Chapter 101: A Daoist Spiritual Master at Fuyun Temple
After walking for a while, Song You indeed came across a blacksmith's shop. The blacksmith was an elderly man with white hair. He was shirtless while working, his ribs clearly visible due to his thin frame. He was said to be skilled in shoeing horses.
The old blacksmith inspected the horse's hooves and said, “Your horse's shoes are nearly worn out.”
“Yes,” Song You replied.
“Does this horse pull carts more often or is it mostly ridden?”
“You're mistaken, sir. I'm not here to replace the horseshoes. I just need you to remove the nearly worn ones,” Song You explained.
“You don't trust my craftsmanship?” the blacksmith asked.
“Not at all!” Song You quickly cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “It's just that the horseshoes are no longer needed...”
“No longer needed? Does the horse not get used much?”
“Something like that.”