Jiang Gu-sheng, residing at an inn in Jinan, suffered from terribly swollen and painful eyes, moaning day and night. After more than ten days, the agony somewhat lessened, but every time he closed his eyes, he would see a massive mansion, four or five courtyards deep, its gates wide open, with figures moving about in the furthest recesses—though they were too distant to make out clearly.

One day, as Gu-sheng closed his eyes again, his body suddenly flew into the estate, passing through three massive doorways into an area utterly deserted. In one great hall, facing south toward the north, the floor was covered in a crimson carpet. A quick glance revealed the entire room filled with infants—some sitting, some lying, some crawling—countless in number. Startled, a man emerged from the back of the room. Upon spotting Gu-sheng, he chuckled, "The Young Prince mentioned a distant guest was arriving; it is indeed true. Sir, please accompany me to the feast."

Gu-sheng asked, "Where is this place?" The man replied, "This is the secondary residence of the Heir of the Ninth Prince. The Heir has just recovered from an illness, and friends and relatives have come to offer congratulations today. You have arrived at a fortunate time, sir; our destinies are intertwined." As they spoke, they arrived at a grand hall with carved beams and painted rafters. Nine wooden pillars, tens of zhang high and dozens of meters thick, supported the structure, with marble steps ascending in tiers. Ascending the steps, he saw that the hall was thronged with guests. Facing the north wall, a majestic young man stood—naturally, the Heir.

Gu-sheng knelt to pay his respects. The Heir helped him up and invited him to sit nearby. Drums and music swelled in the hall; singing girls ascended the stage to perform songs and dances, enacting a drama titled "The Three Blessings of Hua Feng." As the third act concluded, a buzzing filled Gu-sheng’s ears, and he heard the innkeeper’s voice calling out, "Sir, time to eat!"

Gu-sheng stood up and, feigning an urgent need to use the facilities, hastily excused himself. Stepping outside the hall, he saw the bright sun hanging high—it was already noon. Focusing his vision, he realized he was lying on a bed, still in the inn, having never left. Within arm's reach stood two men: the inn owner and a young attendant named Mou Mou.

Anxious to return to the grand hall, Gu-sheng brushed off the two men with a few hurried words, closed the door and windows, and shut his eyes once more. As soon as he did, he was instantly back in the vast mansion. Following the familiar path, he reached the previous hall. The infants were long gone, replaced instead by scores of middle-aged and elderly women—all with disheveled hair, stooped backs, and hideous faces. Seeing Gu-sheng, they cried out in unison, "What manner of scoundrel dares to spy!" Gu-sheng dared not argue, picking up his pace and fleeing in haste.

Moments later, he arrived at the main hall and met the Heir again. He was shocked to see that the Heir’s beard now grew thickly beneath his chin, reaching over a foot long. "Your Highness," Gu-sheng exclaimed, "I left for barely a quarter of an hour, how have you grown such a beard?" The Heir laughed, "A quarter of an hour here is half a year outside; no need to be so surprised. Watch the play, watch the play." As he spoke, he signaled for a performance of "Peng Zu Marries a Wife."

During the banquet, a courtesan approached holding a coconut ladle to pour wine. The ladle held a full five dou of fine wine. Gu-sheng jumped, declining, "I suffer from an eye ailment and cannot drink alcohol; please forgive me, my Lord." The Heir replied, "A mere eye ailment is nothing! I have countless Imperial Physicians under my command; let them examine you." He clapped his hands twice, and a man stepped forward, pulling a bottle of ointment as white as snow from his robe. The man extended two fingers, pried open Gu-sheng's eyelids, dipped a jade hairpin into the salve, and applied it to both eyes, saying, "Rest your eyes and lie down for a while; your condition will surely heal."

Gu-sheng was then led by a maid to a bedroom for rest. The bed curtains were soft, emitting a faint, pleasant fragrance. Feeling completely comfortable, Gu-sheng soon drifted into a deep sleep. In his dream, he seemed to hear the clash of gongs and drums, startling him awake. Looking around, he found himself back in the inn without realizing how he had returned. The noise had merely been a black dog licking grease from a pot. But his eyes felt cool and clear; the ailment was completely cured. Closing his eyes again, he saw nothing.