A man named Zhang from Hezhou traveled to Yangzhou(揚州) and stayed at the Xingjiao Temple(興教寺). The monks’ quarters in the temple were haunted by a fox immortal, so no one dared to stay there. Zhang, with his carefree personality, decided to reside in the monk’s room.
Not long after Zhang moved in, an old man claiming to be Wu Gangzi(吳剛子) came to visit. After exchanging greetings with a bow, they began to converse. This old man had a unique charm and knowledge of past and future events. Zhang asked, “Old sir, could you be an immortal?” The reply was, “I dare not claim that.” Zhang, being a poor man, hoped to gain wealth by befriending him, so he prepared food and drinks for a feast. Later, Wu Gangzi reciprocated with a feast in return. This pattern continued for less than half a month, and Zhang had nearly depleted his money, while Wu Gangzi’s feasts were always lavish. Greed overcame Zhang, and he constantly persuaded Wu Gangzi to host feasts, which Wu Gangzi gladly did without hesitation. After more than a month, Wu Gangzi suddenly stopped coming.
At that time, it was the plum rain season. Zhang opened his chest to air out his clothes and discovered that the chest was completely empty. Inside, there was an account statement along with several pawn tickets. The statement detailed the expenses for each feast, including the cost of chicken, fish, vegetables, and fruits, all pledged against Zhang’s clothing. Every entry was clear, without missing a single expense, and not a penny was spared.
Translated from《狐仙開帳》in 《子不語》:
和州張某，作客揚州，寓興教寺。寺中僧舍，素有狐仙，無人敢居。張性落拓，意往居焉。未三日，果有一翁，自稱吳剛子求見。揖而與言，風采頗異，能知過去未來之事。因問：「可是仙乎？」曰：「不敢。」張故貧士，意欲交結之，以圖富貴，遂設酒食，與之飲宴，吳亦答謝。
未半月，張力竭矣，而吳之酒饌甚豐。張遂起貪念，終日嬲其設席。吳作主人，亦無吝色。如是者月餘，吳忽不至。時遇霉雨，張開箱曬衣，則全箱空矣，中書一帳，並質錢帖數紙：「某日雞魚若干，某日蔬果若干。」皆典張之衣服而用之，筆筆開除，不空設一席，不妄消一文。