The scion of a prominent family, Gao Yucheng, had studied medicine since childhood, achieving remarkable skill, especially in acupuncture. He treated rich and poor, noble and common, with equal measure, never refusing a request for aid.

One day, a beggar arrived in the city, suffering from festering sores on his leg, lying on the roadside, his entire body caked in foul, putrid blood. Upon first sight, a wave of pity washed over Gao Yucheng, and he brought the beggar back to his home, tending to him with meticulous care. After several days, the beggar’s condition improved, yet he remained utterly slovenly, emanating a stench so potent that people dared not approach.

There was another issue: the beggar possessed an enormous appetite. For his three daily meals, he demanded soup, noodles, and vegetables—eating until the dishes were clean and then asking for more. The servants were displeased. One complained to Gao Yucheng, "This wretched beggar is truly despicable! When he lay sleeping on the streets, exposed to wind and dew, how could he ever have been full? Now, look at him—unlimited white rice and fresh produce, and still he's not satisfied. Is there such good fortune in the world? If this continues, he’ll eat us out of house and home."

Gao Yucheng paid it no mind and laughed, "A few bowls of rice, a few heads of cabbage—how much can that cost? If he likes to eat, then let him eat his fill. This matter ends here; no more complaints."

The servant sighed, "Young Master, you don't understand. It would be one thing if it were just rice and vegetables, but that rogue beggar has no shame—he actually demanded to eat dog meat. In this freezing weather, where am I supposed to find a dog to slaughter for him? Furthermore, not only does he want dog meat, but he wants wine, too. He won't touch the three-copper Shaodaozi; he insists on the Xinghuachun that costs two taels a pot. Heavens above, the Xinghuachun that costs two taels a pot—I couldn't afford that even if I sold everything I own."

Gao Yucheng chuckled, "It's just two taels of silver? Look at your limited ambition. Here, take this hundred-tael note and keep it safe. From now on, if the beggar wants a drink, you drink with him. If he wants meat, let him eat as much as he likes—three full meals a day, supplied without fail. All expenses will be charged to my account."

The servant sighed again and reluctantly agreed.

Several weeks passed this way. One day, the sun hung high and warm, melting the stubborn ice. Gao Yucheng personally went to the sickroom to visit the beggar, asking, "How is your body? Has the illness completely passed?"

The beggar replied, "Your Lordship's medical skill is divine, resurrecting the dead and whitening the bones of the rotten. Your old beggar must have accumulated virtue in past lives, for my body recovered long ago."

Gao Yucheng smiled, "That is good to hear. Have you been comfortable staying here? Are there any other requests?"

The beggar mused, "A request, yes, there truly is one. Could you possibly change my attendant for me?"

Gao Yucheng was surprised. "What? Was the servant's attitude not good?"

The beggar retorted, "Not just bad, he’s an absolute scoundrel. The day before yesterday, I felt an itch on my back and asked him to scratch it for me. That canine slave rolled his eyes, not only refusing but also unleashing a torrent of curses, insulting my entire lineage. I, this old beggar, have lived forty or fifty years and never suffered such an insult. To have my ancestors and eight generations cursed at the end of my days—this is intolerable!"

Gao Yucheng said, "This is my fault for not managing my staff properly. Rest assured, I will handle it." Without another word, he summoned the servant and administered a severe beating.

After being beaten, the servant harbored deep resentment. That very night, while the beggar slept soundly, he crept secretly into the room and started a fire. Flames leaped toward the sky, and thick smoke billowed forth.

Gao Yucheng rushed over upon hearing the news, aghast, but the fire was ferocious; how could it be extinguished? In a short time, the house was reduced to a pile of black charcoal.

Gao Yucheng stamped his feet repeatedly, sighing, "It's over! The beggar is finished!" Just as he was consumed by anger, a loud snore suddenly echoed from the flat ground. He peered closely and saw a thick quilt rolled up in the smoldering wreckage. The beggar was tucked inside the quilt, fast asleep, his snores roaring like thunder. Gao Yucheng woke him, and the beggar rubbed his eyes, feigning shock as he exclaimed, "Oh my! Why is the house gone? Thankfully, this old beggar has great fortune and destiny, or I would have been burned alive."

Gao Yucheng was overjoyed, thinking, What mortal man is unafraid of fire? What a beggar this is. A true master never reveals himself; he must be an extraordinary expert from beyond this world. He laughed, "Daoist Master, you have great abilities. We have been together for some time, yet I still do not know your name?"

The beggar replied, "A common man, unlettered, unable to come up with a fine name. Just call me Chen Jiu."

Gao Yucheng smiled, "Daoist Master, you are too modest. If you are a common man, then we mere mortals must be lower than pigs and dogs?"

The beggar responded, "Young Master’s words hold profound meaning. As the saying goes, all sentient beings are equal; there is fundamentally no difference between men and pigs or dogs." With that, he laughed heartily.

From that day forward, Gao Yucheng and the beggar became inseparable companions. The beggar’s speech was elegant, and his chess skill bordered on the mystic. Every time Gao Yucheng played against him, he would lose the wager. Thus, Gao Yucheng shed his arrogance, took the beggar as his master, and diligently practiced his chess strategy, accumulating insights day by day.