An old man from Jinan, who made a living selling wine, dispatched his younger son, Xiao Er, one day to Qihe to collect a debt.

As Xiao Er just passed through the West Gate, he suddenly saw his elder brother, Ah Da, who had been dead for many years. Xiao Er was greatly startled and asked, "Brother, why have you come?" Ah Da replied, "There is an unsolved case in the Underworld, and I need your younger brother to come and testify."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Er’s face changed color. He thought, "Once I enter the Underworld, where is the path back to life?" He couldn't help but complain to his brother.

Ah Da pointed to a bailiff standing behind him and said, "The ghost messenger is here; I am not free either."

With a beckoning gesture, Xiao Er followed him involuntarily, traveling along with him.

One mortal and two ghosts sped day and night, arriving at the foot of Mount Tai. Not far off stood an official yamen, and just as they were about to enter, a surging crowd poured out. The bailiff cupped his hands and asked, "What is the progress of the case?"

The mortal replied, "The matter is concluded; there is no need to enter."

The bailiff nodded, immediately released Xiao Er, and ordered him to return home.

Ah Da worried that his younger brother had no travel money and might struggle to get back, so the bailiff pondered for a long while before saying, "Follow me."

After walking for over thirty li, he brought Xiao Er to a village and stopped beneath the eaves of a house, instructing him, "If anyone comes out, ask them to send you back. If they refuse, mention my name, Wang the Peddler."

With those words, the bailiff vanished.

After the bailiff departed, Xiao Er's head swam, and he collapsed to the ground, stiff as wood.

At the first light of dawn, the homeowner went out and was terrified to find a dead man sleeping by the door. He lifted Xiao Er up and stood guard nearby.

Not long after, Xiao Er slowly woke up. The owner invited him inside, offered him soup and rice. Xiao Er begged him to send him home, but the owner looked troubled.

Xiao Er then said, "I am a friend of Wang the Peddler."

Upon hearing this, the owner’s demeanor immediately turned respectful. He hastily found a mount and escorted Xiao Er back to his hometown.

Xiao Er took out silver to offer as a reward, but the owner refused. When asked the reason, he remained silent and left immediately.