; our bond is strong.

However, I still do not know where you reside, that I might pay my respects." The old man responded, "I dare not hide anything, I am, in fact, an old fox from this mountain.

Because of a predestined connection with your household from a former life, I came here to establish a friendship.

While I cannot bring you fortune, neither will I invite calamity.

Please do not be afraid." Liu's father had no doubts.

They exchanged ages, and finding the old man older, he accepted him as an elder brother.

Their visits became frequent, as close as family.

At that time, Liu's father had no heirs.

One day, the old man suddenly declared, "Younger Brother need not worry.

One day, I shall become your son." Liu's father was perplexed.

The old man explained, "My lifespan is reaching its end; I will soon reincarnate.

Rather than being reborn into a strange family, it would be better to be reborn into yours." Liu's father asked, "As far as I know, fox spirits possess lifespans of ten thousand years.

Why would you have such a short life, Brother?" The old man shook his head. "There are things you cannot comprehend." He then took his leave.

That night, Liu's father dreamt the old man came to him, saying, "I have already been reincarnated." Waking from the dream, his wife had just given birth to a baby boy—that was Liu Liangcai.

When Liu Liangcai grew up, he was small in stature yet quick-witted, possessing a humorous nature, much like the old man.

By his youth, he had already gained renown.

During the Renchen year, Liu Liangcai passed the Imperial Examination as a Jinshi.

He was known for his righteousness, quick to defend the oppressed, responsive to others’ urgencies, and generous in resolving difficulties.

Because of this, righteous figures from regions such as Qin, Chu, Yan, and Zhao flocked to befriend him.

Merchants thronged outside his door, wine sellers and pastry vendors gathered in droves—his residence was as bustling as a marketplace.