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During the Jian’an era of Emperor Xian of Han, strange disturbances plagued a household in Dong Commandery. For no apparent reason, earthenware jars would boom and rumble as though someone were striking them. Trays and tables would suddenly vanish from before people’s eyes, and whenever the hens laid eggs, the eggs would disappear. This went on for several years, and the family came to dread it. At last they prepared a feast, covered the dishes, and set them in a room, then hid by the doorway to keep watch. Sure enough, the disturbance returned, making the same noises as before. Hearing it, they shut the door and searched all around the room, but could see nothing at all. Then they began striking blindly with sticks. After some time, they hit something in a corner and heard groans: “Ow! Ow!” It sounded close to death. They opened the door to let in the light and found an old man who looked over a hundred years old. His speech was utterly incoherent, and his appearance was rather like that of a beast. They made inquiries and eventually found his family several li away. “He has been missing for more than ten years,” they said. His return filled them with mingled sorrow and joy. A little over a year later, he disappeared again. When word came of similar disturbances within the borders of Chenliu, everyone believed this old man was responsible.