Meisa's Second Attempt at Peace Talks, A Stern Warning to Princess Pema Chuzhen

The Jiang army mourned the loss of two more brave generals. Meanwhile, the Ling forces, after further deliberation, concluded that if the two sides failed to reach a peace agreement soon and allowed the war to drag on for several more years, the losses would only mount. An immediate negotiation was imperative.

The Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen said, "Meisa's previous mission yielded no result—like seeking water in a desert, we came back empty-handed. Yet as the saying goes, 'Words must be spoken many times; deeds must be done many times over.' Before any final outcome is reached, we must go and negotiate with them again. Let Meisa, her attendants, the eloquent Gongba Buyi Chajia, and Michong Kade set out tomorrow to settle this matter quickly. Let it not end inconclusively like last time."

Meisa and her party, adorned in splendid attire, proceeded once more toward the Jiang camp. Upon seeing them, the Jiang sentinels immediately reported to Baidui. Baidui said, "Today these wicked Ling people are coming again to deceive us. Among the three hundred horsemen approaching, there are several women—doubtless here again to discuss a peace treaty. Let us dispatch Princess Pema Chuzhen and her attendants to meet them."

Princess Pema Chuzhen, accompanied by her attendants — a mix of men and women — promptly arrived at the same meeting place as before. The two sides built a bridge of words for negotiations. They first drank tea and wine together, then, taking advantage of the convivial mood, commenced their talks. At this juncture, Meisa spoke with kind persuasion:

"Great Princess Pema Chuzhen, I beg you to be patient and not anxious. Though I have no fine song for you to hear, I have heartfelt words to tell you. You are the incarnation of the Wisdom Dakini, compassionate toward all beings and free from malice. Now that the great war between Jiang and Ling rages, I implore you to speak kindly and forge friendship between us. The harsh conditions you proposed the day before yesterday were utterly unreasonable — demanding that King Sadan hold power, that the Ling king become a slave, that the Ling people serve as menials, that the three great officials be detained in Jiang territory, forbidding Ling from ever rising in revolt, and insisting that Jiang never lose authority. Such nonsense should be cast aside, not constantly uttered. If you truly desire peace, both sides must show sincerity. No matter how great either side's power, we must treat each other equally and beneficially. No matter how strong or weak either side's might, we must greet each other with smiles and friendship. Let the people of Jiang rest assured that the Ling people honor their word and uphold righteousness. Like the left and right mountains encircling a plain, like the sun and moon forever inseparable in the sky, if Jiang and Ling can unite, it will be like flowers blooming across the grasslands, more beautiful still. Let us together grasp the bow of wisdom and shoot forth the arrow of strategy. Living in harmony brings peace to both man and beast; let the swords return to their scabbards, and the warhorses rejoice. These words are like sweet dew sprinkled on parched seedlings, I pray you hold them firmly in your heart."

Pema Chuzhen's Defiant Reply : "Ice and Fire Cannot Coexist"

After Meisa finished, she awaited the princess's reply. The princess thought to herself: "Meisa's words sound sincere at first glance, but upon close analysis, not a single substantial point is made. Perhaps she is merely probing me. Still, I must answer her with a few words." Thus she said, "Respected Meisa, listen well! You have spoken so proudly and at such length, as if your words brim with reason. But when an offering is made hastily, the gifts are seldom complete; when a reply is given hastily, the words are seldom perfect. I can only answer you casually, so please listen carefully, respected queen!" Then she sang a song of reply:

"I am Princess Pema Chuzhen of Jiang,

From childhood cherished fondly by my royal father.

Queen Meisa, listen now to what I say,

Though peace talks inevitably stir anger.

Six years of ceaseless war have passed,

Yet not a single pleasing word have I heard.

Not one good thing has ever come to pass,

Not one peaceful day have I enjoyed.

I have not shared a single heartfelt word with anyone,

Each day feels like a year, a life of bitter tedium!

Today I meet you, Meisa Bungji,

Whether joy or sorrow fills my heart, only I know.

If you, Meisa, are truly the virtuous lady of Ling,

You should have done more good for the people long ago.

When the Ling army first set out for battle,

Why did you not counsel them to lay down arms?

Now you come to deceive with nothing but your tongue,

Do not think to ply your old tricks here again!

'Fairness' is but a hollow phrase,

'Peace talks' but a grand pretense.

Whether Jiang and Ling can ever reconcile,

You, Meisa, must ponder this well."

After her song, the princess added, "If Jiang and Ling are to make peace, both nations must first calm their people's anger. Yet it seems, in this lifetime, there is no karmic affinity for reconciliation between us. However, whether to fight or make peace rests entirely in Ling's hands, let Ling decide."

Meisa, momentarily at a loss for words, was then spoken for by Michong: "According to Princess Pema Chuzhen, everything seems to be decided by Ling. But let us ask, who started this war? Without doubt, it was Jiang that first invaded Ling's salt lake. From Jaga above to Jhana below, from Men Kingdom in the middle, from the white-haired elder to the babe still nursing, everyone knows this. We Ling people, for the happiness of all beings in Jiang and Ling, seek only peace between our nations. What use are such boastful, arrogant words now? A sincere return to friendship—that is our hope."

The princess, displeased by his retort, said, "Ah! I never imagined that Minister of King Gesar of Ling could answer so wisely. Indeed, you have the eloquence of a Jaga native and the wisdom of a Jhana sage, truly an outstanding figure. By convention, a small person dare not answer a great one. Yet, to set right from wrong, I must reply to you. Listen: ice and fire cannot coexist peacefully; Jiang and Ling cannot be friends. If true peace is to be achieved, you must first swear a solemn oath that Ling will never again set foot in Jiang territory."

Michong had no reply. Gongba Buyi Chajia then thought: "If peace is truly impossible, we may have to endure another two or three years before trying again." So he said, "Ah, lady, your words seem to twist our meaning. It appears you have no genuine desire for lasting peace. You are suspicious yourself, so it is no wonder you trust no one else. You, princess, have fair skin and white teeth, and your words sound as if you wish the people to settle peacefully like curdled milk, yet they grate upon the ear. Before speaking, you should carefully consider your thoughts and have them clearly in mind. I urge you to focus your words on reconciliation. First, let us clarify the rights and wrongs between Jiang and Ling. Whatever Jiang has done wrong, let Jiang correct; whatever Ling has done wrong, let Ling correct. From now on, and for all days to come, let our two nations be like the jade dragon and the sky, like the lion and the snow mountain, mutually supporting each other in friendship, letting both peoples live in peace and tranquility. Jiang and Ling should reconcile, this is the divine decree. The three of us came here earlier in obedience to that decree. On the side of King Sadan's Jiang kingdom, let you, the princess, be the representative, speak an eternal oath that will never change. On Ling's side, let the three of us represent our kingdom, we too shall speak an eternal oath. Let these oaths serve as a golden bridge, with jewels as gifts. Over this golden bridge, let our two nations come and go, exchange gifts, and negotiate in friendship. If this can be achieved, nothing could bring greater joy."

Gongba Buyi Chajia then spoke many more sincere words in hope of reconciliation.

Princess Pema Chuzhen's Conditions, The Oath That Cannot Be Broken

Pema Chuzhen thought to herself: "If I am truly to negotiate peace with them, I must reply honestly and without hiding my thoughts." So she said, "Very well! Gongba Buyi Chajia, I shall now reply to your words seriously. Listen well! I am the incarnation of the compassionate Tara in human form—this is not boastfulness but the truth. Now let me speak a few important words. Whether true peace can be achieved, I ask you to consider carefully. I, Princess Pema Chuzhen, have been in the palace since childhood, never daring to speak much or flaunt my talents, never eager to contend with others, never uttering words to wound or anger. When the Ling people came to discuss peace, the Jiang kingdom sent me to give our reply. If the two nations are truly to negotiate, both Jiang and Ling must understand clearly. Henceforth, as long as both nations exist, let the oath not to harm each other remain firm. Kings Sadan and Gesar, the two great monarchs, must swear never to oppose each other. Ministers Baidui and Danma, the two great officials, must swear never to oppose each other. When the peace treaty between Jiang and Ling is concluded, let the Dharma King of Jaga be the witness, let the King of Jhana be the witness, and let the King of Men Kingdom be the witness. Let Meisa of Ling and I, Princess Pema Chuzhen, representing our respective sides, exchange ceremonial white scarves of unity as gifts and call each other 'sisters of one heart.' Let the eternal oath be sworn now, let heart and mouth be clear from this moment. A mouth cannot speak two different words at once; feet cannot walk two different paths at the same time. Today, from when the sun rises over the mountains until it sets in the western slopes, let both sides exhaust their words in peace talks, but once spoken, the words must never be retracted."

The Ling people found the princess's words unacceptable and were greatly disheartened. If they refused to listen, it was they who had come seeking peace; but to hear such a reply left a bitter taste. For a moment, they did not know what to do and sat there dumbfounded. Gongba Buyi Chajia said, "According to the princess, we could sign a permanent peace covenant tomorrow or the day after. But the conditions she proposes are so unreasonable and harsh, how can we sign a treaty that would surrender our nation's rights and dignity?"

All the Ling representatives rose together and left the table one after another. Meisa and Michong waved their hands, and the Ling people mounted their horses and returned to their own camp. Princess Pema Chuzhen and her attendants, believing that the Ling people had merely come to test the waters, also mounted their horses and returned to the Jiang king's presence.

The peace treaty remained unsigned once again. The two sides parted in discord once more.

The Battle Ready to Explode, Jiang's Four-Pronged Attack Plan

After Meisa, Michong, and Gongba returned to the Ling camp, everyone quickly gathered. Meisa and Michong remained silent, while Gongba briefly recounted the negotiations to the assembly, but without clearly explaining the full sequence of events or the final outcome. The Ling people, hearing this, asked no further questions and dispersed.

Twice Ling had sent Meisa to negotiate, and twice there was no result. What was the crux of the problem? It was truly baffling. If they delayed further, who knew how much more arrogant the Jiang people might become? After much deliberation among the Ling forces, the Chief Steward said: "Last time we sent Meisa to negotiate, there was no result. This time we sent Meisa, Michong, and Gongba again, hoping for some progress, yet still no result. To conduct peace talks with calm and composure, we need someone even more astute to accomplish this mission. Now we must invite Queen Sangjang Zumu. Let’s see what the Great King and all the ministers say?"

All the heroes agreed that the Chief Steward spoke correctly. The Great King and all the ministers also concurred. It was decided that that very evening, the heroine Adanam and Michong would go to invite Queen Sangjang Zumu.

The next morning, as the sun illuminated the mountain peaks, Jiaduo Nae Bo, the commanding officer of the Upper Jiang forces, rode a black warhorse with yellow lips named "Black Wild Ox," clad in "Black Mist Lightning" armor, wearing a "Cloud Covering Four Continents" helmet adorned with crimson cloud-like bird feathers. His "Nyima Tongchin" quiver held fifty sharp arrows, and his "Fire Dragon Coiling" iron bow rested in a leopard-skin bow case. He bore the "Ten Thousand Thunderbolts" precious sword. Fiercely he declared: "Descendants of Muchang Gyapo, behold! Today, I shall surely accomplish a deed of valor!" So saying, he spurred his horse angrily toward the Ling camp.

When the Ling people saw him, Chao Tong said, "Another Jiang man on a black horse is charging, this must be Jiaduo Nae Bo. All heroes, beware!"

In an instant, Jiaduo Nae Bo reached the Ling camp gate. There he issued his challenge: "Those cruel and brutal Ling evildoers, you come to cause trouble with your perverse ways. You set up camp in my vast fields, staining the clear flowing waters with your blood. Fury burns in my manly heart, I would gladly die on the battlefield! Can your demon gods save you now? Crush the enemy's arrogance!"

As he sang, he brandished his precious sword and drew his sharp arrows, menacingly facing the Ling side. In times past, the Ling heroes would have vied to confront such a challenge. But today, they looked at one another, each hoping another would go forth. An awkward silence fell.

Then Danma said, "Ah! The heroes of Ling are being humiliated like this and yet refuse to fight, like sheep awaiting slaughter, staring helplessly at the butcher's knife. What kind of sight is this? You are young and still cling to your lives. I, an old man, will not regret it even if I lose my life, let me go to meet the enemy!"

With that, he rode his warhorse angrily to within an arrow's shot of Jiaduo Nae Bo. Jiaduo Nae Bo immediately hurled his "Wind-Changing" poison lasso and his "Shining Sharp" iron hook at Danma. The hook caught Danma by the collar of his armor. With a powerful tug, Danma was pulled from his horse. Though Danma had already nocked an arrow, he had not yet had time to shoot. Even as he fell, he still gripped his bow and arrow tightly. He fired immediately, striking Jiaduo Nae Bo in the left arm. Jiaduo quickly drew his long sword with his right hand and charged. Danma likewise drew his treasured blade to meet him. Seeing this, Sinba, Bara, Chao Tong, and others rushed forward to rescue him. Jiaduo, alone and outnumbered, had no choice but to spur his horse and flee, kicking up dust. Danma shot another arrow after him, striking the plume from Jiaduo's helmet and sending a cold sweat down his back. Jiaduo vanished in a puff of smoke far into the distance.

Both sides returned to their respective camps. Jiaduo went before King Sadan and reported the battle details. King Sadan listened but said nothing. The ministers then conferred among themselves: "Our only choice is to resist as best we can and, if need be, die fighting together in the end. As for the king, only when he is left alone and death stares him in the face will he wake up. Urging him now is useless."

After deliberation, they decided to rest and reorganize their troops for two days, then launch a surprise attack on the second night, splitting their forces into four columns to surround the Ling army: Flower Tassel commander Caima Keji would lead two thousand elite troops to attack from the south; Minister Baidui would lead two thousand men from the west; Sela would lead two thousand from the north; and Jiaduo would lead two thousand from the east. All agreed to this plan. They wrote it down as a battle order, each pressing their thumbprint as a sign that they would not break their word.