在明朝的淄川，宋焘以廪生之名闻名于世，他不仅心地仁厚，而且是一位深受人们敬仰的孝子。母亲去世后，宋焘并未过度悲痛，而是迅速料理了丧事，然后静坐床上，安然入睡。他的岳父居住在城西的城隍庙附近，那天，他目睹宋焘骑着红缨大马、头戴滚珠官帽、身着蟒袍玉带，并带领一群车马热闹地前往城隍庙。在路过家门时，宋焘特意登堂拜访。他随后跟随进入正殿，却突然“嗖”地消失了。岳父急忙询问大街上的行人，但无人见到他。最终，在家中发现宋焘衣冠整齐躺在床上，不可思议的是，他已经成了城隍神。
然而，这并不解开岳父心中的谜团，因为九年前，宋焘曾经死去一次，由他亲自装殓。此刻，对此事的记忆清晰如画：当时，宋焘确实断气了，但三天后，他令人震惊般复活了。这次复活后的九年里，Song Flawlessly devoted himself to serving his mother, treating his in-laws with great respect and being extremely friendly and generous to the neighbors. Little did his father-in-law know that nine years ago, Song had indeed died.
The truth behind this story is as follows: after Song's death, his spirit was taken by a white-robed officer to the underworld for an examination. He saw many officials sitting on a platform, only recognizing Guan Yu and Yan Wang; he didn't recognize others. There were two tables and benches outside with one candidate already seated; Song sat down too, noticing that the exam paper asked "one person or another," whether they had a heart or not. Feeling at ease, he quickly finished the exam.
The judges praised him highly for writing "have a heart for good deeds but no reward; have no heart for evil deeds but no punishment." He was summoned before the main judge who declared: "You are renowned in human society for your virtues; I have seen your answers today - you are truly famous without exaggeration." The judge ordered someone to bring out Song's life record book from hell, checking how many more years of life remained for Song's mother - nine years.
All gods hesitated until Guan Yu suggested letting Zhang Li take up the position temporarily while giving Song a nine-year leave of absence as city god so he could care for his mother during her remaining life span. The judge agreed with Guan Yu's suggestion and told Song: "Your mortal body has expired according to regulations and should be immediately appointed city god." But due to your filial piety unparalleled in sincerity," you will be given a temporary reprieve."
Guan Yu then entrusted Zhang Li with some instructions before both candidates bid each other farewell. Zhang Li accompanied Song back home where he found himself lying in his coffin when waking up from what felt like a dream later on.
This story about selecting city gods comes from Pu Sung Ling's 'Strange Tales From A Chinese Studio,' revealing authorial passion towards fame despite repeated failure yet still retaining faithfulness towards their goals while accumulating strength waiting once again to face examinations seeking breakthroughs and comfort. Of course this text also extols moral standards of benevolence & righteousness which is required by society through it all these stories share common theme of longing fulfillment even amidst adversity..
