Chapter 77: The Donkey of Baili

"To understand the ways of the world is wisdom; to master human nature is art? Well said! Ouch!" Gongsun Helan raised his arm to cheer, but a searing pain shot from his right arm to his heart. He crouched down, grimacing, and looked up at Liu Yitiao, crying out, "Big brother, what’s happening? Why does it hurt even more than when you took it off?"

Liu Yitiao also bent his knees and squatted beside him, one hand supporting Gongsun Helan’s armpit, while the other gently kneaded his shoulder in a steady rhythm. "Who told you to make such a violent move? Did you think your arm was made of iron, that you could use it at will as soon as it was reattached?"

With that, Liu Yitiao gave a forceful twist and set the slightly dislocated joint back into place. Then he stood up and said, "All right, get up. Remember, don’t move your arm. In an hour, it will be as good as new."

"Mm, mm, mm..." Gongsun Helan nodded repeatedly, clutching his right arm. The pain had left him shaken, more unbearable than being struck by a blade. He dared not move recklessly again.

"A donkey?" In the cattle market, Liu Yitiao glanced about. He saw no oxen that caught his fancy, but instead, his eyes fell upon an outstanding donkey.

Small-bodied, white-haired, rather thin, with a slightly curly coat—most people wouldn’t spare it a second look, turning away in distaste. Even its owner had placed it in an inconspicuous corner.

This was a donkey down on its luck.

Liu Yitiao circled it twice. Its eyes were bright and calm, its breath short yet strong, its bones compact and well-knit despite their size. And that striking white coat set it apart.

This was a "Hundred-Mile Donkey," the finest among its kind!

"Young master, are you interested in buying a donkey?" The donkey’s owner noticed someone interested in his scrawny beast and hurried over. Pointing to a sturdy donkey he’d tied in a prominent spot, he said, "If you want a donkey, perhaps you’d care to look over there. This sickly one may not suit your taste."

"No matter," Liu Yitiao waved a hand dismissively, "This little donkey is just right for a whole-donkey banquet. It would be a waste to use a big one for that. Tell me, how much for this little fellow?"

So it was for cooking—no wonder. The donkey’s owner gave Liu Yitiao a once-over: coarse hemp clothes, slightly unkempt hair, a perpetual smile—a servant, or perhaps the cook of a wealthy household. Such people usually had little money, but selling off this donkey would be no loss. Smiling, he said, "You have a good eye, young man!" Patting the donkey's back, he continued, "It may be small, but there’s plenty of meat on its bones. Perfect for cooking. And the price is a bargain—just five hundred coins."

"Five hundred coins? Peanuts. I’ll pay for it." Gongsun Helan, massaging his arm, caught up and declared with a flourish, "Big brother, since you want a whole-donkey feast, your younger brother will make it happen! Allow me to cover the cost." He circled the donkey, then added, "But isn’t it a bit too small? Shouldn’t we get a bigger one?"

Liu Yitiao shot him a glare—what a blockhead! Wasn’t he just inviting the owner to raise the price?

Too lazy to haggle further, Liu Yitiao thought: five hundred coins for a Hundred-Mile Donkey was a steal in any case. He took out half a string of coins and handed them to the owner. "I’ll take it. Here are five hundred coins."

So straightforward? Had I known, I would have asked for more, the owner regretted. Actually, upon seeing Gongsun Helan, he had already guessed Liu Yitiao might be from a wealthy household, but what was said could not be unsaid. He bent down to untie the donkey’s rope and said, "Would you gentlemen like to look at the other donkeys? Buying one for riding wouldn’t be a bad idea. Donkeys may not match horses in speed, but their endurance is renowned. They’re steady to ride and excellent for long journeys."

"Thank you for your kind offer, but one donkey is more than enough for us. Farewell." Liu Yitiao cupped his hands in thanks and led the donkey away, with Gongsun Helan following close behind.

"Big brother!" Gongsun Helan hurried alongside and asked, "What do you want with this donkey, really?" He had already deduced that Liu Yitiao didn’t buy it for its meat.

Liu Yitiao gently stroked the donkey’s head, recalling tales of the Hundred-Mile Donkey, and replied, "I bought it for riding."

"For riding? This one?" Gongsun Helan almost burst out laughing. "Big brother, can it even carry you? Isn’t this a bit of a joke?" He hesitated, then added, "If you really want, I’ll gift you a fine horse another day—a hundred times better than this donkey!"

Liu Yitiao turned to glance at him, smiling lightly. "A hundred times better? Helan, my brother, I don’t speak lightly. If any horse in your stables could match this donkey, I’d teach you all of today’s bone-setting techniques without reservation!"

Is he out of his mind? Gongsun Helan took his folding fan from his chest and waved it habitually. Having known Liu Yitiao for so long, he knew the man was always modest and composed—never one to speak nonsense. If he said this, there must be a reason.

But what reason? Could this scrawny donkey really have something special? Gongsun Helan gazed at the white-haired donkey in Liu Yitiao’s hand.

Aside from its striking white coat, there was little remarkable about it: short limbs, skinny body, drooping ears—a donkey like this might not even manage to walk steadily, let alone compete with horses.

He remembered Liu Yitiao’s earlier words about judging cattle: first the spirit, then the bones, then the appearance. Might the same apply to donkeys?

Gongsun Helan circled the little donkey for a careful look. Indeed, he noticed some unusual features.

First were its eyes—lively and tranquil, not at all like the dull gaze of other beasts. It was as if he were looking into the eyes of a clever child.

Then he felt its bones—solid, compact, perfect in form. Especially its four legs, which, for such a small body, were surprisingly sturdy. What did that suggest? That this donkey had great strength and, when running, would be powerful indeed.

"This donkey is a good runner, but can it really outrace the horses of the Gongsun estate?" Gongsun Helan asked Liu Yitiao.