CHAPTER 175: CHAPTER 175: BUYING A COW

175 Buying a Cow

While Zhao Zhitong was sitting in the cart, moping with her little head hung, she suddenly heard the sounds of cattle and horses, which instantly caught her attention.

She then realized they had arrived at the Livestock and Poultry Market.

The Livestock and Poultry Market was situated at the far corner of the County Town Fair. Numerous livestock were tied to trees, and there were many cages filled with chickens, ducks, and geese. She even spotted some puppies and kittens for sale. Many fairgoers were milling about, observing the animals.

Zhao Dong parked the cart by a wall. Zhao Zhitong, instantly full of energy, grabbed Zhao Ya’s hand and ran off. They excitedly looked at the chickens, ducks, and geese, then at the cows and horses.

Since these cows and horses had been tied up outside by their sellers early on, there were plenty of animal droppings on the ground, creating quite a strong smell.

However, Zhao Zhitong didn’t mind the smell at all. She had transformed into a curious little explorer, finding everything fascinating.

Currently, she and Zhao Ya were curiously staring at a little donkey.

The two of them discussed the little donkey for a long time, which eventually drew the seller over.

Then, Zhao Zhitong, not at all shy, began to pepper the donkey seller with questions, "Uncle, is this your little donkey? It’s so tiny! How old is it? Is it still a foal? Is it very strong? Can it pull all five of us? Can it pull a plow in the fields?"

The seller was momentarily speechless.

In the end, the seller didn’t answer her series of questions but instead asked, "Whose child are you?"

Zhao Zhitong pointed to Zhao Dong, who was looking at the cows, and said proudly, "That’s my dad."

Then she pulled Zhao Cheng, Zhao Yu, and Zhao Ya in front of the seller and declared with another burst of pride, "This is my big brother, Xiao Ge, and my sister."

The seller couldn’t understand what the little girl had to be so proud about.

After introducing her family, Zhao Zhitong tugged at the donkey seller’s sleeve, persisting, "Uncle, Uncle, you still haven’t answered my questions!"

The seller was a practical man, so he patiently advised her with a smile, "This is a donkey my family has raised. However, if your family needs it to pull a mill or a cart, you can buy a little donkey. Otherwise, buying a cow would be more cost-effective, and cows can also pull carts."

Zhao Zhitong nodded, feeling that the seller’s words made sense. So, she trotted over to Zhao Dong and said in a childish voice, "Dad, let’s buy a cow! Cows can plow the fields!"

Zhao Dong couldn’t help but chuckle, rubbing the little girl’s head. "I know, we are here to buy a cow. It’s more cost-effective for farming families."

"Oh, oh." Zhao Zhitong blinked, looked at Zhao Dong, and asked, "Dad, do you know how to judge cows?"

Zhao Dong laughed and replied modestly, "Just a little bit."

In his previous life, he was a ’90s kid, and his ancestors for several generations had been farmers. When he was young, his family still raised cattle. He had also gone with his grandfather to the marketplace to buy cattle. Back then, he was mostly just tagging along for fun and had only picked up bits and pieces from what his grandfather said, retaining only vague impressions. As for his current body, having lived with that stepmother, he was rarely allowed near cattle. So, the body’s original owner didn’t know how to buy one either.

Grandpa Bai then began to impart some knowledge about cows to Zhao Zhitong.

"Young girl," Grandpa Bai explained, "first of all, it’s best to select a calf. Then, look at its physical condition—that is, how fat and sturdy it is. Ones with thicker limbs are generally better.

"Next, observe the animal’s general demeanor. Mainly, check if its eyes are bright and alert, if its tail swings with force, the condition of its droppings, and whether its coat is disheveled. If the coat isn’t smooth but very messy, and its body is also quite thin, then you need to be cautious. Such a cow likely has parasites..."

Zhao Zhitong listened very carefully, then relayed the information to Zhao Dong.

Just then, an old man who was also buying a cow nearby looked at Zhao Zhitong in surprise. "Well, now! This little girl certainly knows a thing or two!"

Zhao Zhitong smiled happily and said, "I read these things in books. I don’t know if they are correct."

The old man was even more astonished. "My goodness, incredible! You can even read books?"

Zhao Zhitong nodded happily. "Yes, yes! I can understand lots and lots of books now. But Teacher said that ’what is learned from books is ultimately shallow; one must personally put it into practice.’ So, Uncle, you must buy cows often, right? You surely know much more than I do. Uncle, was what I just said correct?"

The old man was beaming with joy at Zhao Zhitong’s flattery. The little girl was so cute and sweet-tongued. So, he talked a little more.

In the end, when Zhao Dong bought a cow, the old man even helped them appraise the selection.

Buying a cow was quite expensive, which explained why many farming families couldn’t afford one. Even a decent cow cost ten guan of money.

Finally, Zhao Dong spent ten guan of money on a cow and also bought a harness, which they fastened to the cart.

So, when they went back home, they rode in an ox-drawn cart.

This was Zhao Zhitong’s first time riding in an ox cart, and she was incredibly excited, constantly wanting to reach out and grab the cow’s tail.

But Zhao Dong pulled her back.

With the ox cart, they returned home much faster. As they passed the bridgehead at the village entrance, they saw Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue playing under a tree.

Zhao Zhitong excitedly wanted to get off the cart and play with them.

Zhao Dong had to stop the ox cart. He reminded her not to run around, not to go into the river, not to climb trees, and only to play within the village, before he lifted her down from the cart.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, Zhao Zhitong completely forgot her father’s instructions and ran happily towards Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue.

Qiao Muchen and Zhao Yue had also spotted Zhao Zhitong and were excitedly running over as well.

Zhao Yue cried out, "Wow, Tongtong! Your family bought a cow!"

Zhao Zhitong replied, "Yeah, yeah! Why are you guys playing here?"

Qiao Muchen explained, "Didn’t we agree to go to the village and play detective today? I went to your house, but the door was locked, and no one answered. Then Uncle Zhang Qiang told me you all went to the county town, so we’ve been waiting for you at the village entrance."

Zhao Zhitong felt embarrassed. "I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you guys. We went to the county town to buy a cow today."

Qiao Muchen immediately shook his head and patted Zhao Zhitong’s hand, "It’s okay, it’s okay, I’ve already forgiven you."

Zhao Zhitong laughed happily. "Come on, let’s run around the village and play, and see if there are any ’cases’ for us to crack!"

Then the three little ones began to run around like mad, one chasing another.

They ran from one end of the village to the other and back again, laughing and frolicking nonstop, able to amuse themselves for ages with just a single stick.

Just then, Zhao Yue, straddling a wooden stick like a horse, shouted, "Look at my horse! It’s faster than yours!"

After saying that, he yelled "Giddy-up!" and rushed off.