An official's relative, while occasionally visiting the bustling market, ran into a man whose attire was exceptionally fine. They struck up a conversation and found immediate rapport. The stranger inquired about the official’s name, lineage, hometown, and preferences, which the relative disclosed readily.

The man leaned in to listen, nodding with a smile, and then introduced himself: "My surname is Wang, and I am a confidant of the Princess." The relative’s expression instantly became respectful, and he chuckled, "So, you are from the Princess's retinue. I have long admired her."

Wang remarked, "The path of officialdom is treacherous; the most crucial element in a career is having a powerful backer. I wonder who your master relies upon?" The relative replied, "For the moment, no one."

Wang sighed, "To neglect a grave danger for the sake of a trifle is unwise."

The relative asked, "In Brother Wang’s estimation, who holds sway within the court that one might rely upon?"

Wang responded, "The Princess is gentle in her dealings; naturally, she is the best choice. If you are not averse to spending a thousand pieces of gold as a gift, I can arrange an introduction. Seeking an audience with the Princess is hardly difficult."

The relative was overjoyed, saying, "One thousand taels of gold is no issue. But where does Brother Wang reside?"

Wang pointed to a residence nearby and said, "Am I not in the same lane as you, Brother?"

The relative returned and reported to the Censor, who was immensely pleased. He immediately prepared a banquet and invited Wang as a guest. Wang arrived with evident pleasure. During the feast, he spoke colorfully and vividly about the Princess's temperament and the small details of her daily life, adding, "The Princess holds such a distinguished position that ordinary folk rarely gain access. If it weren't for the fact we share a lane, I would not lift a finger even for a hundred pieces of gold."

The Censor was internally grateful, agreeing profusely. As they parted, they cemented an accord. Wang said, "Sir, you may prepare the offering yourself; I shall manage the necessary arrangements with the Princess's side. You will have results within a few days."

Three days later, Wang appeared again, riding a fine steed and clad in rich silks. He told the Censor, "Hurry and prepare your luggage. The Princess is extremely busy; petitioners flock to her from dawn till dusk, making rest scarce. We have only managed to secure a brief window today, so you must depart quickly. If you miss this chance, regret will be boundless."

The Censor agreed wholeheartedly, packed his bags, secured the substantial gift of a thousand gold pieces, and set off eastward. After winding through paths for more than ten li, they reached a mansion of breathtaking splendor—clearly a secondary residence of the Princess—which he dared not enter hastily.

Wang dismounted, stating, "To see the Princess, the list of gifts must be presented first. Give the gold to me, and I shall convey it to Her Highness on your behalf."

The Censor unwrapped the parcel and placed it into Wang’s hands, saying, "Inside are a thousand gold leaves, exceedingly precious. Brother Wang, please take great care not to lose them."

Wang smiled, "Rest assured, I understand the gravity." He reached out, pushed open the door, and entered the inner chambers.

Not long after, Wang returned and announced, "Congratulations, Sir. The Princess grants you an audience." The Censor straightened his spirit, smoothed his robes, and followed Wang into the residence. They traversed corridors and chambers until they reached a grand hall. The guards along the way were formidable, the defenses layered.

Within the hall sat a peerless beauty upon a high dais, her visage exquisite, beautiful as an immortal. Attendant maidens stood in rows on either side, all dressed in embroidered silks. The Censor knelt to pay his respects. The lady granted him a seat and offered tea—water heated in a golden bowl—the tea leaves emitting a rich fragrance.

The host and guest exchanged pleasantries, the atmosphere harmonious. Soon after the tea cooled, the Censor rose to take his leave. The lady bestowed gifts upon him: a pair of swift boots and a sable hat, both of superior material and first-rate craftsmanship.

Returning home, the Censor deeply felt Wang’s great kindness. He took the invitation token and visited Wang’s residence, only to find the door tightly shut and utterly silent. He mused, "Brother Wang must be busy with worldly affairs and is likely attending to the Princess and has not returned. I shall try again tomorrow." Thus, he visited thrice over three days, yet never caught sight of Wang.

Suspicion stirring in his heart, the Censor went to the Princess's secondary residence to investigate. As anticipated, this place was also deserted. He inquired of the neighbors, who replied, "What Princess? We've never heard of one. Several people rented this place not long ago and moved out; checking the dates, it was exactly three days past."

The Censor was filled with dismay upon hearing this, his mind now clear: he had encountered a swindler. The loss of a thousand gold taels for nothing infuriated him further, and he was consumed by bitter regret.