“Wait, please!” the stranger called after her.  I will add 400 more taels to that offer of 600—1000 taels.  That’s my final offer.  If you won’t sell it for that now, I’ll have to leave it for you to sell to your rich merchant.”

The wife was immensely pleased.  Triumph gleamed through her narrow eyes.  Her trick had worked.  “Imagine, 1000 taels of silver.  We will never have to work again!”

"Don't take offense," he said bowing slightly,  "but because you have broken your promise to me more than once, I would like you to bow before Heaven and vow not to change your mind again."

Certain that they had struck the best bargain, the couple willingly complied with his request.  While the farmer fetched a rope to tie the pig, his wife could no longer keep her mouth shut: “I would like to know why you are willing to pay so much for this good-for-nothing pig.  There must be a reason.”

Without hesitation the stranger began to divulge the secret.  “You have made vows in front of Heaven, so I can tell you.  I walk all over the country in search of unusual and extraordinary objects.  Many times in my wanderings I have heard people speak of this pig.  It is priceless.  It can’t grow because it was born with a pair of magic candles inside its stomach. 

“Most people would only know the value of what they can see, but these hidden candles make this pig infinitely more valuable than the biggest pig in the world.  Whoever slaughters the pig should take the candles out, place them on an offering table filled with dishes of rice and fruits.  As soon as one lights the candles and kowtows three times, there will be gold, silver, and treasures of all kinds flying around above him.  But—”

Before the outsider could continue, the farmer’s wife, overcome with excitement, interrupted.  “I am not going to sell my pig.  I am definitely not going to sell my pig.  We will keep all these treasures for ourselves.”

Taking his money back, the outsider shook his head and said, “We have sealed our agreement and Heaven is our witness.  How can you violate your oath?  Untrustworthy people.  Keep your pig.  I am no longer interested in buying it for any price.”  Scarcely concealing his disgust, he turned and left.