​

Joru Tames the Horse and Teases Zumu

After Joru tamed the thousand-mile divine steed, Jiangga Peibu, the three of them immediately set off to return to their lodging. Zumu, after praising the divine horse, firmly believed that it would win the horse race and that Joru would undoubtedly become her husband. Because of this, she began treating Joru and Guomu like family, feeling assured that her future was secure.

​

The three should have returned home peacefully and without issue, but Joru suddenly thought about Zumu’s past relationship with the handsome youth of Jaga. This stirred irritation in his heart. Seeing Zumu’s cheerful and excited demeanor, Joru couldn’t help but feel the urge to test and tease her.

 

Joru said to Zumu: "Although the thousand-mile horse has been captured, it hasn’t been fully trained yet, and it’s still without a saddle or bridle. If I ride it now, I could fall and die. If I die, wouldn’t that be your fault, Zumu? I think it’s better for my mother to lead the horse from behind while you and I go ahead. But if you ride your horse while I walk with a stick, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with you!"

 

Zumu trusted Joru completely and never suspected that he was teasing her. "Alright then," said Joru, as he casually mounted Zumu’s mule, Tromu. He rode ahead leisurely, swaying back and forth, while Zumu followed on foot without a single complaint.

​

Joru’s Trick with the Demon Deer (Part 2)

As they walked, a deer appeared on a nearby mountain, peeking at them. Pretending not to see it, Joru whispered to Zumu: "That creature is the demon deer, Pengla Ruoqiong, from the Yin Mountains. It’s eyeing us. Sing a song to distract it—it can understand songs. While it listens, I’ll use a rope to capture it."

​

Zumu looked at the deer and noticed it was different from ordinary ones. Suspicion crept into her mind: "Could this be one of Joru’s tricks? How could there be a deer on such a mountain? Even if there is one, catching it shouldn’t be difficult. Why does he insist that I sing?"

​

However, since Joru had asked, she couldn’t refuse. After a moment of thought, Zumu began to sing:

​

"On the mountain path of the Yin Mountains,

Stands a demon deer.

It wants to leave but cannot,

Joru has already set his sights on it.

I, Zumu, think of its musk and venison."

​

Before Zumu could finish her song, Joru had already lassoed the deer’s neck. However, the deer was surprisingly strong. It dragged Joru forward and charged straight at Zumu. The rope in Joru’s hand tangled around Zumu, and she struggled to free herself.

 

Zumu Kills the Deer

In desperation, Zumu grabbed a stone and struck the deer once. To her surprise, the deer collapsed instantly and died.

 

Zumu was startled and couldn’t believe her eyes. She thought to herself: "How did such a large deer die from just one hit? How could I, a young woman, have the strength to kill it with a single blow?

 

Seeing the deer dead, Joru became upset. He said, "Zumu, subduing this demon deer was my responsibility. Why did you kill it first? You even said you were thinking about its musk and meat. I didn’t expect such a beautiful woman to be so greedy and materialistic. The people of Ling Gabu clearly don’t know the real you. I’ll make sure to tell them about your flaws."

 

Zumu Agrees to Joru’s Request

"Joru, please don’t say such things. Killing the deer wasn’t my intention, but now that the demon deer is dead, what do you want me to do?" Zumu wasn’t afraid of hardship or death, but she feared losing her reputation. She thought, My good name has already spread across Ling. How can I allow Joru to ruin it by exposing my flaws?

​

Joru noticed Zumu’s fear of losing her reputation and took advantage of the moment to make a request.

"Well, in that case, if you agree to do something for me, I’ll keep this a secret."

​

"Tell me," Zumu replied. "As long as it’s something I can do, I promise to agree."

​

"This is a very simple matter for you," Joru said. "I need you to borrow two treasures from your father’s treasury. The first is the golden bridle, called ‘Wish-Fulfilling Jewel,’ and the second is the golden whip, called ‘May All Be Accomplished.’ These two items will perfectly equip the divine horse for the race."

​

"Joru, I agree," Zumu said.

She knew that taking these two beloved treasures from her father’s treasury wouldn’t be an easy task. However, for the sake of her reputation and Joru’s victory, she felt she had no choice. She believed her father would eventually agree.

​

The two of them stopped speaking and continued walking in silence. When they reached a place near Magaling Lalonggongma, Joru suddenly began hitting Zumu’s mule, Tromu, with his stick for no apparent reason. Tromu, never having been subjected to such harsh treatment, panicked. The mule reared up on its hind legs, then bolted forward in a frenzy, quickly disappearing over a mountain pass and leaving Zumu far behind.

​

Zumu’s Shock and Fear

Zumu was heartbroken and distressed to see Joru beating her beloved mule, Tromu. She was about to stop him when the mule suddenly disappeared over the mountain pass, out of sight.

​

Zumu ran as fast as she could to catch up. When she finally crossed the mountain pass, she was met with a horrifying sight that froze her in place.

​

Joru’s head was lying next to a rock, staring wide-eyed at the sky. A short distance away, an arm, still clad in a robe sleeve, hung from a small tree. Not far from the tree, a booted leg was lying on the ground. Scattered across the area were Joru’s entrails—his flesh and organs were a bloody mess. The gruesome scene was unbearable to look at.

​

Zumu had never seen such a horrifying sight in her life. She was so afraid of blood that she couldn’t even watch animals being slaughtered at home. Just moments ago, Joru had been alive, asking her for the bridle and whip, and now he was in pieces. What had happened?

​

Zumu turned her head and saw that Tromu was standing nearby, covered in sweat. One of Joru’s legs was hanging from the stirrup. Terrified, Zumu looked around for Guomu, but there was no sign of her.

​

Despite her fear, Zumu forced herself to remain calm. She collected Joru’s head, arm, and leg, and placed them together. However, no matter how much she tried to close Joru’s wide-open eyes, they wouldn’t shut. She remembered hearing from elders that people who die with unresolved matters are unable to close their eyes in death.

​

"Joru," Zumu said, tears streaming down her face, "I know you couldn’t rest in peace because your great ambitions were unfulfilled. This is why you can’t close your eyes. It’s all my fault. I didn’t stay close enough to you. It’s my Tromu’s fault for running too fast. But why, Joru—why did you beat my poor Tromu so harshly?"

​

Zumu’s Grief and Decision

As Zumu carefully arranged Joru’s body, she couldn’t stop blaming herself. Joru’s unblinking eyes seemed to stare directly at her, as if accusing her. Zumu thought, People say that the dead shouldn’t be allowed to see the affairs of the living. I can’t let Joru’s open eyes follow him to the underworld.

​

With no other choice, Zumu sprinkled a handful of ash into Joru’s eyes and used white stones to build a small grave for him.

​

After burying Joru, Zumu knelt before the grave and began to cry uncontrollably.

"Joru," she sobbed, "I, Zumu, thought that with the divine horse and its saddle and bridle, you would win the horse race and secure a future for me. Now I see that in this life, your great ambitions will never be fulfilled. Since you’ve passed away, what’s the point of me living in this world? Joru, if your spirit resides in the heavens, please wait for me. If we can’t be husband and wife in this life, we’ll reunite in the afterlife."

 

Zumu Attempts to Sacrifice Herself

After crying her heart out, Zumu mounted her mule, Tromu, and headed toward the poisonous waters of the Black Sea. When she reached the shore, she dismounted, clasped her hands together in prayer, and looked to the heavens.

​

"May the heavens bless me, Zumu, and Joru’s soul, so that we may ascend together to the Pure Land of the West," she prayed.

​

After finishing her prayer, Zumu prepared to leap into the turbulent black waters. The waves surged violently, roaring as though they wanted to swallow everything in their path. Zumu covered her eyes with her sleeve, squeezed her legs against Tromu’s sides, and urged the mule forward into the sea.

​

But to her surprise, Tromu refused to leap forward. Instead, the mule backed away, as though something was pulling it away from the water.

​

Zumu thought, Could it be that Tromu doesn’t want to follow me into death? Well, if that’s the case, I’ll let Tromu return by itself. At least it can take the news to Guomu.

​

Zumu patted Tromu’s neck and said, "Tromu, my beloved mule. If you don’t wish to follow me, then return to Ling Mingbu. Now that Joru is dead, I, Zumu, no longer wish to live in this world. My heart and Joru’s are united, in life and in death. He has already gone ahead to the Pure Land, and I, Zumu, must follow him. My wish will be fulfilled, and though death is painful, it is also a blessing. Tromu, I hope you return safely, and I wish my father and mother health and happiness."

​

Hearing Zumu’s heartfelt words, Tromu retreated even farther. Zumu, puzzled by the mule’s behavior, dismounted. When she looked back, she was shocked to see Joru standing behind Tromu, holding onto its tail.

​

Zumu let out a startled cry and fell to the ground in disbelief. Realizing that this was all one of Joru’s tricks, Zumu couldn’t help but burst into laughter through her tears.

 

Joru Teases Zumu Further

Joru, seeing Zumu laugh, grinned mischievously and said, "Ah! What a fine Senzhang Zumu! There’s a saying:

​

‘The stag cries when it’s overwhelmed with joy,

The owl laughs when it’s in unbearable pain,

The old wolf worries about meat when it’s too full.’

​

“So, Senzhang Zumu, what about you? Are you laughing because your family is wealthy? Or is it because your power and privilege are too burdensome? If not, why were you trying to jump into the Black Sea? If you think dying is more peaceful, why were you so afraid that you covered your eyes? What’s the point of that? Covering your eyes doesn’t block out reality.

​

"The people of Ling Gabu all know that you’re beautiful and kind-hearted, but do they know that you’re afraid of death? I should tell them everything about you."

​

"You—you…!" Zumu stammered, unable to form a response.

​

Joru continued teasing her. "I wasn’t even dead! Yet you filled my eyes with ash and buried me under stones. What was that about?"

​

At first, Zumu didn’t want to respond, but when she heard Joru’s words, she became both angry and flustered. "Joru! How can you say such things? I acted out of good intentions, but now you’re accusing me of being heartless? I thought you were truly dead. I was shocked and scared, which is why I was so grief-stricken. How was I supposed to know that you were playing tricks and teasing me? How can you tell these things to the people of Ling Gabu?"

​

Zumu’s Shame and Confession

Joru, seeing Zumu’s reaction, continued teasing her. "It’s just in my nature to joke around and lighten the mood. Don’t take it so seriously. If you don’t want me to tell anyone, I won’t—but you’ll have to lend me two things!"

​

"What do you want?" Zumu asked. "As long as I can do it, I’ll definitely lend it to you."

​

"Of course," Joru replied. "I want the floral-patterned golden saddle from your family, and the square nine-section felt blanket. Only with these two items can I properly decorate my divine steed for the horse race."

​

"Don’t worry, Joru," Zumu said confidently. "I will make sure you get them!"

​

Zumu readily agreed.

​

The two of them continued walking for a while until they reached the Seven Sand Hills, the very place where Zumu had once met with the Jaga minister, Berga. On one of the large stones nearby, there were still clear markings from that encounter.

​

When Zumu saw the stone, her heart raced wildly. She hurriedly urged Joru to keep walking, but Joru insisted that he was tired and wanted to rest for a while. Zumu, unable to push him too hard, reluctantly sat with him, though her heart was filled with unease.

​

Joru leaned against the stone in a casual manner, and his posture was identical to that of the handsome Jaga youth. Zumu’s face turned pale as she began to realize what was happening. Her cheeks flushed red, then turned pale again. She was filled with panic, but Joru seemed entirely unaffected. He appeared calm and even closed his eyes, as though he were about to fall asleep. Zumu, seeing his relaxed demeanor, was slightly relieved.

​

Suddenly, a swarm of tailless rats appeared, squeaking and running around Zumu and Joru. The rats surrounded them, moving chaotically in all directions.

​

One particularly large rat, with a white silk ribbon tied around its neck, stopped in front of them. The ribbon was the very one Zumu had once gifted to Minister Berga.

​

The rat spoke: "I am Tunga Barimi, the Great Minister of the Tailless Rats. Today, I have come to meet Joru. This nine-knotted white silk ribbon was a gift from Zumu to Minister Berga, and it was tied with three vows. The minister gave it to me before he left and asked me to deliver a message to you, Joru."

​

The rat cleared its throat and began to sing:

​

"If you entrust all your wealth to a horse,

One day, you’ll be left a beggar.

If you give your heart entirely to a woman,

One day, you’ll be doomed to loneliness.

If you overly cherish the horses you raise,

One day, they’ll kick you to the ground.

If you love your children too much,

One day, they’ll treat you as an enemy.

If you hoard food and treasure excessively,

One day, your life will be lost for it.

If you believe too strongly in a woman’s chastity,

One day, you’ll find yourself betrayed.

Zumu, with beauty but no sense,

Fluctuates like the weather—hot one day, cold the next.

A woman like this, used as a wager,

Will surely lead Joru astray."

​

After finishing the song, the rat threw the white ribbon toward Joru and scurried into a nearby hole. The rest of the rats quickly disappeared along with it.

 

Zumu’s Humble Plea and Joru’s Forgiveness

Joru looked at Zumu’s pale face and, feeling triumphant, said, "Ah! I thought I knew the kind of person you were, but who would’ve guessed that you’d do something so scandalous? I’m sure that rat wasn’t lying. Let’s head home, and we’ll talk more about this there."

​

With that, Joru tucked the white ribbon into his robe, stood up, and walked away.

​

Zumu was so frightened and ashamed that she didn’t even have the strength to explain herself. She couldn’t think of any justification for her actions. Her mind was in complete turmoil, tangled like an unsolvable ball of thread. With no other choice, she silently followed behind Joru, leaving her fate entirely in his hands.

​

As they continued walking, they approached the spot where Zumu had encountered the black figure and the black horse earlier. Suddenly, they heard the sound of a bee humming. The buzzing sound was soft and melodious, gradually becoming clearer. To Zumu’s surprise, the bee began to speak.

​

"Joru," the bee said, "do you see the golden ring on that flower over there? That’s the ring Zumu gave to Pelri Nyima Khyentse as a keepsake. I stole it for you."

​

Joru immediately walked over to the flower, picked up the ring, and held it up to the sunlight. The golden ring sparkled brightly in the light.

​

"Ah," Joru said smugly, "it really is a Galo family ring. This golden ring would look better on your hand, Senzhang Zumu. But how could you simply give it away so easily?"

​

Holding the ring, Joru walked straight to Zumu and held it up to her. "Zumu, isn’t this ring yours?"

 

Zumu’s Shame and Confession

Zumu was so ashamed that she didn’t have the strength to reply. She simply lowered her head in silence, unable to meet Joru’s gaze.

​

Joru sighed dramatically and said, "You, the beautiful and renowned Senzhang Zumu, famous across all of Ling Gabu, have managed to create so many shameful incidents just on this short journey. Who knows how much more trouble you’ll stir up in your lifetime? I must report this to the Chief Minister and Jiacha and also tell your father. What kind of upbringing did he give you to make you so bold and reckless?"

​

At that moment, everything became clear to Zumu. The black figure, the handsome youth, the tailless rats, and even the bee—all of them were transformations created to test her. She realized how shallow and naive she had been, unable to distinguish truth from illusion. Her actions, born of ignorance, had disappointed Joru deeply.

​

Thinking of her past interactions with Minister Berga and her flirtatious behavior, Zumu was overcome with shame. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees before Joru.

​

"Joru, my most honorable and wise Joru," she pleaded, "please listen to my confession with compassion:

​

'To sin unknowingly is the nature of sentient beings.

To sin knowingly is to stray from the Buddha’s teachings.'

​

"In the past, I acted out of ignorance and made mistakes. Now I understand them, and I deeply regret my actions.

​

"I was wrong to be captivated by the guest from Mayulongdo, Minister Berga.

I was wrong to fail to distinguish truth from illusion in the rainbow of your transformations.

I was wrong to let my restless heart and wild thoughts lead me astray.

In my delusions, it was your bridle that kept me from falling.

​

"My mind, like a wild elephant, ran rampant in the past. From now on, I vow to follow your heart unwaveringly.

​

"I, Zumu, make this solemn pledge to you now and also offer my blessings:

First, may your wisdom be as vast as the ocean.

Second, may you never abandon or despise me.

Third, may you display your power and ascend the throne as king.

Fourth, may the people of Ling Gabu live in happiness and prosperity."

 

Zumu’s Redemption and the Divine Horse’s Preparation

Zumu, overwhelmed with shame, hung her head low, unable to respond to Joru. Her silence only seemed to encourage him, and he sighed dramatically. "You, the beautiful and renowned Senzhang Zumu, praised across all of Ling Gabu, have already caused so much scandal just on this short journey with me. Who knows how much more trouble you’ll stir up in your lifetime? I must report this to the Chief Minister, Jiacha, and your father. How has he raised you to become so bold and reckless?"

​

At this moment, everything became clear to Zumu. The black figure, the handsome youth, the tailless rats, and even the bee—all of them were transformations created to test her. She realized how shallow and naive she had been, unable to distinguish truth from illusion. Her actions had disappointed Joru deeply.

​

Thinking of her past with Minister Berga and her flirtatious behavior, Zumu became even more ashamed. Tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees before Joru. "Joru," she pleaded, "O honorable and wise Joru, please listen to my confession with compassion:

​

'To sin unknowingly is the nature of sentient beings.

To sin knowingly is to stray from the teachings of the Buddha.'

​

"In my ignorance, I made many mistakes in the past. Today, I finally understand and deeply regret my actions. I was wrong to be captivated by the guest from Mayulongdo, Minister Berga. I was wrong to fail to distinguish between truth and illusion in the rainbow of your transformations. I was wrong to let my restless heart and wild thoughts lead me astray. In my delusions, it was your guidance, your bridle, that kept me from falling.

​

"My mind, like a wild elephant, ran rampant in the past. From now on, I vow to follow your heart unwaveringly. I, Zumu, make this solemn pledge to you now and also offer my blessings: First, may your wisdom be as vast as the ocean. Second, may you never abandon or despise me. Third, may you display your power and ascend to the throne as king. Fourth, may the people of Ling Gabu live in happiness and peace."

​

Joru, hearing Zumu’s heartfelt confession, was secretly pleased, but he maintained a calm demeanor. He said, "What you’ve said is not bad. Recognizing your mistakes and correcting them leads to true virtue. My heart, Joru’s heart, is free from illusions, and your heart, Zumu, is now free from errors. Errors and illusions must be clearly distinguished. Errors will vanish, just like a rainbow fades after the rain."

​

Hearing these words, Zumu realized that Joru had forgiven her. Her heart filled with joy, and she became even more certain that Joru was her destined husband—there could be no other.

​

At that moment, Guomu arrived, leading the thousand-mile divine steed, Jiangga Peibu. Seeing the divine horse, Zumu immediately thought of something. She turned to Joru with a smile and said, "You don’t need to say a word—I’ll make sure to get you the whip and bridle to complete the set for your divine horse."

​

Joru couldn’t help but laugh, his face lighting up with joy. Zumu, too, smiled brightly, her face glowing like a blooming flower. Even Guomu, who didn’t quite understand what had just happened, couldn’t help but smile when she saw how happy Joru and Zumu looked.

​

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