The Queen's Grief and the Divine Prophecy

Since the Ling army launched its counter-offensive into Jiang territory, most of the valiant warriors and able-bodied young men had marched off to the battlefield. Queen Sangjang Zumu resided in the royal palace of Dazi Castle in the Ling Kingdom, where day after day she prostrated herself before the heavens, made offerings, and prayed for blessings and protection. She devoted herself to spiritual practice and prayer, wishing peace for all sentient beings, and especially hoping that the white virtuous deeds of the Ling region would flourish and prosper.

When Michong and the heroine Adanam arrived at Dazi Castle to report on the war between Jiang and Ling, Zumu was stricken with grief upon learning that her younger brother Buya Zhujie and Rongtsa Malie had fallen on the battlefield. "I am truly a woman without good fortune," she lamented. "No misfortune ever passes me by. My brother has died in battle—I feel as though my very heart has been torn from my chest while I still live."

Overwhelmed by sorrow, Zumu's mind grew clouded and confused. Her vision blurred as if leaves covered her eyes, and she collapsed in a faint. Those nearby immediately fetched holy water and sprinkled it on her face, slowly reviving her. Once she regained consciousness, she ordered her attendants to bring refreshing food and sweet tea and wine for Adanam and Michong to enjoy. The two visitors first presented the king's personal letter, which requested that Zumu come to the military camp, and then explained the entire situation to her in clear detail.

After hearing their account, Zumu thought to herself: Even if I were to devise clever schemes to reconcile Jiang and Ling, it would be impossible to secure advantages for Ling. Since Meisa had already gone twice without results, and now they ask me to go, it seems unnecessary—yet the king's command cannot be defied. She therefore resolved to set out immediately. That very night, she departed for Jiang territory with two hundred attendants. As she left, everyone offered her farewell libations of wine and ceremonial scarves (khata).

Meanwhile, on the front lines, the Jiang and Ling armies clashed like a fierce tiger and a wild boar locked in combat, each side attacking with greater ferocity than the other. As Zumu and her party journeyed, they continuously prayed to the venerable Tara for protection from demonic obstacles of the dark forces, and for safe passage to the Ling camp.

The Prophecy and Debate in the War Council

Through divine protection, Zumu and her party finally reached the Jiang region. The heroes came out in force to welcome her, and a tent like a white cloud—the great Gyalo Dragon Tent—was pitched on the grassland for her entourage to stay in. That night, the White Brahma King descended from above, riding a white horse and surrounded by divine children amid clusters of brocade-like clouds. He delivered a prophetic song to the King of Ling:

"Tomorrow when the sun lights up the earth,

The moment for forging peace must not be lost.

If reconciliation cannot be achieved,

Beware—the enemy will strike again.

Tomorrow in the dead of night,

The Jiang generals Caima Keji, Baidui, Sela, and Qimei Jiaduo

Will each lead two thousand elite troops to surround and attack.

The Ling generals Zhale and Niben Daya

Will face calamity like Gyatsa once did.

Danma Jangcha and Bara Senda Adong

Will meet disaster like Yuda once did.

Beautiful Queen Sangjang Zumu,

If you do not go to make peace with the Jiang,

The consequences will be grave beyond imagining—

Death itself will come, impossible to resist."

Having sung his prophecy, the White Brahma King vanished. Before dawn broke, all the heroes had gathered before the sacred tent. King Gesar recounted the White Brahma King's prophecy and consulted with them on how to proceed. The minister Danma said, "There is no need to repeat the White Brahma King's prophecy. Regarding peace talks, the gods have previously given prophecies and the king has given instructions. Two rounds of negotiations have already been held without reaching an agreement. Even now, we still cannot tell whether brass is truly gold or white lead is truly silver. The only question now is whether Queen Zumu has the ability to accomplish this matter. If she cannot, then no matter how many more casualties we suffer, we have no choice but to fight the Jiang to the end."

Rongtsa Chagen said, "Danma speaks wisely. A few days ago, Meisa went twice to negotiate with the Jiang without results. Perhaps Meisa thought too highly of herself and only spoke foolish words that the Jiang ignored. Now we must send Zumu with her attendants and a few heroes to see whether peace can indeed be reached with the Jiang!"

Chao Tong interjected, "Has Uncle the Chief Steward grown old and muddled in his thinking? When Meisa was sent the first two times, you seemed to think she was quite capable. Now you treat Zumu as if she is certain to succeed. In my view, sending Zumu again will not accomplish this task either. If the Jiang attack, there are four people who need extra protection, and we must devise better strategies to deal with them. If our forces suffer further losses, that will not do."

Everyone ultimately agreed to send Zumu for peace negotiations. The next day, Sangjang Zumu and her party, escorted by two hundred riders including Danma, Bara, and Sinba, galloped toward the Jiang camp.

The Exchange of Songs Between the Two Queens

When the Jiang saw them approaching, the minister of internal affairs Baidui said, "Here comes another group of people—what can they mean by this? Among those approaching, there are more women in female attire than in previous visits. If they have come to negotiate, then it will fall to the women to respond. Princess Pema Chuzhen is not here at the moment—we must quickly send for her from the palace." Thus Pema Chuzhen was summoned, and both sides met at the same place as the previous two negotiations.

Zumu first expressed to the Jiang princess her hope for reconciliation between the two sides. The Jiang believed that whether the Ling side was sincere or insincere in seeking peace, they could not refuse to respond. Under the protection of Minister Baidui and two hundred riders, the Jiang princess and her attendants engaged in talks with the Ling side as before. Sangjang Zumu sang slowly to the princess about the great significance of peace between the two nations:

"I am the beloved daughter of Gyalo Dunpa,

As if painted by a master artist's brush.

When I was born upon this earth,

My name was chosen according to auspicious signs.

Why do Jiang and Ling wage war?

First, because of fate in this lifetime,

Second, because King Sadan brought disaster upon us.

The two kingdoms have known no peace,

Battle after battle, savage combat,

So many brave generals and warriors have died.

Those caught between black and white deeds

Wish only for death to escape their suffering.

My little brother Buya Zhujie,

How tragic that he died on the battlefield!

Disaster has fallen upon the Gyalo family,

How can this not grieve Zumu's heart?

Zumu has traveled here today

To avenge the fallen warriors,

To bring the lost stallions home.

If compensated, the Ling will not hold a grudge.

If Jiang and Ling wish to escape the suffering of war,

Peace talks are the only great plan.

In this supremely sacred divine realm,

Every pure aspiration must be cherished.

Let bygones be bygones from this day forward—

May Jiang and Ling be friends for all eternity.

The war between Jiang and Ling must cease at once,

Lest two tigers fight and both suffer harm.

Jiang and Ling should be like brothers—

Not just on the surface, but in heart and soul.

Whether king or subject of Jiang,

None may interfere with the flourishing of virtuous deeds.

Let us set aside our differences and speak of friendship,

Like tea and butter coming together,

Meeting by fate in a single dragon bowl.

O Princess Pema Chuzhen of Jiang,

You are the dakini of the Purple Jiang Kingdom.

I, Gyalo Sangjang Zumu, lion queen of Ling,

Am the dakini of Ling Gabu.

A pearl necklace with red coral strands,

A master's prayer beads of countless gems,

White precious stones and red agate—

I offer them all to you, Princess Chuzhen, for safekeeping.

First I present these gifts of greeting,

Then let us speak openly of peace.

Can sharp weapons be turned into soft silk?

I ask you, Princess Pema, to consider this carefully."

The Accord and Three Years of Peace

After listening to Zumu's song, the Jiang princess thought for a while and then said, "Sangjang Zumu! You claim to be the incarnation of White Tara without the slightest blemish, manifesting your form in mortal flesh. Don't you think you are praising yourself a little too highly?" She then sang:

"Listen, Gyalo Sangjang Zumu,

Now I have words to answer you.

Though my eyes have never seen you,

My ears have long heard of your great fame.

What Zumu truly thinks in her heart,

No one else can ever know.

On the surface you seem honest,

But perhaps you are truly a deceiver.

If Jiang and Ling truly seek peace,

Both sides must show genuine sincerity.

Know that although Ling has suffered casualties,

The Jiang people too have endured losses.

Your Ling people always try to show off,

Causing death here and injury there,

This is Ling's own great fault.

The Jiang people have flourished for generations,

Like young crops growing strong in the fields.

Now like crops struck by hail,

Who will compensate us for this poor harvest?

Our right-wing vanguard Qula was thrown to his death,

Our left-wing young general Yula was captured,

The poison man Baigan Tulu lost his life,

This grieves us more than losing nine castles.

Countless Jiang heroes have fallen,

How does Ling plan to compensate for these losses?

If the dead heroes could be brought back to life,

Then peace talks could become a reality.

Across Jiang's mountains, valleys, and plains,

The Ling people have covered the land like heavy snow.

The Jiang people know no peace and suffer humiliation,

How can we even speak of peace talks?

You and I are both incarnations of dakinis,

With different vows, born in different lands.

Now both sides have become enemies,

Where to go from here is up to you Ling people."

The Jiang princess sang this probing song. After hearing it, Zumu thought: This song is meant to test whether we are truly sincere. I must answer her clearly and directly. So she said, "Princess, do not speak in riddles, and do not be like soft mud that cannot bear examination. Speak plainly like a hen laying an egg—put out the words you truly hold in your heart."

Upon hearing this, the princess did not answer immediately but stood silently to one side.

"Today you and I come to negotiate. If we do not discuss matters sincerely, but merely attack and slander each other, we will only deepen hostility and hatred. If we raise a great white pillar, both hillside and plain will be blessed. Fish naturally delight in calm waters—I will tell you the truth from my heart. The Jiang people have done wicked things in the past—does the princess not know this even now? Reflect calmly and carefully; if you can understand, my heart will rejoice. Among all the treasures of the snow land of Tibet, salt is the most precious seasoning. The Jiang people were determined to seize it—that is the root of this war between Jiang and Ling. If the Jiang had not first invaded Ling, how would the Ling army have come to press upon Jiang territory? If the Jiang had not attacked us first, how could the Ling have attacked you? The past need not be revisited; the present matters should be discussed anew. From this day forward, let everything begin afresh—Jiang and Ling shall live in friendship and harmony."

Zumu then said to the Jiang princess, "Know that this conflict is heavier than a mountain, longer than a river, and wider than the sky. If we do not make peace, the calamities that follow will be endless."

Zumu once again conveyed to the Jiang princess that reconciliation was essential no matter what. The Jiang princess also weighed the matter privately, recognizing that true reconciliation between Jiang and Ling would not be easy. As Zumu had said, this war had been provoked by the Jiang. Due to karma from past deeds, when the Ling army pressed upon their borders, her father the king remained secluded in his mourning chamber, and many brave warriors had perished for lack of support. But until her father left that chamber, a temporary peace between the two nations was necessary. So she said, "Sangjang Zumu! You are the incarnation of White Tara, your heart is pure without blemish, your words are sincere without deception. Medicine cannot be mixed with poison, white silk cannot be stained with dust. Perhaps what you say is truly from the heart. Let the war between Jiang and Ling be fought no more—from today, let the fighting cease. For three years, let both sides live in peace and friendship. After three years, we will discuss our relations anew. Feed the fine horses with careful nourishment, let the young men relax their minds and rest. Unstring the mighty bows and store them in their cases, fit the sharp arrows with new fletching. Polish the precious swords and set them aside, hang up the armor and helmets on high. We will gradually discuss what comes after—remember this well in your heart, Zumu."

The princess and Zumu exchanged many words of hope for reconciliation, and both expressed mutual trust. Zumu presented the gleaming pearls, coral necklaces, and amber to the princess, and they agreed that the two nations would observe a three-year ceasefire. Only then did both sides finally feel at ease.

Zumu and those who had accompanied her to the negotiations, along with the Jiang princess and her attendants, each returned to their own camps. The Jiang forces then withdrew their front-line troops to the rear. The Ling army likewise ceased hostilities on the spot as agreed. For more than two years, no war broke out—the two sides coexisted peacefully. Although the Ling army remained encamped in Jiang territory, the bridge of friendship was cherished by all. During this period, the Ling troops hunted wild game for food, while some of the Jiang soldiers returned to the royal palace and gathered around their king; others garrisoned their own castles, each living a peaceful life.