The cold scholar of Pingcheng, sluggish in his youth, was already in his twenties and still couldn't recite the Four Books and Five Classics.

One day, a fox spirit came to the scholar’s home and stayed with him. Every night, the scholar’s laughter could be heard. His brothers inquired about the reason, but the scholar remained tight-lipped, never revealing his secret.

Many days passed this way until the scholar suddenly fell gravely ill, his mind unbalanced. Whenever tasked with an essay, he would sit behind closed doors, completely still, only to erupt into loud laughter moments later. Family members, peeking in, saw the scholar’s brush moving like lightning, finishing an essay in an instant, his wit absolutely sublime.

Six months later, the scholar gained entry into the county school, and the following year he secured the stipend as a lin sheng, his livelihood secured.

Every time he studied at the academy, the scholar would invariably erupt in boisterous laughter that echoed throughout the room.

Because of this habit, the name "Laughing Scholar" became known near and far.

Fortunately, the Circuit Inspector had retired and paid no mind to official affairs, so no one troubled him.

Later, a new Inspector arrived—a stern man who guarded the academy daily, sitting rigidly upright. On this day, the scholar once again began to laugh loudly. The Inspector, upon hearing the sound, became instantly furious and prepared to strike the scholar; thankfully, someone pleaded on his behalf, thus averting the immediate calamity of the cane.

However, the Inspector did not let the matter rest. He eventually stripped the scholar of his academic honors, demoting him to the status of a commoner.

From that time forward, the scholar feigned madness and folly, dedicating himself to writing. He authored the four volumes of the Dian Cao Wen Ji (Collection of Mad Grass Writings), whose prose was ethereal and whose mastery was undeniable.