The household of Dong Mohan, a Shidu (a high-ranking official in charge of the emperor’s reading and lectures), was plagued by a fox‑spirit. Tiles, bricks, and stones suddenly rained down like hail, and the family members all fled and hid, only daring to come out to work during the lulls. Dong was greatly troubled by this and temporarily moved to the residence of Sima Sun, a high official in the Court of Judicature, to escape the disturbance – but the fox‑spirit continued its torment just as before.
One day, while waiting for the morning audience at court, Dong happened to mention this strange affliction. Some ministers said that a Taoist priest named Jiao Ming from the Northeast (Guanwai) lived in the Inner City (Beijing) and was highly skilled in the arts of exorcism (Chile spells), with a good reputation for effectiveness. Dong then called on the priest at his dwelling and asked for his help.
The priest wrote a talisman in red ink and told Dong to paste it on the wall. But the fox was not afraid; its attacks grew even fiercer. Dong reported this back to the priest. The priest became angry, went personally to Dong’s house, and set up an altar to perform his rituals. Soon they saw a huge fox crouching beneath the altar. The household members, who had long suffered from the fox’s harassment, bore deep grudges – one maidservant rushed forward to strike it, but suddenly fell to the ground and lost consciousness.
The priest said: “This creature is so unruly that even I cannot subdue it immediately – how could a young girl lightly lay hands on it?” Then he added: “But I can still examine the fox’s testimony through her.” He raised his fingers in a mudra and chanted for a while, and the maidservant suddenly rose and knelt upright. The priest interrogated her about her place of origin. The maidservant, now possessed by the fox, answered in a fox‑voice: “I come from the Western Regions (Xiyu). There are eighteen of us who have entered the capital together.”
The priest said: “This is the imperial capital – how can you creatures be allowed to live here for long? Leave at once!” The fox did not reply. The priest slammed the table and angrily said: “Are you going to defy my command? If you delay any further, my magic will not spare you!” The fox then showed a frightened, anxious expression and said it would obediently follow the instruction. The priest urged it to hurry. The maidservant collapsed again and remained unconscious for a long time before reviving.
Soon after, they saw four or five white clumps rolling like balls along the eaves, moving in succession and chasing one another, and within moments they all disappeared. From then on, the household was at peace.
Note
From Liaozhai, high‑ranking official Dong Mohan’s household is plagued by a fierce fox‑spirit. Taoist priest Jiao Ming’s red talisman fails. He uses a possessed maid as medium, subdues and expels the fox pack, bringing peace.
Dong Mohan (董默庵):
Dong Mohan (also known as Dong Na) was a real historical figure of the early Qing dynasty. He served as a Shidu – an official responsible for giving scholarly advice and lectures to the emperor – and later rose to high office. His being a high-ranking literatus lends credibility to the story.
Sima (司马):
In ancient and imperial China, Sima was a title for the Minister of War or, in later periods, an honorific for high officials in the military or judicial systems. Here it refers to a high official of the Court of Judicature, indicating the prominent social status of Dong’s temporary refuge.
Guanwai (关东) / Northeast:
Literally “East of the Pass” (the Shanhai Pass), referring to Manchuria and the northeastern regions of China. Taoist priests from this area were often associated with shamanic and exorcist traditions, blending Han Taoism with local folk practices.
Inner City (内城):
In Qing dynasty Beijing, the Inner City (north of the Forbidden City) was reserved primarily for Manchu bannermen and high officials, while Han Chinese mostly lived in the Outer City. Jiao Ming, as a Taoist priest, residing in the Inner City suggests he had imperial or aristocratic patronage.
Chile (敕勒):
A term from Taoist exorcism, literally “edict‑exorcism” – referring to magical formulas and spells issued by Taoist priests to command spirits and demons. It often involved written talismans, incantations, and ritual gestures.
Red talisman (朱书符):
A talisman written in cinnabar (red pigment) on yellow paper or cloth, believed to contain spiritual power to ward off evil. It is a standard tool in Taoist exorcism.
Possession and interrogation:
The priest uses the maidservant as a medium to question the fox. This reflects the Taoist practice of coercing spirits into revealing their identities and intentions through a possessed human host, often accompanied by mudras (hand gestures) and chanting.
Western Regions:
This term generally refers to the regions west of China proper, including Central Asia and beyond. In Chinese mythology, foxes from distant lands were often considered more powerful or exotic. The fox’s claim that “eighteen of us entered the capital together” suggests a whole pack of fox‑spirits operating collectively.
White clumps rolling along the eaves:
This vivid image describes the fox‑spirits departing in their true, animal-like forms – possibly white foxes. Their orderly, rolling departure indicates they have submitted to the priest’s authority.
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