During the Wanli era, there was an official surnamed Sun, who lost his father at a young age, leaving his mother a widow at only nineteen.

Later, Sun passed the imperial examinations, and not long after, his mother passed away tragically.

Sun was overcome with grief, often telling people, "I must strive for advancement and secure the title of Gàomìng Fūrén (Imperial Consort) for my mother; only then will I have lived up to her many years of virtuous widowhood and her dedication to raising her son."

One day, Sun was suddenly struck by a violent illness, his condition critical. Being on good terms with the Imperial Physician, he immediately dispatched his servant to seek his life-saving aid.

Hardly had the servant stepped out when Sun's condition worsened. His eyes stared blankly, and he managed to gasp, "If I cannot achieve fame and renown in this life, what face shall I have to see my mother again in the underworld?" With those words, his breath ceased, his eyes wide open in death.

Before long, the Imperial Physician arrived. Hearing the wails, he hurried into the inner chamber to examine the body. Seeing Sun's peculiar state of death, he immediately inquired as to the cause, which the family recounted in detail.

The Physician stated, "To obtain the title of Gàomìng Fūrén, this is not difficult. The Empress is nearing labor; you only need to keep him alive for ten more days, and the title can be secured."

He ordered the family to fetch mugwort leaves and perform moxibustion on Sun, pricking him with eighteen needles in total. Once the mugwort burned out, Sun slowly stirred back to consciousness, groaning. After forcing half a bowl of medicinal soup down his throat, he was revived from death.

The Physician cautioned him sternly, "From this day forward, you must never consume tiger meat or bear meat. Remember this, remember this!"

Sun agreed, thinking to himself, "Tiger and bear meat are incomparably rare treasures; how could I possibly be fortunate enough to eat them?" He paid the warning no mind.

Three days later, Sun’s illness had completely recovered, and he attended court as usual.

Six or seven days passed, and the Empress indeed gave birth to the Crown Prince. The Emperor hosted a banquet for the assembled officials, during which there was a dish of meat—white slices interspersed with red threads—absolutely exquisite in flavor.

Sun ate a considerable amount, unaware of what it was.

The next day, he inquired of a colleague, who replied, "That was bear paw."

Sun was utterly aghast, feeling a wave of sickness wash over his entire body. He returned home shortly thereafter and died.