Zhao of Changshan rented a room and lived a meager existence. He was afflicted by a strange malady, a hard lump growing within his abdomen, leaving him near death. One day, resting in bed, he closed his eyes to gather his strength. When he opened them, a peerless beauty stood beside him. When he questioned her intentions, the woman replied, "I have come to be your wife." Zhao exclaimed in shock, "I am utterly destitute; I dare not impose upon you. Moreover, I am gravely ill. What use is it to take a wife? Must I condemn her to widowhood?" The woman said, "I can cure the illness."

Zhao responded, "The affliction I suffer will not be cured quickly; even if a potent remedy existed, I have no money to buy the medicine." The woman replied, "I use no medicine for healing." As she spoke, she extended her hands and began to massage his belly. Wherever her palms passed, Zhao felt a fierce heat rise within him, a warm tide that caused the hard lump in his body to dissolve. Moments later, his stomach began to rumble violently. He cried out, "Not good! I need the latrine!" He rushed hastily to the privy, and after a bout of evacuation, his illness vanished, leaving him completely invigorated. Filled with gratitude, he spoke to the woman, "Your medical skill is marvelous, yet I do not know whence you hail. Might you tell me your name? I intend to set up a commemorative tablet for you and kowtow to it day and night."

The woman confessed, "To tell the truth, I am a Fox Immortal. Sir, you are the reincarnation of Chu Suiliang of the Tang Dynasty, who once showed me great kindness, a favor this humble servant remembers well and has long wished to repay. After searching day and night, I have finally reunited with you, and I shall stay by your side henceforth, never to leave again."

Zhao felt deeply unworthy, and moreover, worried that his crude hut and filthy hearth would soil the woman's fine garments, so he hesitated to ask her to stay permanently. The woman was unconcerned and urged him not to fret, telling him simply to return home. When the two returned to their dwelling, there was no bedding, and the kitchen lacked even rice. Zhao sighed, "Let us not speak of how unbearable this state must be for you; even if you can endure hardship, without clothes or food, how are we to support a wife?"

The woman smiled, "Do not worry." Zhao could not fathom the meaning of her words. When he turned back, a brocade soft pillow had already been laid out. Focusing his gaze again, he saw that the tables, chairs, and tea sets in the room were brand new; the windows were covered with shimmering silver paper, reflecting light like mirrors. Moreover, fine wine and countless delicacies were spread out. The two drank opposite each other, and after eating, they slept together, entwined in deep affection, just as husband and wife.

The landlord heard the rumors and wished to meet the woman. She readily agreed, coming out to receive guests without a trace of awkwardness. From then on, the story spread in all directions; everyone knew that Zhao had married a beautiful fox wife. People flocked to visit, and the woman never refused them. Some also hosted banquets for Zhao, and the woman invariably accompanied him, never leaving his side.

One day during a gathering of friends, a scholar present saw the woman’s beauty and harbored lustful thoughts. The woman had sensed this long ago. She stood up, reached out, and gave the scholar a push on the head. The scholar’s body moved against his will; his head was thrust through the window lattice and became stuck outside the door, unable to move. He pleaded for forgiveness repeatedly, and when everyone else interceded on his behalf, the woman relented and pulled him free.

A year passed in this manner, and the number of admirers seeking visits grew ever larger. The woman grew deeply weary of it and decided to see no one at all. Many who were turned away grew to resent Zhao, insulting him with every manner of vile language. On the Dragon Boat Festival that year, Zhao invited many guests for drinks. While they were chatting, a white rabbit leaped into the main hall. The woman rose and said, "This is the old man who pounds the medicine; he has come to take me back." She addressed the white rabbit, "Please proceed a step ahead." The rabbit nodded, turned, and left on its own.

The woman ordered Zhao to fetch a long ladder, nearly several zhang in height. There was a large tree in the courtyard, against which the woman propped the ladder. She climbed first, and Zhao followed close behind. The woman looked back and said, "If any friends or relatives are willing to follow, please ascend." The crowd exchanged glances, afraid to step forward. Only a young page boy working for the landlord eagerly joined them. The three climbed higher and higher, gradually disappearing into the clouds, their whereabouts unknown.

Everyone was greatly astonished. They stared intently at the ladder and realized it was nothing more than a broken door panel. They returned to the main hall, only to find that all the furniture had vanished. Only the old walls and the worn stove remained—nothing else. The crowd was utterly perplexed. They craned their necks, waiting for the page boy to return so they could inquire about what had happened, but the boy never reappeared after ascending to heaven.