Chaotong’s Encounter with the Hor Army

Chaotong, the Lord of Mayu, crossed the mountain and unexpectedly stumbled upon the Hor army, consisting of the twelve black-and-red divisions, training their forces.

On the right wing was the White Tent army, with white helmets and banners that seemed to blot out the sky. On the left wing was the Yellow Tent army, their yellow helmets and banners filling the heavens. In the center was the Black Tent army, with black helmets and banners stretching across the earth.

Behind them were three Flower Tassel regiments from the Benba tribe, three Green Tassel regiments from the Riba tribe, three Iron Blue Feather regiments from the Garwa tribe, three Water Pattern Tiger Stripe regiments from the Nianjia tribe, and three White Cloth Leopard Tail regiments from the Gengga tribe. Additionally, the Chabao, Chaxiao, and Dunba tribes had nine white and black tassel regiments.

At the front, the Sinba warriors led the Blood Tassel Regiment. They shot arrows that rained down like hail from the sky. Long banners fluttered in the wind, weapons filled the air, and men and horses covered the grasslands. The sight terrified Chaotong, leaving him trembling and speechless. He was so overwhelmed that he fainted on the spot.

After a while, Chaotong regained consciousness and nervously spoke to his horse: “Oh, my black-maned bow-backed horse, look down there! The Hor twelve-division army is as numerous as the stars in the sky. There’s no way we can go any further. They look like they’re coming straight for us. Let’s hurry back home!”

The horse replied calmly, “They are not coming this way. They’re just training their soldiers. Wait a bit, and everything will be fine.”

After some time, all the Hor divisions returned to their camps. The ground grew quiet, with only wisps of smoke rising from the cooking fires.

Chaotong, regaining a bit of confidence, said to his horse, “Perhaps they saw me, the great and furious Lord, and didn’t dare to advance any closer!”

However, deep down, he thought: With so many soldiers, who knows what great things they could accomplish? How did Jiacha and Danma dare to charge into such a massive camp and come back with so many horses? They must have used some cunning tricks.

The horse, sensing Chaotong’s cowardice, teased him, saying, “Back in Ling, you wore armor in front of your uncles and packed food in front of your aunts, boasting about your bravery. Now, if you can’t achieve anything, you’ll surely lose face. Even I, a mere animal, feel embarrassed for you. Aren’t you the one who was so good at pretending back in Ling—turning green stones into pine resin and yellow brass into real gold?”

The horse’s half-mocking, half-encouraging words gave Chaotong an idea. Using his knowledge of illusions, he disguised himself as Jiacha, closed his eyes, and let his horse charge into the Hor camp. Though his heart pounded with fear, he managed to grab a small herd of horses and bring them back to Ling Gabu.

Chaotong’s Deception and Capture

At the Hor camp, Sinba Meruze immediately recognized Chaotong’s disguise as Jiacha. Remembering the words of the seer, he chose not to expose him. The other Hor leaders, however, were dumbfounded watching the “courageous Jiacha” return to attack again. Yet, none dared to send troops in pursuit, unsure of what to do.

Chaotong drove the stolen horses to a valley and entrusted them to his own horses for safekeeping. Then, riding a fine chestnut horse he had just taken from the Hor camp, he disguised himself as King Gesar. He boldly rode to the Hor camp, thrust his whip diagonally into his saddle, crossed his legs atop the saddle, and sat in a meditative “vajra pose.” With a voice that shook the heavens, he shouted at the White Tent King:

“You dare to oppose Ling Gabu? You dare to challenge me, King Gesar? You deserve punishment! I will drive away countless herds of your fine horses. If you wish to stop me, let the White Tent King come himself so we can discuss face-to-face whether the two nations should break apart entirely or if peace can still prevail. Think carefully, White Tent King!”

The White Tent King, terrified by the imposing figure of the “King Gesar,” did not dare utter a word. He quietly whispered to his Black Tent and Yellow Tent brothers, “It seems we’ve encountered a great bandit today. Just stay quiet and let Gesar do whatever he wants.”

Taking advantage of their fear, Chaotong managed to steal another herd of fine horses and added them to the ones he had already taken. At this point, his horse, the “Black-Tailed Jackal,” said to him, “It’s time to return to Ling Gabu. A wise man knows when to seize the moment and retreat. A prudent woman knows how to balance meals. A clever merchant knows when to close a deal. Let’s not overstay our welcome. We’ve gained enough; it’s time to go home.”

But Chaotong, emboldened by his success, refused to stop. “How can I leave now?” he exclaimed. “Look at those Hor warriors—they’re terrified of Jiacha and Jue Ru, a couple of black-faced brats who eat tailless marmots and wear stolen calfskin coats. The White Tent King is so scared he won’t even step outside his tent! If I, the great Chaotong, step forward and roar like a tiger, I’ll scare him into fainting. If I can steal three herds of horses, as the saying goes, ‘When there’s oil on the surface of the bowl, there’s sure to be richness at the bottom.’ Not only will I have food and drink, but my reputation as a brave warrior will spread throughout Ling Gabu!”

Despite his horse’s repeated attempts to dissuade him, Chaotong was determined. Left with no choice, the horse carried him back to the Hor camp.

Chaotong’s Arrogance and Capture

Chaotong arrived at the Hor camp, his eyes glowing red, his mouth twisted, and his face contorted. He began shouting boastful threats at the White Tent King:

“Hey! Hey! White Tent King,
Since the time of Hor’s King Tomo,
The Hor and Ling nations have always been at peace.
There has never been a war between us.

But you young fools,
Act recklessly,
Like wild colts running aimlessly.
Your red banners fill the battlefield.

Are you chasing someone who killed your father?
If not, then why are you running around like this?
Is your Yellow Hor claw trying to grasp
The sacred valleys of Ling?

Let me tell you:
With one swing of my blade or one arrow from my bow,
I’ll take your head, White Tent King!
I’ll make the waters of your Hor Wuji River flow backward,
And your horses’ corpses fill the valleys.

If I don’t turn your Achin grasslands into a wasteland,
Then I, the Horse-Head King, have no power.
Then I, the Lord of Mayu, am worth nothing!

Do you hear me, White Tent King?
Quickly offer tea and gifts,
Lay down your saddles as offerings.
If you don’t act now,
Misfortune will soon come your way!”

Chaotong’s Escape and Capture

Upon seeing that the intruder was Chaotong, the Lord of Darong, the White Tent King was unimpressed. Chaotong’s reputation for cowardice was widely known, and the White Tent King thought to himself, If I feared even Chaotong, how could I call myself a hero?

Five highly skilled Sinba warriors immediately armed themselves and rushed out from their respective camps. Faced with this formidable display, Chaotong’s earlier bravado vanished. He quickly turned his horse around and fled.

As Meruze gave chase, Chaotong grew desperate. He threw away his helmet and armor, eventually abandoning his horse, and ran frantically into a ravine. He disappeared into a marmot hole, leaving only half a footprint behind.

The Sinba warriors followed his tracks to the marmot hole. Peering inside, they saw Chaotong’s hair and beard trembling like blades of grass in the wind. His dirt-covered face revealed two glowing green eyes that flickered nervously.

Drawing his golden blade, Meruze shouted, “Chaotong! How dare you compare your goat-like beard to the mane of a white lion? How dare you match the howl of a fox to the roar of a heavenly dragon? You’ve overestimated yourself! And now, you’re hiding in a hole? I’ll cut your body into pieces and cast your soul into hell! Is there anything you’d like me to tell your family before I end this?”

Terrified by Meruze’s words, Chaotong crawled out of the hole on trembling knees. From his protective charm box, he took out five lengths of red silk khata scarves and a crystal reliquary with five peaks. Offering them as gifts, he kowtowed nine times to Meruze, as reverently as one would to a spiritual master.

“Great Sinba, mighty as Mount Sumeru,” pleaded Chaotong, “even if you take my life, it won’t help Hor’s cause. Please spare me! I’ll surrender to the White Tent King and devote my entire being to Hor!”

Chaotong’s Humiliation Before the White Tent King

Meruze considered the situation. If I don’t kill this man today, who knows what kind of trouble he’ll cause when he meets the White Tent King? He raised his blade, ready to strike, but the other Sinba warriors began arriving at the scene. Realizing he couldn’t act impulsively, Meruze tied Chaotong up with a black rope, rolling him into a ball, and secured him to his “Black-Tailed Jackal” horse. They escorted him to the White Tent King’s camp.

The White Tent King’s grand tent was a majestic sight. On either side, banners, ceremonial weapons, and musical instruments were displayed with grandeur. In the center of the tent, the White Tent King sat upon a golden throne. To his left and right, the Yellow Tent King and the Black Tent King sat on silver thrones. Behind them stood Sinba warriors, their red tassels fluttering in the wind. At the entrance, rows of armored soldiers held weapons, standing in solemn formation.

At a distance of one arrow shot, Meruze untied Chaotong and placed him before the White Tent King.

Chaotong, trembling like a leaf in the wind, offered a khata scarf and a golden reliquary and said, “Oh great White Tent King of Hor! I, the Lord of Mayu, Chaotong, surrender my life and all I possess to you. I bow to the White Tent King and devote myself to the Sinba warriors.”

His teeth chattered, his body shook like a leaf, and he collapsed to the ground in terror.

The White Tent King, disgusted by Chaotong’s cowardice, nevertheless saw him as a useful tool. Suppressing his contempt, he addressed Chaotong:

“The Hor army will march to Ling Gabu.
We will kill all the men,
Destroy all the cities,
Seize all the wealth,
Take all the women,
And spread our heroic deeds far and wide.

Chaotong!
Do you think my vision can be achieved?
The thirty heroes of Ling Gabu—
How strong are they, truly?

The nephew of the Guo tribe, Gesar,
Is said to have gone north to Yar Khang.
What news is there of him now?

I will raid Ling Gabu for treasure.
I will capture the beautiful Zhumuo.
Quickly, Chaotong, give me your best plan!
You, Lord of Mayu, Chaotong,
And I, White Tent Tiger-Hat King—
The two of us are united in heart and mind.

Before the gods, let us swear an oath:
When Ling Gabu is conquered,
I will be the Hor Achin King,
And you will be the Eastern Mayu King.

I will marry my daughter, Princess Gamucuo,
To you as your queen.
Between heaven and earth,
We will stand like a tiger and a lion, side by side.

When Gesar returns to Ling Gabu,
We will face him together.
Surely, we will destroy Jue Ru!

Sinba Meruze, come quickly!
Untie the black rope binding the Lord of Mayu, Chaotong.
Let him sit on a flowered cushion.
Bring him the finest yak meat,
And the tenderest mutton ribs.
Serve him strong tea and fine wine.

Today, gaining Chaotong is like gaining Ling Gabu itself.
In time, the plans of Yellow Hor will succeed.
You will all see this soon enough!”

Chaotong’s Continued Betrayal and Ling’s Growing Suspicion

After the White Tent King completed his dramatic speech, the quick-handed Sinba warriors untied Chaotong and seated him on a luxurious leopard-skin cushion. They brought him fine wine, strong tea, and a platter piled high with yak and mutton. Shaken from his earlier ordeal, Chaotong greedily ate and drank, gradually regaining his composure.

Once finished, he wiped the grease from his lips and began reporting to the White Tent King. He meticulously described the situation in Ling Gabu, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of its various tribes, and suggested strategies for an invasion.

When Chaotong concluded, the White Tent King beamed with delight and said, “Everything you’ve said perfectly matches my vision. Once I conquer little Ling Gabu, your power, Chaotong, will be as vast as the sky. If you doubt me, just wait and see. I’ll now select fifty horses from the twelve Hor tribes for you. It’s no big deal—these animals will eventually return to their tribes anyway.”

The two sealed their pact by making a blood oath. They drank hot blood and ate raw meat together, laughing and talking as if they were lifelong allies.

Chaotong then revealed his plan: “Tomorrow, I will provoke the Chief Steward’s son, Ang’ou Yuda, into raiding a herd of horses. Let him steal them first, and then send two or three of your bravest Sinba warriors to pursue him. No matter what, they must take his head and strip his helmet tassel.

Once this is done, the Chief Steward will feel as though a bucket of ice water has been poured over his heart. He will never again consider defending the cities. Within three years, Hor will achieve total victory. If this plan fails, and Ling’s merchants and farmers unite under the Chief Steward to fortify their strongholds, then even after nine years, Yellow Hor may lose countless soldiers and still fail to conquer them!”

The White Tent King nodded enthusiastically, fully agreeing with Chaotong’s devious plan. To reward him, he sent Meruze to select horses for Chaotong. Meruze deliberately picked 300 of the worst horses—those with missing manes, broken tails, and sores on their backs—and gave them to Chaotong.

As the sun began to set, Chaotong herded these horses back to Ling Gabu.

Dansa’s Warning and Ling Gabu’s Growing Distrust

The next morning, as sunlight spread across the land, Chaotong began distributing the horses among the tribes of Ling Gabu. However, he deliberately excluded the Chief Steward and Jiacha.

His wife, Dansa, observed his actions and couldn’t hold back her criticism. “Lord Chaotong,” she said, “are these horses ones you truly captured yourself? Or were they simply given to you by others? Not a single one of them is fit for riding. If you distribute such poor horses to the people, it will only bring shame upon you and may even spark unnecessary disputes.”

Chaotong, who had always found Dansa’s words irritating, became even more annoyed. He thought of the promises made by the White Tent King—power, wealth, and the hand of a beautiful princess. These thoughts deepened his resentment toward Dansa.

“You foolish, filthy woman!” Chaotong snapped. “Nine thick ropes couldn’t tie you down, a full bucket of yogurt couldn’t satisfy you, and even double-wide doors couldn’t contain you! If there’s any gossip or trouble, it’s all because of your big mouth!”

Ignoring her advice, Chaotong distributed the horses among the various tribes. As expected, his actions immediately aroused suspicion among the people of Ling Gabu.