Pathway to Japanese Literature

Those who had visited China and journeyed to West Lake in Hangzhou would see towering five-storied pagodas standing on the mountain of the northern shore and along the lakeside of the southern shore. And they would be particularly captivated by the majestic sight of the vermilion pagoda towering on the hill along the southern shore, bathed in the light of the setting sun. The majestic pagoda on the southern shore was Leifeng Pagoda, counted among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, while the one on the northern shore was Baoshu Pagoda. Among these, Leifeng Pagoda was built by Queen Huang of Wuyue, but in *West Lake Stories*—a collection of the lake’s legends—it is said to have emerged from strange karmic circumstances.

It was during the time when Emperor Gaozong of Song, having been pursued by Jin soldiers, crossed the Yangtze River and made his imperial procession to Hangzhou. In Heizhu Lane by Guojun Bridge within Hangzhou’s city walls, there lived a young man named Xu Xuan. Having lost both parents in childhood, he was being looked after by an official named Li Ren—to whom his elder sister was married—at Li’s residence. This Li Ren served as a clerk in the Southern Corridor Office. Xu Xuan lived at Clerk Li’s household and spent his days working as manager at the pharmacy operated by Li Jiangshi—Clerk Li’s younger brother—in Guanxiang district.

Xu Xuan was twenty-two at the time. He was a man with a delicate, handsome face, bearing an air reminiscent of a noble prince. It was the day of the Qingming Festival. Xu Xuan, intending to visit Baoshu Pagoda Temple to burn incense, consulted his sister the previous evening, rose early in the morning, purchased paper horses, incense sticks, red candles, sutra banners, and paper coins shaped like horseshoe ingots, ate his meal, donned newly tailored clothes, put on fine shoes, and went to meet Li Jiangshi at the Guanxiang shop.

“Today, I wish to pay respects at Baoshu Pagoda. I humbly request a day’s leave.” As it was local custom on Qingming Festival to visit ancestral graves and pray for the repose of the dead, and since Xu Xuan—having no parents—naturally went to the temple instead, Li Jiangshi granted his request with good cheer. “By all means, go on ahead. Off with you now.”

Thereupon, Xu Xuan left the shop and headed in the direction of Qiantang Gate.

The day shone with summer-like brilliance, and the streets overflowed with men and women heading to Buddhist temples and grave visits. Among them were some riding in palanquins, others in sedan chairs, some on horses or donkeys, and still others traveling by boat. Xu Xuan exited Qiantang Gate, crossed Shihan Bridge, ascended a road up Baoshi Mountain where Baoshu Pagoda towered and arrived at the temple, but the temple was bustling with people burning incense. Xu Xuan burned incense before the main hall, set ablaze paper horses and paper coins, lit red candles, and prayed for the repose of his parents’ souls. Then he went to the temple’s main hall, entered the guest hall to partake of a vegetarian meal, and having completed his donation to the temple, descended the mountain.

At the mountain’s base stood a hall called Shisheng Guan. When Xu Xuan had descended as far as Shisheng Guan, suddenly the sunlight faded and the surroundings grew dim. Xu Xuan widened his eyes in surprise. In the northwestern sky over West Lake, gray clouds had appeared, blocking the sunlight. Mist had settled over the southeastern lakeshore around Leifeng Pagoda, and within that mist, the pagoda appeared to float. The mist still drifted eastward, blurring Su Causeway. Below his gaze, Solitary Hill showed a tarnished silver line. No sooner had he thought it might rain than scattered white raindrops began pattering down. Xu Xuan had taken shelter under the eaves of Shisheng Guan, but the rain only grew heavier, showing no sign of letting up. The sky was entirely blanketed with pale ink-colored clouds. Xu Xuan, having no choice, took off his shoes and removed his socks as well, tied them together and fastened them at his waist, then barefoot, left the shelter of Shisheng Guan’s eaves and ran down.

Xu Xuan intended to hire a boat from the lakeshore to return all the way to Yongjin Gate. The figures of people startled by the sudden rain appeared as black dots here and there as they ran while getting soaked. Within the lake too, small boats scurried left and right. These were all vessels colloquially called Hangzhou boats with bamboo-mat roofs. Among them was a boat with its prow pointed eastward where an old man rowed at the stern, about to pass directly before his eyes. Xu Xuan meant to hail whichever nearby boat he could find and was about to call out when he noticed something familiar about this boatman's face beneath the bamboo rain hat. It turned out to be an old acquaintance named Zhang Hegong. Xu Xuan felt overwhelming joy.

“Mr. Zhang! Mr. Zhang! Hey, Mr. Zhang!” Hearing Xu Xuan’s voice, the boatman raised his face and looked toward the shore. “It’s me! It’s me! Mr. Zhang, won’t you take me to Yongjin Gate?” The boatman spotted Xu Xuan. “Ah, Boss…”

The boatman exclaimed in surprise, yanked back the oar with force, swung the prow shoreward, and gave a powerful shove. At once, the boat scraped against the sandy bank where willow leaves—pale green like mist—swayed, producing a gritty crunching sound. Xu Xuan dashed down to the water’s edge. “My apologies—take me to Yongjin Gate! I went to burn incense at Baoshu Pagoda and got caught in this rain.”

“That must’ve been trouble! Hurry and get in—I’m bound for Yongjin Gate myself.” “Right then! I’ll get aboard.” Xu Xuan hurriedly washed his feet and boarded the boat. The boatman thrust his pole against the water to push off, turned the prow eastward, and positioned the oar.

“Excuse me, excuse me—Boatman sir, I beg your pardon—please let us board.” Hearing a rich woman’s voice, Xu Xuan peered through a gap in the bamboo-mat roof toward shore. A tall slender beauty stood drenched in rain with a maid—clad in blue upper garments—holding a small bundle. “Mr. Zhang! Why not give us passage? Can’t you see we’re soaked through?”

“True enough, since we’re headed that way—let’s give them a ride.” The boatman steered the boat back toward shore. A silk-thread-like fine rain could be seen falling on the prow. “I’m terribly sorry; it started raining so suddenly…” A seductive voice rang out as the women came aboard the boat. And now, the beautiful woman’s face came clearly into view beneath the bamboo-mat roof. “I’m terribly sorry for the intrusion.” The woman greeted them with a composed demeanor. Xu Xuan felt awkward. He flusteredly returned the woman’s greeting while leaning his body backward.

“Please, go ahead.” The woman entered just as she was and sat down so close that her knees nearly touched his. A faint scent of perfume applied to the woman’s body lingered. Xu Xuan had lowered his eyes because the glare was too intense, but driven by curiosity to see the woman’s face clearly, he slowly raised them. His gaze collided with her dark, glistening eyes staring fixedly at him. Xu Xuan hurriedly averted his eyes again. “Where might your residence be?”

The woman spoke with words tinged with obsession. Xu Xuan’s awkward feelings subsided somewhat. “Heizhu Lane in Guojun Bridge.” “My surname is Xu, and my given name is Xuan. And you?” “I am called Bai. My family belongs to the White Three Squads, and I am the younger sister of Bai Zhidian. I was married into the Zhang household, but after my husband passed away, today I went to visit his grave. Then this rain came—just as I found myself in trouble, your kindness saved me.”

“Is that so? My parents also passed away early, so today I went to Baoshu Pagoda Temple. With this rain, I intended to hire a boat, but upon arriving, there was an acquaintance’s boat, so I boarded it—truly most fortunate.” The boat proceeded south and further south along the prefectural city’s walls. A silk-thread-like rain fell unceasingly outside the bamboo-mat roof. “When I left home, the weather was fine, so I didn’t give a single thought to the rain—which left me in quite a predicament. Truly, thank you so much.”

There was a sense that the maid fidgeted restlessly beside her mistress. “I’m also staying at my sister’s house and working at a relative’s pharmacy during the day, so I took some time off and came without thinking about the rain either—ended up in quite a predicament. Everyone must have had a difficult time today.” Xu Xuan managed to converse with the woman without becoming flustered.

The boat had already arrived outside Yongjin Gate. The small white rain was still falling. The woman, as if suddenly remembering something, looked intently around her body, then pressed her mouth to the maid’s ear and whispered in a low voice, making a troubled face. With that, the maid’s eyes crinkled with a smile as she whispered back to the woman. Even so, the woman wore a troubled expression. “Um, you see...” The maid’s face looked toward him. Xu Xuan wondered what this could mean. “This morning, when I left home, I was in such a hurry that I forgot to bring any money. I’m terribly sorry to impose, but might I humbly ask to borrow the boat fare? Once I return home, I’ll repay you immediately.”

“That’s all right—I’ll pay for it.”

The boat had already reached the water’s edge. The woman fidgeted awkwardly. “Well, the boat has docked. Let’s go ashore.”

Xu Xuan took some coins from the purse at his waist and placed them on the boat. “I’m terribly sorry.”

The woman said this, put on her shoes, and went ashore with the maid. Xu Xuan also disembarked afterward, though he remained barefoot. Had the sun already set? The surroundings appeared tinged with gray. The woman waited in the shade of a willow tree for Xu Xuan to come ashore. “Um, you see... Since the rain is pouring so heavily and the day is already drawing to a close, why don’t you come to my home? I would also like to repay the money I borrowed from you.”

Xu Xuan wanted to go to the woman’s house as well, but he couldn’t bring himself to go due to reservations about his sister’s household.

“Since it’s already grown rather late, I shall pay my visit next time.”

“I see… In that case, I shall have the pleasure of meeting you again. Thank you very much.” The woman departed with a lingering reluctance etched across her face. The maid followed behind, clutching a bundle. Xu Xuan too felt this lingering reluctance—he remained rooted in place and swept his gaze about, but already their figures had vanished. Mindful of propriety, Xu Xuan exchanged brief farewells with the boatman before darting out from beneath the willow's shade, passing through Yongjin Gate to walk under the eaves of tightly packed houses lining one side of the street. He had resolved to visit nearby relatives and borrow an umbrella. Before his eyes bloomed the woman's figure—vivid as a freshly opened flower.

Xu Xuan went to his relatives in Sanqiao Lane. The relatives tried to detain him, saying it was time for the evening meal, but Xu Xuan—sensing that happiness awaited him outside the house and loathing to be kept indoors—insisted on borrowing just an umbrella and went out. The sound of light, refreshing rain entwined with the suddenly snapped-open umbrella. When he reached Yangchangtou, a familiar gentle woman’s voice called out. “Oh, you.”

Xu Xuan turned to the left. There under the eaves of the teahouse stood Bai Niangzi alone, sheltering from the rain.

“Oh, it was you! I was rude earlier.” “Thank you for earlier. As the rain is truly dreadful, I had my maid go fetch an umbrella and am waiting here now.” “I see... Well then, take this umbrella. Since I’m right nearby, I don’t need it.” Xu Xuan tried to pass the umbrella in his hand to the woman, but she did not reach out.

“Thank you, but that would be too much. My maid will arrive shortly.” “No need—I’m practically there already. You keep this umbrella. I’ll come fetch it tomorrow.” “But this is too generous.” “Not at all.” Xu Xuan thrust the handle toward her. “Then I’ll gratefully accept it. My home is at Shuangchafang in Jianqiao.”

The woman entwined her slender long fingers around the handle. “I see. In that case, I shall have the pleasure of meeting you again.”

Xu Xuan, not wanting to trouble the woman any further, handed her the umbrella and promptly began walking briskly along under the eaves. At the same time, the woman also left the eaves and stepped out onto the stone-paved path to depart.

Xu Xuan lay thinking of Bai Niangzi even after retiring to bed that night. The vivid figure of a woman with exquisite features gazed his way with purposeful intent. He recalled each of her words steeped in temptation. A presence stirred as someone parted the bedchamber curtain and entered. Startled, Xu Xuan turned toward the disturbance. There lingered Bai Niangzi's alluring face, unchanged from her daytime visage. Elation and awkwardness warred within him—he felt compelled to speak yet found no words to say.

The woman had somehow gotten up onto the bed. Xu Xuan was immersed in happiness so intense it stole his breath, but when he suddenly came to his senses, it had all been a dream. The next morning, Xu Xuan went to the shop early as usual, but with Bai Niangzi filling his thoughts to the brim and work proving impossible to focus on, he fabricated an excuse after lunch, left the shop, and went to Shuangchafang in Jianqiao. Xu Xuan went around searching for Bai Niangzi’s house in this manner, but he could not find any that seemed to match. Even when he asked people, no one knew of such a place. Xu Xuan considered whether he might have misheard the location, but since it was definitely Shuangchafang, he persisted in searching every corner of the town. Yet, no matter how hard he looked, he simply couldn’t find such a house. He had no choice but to give up, and began to drag his weary feet homeward. From the eastern side of the east-west running town came a maid in a blue upper garment.

“Oh, you’ve arrived.” “I thought to retrieve my umbrella and have just come now—where might it be?” Xu Xuan felt his hidden intentions being laid bare and couldn’t admit he’d searched endlessly. He walked on accompanied by the maid. There stood a grand building encircled by high walls on all sides. The maid approached its front, paused briefly, and studied Xu Xuan’s face. “Here we are.” Xu Xuan grew suspicious—how had he failed to notice someone inhabiting such an imposing residence? He followed behind the maid and slipped through its gate.

The two entered the house and stood at the entrance to the central hall. “Madam, the gentleman you kindly assisted yesterday has arrived.”

The maid spoke toward the inner room. Then Bai Niangzi's voice came from within. "Ah, well then—this way now. Come, you must please come in."

In response to Bai Niangzi’s words, the maid spoke. “Now then, please do come in.” Xu Xuan was hesitating out of awkwardness. The maid pressed him insistently. “Since Madam herself has urged you so earnestly, please do come in.”

Xu Xuan steeled himself and entered. The room’s two sides consisted of four lattice partitions, while a narrow entrance on one side had a blue cloth curtain hanging down. The maid—likely going to inform Bai Niangzi—lifted the curtain with one hand and proceeded into the next room. Xu Xuan stood there surveying the room’s layout. The pot of tiger-beard iris placed on the central table first imparted a distinctly feminine air to the chamber. On both pillars hung four scroll paintings, while between them hung an object depicting a deity’s image. Beneath the divine image stood an incense table bearing an antique bronze censer and vase.

Bai Niangzi emerged with a bewitchingly alluring face. Xu Xuan somehow felt he was no longer a mere passerby, yet at the same time, he felt intensely awkward. “Welcome! And thank you for enduring all the inconveniences I caused you yesterday.” “Oh, not at all. Today I happened to come this way and thought to ask around about where your residence might be—just as I was considering whom to inquire with, the maid appeared, so I took the opportunity to pay a visit.”

As the two sat facing each other across the table, Xiaoqing brought tea. Xu Xuan drank while growing entranced, listening to the woman's speech. "Well then…"

Xu Xuan did not want to move, but he could not remain seated at tea indefinitely. Just as he rose to leave, the maid returned with wine and an assortment of dishes and fruits. “It’s nothing much, but please have some.” “Oh no—I couldn’t possibly impose on you like this; I must take my leave now.” “It’s nothing special—do have a little. Please don’t say such things.”

Xu Xuan felt sorry, but he also wanted to stay by the woman’s side. He sat down again and drank several cups of wine. “I must take my leave now, as it seems to have grown quite late.”

Xu Xuan, having noticed how late it had grown, resolved to take his leave. “Perhaps you won’t be leaving just yet? As we have so little to offer... Well then, please do wait a moment longer.” “Regarding the umbrella you kindly lent us yesterday—someone in the household has unfortunately lent it out again without my knowledge. I’ll retrieve it immediately; it won’t take but a moment.”

Xu Xuan thought that rather than taking the umbrella back immediately today, leaving it behind would provide a good pretext to come there again. “Oh, there’s no need to hurry about the umbrella. I can come again tomorrow to retrieve it—it doesn’t have to be today.” “In that case, I will deliver it to your residence tomorrow.” “No—I’ll come myself, as the shop has some free time.” “Then please do come visit whenever you like. I’m troubled daily by having no one to keep me company.”

“In that case, I shall come again tomorrow. Thank you for your kind hospitality.” Xu Xuan took his leave from Bai Niangzi and returned home after being seen off by the maid to the gate, yet his heart lingered as though still beside her, leaving him scarcely aware of his own being. The following day, even when attending the apothecary shop, he found himself incapable of concentrating on work; contriving another pretext to go out, he made straight for Bai Niangzi’s residence in Sōchabō.

As if she had known exactly when Xu Xuan would arrive and could wait no longer, Xiaoqing emerged. “Welcome! Now please do come in—Madam and I were just speaking of you.” “Today I’ll just take the umbrella and be on my way.” “Please give me the umbrella; I’ll take my leave here.” Xu Xuan said this, yet he had no desire to leave quickly. He was hoping Bai Niangzi would come out. “Come now, please don’t say such things—do step inside for a moment.”

The maid went inside after saying that. Xu Xuan was happy to know that the maid had gone to summon Bai Niangzi. He strained his ears wondering if he might hear Bai Niangzi’s voice. Sensing someone’s presence the maid returned. Behind the maid he saw Bai Niangzi's face appear.

“Now please do come in. I’ve been waiting since morning, thinking you might honor me with a visit today.” “Today I must take my leave here—I couldn’t possibly impose on your hospitality daily.” “As for me, I pass my days in idleness, so when a guest graces my home, I’m truly overjoyed. If you’re not pressed for time, won’t you step inside?”

“I don’t have any particular business either, but I feel bad about imposing every day.” “If you’ve no pressing matters elsewhere, please do come in. Now then, do.”

Xu Xuan was able to follow Bai Niangzi to yesterday's room without feeling awkward. Upon entering the room and sitting face-to-face with Bai Niangzi, Xiaoqing brought wine and dishes. "Please, enough—I can't let you trouble yourselves daily over a single tattered umbrella. I'll take my leave at once today; if the umbrella has been returned, I'll take it now." Xu Xuan thought that by no means could he accept hospitality for two days over one umbrella.

“Oh please, it’s nothing special, but do partake. I have something I wish to discuss.” Bai Niangzi said this, her face reddening slightly. That was the alluring face of Bai Niangzi he had seen in his dreams. Xu Xuan lowered his eyes to the table. “Please partake. I will join you.” Following Bai Niangzi’s voice, Xu Xuan brought the cup to his lips, but he couldn’t discern what he was drinking. Xu Xuan felt the flush of his own face.

“Now please, do.” Xu Xuan had been holding the cup as Bai Niangzi instructed, but when he suddenly became aware, he realized he had overstayed his visit. “There was something to discuss... but I’ve overstayed my visit.” “I have something to discuss with you. Now please have another cup—otherwise it would be difficult for me to speak.” Bai Niangzi said this and brought her eyes level with Xu Xuan’s. They were eyes glistening with a white, slimy sheen. Xu Xuan, feeling awkward, took his cup to distract himself from them. At the same time, a woman’s body exuding fragrance itself drew near and leaned against Xu Xuan’s frame.

“As I speak these words before the gods, this is no jest—please listen sincerely. Since losing my husband and living alone like this, I’ve faced constant hardships and knew I must take action. Now that we’ve grown close, I implore you—I wish for you to become master here.” Before the poor orphan descended dream-like happiness as if by miracle. Xu Xuan’s body trembled with joy, yet when he considered his own impoverished state, marrying such a wealthy lady had never occurred to him. He pondered this.

“Are you displeased, my husband?”

Xu Xuan could no longer remain silent. He began to speak with a stammer.

“That’s not the case. It’s just that I—I have no home, nothing of my own. I’m dependent on my sister’s household, and so during the day I work at a relative’s shop.” “If there are no other circumstances—or even if there are—if that’s all, then I can arrange everything on my end.”

With that, Bai Niangzi lifted her face and called for the maid. The maid was already there. Bai Niangzi whispered an instruction.

The maid left the room just as she was, and before long returned with a small bundle, which she handed to Bai Niangzi. Bai Niangzi placed it exactly as it was before Xu Xuan. “Please use this for your expenses. Should it prove insufficient, there is more—you need only say so.”

It was fifty ryō of silver coins. Xu Xuan did not reach out. “If I were to accept this...” “Why not? It’s for your expenses.” Bai Niangzi took it and placed it into Xu Xuan’s hand. Xu Xuan accepted it and slipped it into his sleeve.

“Well then, as it seems late today, please return home now and do come again another time.” The maid came there with the umbrella. Xu Xuan rose unsteadily, took the umbrella, and went out. Xu Xuan returned to his sister’s place when night fell, intending to discuss marriage, but not wanting to broach such a momentous life event as if it were idle gossip. That night he said nothing and went to sleep. The next morning, the moment he rose, he took the meager savings he had accumulated, went to the market, bought chicken meat, goose meat, fish, fruits, and even a single keg of fine wine. After arranging these in his room, he went to summon Li Ren and his wife.

“This morning, please take your meal at my place.”

Li Ren and his wife came to Xu Xuan’s room with a sense of puzzlement, but upon seeing the lavish meal laid out on the table, they were astonished all over again. “What in blazes is happening today? This isn’t right,” Li Ren said, remaining standing rigidly. “I have a small request to make. Please—do take your seats.” Xu Xuan spoke with affected composure.

“What is it? Go on, out with it.” “Well now, please have a couple of drinks first. I’ll explain everything in good time.” Xu Xuan urged Li Ren and his wife to drink the wine. The wine made two or three rounds. Xu Xuan then looked at Li Ren’s face. “I have caused you trouble all this time and grown so much under your care, but taking advantage of that very trouble, there is one more request I must make—I wish to hold a wedding.” “A wedding... Since weddings are significant matters, I’ll give it some thought, you hear?”

Li Ren looked at his wife’s face but said nothing further about the wedding thereafter. Xu Xuan, who had wanted to discuss more concrete arrangements, felt frustrated yet powerless to act.

When the wine was finished, Li Ren left the room as if fleeing. Xu Xuan had no choice but to wait for Li Ren’s reply, but even after two days passed, then three, there was no response at all. Thereupon, Xu Xuan went to his sister’s place.

“Sis, did you discuss the matter from the other day with brother-in-law?”

“I haven’t yet.” “Why haven’t you done it?” “Because Brother-in-law was busy.”

“Rather than being busy, isn’t Brother-in-law fleeing because he thinks my wedding will cost money? If it’s about funds, there’s no problem—I have them.” Xu Xuan said this and took out fifty taels of silver from his sleeve, handing it to his sister. “I won’t cause Brother-in-law even a single coin of trouble. All I need is for you to act as my parents and hold the ceremony—that’s all I ask.”

The sister saw the silver and broke into a smile. “How strange. You’re not marrying some old woman somewhere, are you? Well, never mind. I’ll hold onto this, and when Brother-in-law returns, we’ll talk.”

Xu Xuan then left his sister’s room. That night, the sister waited for Li Ren to return home and showed him the money Xu Xuan had left. “He has made arrangements with someone, so all we need do is act as his parents and hold the ceremony. Why don’t we hasten the wedding?”

“So, this silver was received from a woman, then.”

Clerk Li said this and picked up the silver. And then he cast his eyes upon its surface. “T-This is terrible!” Clerk Li’s eyes flew wide open in shock. “What are you so surprised about?” The wife could not comprehend. “This silver comes from Shao Dawei’s vault—stolen silver! Fifty ingots kept inside have vanished! The seals remain unbroken while the contents disappear! Lin’an Prefecture offers fifty taels for catching this thief! Pitiful for Xuan—but we must report this ourselves! Should others learn of this first—our whole household will lose their heads! This calamity grows dire!”

Li Ren waited impatiently for morning to come, then took the silver Xu Xuan had left and went to Lin’an Prefecture. At the prefecture, Magistrate Han heard Clerk Li’s accusation and, upon inspecting the silver, confirmed it was indeed the stolen ingots. Without delay, he dispatched constables to apprehend Xu Xuan and had him brought before the court for interrogation. “By Clerk Li’s accusation, you have been identified as the thief who stole silver from Shao Dawei’s vault. Where have you hidden the remaining forty-nine ingots? You would do well to confess without concealment.”

From the moment the constables stormed in, Xu Xuan—his mind in turmoil and judgment lost—was declared the thief of Shao Dawei’s vault, finally realizing the grave suspicion now cast upon him. “I would never steal others’ belongings—this must be a case of mistaken identity!” Xu Xuan desperately pleaded his case. “Do not lie! That you stole silver from Shao Dawei’s vault is proven by the fifty taels you entrusted to your sister! Where did that silver come from?”

“That silver was received from a woman named Bai who lives across from Xiuwang Wall in Shuangchafang, Jianqiao.” Xu Xuan then explained in detail how he had grown close to Bai Niangzi and come to make a marriage promise. As there appeared no falsehood in Xu Xuan’s testimony, Magistrate Han dispatched constables to apprehend Bai Niangzi. The constables went to Shuangchafang with Xu Xuan still bound by ropes as their guide, arriving before a black mansion surrounded by high walls at Xiuwang Wall. It was an ancient house that showed no signs of habitation. Xu Xuan stared wide-eyed in bewilderment. One constable rushed to a neighboring house to inquire. This had been the residence of an official named Mao Xunjian, whose entire family perished in an epidemic five or six years prior—though neighbors had occasionally seen a child emerge to purchase goods, suggesting some inhabitants might remain. However, it was confirmed no one surnamed Bai lived there.

The constables stood before the house, finalized their plan, opened the gate, and went inside. The doors had crumbled away, the eaves tilted askew, weeds choked the gaps between bricks, and the courtyard lay in utter ruin—not a trace remained of the vibrant hues the house had displayed two or three days prior. Xu Xuan could only stare in astonishment.

The constables split up and entered the room. In the dilapidated, gloom-filled room, there were only rats fleeing at the sound of human footsteps—nowhere was there any trace of human presence. The constables, who had been separated, had somehow reunited and proceeded to the innermost detached building. The room was elevated by one step, where a fair-skinned woman sat. The vivid red and blue hues of the kimono came into view. The woman appeared to be sitting on the bed. The constables advanced suspiciously.

“We’ve come from the prefectural office. Who are you? If you’re Madam Bai, we have a warrant from Magistrate Han. There are questions regarding the silver you gave Xu Xuan—you’ll come with us.” The woman raised her face slowly, neither speaking nor showing any trace of surprise. “That unnatural calm betrays a trickster! Take her!”

The constables all rushed forward. At the same moment, a thunderous noise resounded. The constables stood frozen there in shock. They turned their focused gaze toward where the woman had been. Her figure had vanished without trace. Resolved not to let her escape again, the constables steeled themselves and charged into the room. Though the woman remained nowhere to be seen, a bundled stack of silver ingots lay piled beside the bed—the very forty-nine missing pieces from Shao Dawei’s vault.

The constables carried the silver ingots and brought them to Lin'an Prefecture hall. Thereupon Xu Xuan was cleared of theft suspicion but sentenced to exile in Suzhou on charges of accepting silver from an unidentified individual whose background remained unknown.

Meanwhile, on Shao Dawei’s side, he provided the promised reward of fifty taels and gave it to Li Ren as agreed. However, Li Ren—tormented by guilt over acquiring this silver through causing his own brother-in-law’s suffering—visited Xu Xuan in prison to give him the money for travel expenses. After consulting with Li Jiangshi, he decided to send Xu off with two letters of introduction. One of the letters was given to a Suzhou clerk named Fan Yuanzhang, and the other was given to a man named Wang who ran an inn beneath Jili Bridge.

When the day arrived, Xu Xuan was led out of prison by two escorts. At the entrance of the prefectural office, Li Ren and his wife—along with Li Jiangshi and others—had come and were waiting. Xu Xuan shed tears, exchanged farewells with the people, and departed.

After about three days, Xu Xuan arrived at Suzhou Prefecture. After Fan Yuanzhang and Wang Zhuren saw Li Jiangshi’s letter and used silver to expedite matters, Xu Xuan was placed under Wang Zhuren’s custody. About half a year had passed since Xu Xuan had been placed under Wang Zhuren’s care. He was tormented by tedium there every day.

Then, one day, Wang Zhuren entered the room.

“A woman in a sedan chair has come looking for you, accompanied by one maidservant.”

Xu Xuan had no inkling who it could be but went out to check the entrance out of curiosity. At the entrance stood Bai Niangzi and the maidservant wearing a blue upper garment. Xu Xuan felt shock and anger surge forth. "You thief! After making me go through all that, why have you come here again?"

“I am absolutely not such a wicked being. I came here precisely to clarify that to you.” Bai Niangzi tilted her beautiful neck slightly, adopting a troubled expression. “No matter how much you try to deceive me, do you think I’ll fall for that trick again, you monster?”

Wang Zhuren, who came out after Xu Xuan, went to his side and spoke, reasoning that if Xu Xuan caused a loud disturbance at the entrance, it would reflect poorly on his standing with the neighbors. “They seem to have come from afar. Why not let them inside and talk?”

After saying that, Wang Zhuren looked toward Bai Niangzi.

“Please, do come inside.” Bai Niangzi attempted to move. Xu Xuan blocked her path. “Don’t let her into the house! She’s the monster who tormented me!”

Bai Niangzi looked toward the maidservant and smiled. Wang Zhuren, seeing the woman’s beautiful and gentle face like that, did not doubt her. “There’s no such monster here. Well, never mind—we’ll sort this out once we talk later. Come on inside.” Xu Xuan, unable to obstruct Wang Zhuren’s insistence alone, entered ahead himself. Bai Niangzi, accompanied by Xiaoqing, followed Wang Zhuren inside. Inside the house, Wang Zhuren’s mother gazed intently at Bai Niangzi’s graceful demeanor as she entered. After offering a composed greeting to the mother, Bai Niangzi turned her gaze to Xu Xuan, who stood nearby with an angry expression.

“Have I not entrusted myself to you? Why would I ever wish you harm? As I reflect now, that silver belonged to my late husband. Since I knew nothing of its origins, giving it to you led to such troubles. It was to say this that I have come.” There was still one thing that puzzled Xu Xuan. “When the Lin’an Prefecture constables came, you were on the bed—then with a great noise, you vanished! What was that? Isn’t it suspicious?”

Bai Niangzi laughed. “I told my maid to knock on the wooden wall. The sound made the constables hesitate to approach, so I took that chance to escape and hid at Auntie’s house before Huazang Temple. You never consider my feelings at all—instead, you treat me like some monster! But I only care about clearing your doubts. Now I must take my leave.”

Bai Niangzi hurriedly ran toward the exit. Wang Zhuren’s mother hurriedly ran over and stopped her. “Well, since you’ve come all this way, why not rest for a couple of days and talk more?” Bai Niangzi did not seem inclined to turn back. The maidservant spoke from beside her. “Madam, since they’ve been so kind, perhaps you should consider staying a little longer.”

Bai Niangzi looked toward the maidservant. "But he doesn’t think of someone like me anymore."

Wang Zhuren’s mother would not let Bai Niangzi go.

“Since everything has been made clear now, even Mr. Xu Xuan won’t keep on saying he doesn’t understand.”

Xu Xuan had already resolved his doubts regarding Bai Niangzi. Wang Zhuren’s mother led Bai Niangzi to Xu Xuan’s room. Xu Xuan and Bai Niangzi became husband and wife from that night onward.

About half a year had passed since Bai Niangzi came to Xu Xuan’s residence. One day, it was mid-February.

Xu Xuan went strolling to Wofu Temple with two or three friends. The day was warm and fine with gentle breezes, so there were many worshippers. Xu Xuan’s group joined the worshippers and proceeded to the front of the reclining Buddha, then turned back and exited through the temple gate. There were fortune-tellers and vendors setting up their shops there. Among them was a Daoist priest selling medicine and administering talisman water. The Daoist priest started upon seeing Xu Xuan’s face and cried out.

“A strand of evil aura hovers above your head. Something sinister clings to your body; if you don’t take care, your life will be in peril.”

Xu Xuan was physically weakened and in poor spirits. Moreover, he still harbored doubts about Bai Niangzi. When he heard this, terror overcame him. He pressed his head to the ground and said, "Please save me!"

The Daoist priest nodded and produced two talismans.

“I’ll give you these. Without letting anyone know, tuck one into your hair and burn the other at the third watch tonight.” Xu Xuan received them, bid farewell to his friends, returned home, tucked one into his hair, and intended to burn the other at the third watch. He waited for the hour without informing Bai Niangzi. “You’re doubting me again and trying to burn a talisman, aren’t you? After all this time together, what could be suspicious about me? Isn’t this too cruel?”

Bai Niangzi, who had been beside him, suddenly flew into a rage. Xu Xuan was flustered.

“No—that’s not true! How could such a thing be possible?”

Bai Niangzi’s hand extended and caught the talisman that had been placed inside Xu Xuan’s sleeve. Bai Niangzi took that talisman to the flame of the nearby lamp and burned it. The talisman burned fiercely into ash. “Well? Do you still find me suspicious now?” Bai Niangzi laughed. Xu Xuan had no choice but to explain himself.

“Since the Daoist priest in front of Wofu Temple said that, that bastard was just mocking me.”

“If that Daoist really said such things, why don’t we go there together tomorrow? Whether I’m suspicious or not will be clear right away.”

The next day, Xu Xuan and Bai Niangzi went together to the front of Wofu Temple. The grounds of Wofu Temple were bustling with worshippers that day as well. A cluster of people stood before that Daoist priest's stall. When Bai Niangzi was informed this priest was indeed that same Daoist, she immediately ran toward him.

“You sorcerer priest—I won’t tolerate you deceiving people like this!”

The Daoist priest, who had been about to administer talisman water to one of the worshippers, looked up in surprise. And he stared fixedly at Bai Niangzi’s face. “You monster! I know the Five Thunders Heavenly Heart True Law! How about drinking this talisman water of mine? Your true form will reveal itself soon enough.”

Bai Niangzi laughed mockingly.

“Perfect timing—with everyone here watching. If I’m truly suspicious and your talisman water actually works to reveal my true form, then I’ll drink it. Go on, give it here—I’ll drink it right now.” “Go ahead—make me drink it!” The Daoist priest thrust forward a cup filled with water before Bai Niangzi. Bai Niangzi drained it in one swift gulp, handed back the cup, and laughed. “Well then? Shouldn’t my true form be revealing itself about now?” Xu Xuan and the onlookers stared unblinking at Bai Niangzi’s face, yet it showed not the slightest change.

“Well then, you sorcerer priest—where is this suspicious evidence you speak of? How exactly am I suspicious?”

The Daoist priest stared wide-eyed, utterly dumbfounded. “Spouting nonsense to come between a married couple is utterly despicable, don’t you think? I’ll teach you a lesson right now.” Bai Niangzi said that and muttered something under her breath, chanting. Then, it seemed as though someone had bound the Daoist priest with a rope, but soon his feet left the ground and he rose into the air.

“This will do, this will do.” As Bai Niangzi exhaled breath from her mouth, the Daoist priest’s body collapsed to the ground. The Daoist priest scrambled up and vanished without a trace.

April 8th, Buddha’s Birthday arrived. As Xu Xuan grew curious, he decided to go to Chengtian Temple to see the Buddha’s Birthday celebration and told Bai Niangzi about it. Bai Niangzi took out new upper and lower garments and dressed him in them, then brought a golden fan. The golden fan had a coral pendant attached. “Go quickly and come back soon.”

Thereupon, Xu Xuan went to Chengtian Temple. The temple grounds were bustling with plays and other attractions. Xu Xuan was jostled by the crowd of worshippers and wandered about when fragmentary rumors reached him—a thief had broken into Zhou Jiangshi’s storeroom and stolen gold, silver, jewels, and clothing—but since this concerned him not at all, he paid it no heed. “Excuse me—might I see that fan for a moment?”

The man who attempted to pass by Xu Xuan came to an abrupt stop and grabbed the hand in which Xu Xuan held his fan. Xu Xuan was startled and looked at the man’s face. The man stared intently at the fan and the coral pendant attached to it before shouting. “Thief! Thief! I’ve caught the thief—everyone, come here!”

Xu Xuan was startled and tried to explain himself, but there was no chance. The ropes were already biting relentlessly into his flesh. He was dragged from the spot to the prefectural office.

“Your clothes and fan have already established your guilt! Where have you hidden the remaining stolen goods? Speak now! If you refuse, we’ll subject you to torture!” Xu Xuan had been accused of being the thief who robbed Zhou Jiangshi’s storeroom.

“The clothes I’m wearing and the fan I’m holding were all given by my wife—they’re absolutely not stolen goods!”

The Magistrate angrily scolded.

“Don’t lie! However much you deceive us, these clothes and fan are conclusive evidence! If you still insist your wife gave them, produce her here—where is she?” “My wife resides at Proprietor Wang’s house on Jili Bridge.” “Very well then!”

The Magistrate ordered the constables to take Xu Xuan to Proprietor Wang’s house. Proprietor Wang, who was at home, saw Xu Xuan being escorted in by constables and was shocked.

“What’s happened here?” “That woman’s brought this calamity upon me! Is she here now?” Xu Xuan’s voice trembled with anger.

“Madam said your return was late, so she went with the maid to search for you near Chengtian Temple.” The constables bound Proprietor Wang instead of Bai Niangzi and escorted him to the prefectural office together with Xu Xuan. Atop the hall, the Magistrate had been waiting for the constables’ return. The Magistrate decided to hold a trial after Bai Niangzi had been captured. Beside the Magistrate, Zhou Jiangshi had come and was watching the proceedings.

At that moment, a member of Zhou Jiangshi’s household arrived. It was news that the items they had believed stolen—gold, silver, jewels, clothing, and such—had been found inside an empty box in the storehouse. Zhou Jiangshi hurriedly returned home, and just as his household member had said, all the items he had believed stolen were there. However, the fan and pendant were missing, but since there were many similar items of that sort, that alone was insufficient to prove that Xu Xuan was the thief.

Zhou Jiangshi once again went to the prefectural office and reported this matter, resulting in Xu Xuan being pardoned. However, as the location designated for Xu Xuan was deemed unfavorable, his exile was redirected to Zhenjiang.

Just as Xu Xuan was about to be sent to Zhenjiang, Li Mushi arrived in Suzhou under orders from Shao Dawei in Hangzhou at precisely this opportune moment. When Li Mushi went to Proprietor Wang’s house and heard of Xu Xuan’s redirected exile, he wrote a letter addressed to relatives in Zhenjiang and delivered it to Xu Xuan. These relatives belonged to the household of a man named Li Keyong, who operated a pharmacy beneath Qinzi Bridge.

Xu Xuan went to Zhenjiang with his escorts and stopped by Li Keyong’s house. Li Keyong, upon seeing the letter from his relative, had the escorts eat a meal, then went together with them to the prefectural office where he used money to complete the procedures, after which he brought Xu Xuan back to his house.

Xu Xuan was able to settle down at Li Keyong’s house. As his mind gradually settled, he recalled his own misfortune of being plagued by the terrifying sorceress and felt both sorrow and anger. Since Li Keyong learned that Xu Xuan had worked as a manager at a pharmacy in Hangzhou, when he tried assigning him tasks, he found his work to be thorough and saw no cause for concern.

Therefore, he decided to employ him as manager, but thinking it wouldn’t do for the other shop employees to grow envious, he gave Xu Xuan money and had him invite the shop’s staff to a tavern overlooking the river’s flow. After everyone had finished drinking and eating and left, Xu Xuan settled the bill afterward, found himself alone, and exited the tavern. He had a pleasant level of intoxication and was in a very good mood. He walked under the eaves of the houses, the cool evening wind blowing against his cheeks flushed with wine.

There was a multi-storied building where someone opened a window at that moment—something fell from it and struck Xu Xuan on the head. Xu Xuan, irritated, snapped angrily. “You fool! Watch yourself!” A woman’s face appeared at the window of the building. She lowered her eyes and stared fixedly at Xu Xuan’s face before murmuring something and withdrawing inside. As Xu Xuan stood bewildered, the woman came hurrying out from the entrance. It was Bai Niangzi. “You sorceress—have you come to torment me again? This time I won’t stand for it! Know that I’ll capture you and hand you over!”

Bai Niangzi’s eyes smiled. “Now, don’t speak so harshly—please listen to me. I’m sorry for dragging you into trouble twice, but those clothes and fan belonged to my late husband—they’re not suspicious at all! Didn’t that clear your suspicions?” “Then why weren’t you there when I returned to Proprietor Wang’s place?” “Well, since you were late returning, the maid and I went to search for you, but then all that commotion happened. I got frightened, so I came by boat to this house where the maid’s maternal relatives live.”

Xu Xuan’s anger toward Bai Niangzi subsided. Xu Xuan followed Bai Niangzi to that house, stayed there one night, then returned to being husband and wife as before. Before long came Li Keyong’s birthday. Xu Xuan and his wife went to the Li household bearing gifts to offer congratulations. Li Keyong had arranged a banquet and invited his close friends and acquaintances.

This Li Keyong was a lecherous man. The moment he laid eyes on Bai Niangzi, his true nature surfaced at once. When he realized Bai Niangzi had gone to the restroom, he quietly slipped away from his seat and followed after her. And then, imagining the flower-like woman inside, he quietly entered. Inside, a large white snake as thick as a barrel lay coiled. The snake’s eyes were as large as lanterns, shining with a golden radiance. Li Keyong was so startled that he tried to flee, but in his haste to escape, he tripped and fell.

The foster daughter being raised in Li Keyong’s household found him collapsed and unconscious. The household erupted in an uproar as everyone came gathering. As they administered medicine and nursed him, he finally regained consciousness. When the household members asked what had happened, he claimed it was due to physical strain from days of consecutive exhaustion. With Li Keyong’s condition improved, the banquet resumed its former liveliness, though soon concluded with all guests departing. Bai Niangzi had returned home unnoticed, then quietly came to the shop—likely because she wished to speak with Xu Xuan.

“I came because I felt strangely unwell this evening.” “Didn’t you enjoy yourself at tonight’s feast?” “I felt nothing of the sort! You called the master here an honest man, but he’s anything but! When I went to the privy, he followed and tried to violate me! That loathsome creature!”

"But it's not like you were actually harmed. Let it go—you should head back and rest." "But I'm terrified of that master. Who knows what he might do going forward? Instead of staying here, why don't we use the twenty or thirty taels I have to open a small pharmacy near the wharf?" Xu Xuan too, rather than being tied down as a manager in someone else's household, wanted to freely own his own shop. He found himself persuaded by Bai Niangzi's words.

“Well, if I can own a small shop, that would be better though.” “Then let’s do it, shall we?” “Well, I suppose having one would be fine. Then, whether he grants me leave or not, I’ll ask the master tomorrow.”

The next day, Xu Xuan consulted Li Keyong. Since Li Keyong had his own vulnerabilities and had encountered something strange, he did not oppose Xu Xuan's proposal. Therefore, Xu Xuan and Bai Niangzi rented a suitable house near the wharf and started a pharmacy. For the first time, Xu Xuan became the master of his own household and was finally able to settle down.

The seventh day of the seventh month arrived. That day was the birthday of the Heroic and Fierce Dragon King.

Xu Xuan wanted to go to Jinshan Temple to offer incense and repeatedly urged Bai Niangzi to accompany him, but Bai Niangzi did not go.

“You may go alone, but you must not enter the abbot’s quarters. Monks are preaching sermons there—they’ll surely demand donations. Do you understand? You absolutely must not go to the abbot’s quarters.”

Xu Xuan decided to go alone. He hired a boat and went to the island mountain of Jinshan Temple, located about one ri upstream. The red-muddied flow of the Yangtze River surged up and down as pilgrim boats coming and going to Jinshan Temple floated like a flock of waterfowl. Between Jingkou and Guazhou lay a single stretch of water; on the near shore of Guazhou, the willow trees appeared lush and green.

Xu Xuan ascended to Jinshan Temple, went to the Dragon King Hall, finished offering incense there, and while walking about here and there, came to where many worshippers were listening to a monk’s sermon. Xu Xuan thought this must be the abbot’s quarters Bai Niangzi had warned him not to enter. He hurriedly left the abbot’s quarters. The monk who had been preaching caught a glimpse of Xu Xuan’s face as he turned to leave. “There’s a demonic aura in those eyes. Summon that one.”

One of the attendants went to summon him, but Xu Xuan was already halfway down the mountain and did not hear. Then the monk suddenly took up his monk’s staff, stood up, and chased after Xu Xuan. At the mountain’s base, a fierce wind had arisen and waves were churning, leaving the pilgrims distressed and unable to board their boats. Xu Xuan, having descended the mountain, joined the crowd and stood on the shore waiting for the wind to calm. Just then, a small boat came cutting through the gale as if unfazed and attempted to make landfall. Xu Xuan thought it was a miraculous boat—but when he glanced inside, there were Bai Niangzi and the maid Xiaoqing, their faces revealed. Bai Niangzi and Xu Xuan’s eyes met.

“Please get in quickly. The wind’s picking up—I came to fetch you.” The boat reached shore at that very moment. Xu Xuan joyfully descended to the water’s edge. Behind Xu Xuan stood the monk who had chased him down.

“You accursed demon beast! What do you mean by coming here?!”

Master Fahai looked into the boat, shouted angrily, and raised his monk’s staff. With that, Bai Niangzi and Xiaoqing somersaulted into the water and plunged in. Xu Xuan was startled and opened his eyes wide. And then, Xu Xuan felt as though he had awoken from a dream. “What kind of monk is that?!” Xu Xuan gathered his wits and asked a bystander. “That is Venerable Master Fahai—the Living Buddha.”

The monk’s attendant came to summon Xu Xuan. Xu Xuan was accompanied by him and went before Master Fahai. “Where did you encounter those women?” At that point, Xu Xuan recounted everything from the beginning. Master Fahai heard this and said: “It’s karmic fate—yet it stems from your own deep desires. But your calamities seem to have passed. From now on, you must return to Hangzhou and become one who cultivates virtue. Should such matters arise again, come seek this old monk at Jingci Temple in Hunan. Now I shall recite a verse for you to remember: *Originally transformed into a bewitching snake-woman,/ She plied her form along West Lake’s shore./ Your heavy craving drew another’s scheme—/ When peril comes, find the Hunan monk.* Understood? Do not forget this verse.”

Xu Xuan parted from Master Fahai and returned trembling to Li Keyong’s house on Qinzhi Bridge. Having heard Xu Xuan speak of Bai Niangzi, Li Keyong for the first time recounted the monstrous serpent he had seen on his birthday night. Xu Xuan then closed up the wharfside house and moved back to Li Keyong’s residence, but before ten days had passed, an imperial pardon decree was issued granting amnesty to all except those guilty of the Ten Abominations. Though Xu Xuan too was pardoned then, he hurried back to Hangzhou in accordance with Master Fahai’s admonition.

Clerk Li Ren and his wife were waiting for Xu Xuan’s return. Clerk Li Ren waited for Xu Xuan to finish his greetings and said.

“You’ve really had a rough time this go-around. When you went to Suzhou and then from Suzhou to Zhenjiang, I did everything I could for you—but it must’ve still been hard. That’s what comes from drifting around alone. You ought to take a wife and settle down proper. Do that, and even shady types won’t come sniffing around.” Xu Xuan wanted nothing more than to settle down quietly.

“I have had enough—I will not take a wife.”

Xu Xuan’s words had scarcely ended when voices sounded, and someone entered there. It was Xu Xuan’s sister who had arrived accompanied by Bai Niangzi and the maid.

“You have a wife already—how dare you spout such lies? Am I not your wife?” Xu Xuan began to tremble violently. And then, he said in a trembling and quavering voice: “Sister—that thing is a demon! You mustn’t listen to what it says!”

Bai Niangzi went to Xu Xuan’s side. “How cruel you are—though we are husband and wife, you listen to others and despise me! But since I am your lawful wife, I will not go elsewhere.”

Bai Niangzi began to cry. Xu Xuan hurriedly stood up, pulled Clerk Li Ren by the sleeve, and went outside.

“That is the White Snake Spirit.” “What should I do?” Xu Xuan proceeded to tell them about the uncanny events in Zhenjiang that he had not yet spoken of. “If it truly is a snake, there’s someone who can help—a snake catcher named Mr. Dai in front of Baima Temple. Let’s ask this man for assistance.” Clerk Li Ren took the lead and accompanied Xu Xuan as they went to the front of Baima Temple. Mr. Dai happened to be standing in front of his house. “Can I help you both with something?”

Clerk Li Ren said hurriedly.

“A big white snake has come to my house and is trying to bring disaster. Please catch it.” Clerk Li Ren said this, took out a tael of silver from his waist, and placed it on Mr. Dai’s palm. “I’ll give you this much now. If you catch it, I’ll provide another reward separately later.” Mr. Dai gladly accepted the silver.

“Then I’ll make preparations immediately and come over.” “Please go on ahead for now.”

Clerk Li Ren and Xu Xuan immediately returned. Mr. Dai arrived soon after, carrying bottles containing realgar and medicinal liquid. “Where is the White Snake?”

Clerk Li Ren indicated the room where Bai Niangzi was. Mr. Dai went to the room as instructed, but its door was shut. As Mr. Dai muttered incantations and tried to open the door, it swung inward of its own accord. Mr. Dai stepped inside. There coiled a white serpent thick as a barrel, its lamp-dish eyes blazing and forked tongue flickering like flames as it lunged its gaping maw to devour him whole. Mr. Dai fled, dropping his bottles without a glance.

Clerk Li Ren and Xu Xuan had come to see the outcome of Mr. Dai. Mr. Dai nearly collided with the two men and regained his composure. Clerk Li Ren said. “Mr. Dai, did you catch it?” Mr. Dai was panting.

“If it were a snake, I could catch it, but that thing is a monster! I nearly lost my life there—I’ll return that silver!” With these words, Mr. Dai fled as if escaping death itself. Li Ren and Xu Xuan exchanged troubled glances, utterly helpless.

“You, please come here.”

A voice came from inside the room—Bai Niangzi’s. Xu Xuan’s body trembled violently. However, thinking there was no telling what she might do if he didn’t go, he entered timidly. Inside sat Bai Niangzi with the maid in her usual appearance.

“You are truly a heartless man—bringing along some snake-catching fellow like that! If you insist on tormenting me so cruelly, I too have a plan… one that will endanger the lives of everyone in Hangzhou!” Xu Xuan was so terrified he couldn’t stay still and listen. He went outside just like that, but because stopping his feet was terrifying, he walked wherever his feet led. He had already gone beyond Qingbo Gate. After arriving there, his mind cleared, and he began to consider what he should do now. However, no thoughts of what to do next or what means to take came to mind. Suddenly, the verse of the gatha that Master Fahai of Jinshan Temple had spoken floated into his mind. At the same time, if he were to be ensnared by the monstrous beast again, the words that Master Fahai had spoken—“Seek out this old monk at Jingci Temple in Hunan”—resurfaced in his mind. He drew strength from this and headed toward Jingci Temple.

At Jingci Temple, there was a supervising monk. Xu Xuan asked the supervising monk about Master Fahai.

"I would like to meet Master Fahai, if I may." "Master Fahai has never come to this temple." Xu Xuan returned dejected. And then he came to beneath Long Bridge. Xu Xuan didn't know what to do next. He gazed at the lake water. It occurred to me that if I were to die alone, I wouldn't trouble anyone. Before his eyes lay a dark and desolate world. He suddenly placed his foot on the railing and attempted to jump. Just then, a voice called out from behind.

“A man of your standing—why scorn life’s value? If troubles weigh upon you, let us deliberate together.” Master Fahai stood bearing his monastic robe and alms bowl upon his back, a Zen staff gripped in hand. Xu Xuan dashed to his side. “By your mercy, save this unworthy life!”

“So, it seems that monstrous beast has entangled itself with you again. Where is it now?” “She has come to the house of my sister’s husband, Clerk Li Ren.” “Very well. I shall give you this alms bowl—take it without her knowing. Suddenly place it over that woman’s head and press down with all your might. No matter what happens, do not loosen your grip. This old monk will follow shortly.” Xu Xuan received the alms bowl from Master Fahai and returned to Li Ren’s house. In one room of Clerk Li Ren’s house, Bai Niangzi was ranting and berating someone. Xu Xuan went to the room with a dejected expression. When Bai Niangzi saw Xu Xuan, she transformed into a demure woman and attempted to speak to him. Seizing an opportunity, Xu Xuan took out the alms bowl he had hidden in his sleeve and suddenly placed it over the woman’s head, pressing down with all his might. The woman screamed and tried to remove it, but could not. The woman's form gradually grew smaller. As Xu Xuan continued to press down with all his strength, the woman’s form finally vanished, leaving only the alms bowl.

“It hurts! It hurts! For the sake of our time together as husband and wife, please loosen it just a little—I’m dying!” A voice like that came from within the alms bowl. Then, at that very moment, Clerk Li Ren arrived and said:

“Master has come, saying he’s here to capture the suspicious one.” “That is Master Fahai. Please show him in quickly.”

Li Ren hurriedly went out and soon returned, bringing Master Fahai in with him. "The demon snake lies subdued beneath this." Master Fahai chanted something under his breath there, and when it ended, he opened the alms bowl. A doll-like figure about eight or nine inches long lay completely limp. Master Fahai spoke to the doll-like figure. “Why dost thou cling to humans?” “I am the snake who came to West Lake during the storm. While staying with the green fish, I saw Xu Xuan and my heart stirred—that’s how all this came to be.” “Even so, I have never harmed any living creature, so I beg thee to spare me.”

“Your sin of lust stands paramount among transgressions; thus it cannot be countenanced. Yet should you cultivate yourself for a thousand years, your life may find reprieve. Regardless, you must now manifest your true form.” Simultaneously, the doll-like figure became a white snake, while beside it materialized the visage of a green fish. Master Fahai placed both snake and fish into the alms bowl, shrouded it with a monastic robe to seal them, bore it to Leifeng Temple’s forecourt for burial, then raised a pagoda over the site to bar the White Snake and Green Fish from ever returning to this world. Master Fahai inscribed upon it a quatrain.

Only when Leifeng Pagoda collapses, West Lake's waters run dry, and river tides cease to rise, will the White Snake return to the world. Xu Xuan became Master Fahai's disciple and resided beneath Leifeng Pagoda. He expanded the pagoda into a grand seven-story tower, but later, having accumulated merit, he passed away in meditation. The fellow monks purchased a funeral urn to cremate his bones and built a bone pagoda beneath Leifeng.