Shao Jinshi, whose given name was Shimei, was a native of Jining and possessed memories of a past life.

While serving as a professor official in Dengzhou, two aged scholars came to call. Upon seeing them, Shao Shimei felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. He concentrated for a moment, and suddenly remembered: "Are these not [Name X] and [Name Y]? We were fellow students in the previous life."

He then inquired, "Are you gentlemen from the same village? I recall a Gao Donghai from your village; is he still alive?"

The two replied, "Gao Donghai was arrested and imprisoned; he passed away over twenty years ago, leaving only a son. He was but an insignificant commoner; how would Your Excellency know him?" Shao Jinshi, unwilling to reveal the truth, chuckled, "He was a relative of mine."

Originally, Gao Donghai had been a local scoundrel, yet he possessed a generous spirit and freely spent his wealth for righteous causes.

Someone owed back taxes to the government and lacked the means to repay. Under duress, they were forced to sell their daughter to settle the debt. Gao Donghai learned of this, immediately emptied his purse to help the person overcome their difficulty, and redeemed the daughter, reuniting father and child.

Gao was known for his dissolute nature and took a liking to a married woman of middle age; the two became intimately involved. Later, the woman harbored bandits and was consequently apprehended by the authorities. She fled to Gao's residence for refuge. Upon learning of this, the officials took Gao Donghai into custody and subjected him to severe torture, quickly beating him to death.

The very day Gao Donghai died, Shao Shimei entered the world.