Rustling pines in the wilderness, swept by a gentle breeze.
An unhurried figure approached from afar.
It was a scholar, riding on a donkey. The scholar wore a bamboo hat, a blue shirt, cloth boots, and carried a bulging bookbag on his back. The donkey's coat was dark, its ears stood tall, its steps steady. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves overhead. In hand, the scholar held a scroll, his head bowed in thought upon the donkey's back. The donkey ambled contentedly, occasionally cropping tender green leaves at the roadside, emitting a low and pleasing snort.
"Good donkey, don't be so greedy, or you might delay us and find yourself roasted in a bun," Qi Xiu said. Noticing the slackening pace, he set aside his scroll and tapped the gluttonous donkey lightly.
"BRAY!"
With a bray, the donkey ducked its head, seemingly understanding Qi Xiu's words, and quickened its stride.
We should be close by now.
