Xu Jichang, a native of Mofangzhuang in Linzi County, had yet to achieve any renown and served as a minor clerk in the county yamen. One day, while returning from visiting relatives, his path led him past the family gravesite. He saw a magnificently adorned pavilion, before which an old man sat. Having drunk a bit too much during the day, Xu Jichang was unbearably thirsty and immediately asked the elder for some water.

The old man led him into the main hall and served him fragrant tea, saying, "The sky is darkening; perhaps it would be best if you stayed the night, young sir, and returned tomorrow morning. What do you say?" Xu Jichang nodded in agreement, and the old man ordered his servants to prepare a banquet to entertain the guest. During the meal, the elder remarked, "I feel an instant affinity with you, young master. There is something I wish to discuss, though I hesitate to speak it."

Xu Jichang replied, "Please do." The old man continued, "Your character is upright and admirable. I have a young daughter who is not yet married, and I wish to join our families through matrimony. What are your thoughts on this arrangement?" Hearing this, Xu Jichang was both startled and delighted, momentarily unsure how to phrase his response.

The elder smiled faintly and commanded his servants, "Go tell the young mistress to dress finely and come out to greet our guest." Shortly thereafter, a young lady emerged with graceful steps, her light makeup accentuating a countenance of unparalleled beauty. The moment Xu Jichang saw her, he was utterly captivated, wishing he could retire with her immediately. After just a few cups of wine, he announced, "I confess I cannot hold my liquor any longer and must cease drinking."

The elder understood his meaning perfectly and chuckled, "Someone, escort Young Master Xu and the young mistress to their rooms to rest."

Two maids, smiling faintly, agreed and ushered the new couple into the bridal chamber. After the rites of intimacy were completed, Xu Jichang asked the lady her name. She replied, "My surname is Xiao, and I am the seventh." Xu Jichang nodded, then inquired further about her family background. Xiao Qi said, "Though my origins are humble, I trust marrying you as a concubine will not disgrace you. Why must you press the matter so?"

Xu Jichang, thoroughly immersed in her beauty and preoccupied with pleasure, did not press further upon hearing this. Xiao Qi then stated, "This place cannot be our home. I have heard your wife is virtuous and perhaps will not be jealous. Please return home and prepare a spare room for me; I shall follow soon after." Xu Jichang consented, holding the lady close and doting on her to his heart's content.

The next morning, Xu Jichang awoke to find the lady gone from his embrace. He was surrounded by towering pines, lying on a soft cushion of grass—he had somehow slept outdoors. Filled with suspicion and a sudden dread, he hurried back home. Upon arrival, he relayed Xiao Qi’s words to his wife and asked her to prepare the empty room. His wife, obedient to his every word, immediately cleaned the bedroom, making the bed and folding the blankets. Once everything was ready, she closed the door, stepped out, and asked with a smile, "Is Miss Xiao really coming?" Her tone betrayed disbelief.

As dusk settled, the wife went to Xu Jichang’s dwelling and laughed, "Come, let’s go look at the bedroom; the bride should have arrived by now." The couple entered the chamber and saw, there, reclining, a beauty whose features rivaled those of a celestial being—it was none other than Xiao Qi. Both husband and wife were utterly stunned. Xiao Qi covered her mouth with a smile and stepped forward to curtsy.

From that day forward, Xiao Qi lived in the Xu household, diligently managing chores and working diligently. One day, Xiao Qi told Xu Jichang, "My sisters say they wish to visit the house. Please make some preparations, husband." Xu Jichang worried, "Our home is modest; what can we offer guests on short notice?" Xiao Qi reassured him, "There is no need to worry about that. They will bring their own food and wine; we only need to trouble the eldest sister to cook."

The following morning, sure enough, people arrived delivering vegetables, meat, pastries, and fine wine, all piled high onto a carrying pole. The wife lit the fire in the kitchen and soon prepared a splendid feast. Around noon, six or seven women arrived, the eldest perhaps in her forties. The group gathered, chattering animatedly, filling the house with laughter.

The wife peered through the window, seeing only Xu Jichang and Xiao Qi; she could not glimpse any of the other guests. She surmised that the other women were not human, possessing some secret arts that allowed them to remain invisible. They remained seated until the moon was high in the sky before rising to take their leave, with Xiao Qi escorting them out. The wife observed that the food and wine on the table were completely depleted, every plate and cup cleaned out, not a scrap of leftover food remaining. She chuckled, "These women must have been starving ghosts in their past lives."

A moment later, Xiao Qi returned after seeing the guests off, thanking her wife for the cooking. She then took the dishes to the kitchen to wash them herself. The wife said to Xu Jichang, "It is quite remiss for guests to bring their own provisions; it feels like they were slighted. We should invite them again another time to make amends."

Several days later, the women visited once more. This time, they ate and drank heartily, but with more restraint, leaving four dishes untouched. When Xu Jichang asked why, the women laughed, "Sister-in-law feels we ate too much. These few dishes are specifically left for her."

During the banquet, a young maiden of about eighteen or nineteen, clad in plain white, introduced herself as Xiao Qi’s sixth sister, a widow. Xu Jichang found her manner charming and her conversation engaging, and he took an immediate liking to her. The host and guests engaged in a round of drinking games, asking Xu Jichang to act as the judge. The rule was set: no laughing allowed during the game. Sixth Sister Xiao laughed incessantly, repeatedly breaking the rule, resulting in her being penalized with about ten cups of wine. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her eyes grew hazy with drink. She laughed, "My head is swimming; you all continue. I'm going to sleep now." She then excused herself.

Xu Jichang, with the beauty on his mind, quickly found an excuse to leave the main party and searched everywhere for Sixth Sister. He found her resting quietly, eyes closed. Xu