Heroes Gather for the Grand Banquet

On the 10th day of the Tiger Month, as the sun crowned the mountains with gold, thirty heroes of Ling gathered in Darong at Chao Tong’s invitation. Among them were eight great heroes, seven warriors, and three generals, all accompanied by their respective entourages. Rows of fluttering banners and glimmering helmets created a majestic and awe-inspiring scene.

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Chao Tong’s loyal servant, Akui Tabasolang, carried out his master’s orders and addressed the gathered heroes. He announced that Chao Tong had received a prophecy from the Horse-Headed Deity and declared that a grand horse race would soon be held. He asked the guests whether the 15th day of the month would be a suitable date for the race.

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“What will the winner of the race receive?” asked Gyacha Xiega.

 

“You haven’t understood yet? The prophecy is clear: the seven treasures of Ling, the throne, and Sangjang Zumu will all be the stakes for this horse race!” Akui Tabasolang replied confidently, shaking his head. Like his master, he firmly believed that the victory would undoubtedly belong to Darong’s Jade Horse. Once Chao Tong became the King of Ling, Akui imagined himself being promoted to a high-ranking position, though he wasn’t sure what title he might receive.

 

To ensure everyone understood, Akui began singing:

 

“An old proverb says:

Many seek beautiful women, but few succeed.

Many hope for bountiful harvests, but few are blessed.

 

With arrows, horses, and dice, we compete,

Many crave the prize, but few win.

 

Sangjang Zumu is Ling’s beauty,

The throne is Ling’s power,

The seven treasures are Ling’s wealth.

Only through swift horses can they be won.

 

Whoever’s horse runs the fastest

Will win and fulfill their desires.

Heaven’s will and men’s hearts align,

But if you lose, don’t despair.”

 

The Guests Understand Chao Tong’s Intentions

Gyacha, Senda, and the other brothers quickly understood Chao Tong’s intentions. He wanted to use the horse race as a legitimate and honorable way to claim Ling’s golden throne, secure the power to rule over Ling, and win the hand of the beautiful Sangjang Zumu.

 

Although the guests understood Chao Tong’s motives, they were dissatisfied with his methods. However, they couldn’t openly refute his self-righteous arguments. Instead, they turned to the chief steward, Wang Rong Chachagen, to see how he would respond.

 

The steward had been pondering how to counter Chao Tong’s scheme. Suddenly, he recalled a prophecy from the gods made to him over a decade ago: “At the age of twelve, a boy will win the stakes of a horse race, like the golden sun rising over the eastern mountains.”

 

Remembering this prophecy, the old steward’s face lit up with a smile. He said: “Oh, Akui Tabasolang, you’re absolutely right. Winning the stakes of a horse race is the most honorable and fair way to claim the throne, treasures, and Sangjang Zumu. Everyone knows that Sangjang Zumu is extraordinarily beautiful, and the Jara family is incredibly wealthy—there’s no comparison. Let’s follow the prophecy and set them as the stakes for the horse race.”

 

After a pause, he continued: “However, in the dead of winter, with snow covering the mountains and icy winds sweeping the valleys, holding a horse race now is dangerous. On frozen ground, heroes could fall off cliffs, and horses could injure themselves. I suggest postponing the race to a later date. For now, let’s invite everyone in Ling, regardless of status, to a grand feast on the 15th. We can discuss the details of the race during the banquet.”

 

Preparations, the Grand Feast, and Chao Tong’s Hidden Agenda

Gyacha understood the intention of Steward Wang Rong Chachagen. Delaying the date of the horse race was meant to give Joru enough time to be notified and prepare. Understanding this, Gyacha nodded in agreement.

 

There were only five days left until the 15th day of the Tiger Month. Even so, Chao Tong felt the wait was too long. He wished the horse race could take place immediately, and he hated that the 15th would be spent discussing details at the banquet instead of holding the race. The sooner the horse race happened, the sooner he could ascend to the throne, claim the seven treasures, and marry Sangjang Zumu.

 

In Chao Tong’s mind, these five days felt longer than five years. Restless and impatient, he spent these difficult days making arrangements. He worked tirelessly to ensure the banquet would be as grand and luxurious as possible, intending to display his wealth and cleverness.

 

Chao Tong also harbored a secret thought, one he had never shared with anyone: through this banquet—essentially a preparatory meeting for the horse race—he hoped to gain the favor of the people. This, he believed, would make it easier to rule the Ling tribes once he became king.

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Finally, the 15th day of the Tiger Month arrived. The guests who came to the banquet were numerous, filling the area with life and energy. There were uncles and elders as dignified as Mount Sumeru, aunts and sisters-in-law as steady as a frozen sea, young men as sharp as bamboo arrows ready to be launched, and young women as beautiful as summer flowers. All of them crowded toward the grand tent of Darong.

 

The scene was so lively that it overwhelmed the chief seating arranger, the Grand Arbiter Weimala. He was busy assigning seats according to the status of each guest within the Ling Kingdom. Standing in the center of the commotion, he sang to invite the guests to their seats:

 

“Oh Sodog, deity of Machen Mountain,

Gods, dragon spirits, and deities of blessings,

Weimala, the Arbiter, calls for your aid today!

 

This place, near the Darong Fortress,

Is called Gongga Rewa, the gathering site.

The great tent of Chixiong Guomu

Is the hall where discussions will take place.

 

If you do not know me,

I am Weimala, the Arbiter.

Today’s weather is full of joy and celebration.

 

First joy: all brothers have gathered in harmony.

Second joy: the prophecy brings auspicious blessings.

Third joy: heroes discuss the horse race.

Fourth joy: the Darong family hosts the feast.

Fifth joy: a grand celebration is held.

 

By my hand as Arbiter, I shall assign every seat.”

 

On the silver chairs with silk cushions, the four noble sons shall sit:

 

Gyacha Xiega

Serpa Nipendaya

Wenbu Arubasen

Mujang Renqing Daru

The noble sons are invited to take their seats in order.

 

On the thick cushions in the center, covered with silk:

 

Uncle Steward Wang

The Wrathful King of Darong

King Senlun Kama

Langka Senxie

Guru Jianzang

Dunba Jianzang

Garu Nima Jianzang

Naru Taba Jianzang

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The four men named Jianzang are invited to take their seats, and all other uncles and elders are also invited to join.

 

On the thick cushions on the right, covered with grass leopard-patterned hides:

 

The Chief of Darong, Sipan

Garde Qujiong Bena

Dongqu Lubu Dapan

Bala Senda Adong

Chaxiang Danma Jiangcha

Bagui Niancha Adan

Dongzan Langdu Aban

Guibo Nima Wuzhu

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The heroes are invited to take their seats in order.

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On the thick cushions on the left, covered with tiger-patterned hides:

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Miqin Jiewa

Dongben Ceze

Jiaben Segangmen

Yuya Gongbu

Serpa Buqiong

Cangba Eru

Dazong Eru

Shencha Eru

 

The three men named Eru are invited to take their seats, and all others are asked to sit according to their rank.

 

On the thick cushions in the right corner, covered with leopard-patterned hides:

 

Rongcha Lobu Lata

Angqiong Yuye Meiduo

Jialuo Buya Zhujie

Jiao Aba Seda Wa

Kongba Buye Jiacha

Jiana Chief Sensen

Wenbu Jiangchi Angqing

Muba Xiega Jiangzha

 

The brothers are invited to take their seats in order.

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On the thick cushions in the left corner, covered with white bear-patterned hides:

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Lingqin Daba Solang

Aba Buye Ban Jue

The impartial judge Dapan

I, Weimala, the Arbiter

The divine doctor Gongga Nima

The fortune-teller Gunxie Tibu

The astrologer Lawu Yangga

The magician Kaqie Mima

 

Family and friends are invited to take their seats in order.

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On the silk cushions in the back right:

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Sangjang Zumu of the Jara family

Laichong Lugu Chaya

The steward’s daughter Yuzhen

Zhuoluo Baiga Nazhe

Chaxiang’s daughter Zhenzhen

Yata’s daughter Saicuo

The daughter of Darong, Chao Mucuo

 

The seven beauties of Ling are invited to take their seats first, and the other women of Ling are invited to sit in order.

 

On the silk cushions in the back left:

 

The Tibetan consort Zaxi Lacuo

The Han consort Naga Zhuoma

The Khare consort Sucuo

The Pachin consort Gecuo

 

The mothers and aunts are invited to take their seats.

 

On the long, single-layered cushions:

 

The young noble Michong Kade

The servant Guoqu Baji Danyu

Akui Tabasolang

Qixie Buye Guru

 

All are invited to take their seats in order of age.

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At the highest point of the white ceremonial tent, no invitation is needed; the master will find his own seat.

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“Today is a joyous feast,

I invite everyone to sing a song.

Welcome the beauties to dance a tune.

Uncles and elders, let us discuss with joy.

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May the blue sky not envy this life.

May the earth not resent this gathering.

May Tibet not exaggerate this event into disaster.”

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Guests Feast and Chao Tong Sings His Hidden Agenda

Once the Grand Arbiter had seated the prominent and wealthy individuals of Ling, the remaining guests were left to sit wherever they liked. People feasted on fruits, meats, and snacks that tasted like heavenly nectar, and drank wine and tea that flowed like rivers. After eating and drinking to their hearts’ content, the young men sang joyful songs while the young women danced gracefully to the music.

 

As everyone enjoyed themselves, Chao Tong, the King of Darong, stood up and began explaining the purpose of the banquet. He recounted the prophecy delivered by the Horse-Headed Deity and the joy the upcoming horse race would bring. He then sang to the crowd:

 

"Among thirty heroes,

No matter how skilled, ranks must be set.

Among the many tribes of Ling,

The people need a chief to lead them.

 

This horse race will settle it—

The winner shall be king and lead the people.

 

In my white tent,

All are equal, regardless of status.

From the noble sons to the poorest beggar,

Everyone has the right to compete in the race,

Everyone has a chance to claim the throne.

 

How fast a horse runs

Depends on the water and grass it has overnight.

How strong a hero is

Depends on his lifelong training.

 

Whether the horse wins or loses

Determines the rise or fall of one’s destiny.

 

When should the race be held?

Should the track be long or short?

Let us discuss these matters, brothers!"

 

Chao Tong, though hiding his ulterior motives, spoke with a honeyed tongue. He was eloquent, able to twist black into white, square into round, and death into life. His song made it seem as though he was advocating for fairness and equality, giving everyone an equal chance to win. The gathered heroes, not detecting any ill intent behind his words, began discussing as instructed.

 

Steward Wang and Gyacha Advocate for Joru

Steward Wang Rong Chachagen did not want to expose Chao Tong’s scheme because he believed in the prophecy given by the gods—that Joru would win the horse race. However, he noticed that in this grand gathering of Ling’s people, Joru and his mother were nowhere to be seen. If Joru wasn’t informed about the race, how could he win? Wouldn’t that allow Chao Tong’s plot to succeed?

 

Thinking of this, Steward Wang stood up and said to everyone:

“Judging from the movement of the stars in the sky, the seasonal changes on the earth, and the prophecy of the gods above, there is no reason not to hold this horse race. However, I suggest that every member of the Mubudong family, no matter whether they live in the upper or lower regions of Ling, must be informed. Otherwise, if someone later complains that they weren’t notified and demand a share of the stakes, it will cause unnecessary disputes.

 

As the saying goes: ‘A foolish woman churns frozen milk in winter— She won’t get butter and will only freeze her hands. A foolish man races horses on frozen ground— He won’t flatten the earth and will only injure himself.’

 

Also, it is unreasonable to make the people of Ling travel great distances in the cold to watch the race—they may not say it aloud, but they will harbor resentment. Furthermore, in such conditions, even the best horses cannot perform well. In the warm months of May or June, when the grass is lush, it will not only be the best time for the race but also a joyful experience for everyone watching.”

 

The steward’s implication was to delay the race and give Joru time to prepare and return. Gyacha Xiega understood this but felt it wasn’t appropriate for the steward to say it outright. So, Gyacha stood up and said:

“This horse race, proposed by Uncle Chao Tong and approved by Steward Wang, is a major event. As the saying goes:

 

‘Though a leg of lamb is small, it still belongs to the sheep.

Though a colt is small, it still belongs to the steed.

Though a person is small, he is still his uncle’s nephew.’

 

The royal descendant of the Mubudong family—my younger brother, Steward Wang’s nephew, and the son of Mother Guomu—is still a part of Ling’s royal lineage. Though he has been exiled, he is still your nephew, Uncle Chao Tong. Guomu is the daughter of the Dragon King and the queen of King Senlun. She and her son are treasures of Ling.

 

When the horse race determines the throne, treasures, and Sangjang Zumu, how can we not invite him? If Joru is not included, the people of my branch will refuse to participate in the race or compete for the stakes.”

 

Joru’s Absence and Chao Tong’s Manipulations

Gyacha continued, his voice filled with both passion and frustration: “Right now, my poor brother Joru lives in exile, far from his homeland. He has no wealth, no position, and no home to call his own. He shelters in caves, struggling to survive. He fights with dogs over bones and competes with chickens for scraps of grain. In his current state, how could he possibly dream of winning a horse race or claiming any prize?

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Yet, here we are, gathered for a feast as brothers, and not even the lowest seat has been reserved for him. Isn’t this going too far? Am I wrong to say so? Please, everyone, weigh my words in your hearts!”

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Hearing the words of Steward Wang and Gyacha, Chao Tong’s heart burned with anger. He thought to himself: “That wretched Joru! He’s nothing but a lowborn fool, unfit for the world. Even his mother, Guomu, was rotten to the core when she carried him in her womb. Yet, Steward Wang keeps fawning over him, and Gyacha won’t stop clamoring to have him brought back to participate in the race.

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But what’s the point? Joru lacks the cunning to win anything. That twelve-year-old brat couldn’t possibly claim victory in the race. Even if the prize were handed to him, he’d likely push it away with his tongue. And if, by some miracle, he won the race, he’d probably give away the throne, the treasures, and Sangjang Zumu to someone else.

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The people of his branch family overestimate him, and Dansa speaks of him as if he’s some divine figure. They’re mistaking brass for gold—Joru doesn’t even value himself.”

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Feigning agreement, Chao Tong said aloud: “Gyacha Xiega, you’re right. As the noble son of King Senlun and the blood relative of Guomu, Joru’s absence from this feast is indeed regrettable. But it’s not my fault he hasn’t been invited—it was your branch family’s responsibility to call him. Now, what’s most important is deciding the route and timing of the horse race.”

 

The Race Route Debate and Settling Plans

Chao Tong’s son, Dongzan Langdu Aban, could no longer keep quiet. He blurted out arrogantly:

“If our Ling Kingdom’s horse race route is too short, we’ll be ridiculed. If the race isn’t grand enough, we’ll be shamed. To make this race famous across the world, the starting point should be at Jiaga and the finish line at Jiana.”

 

The other brothers found Dongzan’s words boastful and ridiculous. Senda, from the middle branch, responded sarcastically: “Oh, if you want to hold a world-famous horse race, then the starting point should be in the sky, and the finish line in the depths of the sea. The stakes should be the sun and the moon, and the people of Ling should watch the race from the heavens.”

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The gathered brothers and people burst into laughter. Senda’s sharp wit was too much for Dongzan, whose face turned red with embarrassment. The veins on his neck bulged, but he had no response.

 

Gyacha Xiega stepped in to calm the crowd. He proposed a practical plan that satisfied everyone and even saved Dongzan from further humiliation. Ultimately, the group agreed on Gyacha’s suggestion:

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The starting point of the race would be Ayudi Mountain.

The finish line would be Gure Stone Mountain.

Prayers and incense offerings would be held on the summit of Ludi Mountain.

The people would gather on Radi Mountain to watch the race.

The event would take place in summer when the weather was warm, and the grass was lush.

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Steward Wang, seeing that a general plan had been settled, worried that Chao Tong or other heroes might later go back on their word. To prevent this, he said: “For such an important matter, I fear it might stir discord among the brothers. Let us ask the Grand Arbiter and the impartial judge, Dapan, to sing a song of fair judgment to finalize the decision.”

 

Arbiter Dapan’s Song of Justice

At this moment, the Grand Arbiter had completed arranging the seating for the banquet. The impartial and highly respected judge, Dapan, understood that Steward Wang’s suggestion was directed at him. With a cheerful and melodic tone, he sang a song of judgment to finalize the decision:

 

"First, we invite the celestial god Brahma,

Second, we invite the wise deity King Gezhuo,

Third, we invite Zouna Renqing, the Dragon King of the Seas,

May they bless the people of Ling today!

 

Though I, Dapan, serve as the mediator,

Power is only granted by three conditions:

First, blessings and authority determined by past lives,

Second, fairness and integrity as steady as a ruler,

Third, inheriting a role from father to son.

 

This year’s horse race in Ling,

All necessary conditions have been met:

 

Gentle sunlight shines upon us,

The earth is warm, and the air is moist,

Dragons roar in the sky,

Rain descends gently from the heavens.

 

Green meadows are covered in blooming flowers,

The summer season is perfect for the event.

All the brothers of Ling will race,

And Joru must not be excluded.

 

We should send someone to invite him.

Whether he wins the prize or not depends on his fate.

This horse race in Ling will be a grand spectacle,

A rare event in history.

Such joyous news should be spread

So the whole world can know.

 

Let us see who will claim victory in the race,

Holding the divine spear and arrow to win the prize.

 

The seven treasures, not previously described in detail,

Shall now be explained one by one:

 

The golden throne that commands the three realms,

The incomparable beauty, Sangjang Zumu,

The seven treasures passed down by the Jara family,

The twelve scrolls of the Jilong Sutra,

The Dragon King’s black grand tent,

The wooden fortress of Dazong,

The twelve thousand households of Ling’s people.

 

From the highest-ranking Steward Wang

To the humblest beggar Gulu,

Whoever has the skill may claim these prizes.

 

This is the decision of the uncles and elders.

The thirteen spiritual masters of Ling,

Led by Gunga, Gejie, and Taben,

Will pray to the gods for blessings.

 

We will burn incense and worship the war gods.

May the warhorses remain unharmed,

May the brothers be free from insult or injury.

 

The key points have been stated clearly,

But let me leave a few reminders:

 

Public virtue is like the crescent moon on the third night—

Though not yet full, it will grow brighter and rounder.

Private desires are like the full moon on the sixteenth night—

Though round, it will inevitably wane and darken.

 

Power is but an ornament of the world,

Too precious to gamble in a horse race.

Everyone wishes to keep it for themselves,

But selfishness will only cause disputes.

 

If Ling is divided by conflict,

There will be no peace,

And the horse race would be better left undone.

 

Whether or not one wins depends on fate,

Not on the speed of a beast.

If one is not destined to rule,

Even the fastest steed will fail.

 

These words may seem unreasonable,

But they are heartfelt truths, not mere jest.

 

This year’s horse race in Ling,

Is both the will of the heavens and the wish of the people.

May the prophecy of the northern deity come true,

May all desires be fulfilled!

 

May the spiritual masters bestow their blessings,

May the deities remove disasters!

May the guardians protect great achievements,

May the local spirits ensure peace and safety!

May joy and fortune fill everyone’s hearts.

My words are spoken with good intentions,

Let the people of Ling remember them well!"

 

Heroes Accept the Decision, but Hidden Thoughts Remain

People always admire those who are fair and just, and this is an undeniable truth. After hearing Dapan’s judgment, all the heroes agreed that it was reasonable. They expressed their determination to follow the decision and happily returned to their respective tribes.

 

As the saying goes, “A decision made by someone wearing a sheepskin cannot be overturned by someone wearing a tiger’s skin.” However, there were three individuals with their own private thoughts and hidden plans.

 

First was Gyacha Xiega. While he didn’t desire the prize or the throne for himself, he worried that Dongzan might win the race and claim the stakes. He secretly resolved: “I must remain vigilant. As long as the courage of the heroes hasn’t completely dwindled, I cannot let Chao Tong’s scheme succeed.”

 

Next was Chao Tong, the King of Darong. He was deeply worried: “If Joru returns to Ling, the consequences will be disastrous. I must do everything in my power to prevent Joru from joining the brothers in the race.”

 

Finally, there was the poor beggar Joru. He was utterly destitute, worrying about his lack of fine clothing, treasures, or any means to participate in the race.

 

Notes

Burning Sang: "Sang" is a Tibetan term referring to sacrificial offerings, often made from juniper branches or aromatic shrubs. "Burning" is the verb, so "Burning Sang" means burning incense as an offering to deities.

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