Summoning the Surrender

Upon returning to the Eastern Gate square at the Ling Kingdom's military camp, King Gesar immediately sent Tangze Yuzhou to summon Sinba Meruze.

At that time, Meruze was in deep meditation within Zuomaoruzong City. Upon Tangze's arrival, he explained the situation: "After the Ling army arrived in Hor, they long ago captured Yaze City. King Gesar eliminated White Tent King some time ago. I have already sincerely surrendered to King Gesar."

Sinba then dispatched his subordinates to various tribes, instructing them all to surrender, and notified the major ministers: "I must go and confess my crimes before King Gesar."

Sinba agreed to go with Tangze. Just as they were stepping out the door, he turned to Tangze and said, "Please wait here a moment. I'll go inside to change into better clothes to make a proper show."

When he emerged a short while later, Tangze saw an iron chain hanging around his neck and couldn't help but laugh, saying, "It seems you don't need to wear that now."

Guided by Tangze Yuzhou, Sinba and his followers arrived at the center of the Ling Kingdom's camp outside the eastern city gate to surrender to the Great King Gesar.

The Hor tribes brought forth gifts piled high like harvested grain: snow-white Khata scarves, tiger and leopard pelts blazing like fire, fox furs flashing like red lightning, silks and satins shimmering like rainbows, turquoise and coral heaped like river stones, gold gleaming like the sun, and silver shining like a new moon. They specially placed the keys to Sinba's nine hundred warehouses and the registries of the twelve tribes before King Gesar. Following Hor custom, they kowtowed six times and knelt on both knees. Led by Tangze Yuzhou, they presented a long, pure white silk ribbon before the Great King. Tangze pleaded on their behalf:

"Great Lion King of Jambudvipa! Sinba was also a son of the gods in a past life, one of our celestial assemblies. You, the Great King who arose like the sun, how could you not know this? When the Hor army invaded Ling, he sincerely advised against the war time and again, but White Tent King simply would not listen. He alone firmly remonstrated. Later, at Galilatang Beach, he did not shoot arrows to harm the heroic brothers of Ling. Ultimately, due to inescapable karma, he encountered Gyatsa Xiega at the bend of Gepajiarang Mountain, and the misfortune with Rongtsa... all were determined by past deeds, and also because Sinba's fortune had run its course. From the depths of his heart, he never bore any hostility towards you. I beg the Lion Lord of Ling to accept these steeds, swords, and white silks. Though these items are not precious, they are offerings to the Three Jewels. Today, they serve as Sinba's tribute. Please calm the anger in your heart. I, Tangze, became a son of the gods because of you; I am your minister, please consider my face. This Sinba is like a great bird fallen to earth; may the Great King show compassion and care for him."

After this plea, Sinba stood up, performed a Hor salute, sweating profusely as if steam were rising from him. He then sang to plead his own case:

"King Gesar of Jambudvipa,

My plea is the same as Tangze's.

I do not craft clever words here,

But have three main statements to present.

When the Hor King wanted to march east to invade Linggatangwa Gongman,

I, Sinba, sincerely and repeatedly advised against it.

Though Hor's blades and arrows are sharp,

Against the divine city of eastern Ling,

They fundamentally could not test their edge.

Though Hor's warhorses can gallop,

In Ling, they could never display their prowess.

Though the Hor army numbers hundreds of thousands,

They absolutely should not attack Ling.

If Hor insisted on advancing despite advice,

Ling Gabu is a divine realm,

The Lion King is the chief of the Wilma,

The heroes are all divine ministers—

How could one harbor a hostile heart towards them?

Therefore, regarding Ling's heroes,

Do not think victory can be seized the moment you mount;

Even if seized, it would be hard to maintain.

Like melted gold liquid,

Do not think to plate it onto brass stone;

Even if plated, it cannot last long.

Like melted silver liquid,

Do not think to plate it onto limestone;

Even if plated, it cannot endure.

I, Sinba, clashed with Danma;

After the crown of my skull was sliced by his sword

I, though the leading general,

Only knew to firmly guard my own camp.

I, though the valiant leader of the Sinba,

Only knew to protect my own fortress.

But alas, driven by karma,

That day at the turbulent bend of the Yellow River,

A handsome, azure-clad youth appeared—

Who could have known he was Rongtsa?

As my fortune was exhausted, an ill omen manifested.

Now regret is too late.

At Anqing Gepa Cliff,

I unfortunately encountered the hero Xiega.

Pursued with nowhere to escape,

As Xiega swung his blade down,

The horse Jiaxia suddenly reared back,

Just as my spearpoint was thrust forward.

Xiega fell and was pierced by the spear.

I absolutely did not intend to slay him;

The root truly lies in a chance encounter.

Today I came before the Great King.

At best, I hope to become a minister at your side.

Next, like a dog or horse to be tethered.

Lastly, due to past karma's encounter,

I only beg to keep my life.

All rests in the heart of the Great Lion King!

Please, true divine son, hold this in your heart!"

The King's Judgment and the People's Plea

After this plea, Gesar said, "Sinba Meruze, you need not be clever with your tongue. Where are my elder brother Xiega and younger brother Maerle now?"

Hearing this, Sinba Meruze knew it would be difficult to obtain King Gesar's forgiveness. He stood up, kowtowed three more times, and said, "Please accept the surrender of all Hor tribes! As for me, Sinba, let the Great King decide as he sees fit."

Gesar, considering whether to see if Sinba was truly important to the Hor people, declared, "Tomorrow, Sinba will be executed. Let all the people of the Hor tribes come to watch!"

Upon hearing this, all the men of the Hor tribes offered up their horses with saddles and bridles, along with their armor, helmets, and weapons. All the women offered their fine silk garments, turquoise, and coral ornaments as ransom for his life. Kowtowing, they pleaded: "Great Precious King! This great Sinba is a father to the fatherless, a mother to the motherless, a support to the unsupported, a savior to those without a savior. Please do not kill him; we beg for his life!" Then they all clung to Sinba and wept bitterly.

All the white-haired elders, their eyes dark, legs trembling, gathered together, held onto Sinba, and begged Gesar: "Great King! Sinba is a son to the childless, a nephew to those without nephews, the beloved son of a hundred thousand elders. Please spare his life, do not kill him! If you do not grant this, we will all drown ourselves in the Hor River!"

They wailed in grief. Even the beggars and nameless folk of Hor clung to Sinba, weeping: "Do not kill him, spare his life!"

The hundred thousand men, women, old, young, and beggars of the twelve Hor tribes all wept. Heaven and earth seemed shaken by the sound of their crying.

King Gesar then said, "Very well, I shall grant you petitioners this face. I will not kill this Sinba, but he shall be taken to Ling as a prisoner."

Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, Prince Zhale Zejie, Danma, and the other heroes were deeply displeased but dared not voice their opposition to the King's face. Gesar, perceiving their thoughts, summoned his close ministers—the Chief Steward, Zhale Zejie, Danma, and others—and said to them: "Keeping this great Sinba, who once dwelled with us in the celestial realm, will be of great benefit to our Ling Kingdom in the future. He will become an indispensable and useful person for our land."

While everyone was still hesitant, Zhale Zejie cried out loudly: "My father repeatedly admonished me to always obey the commands of King Gesar. Let us say no more."

Even Prince Zhale, who had a father-killing vendetta, could follow the King's order. What reason did the others have to oppose? Thus, they ceased their objections.

Triumphant Return and Celebration

Thereupon, Gesar pardoned Meruze, appointed him as the leader of the Hor Kingdom, and also listed him among the thirty heroes of Ling.

When King Gesar, bearing news of victory and the gold, silver, and treasures of Hor, approached the capital of Sacred Ling—the center of Jambudvipa, the Palace of Supreme Bliss, the Lion-Tiger Palace—the people from every mountain pass and valley in Ling were dressed in neat armor, their horses adorned with bright saddles and bridles, dazzlingly arrayed and filled with joy. Close associates rode out to welcome him. All others burned sacred juniper on their rooftops, raised banners, and blew conch shells to express their jubilation. On the capital's heights, thirty great teachers offered incense and recited scriptures. All the people of Ling—white-haired elders, spirited youths, and even young children—pressed shoulder to shoulder, vying to crowd forward in welcome. Colorful banners and precious parasols filled the sky. The sounds of long horns, short flutes, and all manner of instruments deafened the ears. Joyful dances and songs of happiness immersed the entire land of Ling in an ocean of celebration.

All present cheered the victory. Aunts, sisters-in-law, and maidens offered tea and wine, singing songs of happiness and dancing joyful dances. Archers competed in shooting, riders raced their horses. The festivities lasted a full seven days.

To commend the Ling army's achievements in battle, Gesar bestowed awards upon the leaders of each unit. He ordered the repair of damaged city walls and incorporated the six Hor tribes into the Ling Kingdom. King Gesar diligently governed, fostering both civil and military affairs, enabling the people of Ling Gabu to live and work in peace and contentment. Their lives became happier and more prosperous than before, their days increasingly joyful, thriving, and harmonious without end.