The Final Victory Feast and the Decision to Capture the Jade Dragon Palace

When the people of Ling first heard that Baidui had gone ahead and that the Great King had not returned for a long time, Zhale, Niben, Danma, Bara and others went out to investigate. The king and his ministers happened to meet on the road. The Great King explained the situation to everyone, and the ministers returned to camp reassured. The Ling army came out to welcome them with great ceremony.

King Sadan of the Jiang Kingdom and his Interior Minister Baidui had thus been eliminated.

After Gesar returned to camp, discussions were held. They tied Baidui's head to the tail of his yellow-maned steed and led the horse among the Ling people, back and forth, up and down, while the crowd shouted "Gesuo! Gesuo!" in triumph. After the public display, everyone gathered in the sacred tent, the right rows, left rows, front rows, back rows, and every corner were filled with people. Servants and women laid out tea, wine, fresh meat, and dairy products, and a sumptuous banquet was held for all to enjoy. During the feast, joyful songs were sung, graceful dances were performed, and everyone congratulated one another with hearts full of delight.

After the great feast, King Gesar addressed the Ling army: "Descendants of the gods, heroes of Lingga! The chief culprits who invaded our Lingga, King Sadan and his leading generals headed by Interior Minister Baidui, have now been eliminated. Ling has achieved final victory. However, the capital of Jiang, the 'Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace,' has not yet been taken. The remaining enemies are still struggling, and the broad masses of the Jiang people are still suffering. We have decided that tomorrow we will capture the 'Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace,' annihilate the remnants of the enemy, and rescue the black-headed people of Jiang from their suffering, so that they may live in peace and enjoy tranquility."

The heroes shouted in unison, "We obey!" expressing their full agreement.

A headless fly cannot spread its wings; a kingless people cannot survive. The Jiang people knew their country was without a master and their capital was about to fall. Many Jiang people, in despair, threw themselves off cliffs or into rivers. Those who still wished to live fled into deep mountains or hid in dense forests. In the "Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace," only two hundred gold-armored soldiers under Sela and two hundred black-helmeted soldiers under Jiaduo remained on guard. Princess Pema Chuzhen, with a deeply sorrowful heart, comforted the people both inside and outside the palace. Princess Pema Chuzhen was an incarnation of the dakini of the Pure Land. She believed all this was the result of sentient beings' collective karma, especially in the age of Gesar, when the sacred Dharma of Buddhism was spreading across the land like broad daylight, and this could not be resisted. So in a mournful tone, she said to Jiaduo and Sela: "You two commanders, please quickly find a way to save yourselves. Against an enemy too powerful to defeat, one must either yield or surrender. Would this not be acceptable? Please consider it."

Jiaduo replied: "Now that things have come to this, there is no other way. These wicked Ling people have done such heinous deeds and still will not stop, they are ambitiously trying to wipe out all Jiang people. I cannot stay here any longer. I will return to my 'Qiling Menba' castle, make arrangements for my subjects to deal with the current situation, and then flee to the western land of Jaga. There is no other way. As for what Sela plans to do, you must decide for yourself. The two of us must decide immediately whether to stay or go. Even if we were blood brothers, we could not look after each other now. Even if one wanted to surrender to Ling, one would have to decide alone."

So saying, he sang:

"Now I, Qimei Jiaduo Nae Bo,

Will return to 'Qiling Menba.'

If the king's treasures are in your hands,

Do not give them to the enemy, distribute them to the poor.

If there is any surplus after giving to the poor,

Burn it with fire or cast it into deep waters.

Do not let the turquoise fall into Ling hands,

Or the ancestral heritage will surely be given to the Ling enemy.

King Sadan's body must be given a water burial,

Choose an auspicious day to send it into the lake.

Excessive grief serves no purpose;

The living must still cherish their lives.

If I am fortunate enough to escape with my life,

I will bring reinforcements and mighty troops from Jaga,

Mobilize the people of Men to turn their hearts toward me,

And surely avenge our country with victory."

After singing this song, Qimei Jiaduo Nae Bo immediately returned to his own territory, the "Qiling Menba" castle. He gathered all the soldiers guarding the fortress and the orphans and widows of the tribe, explained his plans for dealing with the current situation, then took out the keys and opened all the storehouses of gold, silver, pearls, coral, silk, and woolen fabric. He ordered the women to carry firewood and pile it into a heap, and commanded the soldiers to bring out the jewels and valuables and throw them onto the pyre. There, turquoise piled up like a green grassy mountain, red coral like a crimson rocky peak, and pearls and agates gleamed brilliantly. On top of the jewels, they piled all kinds of silk, cloth, and woolen fabrics. Jiaduo Naebo personally lit the fire from all four sides of the pyre. In an instant, thick smoke billowed and flames shot into the sky. The jewels exploded with crackling sounds in the fire, terrifying all who witnessed it. The women watched these precious jewels and ornaments turn to ashes, grieving beyond words, some sobbed uncontrollably. The gold and silver that would not burn were all cast into the river. Seeing this tragic scene, people were overcome with despair, some leaped into the fire, some drowned themselves in the river, and some threw themselves off cliffs. Jiaduo, witnessing this misery, had no other recourse. He could only think of escaping to Jaga together with Sela.

Before Jiaduo and Sela prepared to flee, they made a special visit to the "Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace" to arrange final matters and bid farewell to the queen and those remaining behind. Queen Jiangsa Namu did not want them to escape and earnestly tried to dissuade them: "You both are determined to go to Jaga. The direct road is narrow and rugged, hard to traverse; the winding road has a thousand turns and is even more difficult. The journey is a thousand miles with enemy troops blocking the way. I could personally petition the Lion King of Ling to show mercy for our surviving ministers. I could beg him to show kindness to my remaining subjects and leave them a path to life as his subjects. Now Ling's armies cover the earth, even if you try to flee to Jaga, you cannot succeed. And even if you reach Jaga, it would be impossible to raise an army for revenge."

After hearing the queen's song, Jiaduo and Sela remained unmoved and still decided to flee to Jaga to seek troops for revenge. When they left the palace, they first took leave of Queen Jiangsa Namu, Prince Yuchi Gongwa, and Princess Pema Chuzhen, then bid farewell to the remaining officers and men, entrusting each with their duties. Parting was filled with reluctance and sorrow. Jiaduo and Sela each led three attendants as they set out. To avoid detection by the Ling army, they split into two routes. Jiaduo and his three attendants traveled along the Yulu Snow Mountain; Sela and his three attendants headed toward the Zela pasture. They agreed to meet at the foot of Danna Mountain. At midnight, the two groups finally converged at the foot of Danna Mountain.

The Heavenly Mother's Prophecy and the Ambush That Ends the Escape

After Jiaduo and Sela left the palace with their attendants, they fled in two separate routes. When they converged at their agreed meeting point at the foot of Danna Mountain, it was exactly midnight. At that moment, the Heavenly Mother Langman Gam descended from the celestial mandala and delivered the following prophecy to King Gesar:

"Faithful Lingga champion, good Joru,

Truly worthy of being a great man of the snow land.

I descend as a messenger with this prophecy,

Keep these auspicious words firmly in your heart.

Today I have important matters to tell you;

Please listen carefully and clearly.

Brahma sent you down to the human world;

You rule the southern continent of Jambudvipa.

King Sadan and Minister Baidui and others

Have now been completely subdued.

Only Qimei Jiaduo and Sela remain,

You must still cut off their path of escape.

Jiaduo, in the middle of last night,

Opened all the storehouses of his domain,

Committed all his treasures to fire and water,

And reduced all his dwellings to scorched earth.

He and Sela plan to flee,

They will go to Jaga to seek troops for revenge.

If you let those two escape,

It is like releasing a tiger back to the mountain, no benefit.

Tonight, divide your troops into two ambushes;

At midnight you can capture them both.

Tomorrow, you and your forces should stay in camp,

Do not be impatient; remain steady.

A sheep rushing up the mountain to graze

Will meet a wolf in the deep mountains and perish.

If Ling people rush to seize the castle,

They will meet strong enemies and encounter danger en route.

Black arrows, blue spears, and precious swords are unmatched,

But the Great King must protect his precious body well.

Tomorrow, the three demon children of Toto

Will surely charge into the Ling camp for revenge.

Other officers and men must remain vigilant,

And the Great King must take thorough precautions.

Jiangsa Namu is a good queen,

She cherishes the friendship between Jiang and Ling.

She bears no guilt toward the sacred Ling;

Bring her to Lingga to reside in peace.

The little prince Yuchi Gongwa of Jiang

Will not blaspheme the Dharma.

He will only revere the victory banner,

Bring him to Lingga to serve his mother.

The great princess Pema Chuzhen of Jiang

Is a dakini of the Pure Land;

Do not treat her as a prisoner,

In the future, she will be a fine daughter-in-law of Ling."

After receiving the Heavenly Mother's prophecy, King Gesar assembled the Ling army before the sacred tent in the latter part of the night and conveyed her words to all. Since Jiaduo and Sela's two groups had met at the foot of Danna Mountain to exchange information and then split into two routes once more, Gesar dispatched two forces to lie in ambush. He sent Seba Niben and Wenbu Alubasen with one hundred cavalry to the intersection of Selong Jinchuan to ambush Sela; Danma and Bara Senda Adong led one hundred cavalry to the foot of Page Mountain to ambush Jiaduo. Both Ling forces followed their orders.

The next morning, the three demon children of Toto conferred and prepared to charge into the Ling camp to capture Joru alive. They thought: killing more common soldiers now would only create more bloodshed with no meaning, better to capture Joru himself. Having made their plan, they mounted their warhorses, donned armor and helmets, gripped their precious swords, and charged toward the Ling camp in one breath like a raging wind. Without veering left or right, they aimed directly at the central sacred tent. The Ling people immediately stirred in alarm. The three demon children of Toto reined in their horses and, without exchanging greetings, cried out in unison: "Joru, master of the white tent, listen! With so many hands and feet, you have done evil to the extreme. If you are a hero, come out and face us! If you have courage, come fight! Otherwise, we three will show no mercy, we will descend like thunderbolts from the sky! We will cut and kill everything inside and outside your tent!"

They finished speaking in fury. Meanwhile, Bara, Sinba, and Gade had already donned their armor and held their lasso ropes, standing ready in formation. The other Ling soldiers, each clutching sharp arrows and long spears, also awaited battle. Suddenly spotting the three demon children of Toto charging straight into the Ling camp, several men who could not react in time fell to their blades. The three quickly reached the sacred tent and slashed at it three times, but because of Brahma's protection, the tent was not damaged. When the three charged to the crowded entrance, the three heroes Bara, Sinba, and Gade each cast their divine lasso ropes, ensnaring the three demon children. Then each pulled hard, dragging them off their horses. Nearby Ling soldiers were about to step forward to kill them, but the fallen men and horses blocked their way, preventing them from getting close. Amidst the confusion, the three heroes brandished their swords and spears and quickly dispatched the three demon children.

Meanwhile, Seba Niben and Alubasen had already set up their ambush at the intersection of Selong Jinchuan. Sela encountered the Ling ambush force and, recognizing them, cried out in alarm: "Ah! This Joru of Ling truly has divine foresight, he knew I would pass this way and laid an ambush to intercept me. It seems I cannot escape now. Jiaduo must surely be trapped by an ambush as well. At this point, there is no point in hiding."

He immediately looped the cord from his sword hilt around his thumb, drew his bow, notched an arrow, and charged forward without a word. Seba Niben swung his great sword while Alubasen brandished his spear, advancing at the front. Sela did not dodge, he loosed an arrow straight ahead, knocking several scales off Niben's golden armor. Thanks to his protective life-garment, Niben was not wounded. Sela then swung his blade in attack. Niben and Basen engaged in close combat with Sela, exchanging several rounds without a decisive outcome. Niben feigned retreat, and Sela relaxed his guard. Seizing the moment of inattention, Niben suddenly wheeled around and struck, severing Sela's right arm. Basen followed with a blow, and Sela's head and helmet fell to the ground together. They tied Sela's head to their horse and returned to camp.

At the same time, Danma and Bara Senda Adong had also arrived at the mountain pass of Page Wild Boar Mountain and lay in wait. They encountered Jiaduo there. Knowing these were Ling troops sent to intercept him, Jiaduo charged forward without hesitation. Bara Senda Adong and Danma were advancing far ahead. Danma sang a song of parley:

"Jiaduo, your heart is like rotting flesh,

Why rage and spew foul words?

What use is the fire of your wrath?

Heaven's rain will extinguish the flames.

What use is your ferocity alone?

The Lion King's divine powers are unmatched.

What use is your desperate single ride?

A divine steed can circle the four continents in an instant.

We know Jiaduo is a seasoned warrior,

Once renowned among the Jiang army.

Now you wander like a beggar,

Beware your life being carried away by the wind.

A righteous heart is like a golden ruler,

If you wish to beg for your life, now is the time.

A crooked heart is like rotten wood,

Holding empty fantasies will gain you nothing.

Danma has decided to spare you today,

I will leave you a life to atone for your crimes.

On this auspicious fifteenth day, I will not kill,

I put away my archer's thumb ring.

Go before the World Lion King,

Surrender sincerely and confess your faults.

Acknowledge the evil deeds you have done,

And sincerely repent and beg for forgiveness!"

After Danma finished singing, Jiaduo was furious. He said: "You blue-robed, blue-faced man of Ling, you are a renowned general surrounded by many troops. Would you easily surrender to others? You keep telling me to surrender to Ling. You are dreaming sweet dreams in broad daylight! As for surrender, only you blue-robed, blue-faced men should surrender to me. Just wait and see!"

With that, he loosed nine poisoned arrows at once, striking the front saddle bow of Danma's mount. Several armor scales on the lower hem of Danma's armor were also knocked off, but thanks to his war-god protection, no flesh was pierced. Seeing this, Jiaduo flew into a rage, immediately drew his battle blade, and charged forward. Danma could no longer contain himself, he drew his red-handled blue-steel sword and engaged in combat. Bara Senda Adong also drew his precious blade to assist, striking a blow at Jiaduo's shoulder that split him in two, leaving him bloody on the ground. The two warriors cut off his head, tied it to their horse, and returned to camp. Niben had already arrived back at the Ling camp before them. The three demon children of Toto, Sela, and Jiaduo had thus been subdued. The Ling king and all his officers and men felt even more at ease as they encamped.

The Fall of the Jade Dragon Palace and the Complete Surrender of Jiang

With the principal enemies eliminated, the Ling army was celebrating their victory in camp. At this time, the minister Chaxiang Danma, with joyful heart, took up a dragon bowl painted with a golden dragon spitting pearls, filled it with nectar-like fine wine, raised it with both hands, and sang to King Gesar:

"Of the Mukpo Dong clan's one hundred ninety lineages,

All revere the Lion King.

Your divine powers are unfathomable,

Today you have subdued all the Sadan enemies.

Before today, the Ling army had hidden worries;

From now on, the Ling army rejoices.

Old demon Sadan has been eliminated,

The black-headed people can now live in peace.

The Great King sits upon his golden throne,

Like an eagle descending to earth with wings spread.

With the Lion King in Lingga,

All black-headed people enjoy safety.

This golden dragon bowl I raise with both hands,

Filled with the four kinds of nectar wine.

Today I offer it to the Great Lion King,

May the King drink and grace us with his favor.

From the land of Jaga above, white sugar wine;

From Jhana below, brown sugar wine;

From Chawarong, grape wine;

From the land of Mengxiong, white rice wine.

I offer all four kinds of fine wine,

May the King drink and hold his head high,

His pure white heart like gazing at sun and moon,

His wise plans more numerous than the stars.

I offer these four wines in dedication,

May all that you envision become reality.

Great Lion King, please drink this fine wine,

May all be auspicious and all wishes fulfilled!"

The Ling troops heard Danma's song, and everyone was overjoyed, a thunderous cheer erupted. The aged Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, with calm and cheerful demeanor, slowly sang:

"The King's days surpass the richness of butter,

The people's lives are sweeter than nectar.

Old demon Sadan has been subdued,

The solid fortress will soon be taken safely.

The day of triumphant return is in sight,

The more I think of it, the sweeter my heart.

But the war is not yet fully won,

We must never let the ashes rekindle.

Quickly seize the Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace,

Quickly bring all Jiang subjects to surrender.

Nine years of bloody war, battle after battle,

Win the final victory for everlasting joy."

After the Chief Steward sang this song, everyone felt it was well said. King Gesar said: "My uncle's words are no different from the gods' decree. Tomorrow morning we will seize the 'Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace' and accept the surrender of all Jiang people. Tonight, feed the warhorses well. Tomorrow at dawn, await orders to march out and claim the final victory!"

That evening, everyone was eager and restless, waiting only for dawn and the command to claim final victory.

The next morning, at the King's command, the troops divided into three columns and advanced on King Sadan's "Jade Dragon Precious Dew Palace." The Ling army quickly surrounded the palace city. The east and south gates had long been standing wide open, and troops entered smoothly; the north and west gates were still tightly shut, so the Ling army swung great axes and hacked the gates open in a few blows, and the troops poured in. After capturing the palace, the entire territory of Jiang was occupied by the Ling people.

After the Ling army stormed the palace, Queen Jiangsa Namu immediately brought Prince Yuchi Gongwa and Princess Pema Chuzhen to beg the Great Lion King to spare their lives. The King showed a benevolent countenance and said to the mother and children in a compassionate tone: "You three need not fear. Young Yuchi Gongwa is innocent. You two women have cherished the friendship between Jiang and Ling like the apple of your eye, and you opposed the invasion of our sacred Lingga from the beginning. The gods and this King are both aware of this, you are guiltless. Your three may come with me to Lingga in the future. Beside the Dazi Castle in Ling, there is a 'Coral Red City,' and within it is set a throne inlaid with turquoise and pearls. After you three arrive in Ling, you may settle there. Young master Yula Toju will also be reunited with you there. For you, mother and children, just as for the eighty heroes and thirteen queens, you shall share equal joy and comfort. Your snow-white hearts need not worry! Jiangsa Namu, you may spend the rest of your life in my sacred Lingga without a single care."

The mother and children, tears streaming down their faces, immediately prostrated themselves and kowtowed in gratitude.

The Ling army then issued orders to all the men and women, young and old, of Jiang to surrender immediately to the divine son, King Gesar. All people of the upper, middle, and lower divisions of Jiang came sincerely to surrender, willing to become subjects of King Gesar. King Gesar first comforted all the people of Jiang, then ordered his subordinates to open the storehouses of the Jiang royal palace. The various treasures, valuables, clothing, silks, grain, tea, butter, and dried meat were divided into three portions: one portion was distributed to the ragged and emaciated poor of Jiang; one portion, per the King's command, was set aside for establishing virtuous white enterprises in the Jiang region; and one portion was left for the mother (Jiangsa Namu) and child Yuchi.

After King Gesar and his great army subdued the king and ministers of Jiang, he took the mother (Jiangsa Namu) and son Yuchi with him and spent two and a half months returning to Ling. When the troops reached the border between upper and lower Dokham, they erected a stone stele to mark the boundary, then entered Ling territory.

When the people of Ling heard the joyful news that the Great King and his ministers were returning in triumph, they came forth to greet them. Led by the guru Gejie, the monks and nuns came; led by the father-king Senlun, the elders of Qiongju came; led by Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen, the uncles and nephews of Middle lineage came; led by his mother Guomu, the aunts came; led by Dasa Yuyi Zhongna, the virtuous women came; led by Dasa Quzhen, the distinguished ladies came; led by Guru Latsuo, the officials' women came, all journeyed three days from the capital to welcome them. When they met, they first offered khata scarves, silks, gold and silver ingots to the World Lion King Gesar, and devoutly kowtowed and paid homage. Drums and music sounded, flutes played, joyful dances were performed, and wonderful entertainments were staged. Beneath fluttering white silks and swirling incense smoke, they traveled a full three days before returning to Dazi Castle. From the time the war began, when Sinba was sent to scout ahead, until the great army returned in triumph, a full nine years had passed, and the war was finally over.

The Nine Years' War Ends , Rewards, Reunions, and the Release of Qinen

From that day onward, for nearly a month, all the Ling troops gathered in the palace to celebrate their achievements. A grand feast was held specifically in honor of every hero. The tables were laden with countless sumptuous foods and drinks, singing, dancing, horse racing, and performances were all on offer. During this time, the portion of wealth reserved for Yuchi and his mother was handed over to Jiangsa Namu and her children, brother and sister, for their enjoyment. Then the other spoils of war were distributed. The Lion King and Zhale Zejie received the same share as they had when subduing the Hor in the Hor-Ling War, and the heroes' shares were likewise comparable. Chao Tong had performed better in this war than before, so he was specially given a double share. Chao Tong took his share with a grin he could not close, making everyone burst into laughter. Yuchi and his mother were settled in the "Coral Red City," where Yula Toju also came to meet his mother and sister. Family reunited in a foreign place, overwhelmed with mixed emotions of sorrow and joy, they could not help but shed a few tears. Later, Princess Pema Chuzhen of Jiang was wed to Niben Daya. Yula Toju was appointed king of the vassal state of Jiang and was included in the ranks of Ling's heroes, coming whenever the Great King summoned him. Yuchi Gongwa remained by his mother's side, serving and enjoying happiness together.

At this time, the demon minister Qinen had been imprisoned for many years. His flesh was wasted, his skin darkened, his bones protruding, his neck stiff like a wooden horse's, unable to turn, and his speech was slurred. His pitiful state was truly unbearable to behold. Therefore, the Chief Steward, together with the father-king Senlun and Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen, came before the Great King and, prostrating themselves together, begged: "Great King, you are like the parent of all living beings. Please calm your anger. Though the demon minister Qinen once harbored rebellious intentions toward Lingga and its heroes, since his imprisonment his life has been nearly lost. Now his condition is truly pitiable, beyond remedy. He cannot yet be sent to the celestial pure land, please release him from prison! Let him make a statement, let him swear an oath to heaven publicly: from this day forward and forever, he will be loyal to the Great King and never change his heart."

Seeing how earnestly Gyalo Dunpa Kyenzen pleaded for Qinen, the Great King replied: "Speaking of this demon minister, I cannot forget his betrayal of Ma Kang Ling and his duplicity toward me, Joru. By all rights, he deserves death. But first, in consideration of my father's, uncle's, and cousin's intercession, and second, on this day of victory, it is fitting to pardon a sinner. So let him be pardoned and released from prison!"

Thus, Qinen was released. Upon leaving the prison gates, he swore to heaven that he would be loyal for eternity to the sacred Ling of Ma Kang and Lion King Gesar.

King Sadan of Jiang, who had unjustly dispatched troops to invade others, had been eliminated. The Jiang kingdom had submitted to the sacred Ling. The demon minister Qinen had sworn loyalty to Ling. The joyful tidings spread throughout the entire Ling region. At this moment, every person raised their voice in a happy song, every steed pricked up its ears and neighed, and the people gathered in a grand assembly amid an atmosphere of boundless celebration.