In the Tang Dynasty, a scholar named Lu Sheng was traveling to the capital for the imperial examination. He stopped at an inn in Handan, where he met a Taoist priest named Lü. Deeply troubled by his poverty and lack of success, Lu Sheng sat in his room lamenting his fate.
Seeing his distress, Priest Lü took a pillow from his pocket and handed it to Lu Sheng, saying, "Rest your head on this pillow. It may bring you some comfort."
Lu Sheng went to bed as instructed. As the innkeeper steamed millet nearby, he fell into a deep sleep with the magical pillow. In his dream, he married the daughter of a high official from Qinghe and embarked on a glorious career. He rose swiftly through the ranks, earning promotions and military honors, eventually becoming the Minister of Revenue and Imperial Law Enforcement Official.
However, envy led to his downfall. He was falsely accused of conspiracy, resulting in the confiscation of his property and his condemnation. Years later, the emperor reinstated him. Lu Sheng enjoyed restored wealth, a large family, and high status until old age, when he fell ill and passed away.
Then, Lu Sheng awoke. He found himself still at the inn, with Priest Lü sitting beside him. The millet the innkeeper had been steaming was not yet cooked.