As night fell, Ning Sheng's mother, fearful of Xiaoqian, sent her away without providing a bed. Understanding her intent, Xiaoqian left immediately. Passing by Ning Sheng's study, she hesitated to enter, pacing outside as if afraid of something. Ning Sheng called her, and Xiaoqian explained, "The sword's aura inside is intimidating. That's why I avoided you on the road before." Realizing it was the leather bag, Ning Sheng moved it to another room, allowing Xiaoqian to enter. She sat by the candlelight without speaking. After a long while, Xiaoqian asked, "Do you study at night? I used to read the 'Shurangama Sutra' when I was young, but I've forgotten most of it. Could you lend me a volume to read and correct my mistakes?" Ning Sheng agreed. Xiaoqian sat silently for a while longer, not mentioning leaving even as the second watch approached. Ning Sheng urged her to go, and Xiaoqian sorrowfully said, "As a lonely soul from afar, I am especially afraid of desolate graves." Ning Sheng replied, "There is no other bed in the study, and since we are like siblings, we should avoid impropriety." Xiaoqian stood up, looking distressed and on the verge of tears, and slowly walked out of the room, disappearing after stepping over the threshold. Ning Sheng pitied her secretly, considering letting her stay on another bed but fearing his mother's reproach.

At dawn, Xiaoqian came to greet Ning Sheng's mother, offering a basin for her to wash. She diligently managed household chores, pleasing the mother in every way. In the evening, she would take her leave and often read sutras by the candlelight in the study. Only when Ning Sheng appeared ready to sleep would she leave sorrowfully.

Previously, Ning Sheng's wife had been ill and unable to manage household duties, leaving his mother exhausted. Since Xiaoqian's arrival, the mother found great relief and grew very fond of her, treating her more and more like a daughter, eventually forgetting she was a ghost. She couldn't bear to send Xiaoqian away at night, allowing her to stay and sleep together. Initially, Xiaoqian neither ate nor drank, but after six months, she began to consume thin porridge. Both Ning Sheng and his mother cherished her dearly, avoiding any mention of her being a ghost, so others remained unaware. Not long after, Ning Sheng's wife passed away. The mother privately considered marrying Xiaoqian to her son but feared it might bring him harm. Xiaoqian, sensing her thoughts, took the opportunity to confide in her, saying, "Having lived here for over a year, Mother should understand your son's character. I came here to avoid harming others and sought refuge with him due to his integrity and the respect he commands. I have no other intentions but to rely on his help for a few years, hoping to gain imperial recognition, which would be an honor even in the afterlife." The mother, knowing Xiaoqian meant no harm, still worried about her inability to bear children. Xiaoqian reassured her, "Children are a gift from heaven. Your son is destined for fortune and will have three sons who will bring honor to the family, regardless of having a ghost wife." Convinced, the mother discussed it with her son. Ning Sheng was delighted and hosted a banquet, informing relatives and friends. When some requested to see the new bride, Xiaoqian, dressed beautifully, confidently came out to greet the guests. Everyone was astonished by her beauty, doubting she was a ghost and suspecting she might be a fairy instead. Consequently, Ning Sheng's relatives, bringing gifts, congratulated Xiaoqian and vied to befriend her. Xiaoqian, skilled in painting orchids and plum blossoms, always reciprocated with her artwork. Those who received her paintings treasured them, feeling greatly honored.

“A righteous man resists the temptations and warnings of a charming ghostly woman who reveals her tragic past and seeks his help to find peace.”

Other Fables

• Kuafu Chases the Sun
• The Story of Sai Weng Losing His Horse: A Blessing in Disguise
• Yanzhi's Ordeal: A Story of Love and Redemption
• The Ballad of Mulan
• Jiang Ziya Fishing with a Straight Hook
• Nie Xiaoqian (I)
• Nie Xiaoqian (II)
• Nie Xiaoqian (III)
• Nie Xiaoqian (IV)
• Nie Xiaoqian (VI)