Mobilization and Strategic Deployment

At this moment, amidst the swirling incense mist, countless divine soldiers and generals were seen setting off towards the land of Jiang. The army of the Ling Kingdom was also making final preparations. Darong official Chao Tong addressed the assembly: "People of the Ling army! The divine troops and prophecies have manifested before our very eyes, who would dare not believe? Yet, at this critical juncture, our King and ministers still lack a clear plan—this is unacceptable. Though my words may displease many, for the sake of Lingga's great cause, I must speak my mind. I now urge the Great King to swiftly issue the order for our heroes to advance. Who will step forward to be the vanguard and face the formidable enemy? Who is eloquent enough to undertake negotiations? Who dares to match sharp weapons? Who will contend with spear and sword? Who will challenge the mighty warriors? Who will oppose the dark sorcery? With a great enemy at our gates, military formation is paramount. All your previous clamor has yielded no arrangements. Those assigned to the campaign should prepare to march; those not involved in the battles should return home."

After Chao Tong finished speaking, the various wings of the Darong troops also felt that setting out without a battle formation was problematic, each wearing a troubled expression. Then, King Gesar thought to himself: The deities had prophesied earlier that Chao Tong should be praised, not constantly criticized for his faults. Moreover, his words now held some reason. Commanders should be appointed, tasks clearly defined, and the army should swiftly head to the battlefield. Thus, the King sang a song to arrange the formations, and all present listened intently with one heart and mind:

When the wise contend, it benefits both self and others;

When fools fight, it harms both self and others.

Uncle Chao Tong speaks with reason,

The enemy's invasion must be analyzed.

The enemy rages like storm and wind,

Their arrogant leaders must be subdued.

Wisdom must be paired with sharp arrows,

Only with both strategy and courage can victory be seized.

The advance must be unified in step,

Advance and retreat must be in unison,

A thousand horse heads must face the same direction,

A thousand spear points must be aimed at the foe.

When the enemy questions, ponder well,

Do not answer carelessly and reveal secrets.

For this, Minister Michong is most capable,

None can match his eloquent speech.

When facing the enemy's sharp arrows,

The hero Danma must not be absent,

His archery is peerless and miraculous,

His fame as a divine archer spreads under heaven.

When facing the enemy's keen weapons,

Barasenda Adong is indispensable,

Like boiling molten iron, unstoppable,

Enemies meeting him will lose their steeds.

When facing mighty giants in combat,

Gade Chujiong Benna cannot be absent,

He can fell an elephant on the grassland,

A small enemy army is beneath his notice.

When contending with sorcerers and spell-casters,

Darong's great official Chao Tong is essential.

None can rival his incantations,

A flick of his lips stirs sudden black winds.

When matching wits with the enemy,

Sinba Meruze is indispensable.

His mind is clear as the dawn's light,

Skilled at discerning the enemy's cunning schemes.

For devising strategies to defeat the enemy,

Rely on Chief Steward Uncle for counsel.

He can foresee events and calculate brilliantly,

Planning from afar to overcome strong foes.

For governing the state and commanding the great army,

I, Joru, execute the will of the heavenly deities,

Peerless and unmatched,

Pointing where victory shall be.

On the high snow mountain stands the snow lion,

Shaking its green mane, majestic beyond compare.

There is a young eagle just leaving the nest,

That is my handsome nephew, Prince Zhale Zejie.

Heroes, quickly ready your troops and horses,

Prepare and await orders to meet the enemy.

Hor's great general Sinba Meruze,

Delay no more, set out swiftly to strike,

Target Prince Yula Toju,

Use clever schemes to capture him alive.

First, do not use sharp swords,

Second, do not use keen arrows,

Do not harm his body in any way,

Find a way to capture him and bring him to Ling.

When I resided in the heavenly realm of the gods,

Yula and I were among seven brothers.

Now reborn together in the human world,

Who would have thought siblings would become enemies.

Internal Discord Among the Consorts

After the King finished singing, the Lingga army camp bustled with activity. Everyone went to prepare supplies, mules, horses, and weapons needed for the campaign. Subsequently, the King summoned his consorts to arrange domestic affairs. Meisa Bungji thought to herself: In terms of family background and status, she and Zumu were equals, and in the King's heart, there was no distinction either. Clearly, Zumu had schemed, causing her to suffer so many years in the Demon Kingdom, yet Zumu blamed her for being captured by White Tent King. If she stayed home this time, who knew how Zumu might make things difficult for her? So she said: "I report to the King and ministers, though I am not skilled in speech, I wish to say a few words. For assisting in upholding the King's authority, no one is more virtuous than Elder Sister Zumu. She must take good care of her health and manage the palace and the various affairs of the Ling Kingdom for the Great King."

Then she turned and took Zumu's hand, saying: "Elder Sister Sangjang Zumu, your precious body is like a jewel. You are the cherished daughter of the Gyalo family, a Tara descended to earth in human form. The complex affairs of state rely on you to bear. Meisa often reflects within, likening herself to a small butter lamp—though wishing to burn forever unextinguished, it cannot withstand the force of a gale. Sangjang Zumu is like a bee; I hope you dwell within the sandalwood forest. Driven by fate, Meisa will go wherever needed. Now that a great enemy encroaches upon Ling, Meisa is willing to accompany the Great King on the campaign, willing to endure the hardships and toil of the warpath on behalf of my sister."

Hearing this, Zumu thought to herself: This Meisa was once the root of disaster that brought calamity upon Ling. Now she still pretends to be diligent, truly shameless. During the Hor-Ling war, heroes like Gyatsa Xiega, Angou Yuda, and Maerle sacrificed their lives on the battlefield because Meisa, in the Demon Kingdom, used bewitching drugs to confuse the King, allowing the enemy to besiege Dazi Palace and inflict deep suffering upon the Ling people. At that time, though I was but a woman, I too donned armor and helmet, wielding sharp weapons to resist the enemy. During those bitter times, the one who made the Great Lion King forget Ling entirely was this Meisa. Back then, I endured immense suffering, and the King brought me no benefit. If the King intended for Meisa to accompany me in managing affairs, I would rather die nine times and descend to hell. Having thought this, Zumu spoke: "Meisa, listen well! In the past, I never uttered nonsense when heroes went to war. In this latter half of my life, my heart remains where I am. For the internal and external affairs of Lingga, I ponder even matters as small as grass seeds. I hope you, Meisa, match your words with deeds and accomplish something for Ling. That ghostly place, the Jiang Kingdom of King Sadan—you, Meisa, should go visit it yourself. Accompany the army on this campaign, go and taste some hardship. Zumu's courage is smaller than a leaf; in the past, I never campaigned to distant lands. Today, I also have no wish to leave my homeland. Therefore, I ask the Great King not to trouble his thoughts over me."

After Zumu finished, Meisa grew indignant again. If the King really took her on the campaign, it would seem as if Zumu had refused the opportunity and given it to her. If she didn't retort, it would be truly unbearable. The two began a war of words, each trading barbs.

The aunts and senior ladies understood the characters of both Zumu and Meisa, but debating who was better or worse was unnecessary on such an occasion. Then, mother Guomu rose from her seat to mediate: "Now that Ling is about to send troops to punish the invading enemy, you two should not quarrel endlessly at this moment. Prioritize state affairs; do not let personal prejudices affect the nation's great matters. Arguments should also consider time and place; quarreling over trivial matters is unworthy. With a great enemy at hand, we should be united against the foe. How can you pick at each other's scars and bicker? Everyone should offer ideas for the country's sake, stop showing off and wagging tongues. Zumu became White Tent King's consort—that was karma from a past life. Meisa, though she once was a demon king's consort, has she not now returned to the Great King's side? Each of you, say a few less words, stir up less trouble, and make fewer enemies!"

Danma also pondered: Recently, the situation in Ling Gabu had indeed changed greatly from before. But most Ling people still believed that even if Zumu had certain flaws, she remained Ling's royal consort, the daughter-in-law of the Junior lineage's Bumba family, a fairy descended to earth. As for Meisa, no matter how capable, she was like newly grown young horns—nothing extraordinary. How could so many bad things be said about Zumu? Even a bad dog still recognizes its master. I must support Zumu and say a few words to Meisa. So he said: "Within the various tribes of our Ling Kingdom, many things have never had precedent. Favoring the new and despising the old often occurs; praising oneself and belittling others is hard to eradicate. Gyalo Sangjang Zumu, the Great King's consort, is a Tara descended to earth in human form. On this day of assembly, some women are perhaps too presumptuous. I, Danma, find such provocative behavior intolerable and am deeply angered. Dazi Palace City must have a mistress; without Zumu, no one can replace her. If anyone thinks they can supplant Zumu, it would defy the will of the heavenly deities!"

After Danma spoke, everyone fell silent. Seeing this, Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen thought that if they fell into another war of words, it would be very detrimental to Ling's unity. So he sang a song of advance, hoping to remind everyone of what truly deserved attention now:

In the boundless sky's divine palace,

Dwell Indra and Brahma.

Surrounded by swirling deities,

Please embolden Ling to eradicate the foe.

Upon the summit of the War God's fortress,

Dwell the fierce deity Gula's heroic armies.

With yellow thunder shaking heaven and earth,

Today, please display might for Ling.

Within the immeasurable palace of the blue sea,

Dwell Dragon King Zuna Rinchen's armies.

With the boundless ferocity of a million dragon descendants,

Today, please augment Ling's majesty.

I, old Chagen, Uncle Chief Steward,

Have campaigned one hundred and one times,

Never once lacking in valor in battle,

Often defeating strong foes with both wisdom and courage.

The Ling army must not delay now,

Seize the opportunity to crush the enemy.

Tomorrow is an auspicious day,

Saddle the horses and swiftly strike out.

Michong, quickly ready the battle array,

Raise the war banners before the various armies.

The three great officers command their respective forces,

Set out when the white conch horns sound.

Consorts Zumu and Meisa, you two,

Are both virtuous ladies from renowned families,

There is no great difference between you,

Both are the Great Lion King's good companions.

Last month, who stays and who goes was undecided.

If we follow Meisa's suggestion as basis,

Sangjang Zumu should remain behind,

Meisa Bungji should go on the campaign.

I ask the great general Sinba Meruze,

To set out before the enemy arrives,

First use sweet words to deceive Yula,

Thereafter, all is sure to end in victory.

The Grand Departure of the Ling Army

After Chief Steward Uncle Rongtsa Chagen finished singing, the Ling army immediately intensified preparations as ordered. The next day, when sunlight touched the snow-capped peaks, the Great King, incarnation of the heavenly deities, sun of humanity, and wise monarch, the Great Lion King, donned the vajra armor possessing the power of sky-shattering thunder, took up various elite weapons, appearing majestic and heroic. He saddled that divine, shape-shifting, flying chestnut steed with the golden saddle that illuminates the four continents. To suppress the armies of the rebellious asuras, Indra, leading his retinue of thirty-three celestial attendants, followed the Great Lion King closely, never leaving his side. Also closely following the King were the immensely powerful various war gods, dakinis, and protector deities. Rainbows filled the sky down to the earth; flowers rained from the heavens, and incense smoke drifted with auspicious white clouds towards the land of Jiang.

Mother Guomu, along with consorts including Sangjang Zumu, came to the gate of Dazi Palace, gathering on the Path of Bliss. They filled golden and silver pots with barley beer, rice wine, and chang, frequently pouring into the King's golden bowl. The King raised the bowl and drank it down in one go. Then he bestowed upon each a dazzling, lifelong vajra longevity knot before turning to pay respects towards the land of Jiang. At that moment, on both sides of the great avenue before the palace gate where the multitudes gathered, great drums beat incessantly, long horns blew continuously. In the middle of the palace gate was a path of heavenly compassion and mercy for all beings. Above the gateway, transcendent bells rang out seven times, their echoes reverberating in the air, lingering like the melodious sound of a dragon's cry. That day, the Ling army reached a spot below the Black Mountain King, Naji Qumo, to the right of Datang Chamao and set up camp. Soon, wisps of cooking smoke rose from the grassland towards the blue sky.

Premonitions and the Scout's Mission

That night, Angwa Rongtsa Malie's mother, Karemma, had an ominous dream. Deeply anxious about her child participating in this campaign, she came before the King amidst the assembly of heroes. After offering wine and tea to the King and ministers, she sorrowfully said to her son:

Angwa Rongtsa Malie, my son, listen carefully,

You now follow the army to campaign against the enemy,

I give you this divine silk longevity knot,

Wishing for mother and son to reunite soon.

In the past, each time you went to war,

Mother never felt such anxiety for you;

This time, my heart is deeply worried,

I hope you take great care on the march and in battle.

Last night I had a dream,

Dreamt of black winds rising on the Muya mountain,

Five-colored prayer flags on a cairn shaking,

Black winds blowing incessantly from the west.

Just as I entered slumber,

In that vague and illusory dreamland,

I dreamt of a striped tiger in the forest,

Captured and taken away by a hunter.

Child, your zodiac sign is the tiger,

This dream is surely inauspicious for you,

I wonder if mother and son will meet again,

Recalling this dream is like a knife to the heart.

King Sadan's army is very powerful,

Child, in your heart, never underestimate the enemy.

When advancing, do not travel alone,

When charging, do not act on impulse.

Mother's instructions you must remember,

May all good things come to pass.

After Karemma finished singing, she left, filled with sorrow. Her son, Angwa Rongtsa Malie, sat there silently, motionless. Then, Michong issued the order: "Heroes, quickly ready your respective troops within the camp!"

The great army of Ling Kingdom swiftly assembled, awaiting orders to depart. The next day, as soon as sunlight touched the snow mountains, the army saddled their horses, ate breakfast, loaded the pack animals, and each led their steeds. Niben Daya and Chiji Sangzhu went ahead, covering the distance of an arrow's flight. Following behind were the armies of the Seba and Danma tribes. The troops and horses of each tribe and wing advanced under their own leaders, with provisions following the army. As the army was about to finish setting out, the World Lion King Gesar, wearing a golden helmet adorned with precious tassels, clad in rainbow-radiant armor that could withstand thunderbolts, tied with a five-colored silk longevity knot, mounted the golden saddle of the chestnut white-lipped horse, the finest steed of the ten thousand in the Dokham region, treating it as his wind-wheel chariot. The war god Wilma and various protector deities surrounded him like clouds, following as he advanced.

Several days before the main army's departure, Sinba Meruze had been sent to scout the area where the Jiang army was camped. Carrying the thirty-one sharp arrows given to him by Gesar and the thirty heroes of Ling, he raced like a swift wind towards the Salt Sea. Though the journey was a thousand miles, with a strong man and fast horse, he reached it in just seven days.