Since the discussion had concluded, those matters would not be considered for the time being.
Hu Ma and the others said no more, first eating and drinking their fill. Then, Hu Ma carried the jar of wine to the village entrance.
A glance revealed the horse, afflicted with countless gu poisons and having been near death for a long time, surprisingly still drew breath. Initially, it had lain there, its posture holding a kind of sacred anticipation.
But now, it was lying down lazily, its belly turned to the sky.
Seeing Hu Ma approach, it weakly opened its eyes, glanced at him, then tiredly closed them again, seeming unwilling to acknowledge anyone in the world...
Hu Ma said, "Brother, can you still move? I brought you some wine. Why don't you have a sip before you go on your way?"
The horse kept its eyes closed, ignoring him. Hu Ma didn't insist. He placed a bowl beside it, poured more than half a bowl of wine from the jar, then set the jar aside and turned to leave.
