Pigeons abound in variety: Shanxi boasts the "Kun Xing," Shandong the "He Xiu," Guizhou the "Ye Die," areas around Henan have the "Fan Tiao," and the Wu-Yue region has the "Zhu Jian"—these are all renowned breeds. Then there are various other types such as the Boot-Head, Speckled, Great White, Black Stone, Mate Bird, and Flowery Dog-Eye; the names are countless, and only true connoisseurs can distinguish them one by one.

Zhang Youliang of Zouping County was most passionate about raising pigeons, owning numerous birds of every famous breed. Zhang Youliang cared for his pigeons with the meticulousness one reserves for children: in cold weather, he would give them licorice powder to drink; in scorching heat, he would feed them salt grains. Pigeons are naturally fond of sleep, and sleeping too much easily leads to paralysis; the mild cases become disabled, and the severe ones die. To prevent this ailment, Zhang Youliang traveled specifically to Guangling, spending ten taels of silver to acquire a "Night Roaming Pigeon." This pigeon was petite and restless, constantly pacing back and forth on the ground, never still. Every night, Zhang Youliang would release the "Night Roaming Pigeon" into the flock. Startled, the other pigeons would wake and sleep fitfully, achieving a remarkable preventative effect.

On the plains of Qi and Lu, Zhang Youliang was considered the foremost pigeon fancier, a status he himself proudly boasted about with evident satisfaction. One evening, as Zhang Youliang sat quietly in his study, a young man in white suddenly knocked and entered, whom Zhang Youliang did not recognize. When Zhang Youliang inquired as to his name, the youth replied, "A wanderer’s name is hardly worth mentioning. I have long heard of your prowess in raising pigeons, and I too am a fellow enthusiast. Might I perhaps have my eyes opened to your collection?"

Zhang Youliang chuckled, "To see the pigeons is easy." With that, he led the youth to the loft. Inside, every kind of pigeon was present, displaying a spectrum of colors, brilliant as embroidered brocade. The youth smiled, "The rumors are indeed true; you are a master of pigeon-keeping. I am impressed, truly impressed. I also keep three or four birds at home; I wonder if you would care to view them?"

Zhang Youliang was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, setting off with the youth. Outside, the moonlight was hazy, and the wilderness desolate. Zhang Youliang began to feel a prickle of suspicion. The youth pointed ahead and said, "My humble abode is near; we’ll be there shortly." After walking a few hundred paces further, they indeed spotted a manor. Within the compound were two tiled shanties and nothing else; the interiors were pitch black, unlit.

The youth took Zhang Youliang’s hand, and they entered the courtyard. The youth pursed his lips and whistled, mimicking the coo of a pigeon. Suddenly, two birds flew out gracefully, pure white, tumbling and playing between the eaves, calling out as they sparred. Every time the youth whistled, the two pigeons rolled in the air with practiced, beautiful movements. Then, the youth waved his arm, and the two pigeons spread their wings and departed.

The youth changed his whistle, and two more pigeons flew out—one as large as a duck, the other as small as a fist. The two birds landed on the stone steps and began a dance mimicking cranes. The larger one stretched its neck and spread its wings like a peacock displaying its tail, calling out as it hopped; the smaller one fluttered above and below, occasionally leaping onto the larger bird’s head, its wings folding and unfolding with a soft, rattling sound, like the tapping of small drums. The larger bird allowed itself to be teased by the smaller one without stirring, its calls growing more rapid, like stones striking each other.

The two birds called and cried in harmony, a sound indescribably marvelous. Zhang Youliang watched from the side, clicking his tongue in admiration, thinking, "These two birds are so spiritual; they completely overshadow mine." At this thought, his curiosity became an unbearable itch. He immediately begged the youth for a pair of pigeons, but the youth refused. Zhang Youliang pleaded repeatedly, until the youth smiled faintly, dismissed the large and small birds, and whistled again. The two white pigeons from before returned, settling onto his palms.

The youth said, "If you do not disdain them, I shall give these two pigeons to you." Zhang Youliang was beside himself with joy. He stared intently at the birds: their eyes were piercingly clear, the pupils perfectly round and bright; their wings were pure white, their muscle tissue translucent, subtly revealing the shapes of their internal organs.

Zhang Youliang was inwardly astonished, yet still unsatisfied. He again entreated the youth for a gift. The youth replied, "I originally possessed two other breeds of pigeons, both rare and prized specimens, which I intended for your appraisal. However, your greed is so evident that I dare not bring them forth now." As they were speaking, a servant carrying a torch came looking for his master. Zhang Youliang turned his head and saw the youth suddenly leap into the air, his body transforming into a white pigeon, large as a rooster, which shot up through the clouds and swiftly vanished. When he looked back at the manor, it too was gone. Only a single grave, flanked by two pine trees, remained.

Zhang Youliang was both shocked and moved. He eagerly returned home. Upon arrival, Zhang Youliang played with the two white pigeons; they were exceptionally docile. Though not the absolute finest breeds, they were certainly rare treasures. Two years later, the white pigeons hatched six offspring, three males and three females. Zhang Youliang cherished these eight birds dearly, refusing to give even one to his closest friends or relatives.

One day, his father brought a distinguished official friend to visit, asking, "How many pigeons do you keep at home?" Zhang Youliang murmured his assent, spoke a few brief sentences, and excused himself. He thought, "This high-ranking court official possesses an extraordinary bearing; surely he must also be a lover of pigeons. Moreover, he is a friend of my father. Should I present him with a pair? Yes, if I give any, I must give the best." Thus, he personally selected two white pigeons, placed them in a cage, and sent them to the official.

Several days later, Zhang Youliang unexpectedly encountered the official and asked, "Are the two pigeons I sent to Your Excellency the other day satisfactory?" The official chuckled, "They were excellent, quite fat and rich, and tasted very fresh." Zhang Youliang gasped, "Your Excellency ate the pigeons?" The official replied, "Indeed." Zhang Youliang exclaimed in dismay, "Those two pigeons are named 'Tatar'; they are exceedingly rare breeds. For Your Excellency to have them cooked—it is truly a terrible waste of nature's bounty."

The official laughed, "Is that so? In my view, those two pigeons were nothing special, tasting much like ordinary pigeons." Zhang Youliang sighed repeatedly and took his leave to return home.

That night, Zhang Youliang dreamed the youth appeared, scolding him, "Because I believed you to be a true lover of pigeons, I entrusted my offspring to your care. Who knew you would cast pearls before swine, giving away rare and prized breeds to fill another’s belly? This is truly unforgivable. I am utterly disappointed in you; I must now take all your descendants away." As he finished speaking, he transformed into a pigeon and spirited away all the dozens of white pigeons Zhang Youliang kept.

After this incident, Zhang Youliang grew disheartened and lost all interest in keeping pigeons. He dispersed all the birds in his house, giving them away to trusted friends. It took him several days to give them all away.