While Pu Zhuanzheng was serving as county magistrate in Hangzhou, a sorcerer
begged for an audience. Though over 90 years of age, the sorcerer had the
complexion of a baby. Zhuanzheng was very glad to see the old man and inquired
of him the secret of long life.
" Well," said the sorcerer," my method is simple and easy to
follow. There's no taboo whatsoever. Just keep away from women, that's
all."
At this the magistrate mediated for some time and said: " In that case, what's the use of living to be one thousand years
old?"