A scholar from Liaodong named Zhong Qingyu traveled to Shandong the previous year to take the imperial examinations. He had heard tell of a princely manor there, within which resided a Daoist priest whose supernatural powers allowed him to know the past and future, sparking a deep longing in Zhong Qingyu's heart.

After completing the second session of the examinations that day, he toured the surrounding scenery, eventually arriving at Baotu Spring where he happened upon a Daoist priest. The priest appeared to be about sixty years of age, his beard cascading past his chest, and he was surrounded by a throng of people, to whom he offered casual predictions of fortune and woe. The priest spoke his guidance dismissively, as if without effort.

Zhong Qingyu observed the priest’s uncommon bearing and mused, "Could this perhaps be the master from the princely manor?" After discreetly inquiring with the neighbors nearby, he confirmed that it was indeed him.

Zhong Qingyu was overjoyed beyond measure. He hurried forward, cupped his fists in greeting, and announced, "I am Zhong Qingyu. I have long admired the venerable Daoist master’s reputation. To meet you today is a true fortune."

The Daoist smiled faintly. "My benefactor needs no such ceremony. You and I share a karmic bond from a past life. If you do not despise me, let us step aside for a private word." As he spoke, he gently took Zhong Qingyu's arm, parted the surrounding crowd, and led him away with a purposeful stride.

The two climbed a tower, leaning on each other. The Daoist dismissed his attendants with a smile. "Benefactor, are you perhaps wishing to inquire about your future?"

Zhong Qingyu replied, "Indeed."

The Daoist continued, "Your destiny indicates a meager endowment of fortune; you will not attain great wealth or high office. However, you are fortunate enough to have your name inscribed on the list for this civil service examination. Yet, after you return in glory, it is likely the separation of heaven and man will occur, making it difficult for you to see your mother. The venerable lady is afflicted with a serious illness, and her fate is uncertain."

Zhong Qingyu, a man of profound filial piety, burst into tears upon hearing of his mother's grave condition. He implored, "I thank the Daoist master for his guidance. I shall depart for home immediately. As for the examinations, we can speak of that later."

The Daoist countered, "If you miss this opportunity, even if you test again next time, you may find yourself fated never to pass."

Zhong Qingyu retorted, "My mother's life hangs in the balance. If I do not see her one last time, if I cannot perform the rites for her passing, what face have I left to show the world? Even if I were to become a high minister, what use would it be?"

The Daoist chuckled. "Benefactor, there is no need for such haste. As I said, our meeting today is due to a bond from a past life, and I should strive to offer assistance." As he spoke, he reached into his robes and withdrew a small pill, saying, "This medicine is named 'A Kernel of Heavenly Secret.' Send someone home with it with haste. After your esteemed mother takes this, her life can be prolonged by seven days. Go and take your examination with peace of mind, Benefactor. After fulfilling your duty, you will still have a chance to reunite with your mother."

Zhong Qingyu expressed his deepest gratitude repeatedly, carefully tucking the pill away. He rushed out, thinking to himself, "My mother’s lifespan is limited; every day I spend at home caring for her is a day of devotion." With this thought, he purchased a donkey, abandoned the idea of taking the final exam, and immediately set off for his hometown with his servant.

After traveling about a li, the donkey suddenly became unruly, turning back toward the city. Beating it with a whip achieved nothing; the donkey refused to move, merely kicking and bucking in place. Having no recourse, Zhong Qingyu was forced to exchange it for another donkey, but the result was the same. His servant advised him, "It seems this is the will of Heaven, insisting that you complete your examinations first. After all, the final session is tomorrow. Why strive so hard for this single evening’s comfort? How about this: I will take the medicine home for you first; you remain here."

Utterly resigned, Zhong Qingyu could only agree.

The next day, Zhong Qingyu hastily completed his examination papers and then raced back to his ancestral home under the cloak of night. Coincidentally, the servant arrived at the same time. The master and servant crossed the courtyard threshold together. Pushing open the door to the room, they saw the elderly mother lying critically ill on her sickbed, barely breathing. Zhong Qingyu took out the pill and mixed it with water, feeding it to his mother. After taking the medicine, the old woman’s condition miraculously reversed. She said, "Just now, in a dream, the King of the Underworld summoned me to his court. He said that as I have committed no grave sins in life, and my son is exceptionally filial, he has granted me an extension of twelve years of life."

Zhong Qingyu was ecstatic upon hearing this. Several days later, his mother’s face glowed with vitality, and she was indeed as healthy as she had been before.

Soon after, the examination results were posted, and Zhong Qingyu’s name was prominently displayed. When the official notice of success arrived, Zhong Qingyu was beside himself with joy. He told his mother, "The accomplishments I have today are entirely due to the aid of the Daoist master. A person must know gratitude and seek to repay kindness. I intend to travel personally to Jinan Prefecture to offer my sincere thanks."

His mother nodded. "That is as it should be." Thus, he packed his belongings and set off for Jinan. Upon meeting the Daoist, after the initial pleasantries, Zhong Qingyu stated, "The elixir provided by the master days ago saved my mother’s life. I will never forget this debt of gratitude."

The Daoist replied, "To hear that Benefactor has excelled in the examinations, and that the venerable lady has gained additional longevity—this is cause for great happiness and congratulations. This is all due to your benevolence and filial piety moving Heaven; this humble Taoist merely offered a small effort, there is no need for such thanks."

Zhong Qingyu was astonished. "I did not share the news of my mother’s extended lifespan with anyone. How could the Daoist master know this? You are truly a divine person. May I dare ask the master: what does my future hold?"

The Daoist said, "Your fate does not decree great nobility, but your lifespan will be long; living to ninety years will not be an issue. You and I share a bond from a previous life; we were both monks. In that past life, you were playful and threw a stone that accidentally killed a frog. That very frog has now been reincarnated as a donkey. In the cycle of cause and effect, you should have suffered a reduction in your own lifespan. However, because of your extreme filial devotion, you remain unharmed. But your esteemed wife, in her former life, was unfaithful and behaved wantonly. I fear she is marked by a calamitous star and will not live past this autumn."

Zhong Qingyu felt a pang of sorrow and asked, "After my wife passes, can I remarry?"

The Daoist answered, "Naturally, you can. Your next destined partner has already arrived; she is merely fourteen years old and her home is in Zhongzhou. That is all I have to say. Time grows late; Benefactor should depart. Before you go, take this final piece of advice: Should you encounter a crisis, flee toward the southeast."