Chai Si, originally from Gu Yuan in Ningxia, traveled to Cizhou (now part of Handan, Hebei, China) to trade donkeys, but he found life to be quite disappointing. As autumn began, he longed for home and set off riding a lame donkey. Unexpectedly, he got lost in a dense forest and, feeling both hungry and exhausted, decided to walk instead of riding. As the donkey occasionally grazed on dry reeds, Chai Si could only swallow hard. Spotting the forest ahead, he sought a place to rest for a while.
While walking, Chai Si accidentally kicked a rabbit, startling it into jumping from the grass. The frightened donkey quickly sidestepped, accidentally slipping into a dry well nearby. Chai Si, still holding the reins, lost his grip and fell into the well as well. It was dark as night inside, with mud up to his ankles, and he groped around in the darkness, unable to escape. He feared he would die there, spiraling into despair as he sat in the well.
Image: Sound of Hope.
Then, a beam of light shone through a crack, resembling a thin thread. Chai Si moved closer and discovered a stone gate. He shook the door vigorously, and it suddenly swung open. Beyond the door, he saw lush green grass, flowers like brocade, distant mountains forming a verdant backdrop, clear blue waves, and a bright sky that stretched as far as the eye could see. Overjoyed, Chai Si led his donkey inside. After walking through a flower garden for about half a mile, he spotted a narrow path lined with strange and beautiful flowers he had never seen before. The cherry blossom petals were as large as bowls. Though it was late autumn, the scenery resembled that of spring, leaving Chai Si puzzled as he leisurely rode onward.
Upon reaching a village, he noticed a crystal-clear stream surrounding it, with lush trees and thatched houses reminiscent of a painting. The faces of the village children and elders were filled with joy. They were surprised by Chai Si’s sudden appearance, especially his donkey. While they whispered and stared, none dared to approach the donkey. Unaware of their thoughts, Chai Si simply mentioned that he was very hungry. An elderly man directed him, saying, “Go west to the stone bridge. There lives Xun Ruzi, a wealthy and respectful man. Why don’t you seek his help?”
Following the old man’s instructions, Chai Si arrived at a tall, bright gate facing the stone bridge. He knocked gently, and a steward appeared, asking why he had come and leading him inside. After a while, Xun Ruzi emerged; he had fair skin and a beautiful beard and appeared to be around forty. Upon seeing the donkey, Xun Ruzi exclaimed, “What kind of creature is this?” Chai Si responded, “It’s a donkey.” Xun Ruzi examined it closely, smiled, and remarked that its appearance was quite peculiar, saying, “I have only read about donkeys in poetry and literature; today I see one in person for the first time.”
Xun Ruzi invited Chai Si into the guest room, tying the donkey to a tree in the yard. Before Chai Si could explain anything, the host quickly called for family members to come see the donkey. Among them was a beautifully dressed girl who kept gazing at Chai Si, as if she were enchanted by him. Chai Si, too, found himself captivated. Suddenly, the donkey brayed loudly, causing everyone to panic and scatter. Xun Ruzi laughed heartily, saying, “Look at its shape; it’s like a horse and won’t bite. What’s there to fear? Just listen carefully to its voice; it’s a delightful mix of sounds. Truly remarkable!” Thus, he continued to converse with Chai Si, showing great hospitality, even sending two servants to attend to him.
Chai Si stayed there for several days and eventually took the opportunity to ask one of the servants about the girl. The servant merely smiled and walked away. Soon after, Xun Ruzi approached him, saying, “I hear you’ve asked about my daughter. Surely, it wasn’t by mere chance.” Chai Si, sweating with embarrassment, apologized, “I made a mistake. I truly meant no harm. I hope you can forgive me.” “Have you ever heard of Wei Ai Guang?” Xun Ruzi inquired. Chai Si swallowed hard and replied, “I’ve been in business since I was young, so I’m not familiar with it. I have no idea what you may be implying.” He swallowed and inhaled the six energies of the universe, savoring the translucent dew, believing it could lead to immortality. Yet, upon seeing the couple who were destined to be together, he realized that what happened today was a continuation of his past life’s fate. “If you don’t mind that I’m a commoner, I’m willing to give my daughter to you as a wife,” Xun Ruzi said.
Upon hearing this, Chai Si was overjoyed and could hardly express his feelings. Xun Ruzi then inquired about the dowry, and Chai Si opened a package containing a pair of purple and gold bracelets. Xun Ruzi replied, “That will do.” He then asked Chai Si, “What do you do for a living?” Chai Si answered, “I sell donkeys.” Surprised, Xun Ruzi asked, “How long have you been doing this?” Chai Si explained, “My father has been in this business, and I’ve inherited it. It’s been passed down through two generations. While not wealthy, we manage to get by.” Chai Si added, “I only sell donkeys; I don’t kill them, as they seem innocent.” Xun Ruzi countered, “Though you don’t kill donkeys, many have died because of you. How can you say you are innocent?” Chai Si quickly expressed his willingness to change professions.
Xun Ruzi replied, “I cannot say how many donkeys have died over these two generations of trading. Crimes cannot escape justice, and it is too late to change careers.” He then returned the dowry, kept the donkey, and handed Chai Si a gold bar, sending him away. Chai Si felt regret but dared not argue and left, dejected with the bag on his back. He rented a house next to Xun Ruzi’s to live temporarily. Feeling hopeless, Chai Si wished to return home, but no one knew the way. Disheartened, he was fortunate that the landlord did not demand rent and provided him with two meals a day, so he did not feel deprived. Chai Si grew fond of the beautiful scenery and simple people in this place, finding some comfort in the thought of settling down here.
One day, Chai Si overheard gossip among the neighbors: “Xun Ruzi has married his daughter to the Bao Xu Shi family. Today they will come to pick her up. Why not go see?” Thus, villagers of all ages gathered to witness the event, crowding around the walls of Xun Ruzi’s home. Chai Si joined the throng and saw colorful flags leading the procession, luxurious carriages following, bright-clad attendants and flower-crowned hats surrounding the vehicles, with many people accompanying them on either side. At that moment, the donkey, dressed extravagantly, was part of the parade, ridden by a handsome young man. People remarked, “The rider of that peculiar creature is the son of the Bao family and the son-in-law of the Xun family.” Seeing him, Chai Si felt a surge of jealousy and wanted to rush forward, shouting, “Why are you taking my donkey?” The crowd gasped, then became angry, and they all rushed to beat Chai Si with their whips.
Chai Si raised his head and grasped the donkey’s mouth, refusing to step back. When Xun Ruzi heard about the commotion, he hurried over and, upon seeing Chai Si, angrily exclaimed, “You donkey herder, how dare you disturb my family’s wedding?” He immediately ordered his men to bind Chai Si. Rolling on the ground and shouting, Chai Si declared, “Even if I break my neck today, I don’t care; why should I fear being tied up?” Unable to settle the matter, they brought Chai Si to the underworld. The officials there supported Xun Ruzi, condemning Chai Si for being sly and stubborn, disobeying orders. He was punished with three hundred lashes and exiled five hundred miles to guard the Chuanjie Pass.
The gatekeepers assigned Chai