The scholar Shao of Jinghai County was poor in means, and in that year, for his mother’s birthday, the scholar had prepared a feast for her celebration. Turning around just once, the entire spread had vanished without a trace.

Not long after, the scholar set off to attend the imperial examinations. En route, he encountered a person who politely invited him to an assembly.

He arrived at a grand hall where a sovereign sat upon the high seat. The ruler spoke: "A few days ago, passing by your esteemed residence, my attendant servants were overcome by hunger and thirst. We owe you a great debt for the banquet you hosted; I am profoundly grateful."

Hearing this, the scholar’s face was clouded with confusion. The king chuckled, "To speak plainly, I am the King of the Underworld, Pluto himself. Do you not recall the affair of your mother's birthday banquet?" As he spoke, he produced an ingot of silver and presented it to the scholar, saying, "A small token, merely to repay your kindness."

The words finished, he vanished. The scholar accepted the silver, weighed it on a scale—it totaled exactly five ounces. He used half for the examination expenses and took the remaining half home to provide for his aging mother.