The Search for Joru and His Mother Begins

The time and route for the horse race had been decided, and everyone in the Ling tribe now knew about it. But what about Joru, who had been exiled? Steward Wang constantly worried about Joru and his mother, Gyacha often dreamed of meeting his younger brother, and the people of Ling also hoped for their return. Most importantly, Joru needed to know about the race so he could return, participate, and claim the throne. But who could be sent to deliver this message? Without the right person, Joru and his mother would never return. And if Joru didn’t come back, who could defeat Chao Tong and expose his scheme?

​

The old steward was deeply troubled and couldn’t think of the right person to send. While he was racking his brain, Gyacha and Danma came to see him. The steward thought, “Perhaps they have an idea?”

 

Indeed, Gyacha and Danma had come to offer a suggestion. They said that the only person who could successfully bring Joru and his mother back was Senjang Zumu, the Pearl Maiden.

 

The steward’s eyes lit up with excitement. Why hadn’t he thought of this before? He immediately instructed Gyacha to go to the Jara family and explain the situation to Senjang Zumu. She must be persuaded to invite Joru back.

 

A Plan to Bring Joru Home

Gyacha and Danma arrived at the Jara family’s pasture and met Senjang Zumu and her father, Jara Dunba Jianzang. The father and daughter were already talking about the upcoming horse race. Dunba Jianzang said, “Joru and his mother were never in the wrong. They should never have been exiled from Ling. Now, at this critical moment, it is the right time for them to return.”

 

Zumu’s thoughts wandered to the past, and she remembered the role she had played in Joru’s exile. She had once witnessed Joru transforming into a ferocious, man-eating figure and had reported it to Steward Wang. This led to the exile of Joru and his mother. Ever since then, Zumu had felt guilty, regretting her actions. She thought, “If I hadn’t reported what I saw, they would never have been banished. But what’s done is done—nothing can change the past.” She silently prayed, “Steward Wang, please send the right person to bring Joru and his mother back. If Joru doesn’t return, Chao Tong will win the race, and I will have no choice but to marry him. But Chao Tong is despicable—how can I marry such a man?”

 

Zumu, the reincarnation of the White Tara Goddess, was noble, honest, clever, and brave. She was loyal and virtuous, with a strong sense of morality. She was admired throughout Ling for her beauty, intelligence, and kindness. Her slender figure was like a graceful bamboo, her face as radiant as the full moon, and her eyes as clear as crystal water. She was adorned with exquisite jewelry, including amber, turquoise, coral, and sapphire, and wore robes of fine silk trimmed with otter fur. Her every movement exuded grace and elegance, and she was regarded as a flawless gem.

 

Zumu Sets Off for Joru and Faces Challenges

Zumu’s hair was parted neatly on both sides, with a phoenix-shaped braid rising in the middle. To keep her thick hair in place, she wore rare amber on the right side, while turquoise and coral ornaments tied her small braids securely. Around her neck, she wore a dazzling cat’s-eye necklace adorned with red coral beads, green turquoise prayer beads, and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. On her wrist were sapphire bracelets, and her fingers bore golden rings that shone like sunlight. She wore a cloak made of brocade trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots were embroidered with three rainbows.

 

Zumu’s natural beauty, enhanced by her luxurious attire and radiant jewelry, made her appear more stunning than ever. She outshone blooming lotuses, and even the sun and moon seemed dim in her presence. Her beauty was so captivating that even ascetics might feel desire, and even the King of Hell would submit to her. This is why the Ling tribe had chosen her as the prize for the horse race—her allure was undeniable. For the heroes of Ling, regardless of status or age, the desire to win Zumu far surpassed the desire for the throne or treasures.

 

When Gyacha and Danma arrived, Zumu and her father, Jara Dunba Jianzang, warmly welcomed them. After hearing their purpose, Danma, fearing that Zumu might refuse, brought up the reason for Joru and his mother’s exile, which made Dunba lower his head in silence and left Zumu feeling ashamed. Sensing the awkwardness, Gyacha comforted them, saying:

 

“There’s an old saying: ‘It’s better to give treasures to the river than to let them fall into the hands of enemies.’ At this critical moment in the fight for the throne, we must bring Joru back. He is a saintly warrior and will surely defeat Chao Tong and win the prize. Only then can the people of the Tibetan region be free from disaster, and only then will Zumu find peace of mind. Right now, only Zumu can bring Joru and his mother back—they will trust no one else.”

 

Gyacha’s words made sense, and Dunba nodded repeatedly in agreement. Zumu, deeply moved, looked up at Gyacha and said:

 

“Great hero of Ling, Gyacha, brother of Joru, do you know the pain in my heart?

Since the day Joru was exiled, I have known no joy—only sorrow.

Even the six holy remedies cannot cure the pain in my heart.

If my journey can bring Joru back, I will risk my life to succeed.”

 

Gyacha and Danma were surprised by Zumu’s immediate and heartfelt agreement. They were moved by her sincerity and devotion, and they blessed her, wishing her great success on her journey.

 

The First Test of Zumu's Courage

The next day, Zumu, like an angel, rode her beloved horse, Zhomichongru, bringing along the supplies and food she needed for the journey. Alone, she set off for the Mamei region.

 

At the same time, Joru, who was living in Mamei, had a premonition that Zumu would be arriving. He said to his mother, Guomu: "Mother, today Senjang Zumu from the Jara family is coming to our house. I must go meet her." Before his mother could respond, Joru had already vanished.

 

That day, as Zumu rode through the eastern valley of Sunrise Mountain, she found herself in a desolate wilderness. The vast expanse was eerily quiet, and there was no sign of human life. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and Zumu thought the weather was about to change. She urged her horse to move faster.

 

Out of nowhere, a man dressed in black on a black horse appeared, as if he had flown from the heavens or risen from the earth. He held a black spear and blocked her path.

 

The man said nothing but gazed intently at Zumu. He studied her beauty in detail: her delicate body was as graceful as a bamboo reed, her face glowed like the rising moon, her rosy cheeks looked as though they had been painted, and her large, watery eyes stared back at him in terror. Her long, glossy black hair was adorned with amber, turquoise, and coral ornaments. Around her neck hung a necklace of agate beads and a ruby-encrusted protection amulet. Her wrists sparkled with sapphire bracelets, and her fingers wore rings of gleaming gold. Her maroon robe, trimmed with otter fur, and her silk boots, embroidered with rainbow-like patterns, completed her stunning appearance.

 

The man’s face was dark as coal, and his eyes bulged like copper bells. His fierce and terrifying expression made Zumu’s soul nearly leave her body. Yet, to her surprise, the man didn’t attack or say anything; he simply continued to stare at her. It was puzzling.

 

Zumu steadied herself and was just about to speak when the man finally broke the silence:

 

"If you don’t know this place,

It is the Jewel Valley of Jiaqing.

If you don’t know who I am,

I am Bari Nima Genzan, renowned and feared.

 

My left side is iron, my right side is copper,

My arms are bronze, my body is steel, my head is gold.

I eat the flesh of my enemies as food,

Drink their blood as wine,

Take their treasures as spoils of war.

Whatever I say, I do,

Mercy is a concept I do not know.

 

Oh, beautiful maiden,

Your figure is as graceful as a celestial goddess,

Your adornments sparkle like stars.

Wealth and beauty rarely come together,

So why are they both found in you?

 

Which noble family do you come from?

Which clan is your husband’s?

It seems we are destined to meet,

Otherwise, why would fate bring us together here?

 

Here are three paths for you to choose:

The best option is to become my wife,

And keep your precious jewelry with you.

The second option is to become my lover,

But you must leave your horse and ornaments behind.

The worst option is to return home naked.

These are your choices. Decide."

 

Hearing these words, Zumu was certain she could not escape. She thought to herself, “How can a virtuous maiden become the wife of a bandit?” She resolved to die rather than submit. Oddly, this thought gave her courage, and she closed her eyes, waiting for the end.

 

However, after some time, nothing happened. When she opened her eyes, the man was still staring at her, motionless. Zumu’s will to live rekindled, and she said to the bandit:

 

"If you want my jewelry, you can have it.

If you want my ornaments, take them.

But my horse is not yours to take.

I cannot be your lover, and I will never be your wife.

If you are truly a man of honor,

Please show mercy to a helpless woman.

I have an important task to complete—I must bring Joru back."

 

As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. Bari Nima Genzan almost laughed out loud. He softened his tone, as though comforting a child, and said:

 

"Alright, alright, I won’t take you away, beautiful maiden.

However, you must deliver the treasures you promised me here on the morning of the seventh day. For now, I’ll let you go. But to prove your honesty, you must give me the gold ring on your hand."

 

He then asked her:

 

"You mentioned Joru in your song. Who is this Joru?

Is he a beast, or perhaps just livestock?"

 

Zumu replied:

 

"He is a man. The people of Ling mock him, calling him names like 'Joru,' 'Rat-Eater,' 'Sniveling Brat,' and 'Crooked Neck.'

He is peculiar—worship him as a god, and he becomes a demon; place him among demons, and he resents the gods.

He rejoices when the rich starve and laughs when heroes are bitten by dogs.

Though born of noble blood, the son of King Senlun,

He has become a beggar by choice, abandoning his fortune.

He fights mice for grass and eats ginseng fruit to survive.

He is my mission; I am here to bring him back."

 

She then removed her gold ring and handed it to Bari Nima Genzan, agreeing to meet him in the same place seven days later. They parted ways.

 

Encounters with the Handsome Stranger

Joru held the gold ring in his hand, thinking to himself: "This is the first meeting gift between me, the Great Lion King Gesar, and Queen Zumu. I must treasure it."

 

Once the black-clad man and his black horse disappeared without a trace, Zumu continued her journey. The sky cleared, and the desolate wilderness vanished. In its place, she saw seven figures atop a sand hill known as the Seven Sand Mountains. After the fright she had just endured, Zumu was overjoyed to finally see people. She urged her horse forward, hoping to meet them.

 

As she approached, she saw seven men and their horses resting. The leader of the group reclined leisurely against a large rock, while the others were busy unpacking supplies, boiling water, and preparing food.

 

Zumu’s eyes fell upon the leader, and she froze in her tracks. He was the most handsome young man she had ever seen. His skin was smooth and fair like the flesh of a conch shell, his cheeks glowed as though brushed with rouge, and his attire was luxurious. His posture was dignified, and he sat there smiling pleasantly, as if he hadn’t noticed Zumu’s presence.

 

Zumu’s heart was captivated by the sight of this beautiful youth. She forgot her purpose, her mission, and even herself. She stood there, staring at him with wide eyes, unable to move or speak.

 

The young man, however, seemed completely oblivious to her. He played idly with a piece of dry grass in his hand and paid no attention to the renowned beauty of Ling who stood before him.

 

After what felt like an eternity, Zumu snapped out of her trance. She felt a wave of humiliation unlike anything she had ever experienced. In this young man’s presence, she felt less significant than the piece of grass he held. Embarrassed, she turned her horse to leave.

 

Just as she was about to go, the young man spoke:

 

"If you don’t know who I am,

I am Borga, a minister of Jiaga.

I am passing through here on my way to Ling to propose marriage."

 

Hearing these words, Zumu halted. "A marriage proposal? Who is this young man planning to marry?" Her heart raced, and her face flushed.

 

This did not escape Borga’s notice. He said teasingly:

 

"I’ve heard of Senjang Zumu’s beauty,

And of Dunba Jianzang’s wealth.

I wonder if the rumors are true,

And if I might marry her."

 

Hearing this, Zumu’s earlier feelings of inferiority vanished. She touched her coral hair ornament and golden amulet, thinking, "So my reputation has spread even to Jiaga! Even they know of Zumu of Ling. Thankfully, the bandit didn’t take my jewelry earlier—only my gold ring. But that’s no matter."

 

She straightened her posture and lifted her head proudly, listening as the handsome minister continued:

 

"An ideal woman is like a goddess,

Blessed with fortune and longevity.

An average woman is like the moon,

Her favor waxing and waning with power.

A lowly woman is like a sharp blade,

Skilled in stirring conflict and hatred.

 

 

An ideal woman is like a good medicine,

Beneficial to all who know her.

An average woman is like crystal,

Her value depends on the circumstances.

A lowly woman is like a poisonous flower,

Deceitful and unfaithful to her partner.

 

 

There are more women than grass on the mountains,

But a true companion is rarer than gold.

I don’t lack gold; I lack a soulmate.

Oh, maiden,

I have traveled far to this place.

Oh, maiden,

I don’t want Zumu—I only want you!"

 

Zumu’s Joy and Sorrow

Zumu felt both joy and sorrow. She was flattered that her beauty had captivated this proud prince, but she was also disheartened—"Are all men so fickle, falling for one woman after another? He doesn’t even know who I am, yet he’s ready to abandon Zumu for me. What a handsome yet unfaithful man!"

 

Her sadness, however, was quickly overwhelmed by her pride. She could hardly contain herself. Though she tried to hide her delight, her eyes sparkled with affection. She felt proud of her beauty and thrilled by the young man’s admiration. Her restraint melted away, and she smiled openly, saying in a confident tone:

 

"Atop the Seven Sand Mountains of Mamei,

Stands a treasure of the white stone cliffs,

Known as the magnificent spirit vulture

With six full wings—that is me.

 

Midway down the Seven Sand Mountains,

Lies a treasure of the snowy peaks,

Known as the majestic white lion

With a lush green mane—that is me.

 

At the base of the Seven Sand Mountains,

Stands the treasure of Ling,

Known as the radiant and graceful Zumu,

Her youthful beauty gathered in one being—that is me.

 

Swans live in the sacred Mapham Lake,

And would never abandon their waters.

Minister, if you long for Senjang Zumu,

How could you let her go so easily?

 

Zumu has become the prize of Ling’s horse race.

Whoever has the swiftest steed may win her hand.

If you cannot compete in the race,

Even paving the ground with gold won’t win Zumu.

 

Bamboo from the southern forests,

Feathers of the white-headed vulture—

Their strength depends on the glue binding them,

And harmony makes them fit for a quiver.

 

Clear water from the Tibetan highlands,

Red flowers from Jiaga’s southern fields—

Their fragrance depends on the temperature of the water,

And harmony makes them a divine elixir.

 

Minister Borga of Jiaga,

If you wish to marry Zumu,

You must come to Ling and compete in the horse race.

Only the victor may claim me as his bride."

 

Zumu Proves Her Identity

After hearing Zumu’s words, the Jiaga minister seemed doubtful that this woman before him was truly the famous Senjang Zumu. He asked suspiciously, "A stranger’s face is unfamiliar. How will you prove that you are Zumu?"

 

Zumu hesitated briefly, then brought out the longevity wine she had prepared for Joru. The bottle was sealed with the wax stamp of the Jara family, making it the perfect proof of her identity.

 

The Jiaga minister saw the wine bottle and said, "I must taste this wine to believe you." To prove her words, Zumu opened the bottle without hesitation. She intended to pour a small amount into a cup for him to taste, but to her surprise, the wine seemed enchanted. It flowed straight into the Jiaga minister’s mouth, leaving not a single drop behind.

 

Zumu was astonished. She had only meant for him to take a sip and then return the bottle, but now it was empty. Was this a sign from the heavens, blessing their union?

 

A Test of Zumu’s Loyalty

The Jiaga minister drank the wine, and his cheeks became rosier, his youthful glow even brighter. He looked more handsome than ever.

 

Declaring his intentions, he said, "I must leave immediately to compete in the horse race. I will win—I am certain of it. But I don’t want the throne or wealth; I only want Zumu. Once I win her, I’ll bring her back to Jiaga. The Jiaga palace is far better than anything in Ling."

 

Zumu was enchanted by this beautiful young man. She leaned close to him and whispered sweet words of love. To ensure they would never forget this moment, they carved a mark into a large rock nearby. The minister placed a crystal bracelet on Zumu’s wrist, and Zumu tied a white silk ribbon with nine knots as a keepsake for him. They promised to meet again at the horse race before reluctantly parting ways.

 

What Zumu didn’t know was that the black bandit she had met earlier and the Jiaga minister she had just parted from were both Joru in disguise, testing her faithfulness. And she had fallen for it.

 

Zumu's Shocking Encounter with Joru's Illusions

Zumu crossed a small mountain, only to see another one of similar size ahead. What frightened her was the scene on the slope—countless burrows of tailless rats, and in front of each burrow sat a figure that looked exactly like Joru.

 

Terrified by this bizarre sight, Zumu froze, unable to move forward. She hid behind a large boulder to collect herself. After a while, she peeked out and saw that all of Joru's duplicates had vanished. There was now only one Joru, busy skinning a large tailless rat.

 

Gathering her courage, Zumu stepped out from behind the rock and shouted "Joru!" three times.

Joru looked at her frightened expression and remembered her affectionate words to the Jiaga minister. He decided to punish her as a lesson. Pretending to mistake her for a ghost, he picked up a stone-throwing device and chanted:

 

"Welcome to Mamei,

Where tailless rats run wild.

The land belongs to the rats,

And the power to demons.

 

Since Joru arrived here,

He has ruled the fates of demons.

Joru is the sworn enemy of rats,

And all ghostly creatures are subdued.

 

Ghost maiden, why have you come to Mamei?

I'll knock out your teeth,

Rip out your hair,

And banish your soul beyond the mountains.

Then you'll know Joru's power!"

 

With that, Joru flung a handful of dirt at Zumu. Magically, her teeth fell out, her hair was torn away, and her head became bald and shiny like a brass bowl. Overwhelmed by pain and humiliation, Zumu collapsed onto the ground, crying bitterly.

 

Joru ignored her and walked back home. He told his mother, Guomu, "Mother! Zumu has arrived at our home. She was surrounded by fierce ghosts and demons, but I’ve subdued them all. Now she’s crying by a large rock outside."

 

In reality, Joru had performed this act to cleanse Zumu of any ill fortune and negative energy before welcoming her into their home. But Zumu had no idea and felt deeply wronged.

 

Guomu’s Consolation and Joru’s Plan

When Guomu heard that Zumu had arrived, her heart was filled with both joy and concern. Hearing that Zumu was crying, she rushed to her side and found her sobbing uncontrollably.

​

Zumu recounted the hardships she had faced on her journey, including losing her teeth and hair because of Joru. Guomu looked at her pitiful state and felt sympathy for her. She scolded Joru in her heart while comforting Zumu:

 

"My dear child, don’t be sad. Come with me to our home. My mischievous Joru loves to show off his powers. These small injuries are nothing to worry about! I’ll have him restore your beauty, and you’ll look even better than before."

 

Guomu helped Zumu into their home. When Joru saw her, he pretended to be surprised and said:

 

"Oh my! So it was Zumu who came! I thought it was a ghost. How silly of me! But since you’ve come, why didn’t you come straight to the house? Why were you shouting outside so loudly? If you didn’t want to see me, why did you come to Mamei at all? And if you had just said 'I am Zumu,’ none of this would’ve happened!"

 

Zumu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She explained everything, including the command from the royal general to bring Joru and his mother back to Ling for the horse race. She said:

 

"The king ordered General Jacha to find you and your mother to compete in the horse race and win the prize. I traveled all this way without fear of demons or hardship. But you mistook me for a ghost and made me look worse than one! How can I return to Ling now? How can I face anyone?"

 

Hearing this, Joru chuckled to himself. "Return to Ling? She probably just doesn’t want to see that handsome Jiaga minister anymore,"

 

Joru Restores Zumu’s Beauty

After hearing Zumu’s plea and seeing her pitiful state, Joru couldn’t bear to tease her further. He said seriously, “Restoring your beauty is not difficult, and I can even make you more beautiful than before. However, there’s one thing I need you to do for me first.”

 

“Don’t just say one thing—even if it’s ten or a hundred, I’ll do it!” Zumu was desperate to rid herself of her ghostly appearance.

 

Joru continued, “This task is not easy. I need to participate in the horse race, but I don’t have a suitable horse.”

 

Zumu replied quickly, “That’s not an issue. Your father’s stables have a hundred fine horses. Just pick one!”

 

Joru chuckled and said, “Among my father’s hundred horses, is there any that can rival Choton’s famous Jade Horse?”

 

At this, Zumu hesitated. “Well… no…”

 

Joru smiled. “The horse I need is not among my father’s herd. It’s a one-of-a-kind treasure, a divine steed neither tame nor truly wild. It resides in the herd of a hundred wild horses. Only my mother, Guomu, and you can capture it. No one else can.”

 

Joru looked at Zumu with hopeful eyes and said, “So, I need your help.”

 

Zumu, though not timid by nature, felt unsure of her abilities. “A wild horse… me… am I capable of this?”

 

Joru reassured her, “You can do it! Horses can understand human words. If you can’t catch it, call out to my brothers, and they will use the Sun-and-Moon Divine Rope to help you.”

 

Zumu nodded, though her heart was still uneasy. She agreed to help.

 

With Zumu’s promise, Joru immediately began the ritual to restore her beauty. He entered a deep meditative state, clearing his mind of all distractions. Following ancient traditions for blessings and prosperity, he chanted a sacred song to summon the gods and bestow their blessings upon Zumu:

 

"Oh gods of the thirty-three heavens,

Come today to help me, Joru!

 

My elder brother, the phoenix-headed god,

Full of joy and laughter,

Lives in the celestial realm.

Gather the radiance of divine maidens,

And grant Zumu unparalleled beauty!

 

My younger brother, the dragon-bodied deity,

In his crystal palace,

Residing in the depths below,

Bring forth the voices of dragon maidens,

And grant Zumu a silver tongue!

 

My sister, the eagle-feathered goddess,

With her enchanting eyes,

Dwelling in the space between heaven and earth,

Bring fortune and blessings from all lands,

And grant Zumu wisdom and grace!

 

Divine protectors and guardians,

Hear my call today.

Let Zumu’s face shine brighter than the moon,

Her beauty surpassing the lotus flower!

 

Let her hair flow like black silk,

And her voice echo like sweet melodies.

Let her beauty conquer all who see her,

And let her be the pride of Ling!"

 

When Joru finished his chant, he gently touched Zumu’s head and face. Instantly, her hair grew back, thick and glossy like a raven’s feathers. Her teeth were restored, white and flawless. Her face became radiant like the moon, and she appeared even more beautiful than before.

​

Guomu handed Zumu a mirror. Seeing her reflection, Zumu blushed and shyly covered her face, overwhelmed by her restored beauty.

 

Zumu’s Final Trial in Joru’s Home

After recovering from her initial shock, Zumu began to observe her surroundings. She noticed that Joru and his mother lived in a small tent patched together with rags. The inside of the tent was dirty and smelled unpleasant. Zumu felt extremely out of place and stood outside, hesitant to step inside.

 

Joru noticed her reluctance. Without saying a word, he glanced up at the sky and summoned the Eight Dragon Kings. Thunder roared, lightning struck, and hailstones began to fall. The heavens and earth seemed to merge in chaos, and Zumu had no choice but to rush into the small tent for shelter.

 

Once Zumu was inside, Joru stopped the storm and brought out food for her. He prepared a feast of tailless rat meat and ginseng fruit, ingredients blessed by divine forces. Zumu, exhausted from her long journey and the many trials she had endured, was starving. She didn’t bother to ask what kind of food it was.

 

Without hesitation, she devoured everything Joru had set before her. In no time, the plates were empty. But soon after, her stomach began to churn uncomfortably. She vomited everything she had eaten, covering the tent with foul-smelling waste.

 

Joru remained calm. Despite the mess, his actions had a deeper purpose. Through this ritual of purging and cleansing, Joru was preparing Zumu to become part of his life. From this day forward, the land around their home would prosper, and its people would thrive.

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