In a classic tale, Pan Jinlian had an affair with Ximen Qing and poisoned Wu Dalang. Wu Song, Wu Dalang's brother, reported this to the authorities, but they disregarded his complaint.

Determined to seek justice, Wu Song decided to personally interrogate Pan Jinlian, inviting neighbors to witness the proceedings. Hu Zhengqing, a former clerk, was among the invited guests.

Wu Song strictly forbade anyone from leaving midway, which made Hu Zhengqing's heart pound with extreme unease and anxiety, a feeling described as "fifteen buckets being drawn from a well, seven up, eight down" (a vivid expression for being totally flustered).

After the interrogation, Wu Song personally executed Pan Jinlian.