Having been a slave for a good part of his life and having to work doubly hard for everything he had after, Ouyang is deeply moved by Zhou Zishu's offer to build a stable and aviary. The General by no means thinks these items are his, nor the animals that will be housed in them (though he will care for them as if they are). He's sure it's a costly endeavor. And so it is that he seeks out the Lord of the Manor to find out how he can possibly help.