During the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty, Zhao Guanghan, the prefect of Yingchuan, was exceptionally intelligent and capable. He had a distinctive approach to managing local military and government affairs.

One day, he instructed his servant to go to the livestock market to purchase a horse. He told the servant to first inquire about the prices of dogs, sheep, and cattle, and only then to ask for the price of horses.

He explained that by comparing these prices, the servant would be able to buy the horse at a reasonable cost. The servant was greatly impressed by his wisdom.