CHAPTER 51

 

A Merchant's Return and a Father's Anguish

 

As they neared the Ling Kingdom, Gesar suddenly patted the neck of his precious steed. Jang Gapeibu understood—its master wanted it to slow its pace. Yes, it had been nine years since he left Ling. In these nine years, who knew what changes had occurred in Ling, what had become of its people? A clever idea struck Gesar. He transformed into the appearance of a merchant. Then, from the black and white treasure bag he brought from the demon kingdom, he took out livestock and treasures. Instantly, the hillside was covered with the plump cattle and sheep of the demon lands. He also pitched a large, wide tent and settled there.

 

Three years prior, the Hor people had abducted Queen Zumu, plundered Ling's treasures, and killed the great hero Gyatsa. However, because Chao Tong had repeatedly provided information and rendered service, they not only refrained from seizing his wealth and livestock but also made him the king of Ling. What he failed to obtain at the horse race, he finally acquired in part. Though he lacked the seven treasures and Zumu, he now had the Ling Kingdom and the throne, which brought Chao Tong some measure of satisfaction. And with satisfaction came the desire for unrestrained pleasure. He had the Qiongka Mubu palace renovated to be resplendent with gold and jade, dazzlingly bright by day and glowing radiantly by night. However, his resources were ultimately limited, so he had to squeeze the common people relentlessly. Since Chao Tong became king of Ling, the populace had not known a single day of peace, not a day free from suffering and torment. The more they endured hardship, the more they longed for the Great Lion King Gesar.

 

Although Chao Tong had seized the opportunity to become Ling's king, he lived in constant anxiety, wary of the day King Gesar might return. Seeing the sight of the merchant's camp, he trembled with fear and immediately summoned King Senlun, who had been become his servant. Chao Tong said to Senlun, "Over in that valley, there have never been so many cattle and sheep. Go and find out where they come from? I demand a horse's worth of water and grass fee from them per day."

 

Senlun had no choice but to put on his tattered fur coat, tie a knotted leather strap around his waist, strap on his broadsword, don an iron helmet, mount his lame horse, and set off immediately. He soon reached the other side of the valley. By then, Gesar, transformed into a merchant, had already laid out a tiger-skin cushion and was waiting. Senlun tethered his horse and hesitated outside the tent for a long while before asking, "Where did you come from this morning? Where will you go tonight? For whom are your teeth and heart white? For whom are your hair and eyebrows black? What business do you intend to conduct? In this sacred valley of the Ling Kingdom, no one dares to come here except flying birds. You, the guest residing here, trample more grass than you eat, muddy more water than you drink. For drinking water, you must pay a water fee; for grazing, you must pay a grass tax!"

 

The "merchant" replied, "Ah, you pitiable old man! Your eyes are bluer than the sky, your hair whiter than conch shells. Why do your knees rise above your head? Why, in your advanced years, do you serve as another's slave? Why should I trouble you? I'll tell you: I came from the north this morning, I head to the Ling Kingdom tonight. My teeth and heart are white for Holy Ling; my hair and eyebrows are black for the enemy. If you ask about my business, the tale is long, hard to tell in a few words."

 

Seeing Senlun shrinking back onto the grass at the very edge of the tiger-skin cushion, the Great King urged him to sit up properly. The old man said, "Such a magnificent cushion, I have not the fortune to sit upon it!"

 

The Great King had to let him be.

 

Then, a conjured servant brought tea. The old man was so pitiful he didn't even have his own wooden bowl. The Great King poured tea for him into his own auspicious, perfect bowl. Seeing this bowl, Senlun couldn't help but laugh. As they drank tea, the servant brought meat. Seeing Senlun had no small knife for eating meat, the Great King handed him his own white crystal dagger. As he ate, Senlun looked at the dagger and began to sob and weep.

 

The Great King pretended not to understand: "Did you laugh just now because the tea was bad, and now cry because the meat is unpalatable? Or is this simply the custom of your land?"

 

King Senlun gradually stopped his sobs. Gritting his teeth, he recounted everything that had happened since Gesar left Ling. When he spoke of the great hero Gyatsa sacrificing himself for the kingdom, the Lion King's tears soaked his robes. When he spoke of Queen Zumu being abducted by the Hor King, Gesar burned with anxiety as if his heart were on fire. When he spoke of Chao Tong's betrayal and collusion with the enemy, Gesar gnashed his teeth in fury—though it was not yet time for father and son to reveal themselves. He listened as the old man continued, "Please do not take offense, noble guest. It is truly because my heart is filled with sorrow. This bowl I hold in my hand now resembles my lion-child's perfect, auspicious bowl. This dagger I use to eat meat resembles my lion-child's white-handled crystal dagger. Seeing them gladdens my heart, but my longing is so great I cannot stop weeping."

 

The "merchant" was deeply moved but restrained his emotions. He offered the old man another bowl of wine, then made a request: "Elder! I have many lice in my hair. Please catch them for me!"

 

Saying this, he laid his head in the old man's lap. The old man flustered, trying to push him away: "Noble lord! I am dressed in such filth and rags. My filth will defile your noble body!"

 

But the "merchant" insisted and would not move. The old man, helpless, had to turn his head and examine it carefully. There were no lice, but he discovered a patch of white birthmarks behind the right ear, extending to the right shoulder—just like Gesar's. Overcome by the sight, a single teardrop fell squarely into the "merchant's" ear.

 

The "merchant" immediately straightened up: "You didn't catch lice; instead, you poured water into my ear. Do you mean to harm me? Your master torments you, why take it out on me?"

 

He stood up as he spoke. Senlun hurriedly explained: "How dare I take it out on you? It's just that the patch of white birthmarks behind your ear looks so much like my son Gesar's. Thinking of my son, I couldn't hold back my tears, and one fell into your ear. Please do not be angry, do not take offense!"

 

As he spoke, he felt such overwhelming grief that he fainted. Gesar quickly cradled his father king's head and sprayed cool sandalwood water on his chest. The shock revived Senlun shortly after. By then, King Gesar could no longer suppress his longing for his father and homeland and revealed himself to King Senlun.

 

Senlun was like one who sees dawn after a long night, overjoyed beyond words. He grasped the Great King's hand, kissing it repeatedly, then pressed it tightly against his own face, saying excitedly, "From today, the suffering of Ling is over! My wish has been fulfilled!"

 

King Gesar offered his father many sumptuous foods and repeatedly remind him to keep the secret, not to reveal it to anyone. Afterwards, Senlun reluctantly bid his son farewell. As he returned, he couldn't suppress his inner joy. His beard stuck out high, he whipped his old lame horse into a gallop, drew the wooden-handled waist knife from his bosom, and waved it fiercely towards the imagined figure of Chao Tong, shouting incessantly, "From now on, some people will face misfortune, and some will prosper!"

 

Galloping back home, he quietly relayed the news to Guomu, King Gesar's birth mother. Hearing it, Guomu was like a beggar obtaining a priceless treasure. She hurried to make a smoke offering to thank the deities. By then, Chao Tong had also heard vague rumors and was trembling all over, panic-stricken, looking around nervously. Then his face flushed crimson, and he sat there gnashing his teeth in a daze. Only by evening did he dare send someone to Senlun's home to inquire. Senlun deceived him: "That's the great wealthy merchant Dorje Drakpa from the Li region. He said he greatly reveres the Lion King and, seeing I am the Lion King's father, bestowed much wine and meat upon me. I got drunk again."

 

Chao Tong listened, half-believing, half-doubting. How would a merchant from afar know he was Gesar's father? His heart was uneasy!

 

The Beggar's Tale and the King's Return

 

The next day, an old beggar with graying hair arrived at the gate of Chao Tong's palace, shouting repeatedly, "Long-lived master! Give this old beggar some food!"

 

Chao Tong stuck his head out and asked, "Where are you from, beggar? Coming to knock on the door so early in the morning is most inauspicious."

 

"Noble master, I come from the demon kingdom."

"From the demon kingdom? Then, come in quickly. I have questions for you." Hearing the old beggar came from the demon lands, Chao Tong hurriedly invited him inside. He was about to order a maid to fetch some food but thought better of it and went in himself, bringing out a wooden tray of roasted barley flour with a piece of butter on top and a small pot of wine.

 

"Hey, old man, I have confidential matters to ask you. As long as you tell the truth, your food, clothing, and needs will be my responsibility from now on."

"Speak, master. What is it?" The old man slowly ate the roasted flour and drank the wine.

 

"Nine years ago, my nephew Gesar went north to subdue demons. The first three years, rumors said he died; the next three years, rumors said he didn't die; and these last three years, there's been no news at all. Is he dead or alive? Tell me in detail."

 

"Ah, that so-called Lion King Gesar has been dead for eight full years. The thousand-mile precious steed is used by Meisa to carry water; the quiver is used by demon women as a sack; and the demon king Lutsan is still alive and well!"

 

"Really? Truly?" Chao Tong was so excited he could hardly believe his ears.

"Of course! I served Lutsan as a slave for three years, naturally I know very clearly." The old beggar said with a straight face.

 

"Excellent! The stone in my heart has finally fallen. The sun feels warmest at dusk; a man finds greater happiness in old age. This wretched nephew of mine always caused me trouble. As long as he lived in this world, I could not rule in peace. Wonderful, truly wonderful! Serves him right for not living long." As he spoke, Chao Tong ordered the maids to bring large pieces of meat and big bowls of wine for the old beggar to eat and drink. He himself also intended to feast.

 

However, Chao Tong's queen, Dan Sa, hearing the news that King Gesar was no longer in this world, wept bitterly: "Ah! Day and night I prayed to the heavenly gods for my nephew's safety. Why is there such terrible news today! What will become of Ling's future!"

 

Hearing this, Chao Tong, furious and flustered, jumped down from his throne, cursing "worthless woman," grabbed a wooden stick, and struck Dan Sa, actually knocking the aged queen unconscious. The old beggar, seeing this scene, was deeply不忍 and stayed by Dan Sa's side until she awoke. But even after waking, she continued to weep in agony. The old beggar had to comfort her: "I never thought news that pleased King Chao Tong would bring you such grief. But I've heard another piece of news. King Gesar has already subdued the northern demons and, with his consort, is driving the demon kingdom's cattle and sheep. He will arrive tomorrow."

 

After hearing, Chao Tong was dumbfounded, speechless. And Dan Sa overjoyed like a loving mother seeing her long-lost beloved child, hurriedly took off the turquoise prayer beads worn around her neck, brought out ten sheep-stomachs worth of butter, added a white khata, and presented them to the old beggar as a gift of thanks for the good news.

Gesar also found his mother Guomu outside the city, dressed in rags. But she was, after all, the daughter of the Dragon King. Seeing the "old beggar's" teeth as white as conch shells, she immediately recognized her son's transformation. Guomu held her son and wept for a long while. King Gesar comforted her: "Mother! Please don't cry. Hasn't your son returned? Now, please watch the excitement from the city's edge."

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Then, suddenly, the earth changed color; mountains, rivers, and valleys all glowed with red light. Gesar had already removed the disguising tumors and sores and thrown away the brimless felt hat. His hair shone with beautiful golden light, flowing loosely. His face was like the full moon on the fifteenth day, plump and perfect. Fully armed, he rode his precious steed, galloping from the south of Chao Tong's clan. It seemed like ten thousand horses roaring and running, clouds of dust billowing up, all the way to the capital's main gate. Chao Tong had already seen it clearly through a crack in the door, frightened and kept shouting to Queen Dan Sa: "Worthless woman! Gesar is here! What should we do? Tell him I'm not home! Cover me with the copper pot, let me hide!"

 

Saying this, he quickly performed magic and hid under the copper pot.

 

Dan Sa's heart, however, was filled with immense joy, like seeing the sun again after clouds parted. She hurriedly made a smoke offering and went out happily to welcome the Great King. The Great King halted his horse at the city gate and sang:

 

A poor, wandering mendicant monk,

Few can provide for him long.

If he himself does not know thrift,

Hard to endure spring's passage swift.

A petty chieftain full of guile,

None will long pay him tribute's while.

If he cannot curb his harsh demands,

Hard to keep his scattered folk in hands.

A hypocrite with honeyed tongue,

Cannot uphold a righteous war long.

Once he betrays kin to the foe,

Hard to escape justice's stern blow.

This household's uncle hides in his nest,

The nephew who journeyed returns success-blessed.

What has the uncle at home done?

If home, come out to greet your son!

I, abroad, shot the proud demon king dead,

Subdued the north's dark demon lands instead.

Together with Queen Meisa Bungji,

Bring cattle, sheep, and treasure to Ling's country.

How many kin did you sell to the foe?

How many Hor troops did you help to grow?

What wealth from Hor did you obtain?

What rewards from White Tent King did you gain?

Today, let us both boast of heroes' might!

 

After Aunt Dan Sa hearing, she sang:

 

From Ling's east, auspicious mountain peak,

Rises Jambudvipa's treasure king's golden wheel sleek.

The divine clans bloom like thousand-petal lotus fair,

Auntie too welcomes dawn of happiness rare.

The fathers' deeds like budding flowers unfold,

Dan Sa, like bee, sings of joys untold.

Chao Tong, like owl, blinded both eyes,

Ends his tyrannical, cruel reign's cries.

Hearing my nephew's pleasing song,

Chao Tong dares not at home belong.

To Copper Pot Ravine he went to raid,

Hid in Three-Stone Hearth Mountain's shade.

If not by hearthstone his head he breaks,

He'll grab some ash, his home he makes,

With flowing tears, his grievances he'll state!

 

Chao Tong heard this and cursed again: "Worthless woman, don't say that! Quick, hide me under the bed!" Then he hid under the bed.

 

The Great King sang his inquiry as before. Auntie replied again:

 

Respected nephew, King Gesar,

How dare Chao Tong stay home, afar?

To Bed Ravine he went to raid,

Hid at Bonrou Mountain's foot in shade.

If not by bedpost his head he breaks,

He'll grab some soil, his home he makes,

Head wrapped in black, his tale he'll state.

 

Chao Tong anxiously cried: "Lowly woman! Stop talking! Hide me under the saddle!" Then hid under an ox saddle.

 

When the Great King asked again, Auntie sang:

 

My respected nephew, Lion King great,

Chao Tong dares not at home await.

To Ox Saddle Ravine he went to raid,

Hid behind Oxback Mountain in shade.

If not by saddle bow his head he breaks,

He'll return home at midnight's wake.

He has no face to greet his nephew dear,

With ash bag on head, his reasons clear.

If he comes begging at my door,

For food, three handfuls of hearth ash, no more.

For drink, a basin of pot-washing water,

On empty stomach, no fierce talk he'll utter.

Then let him report household affairs clear.

That's when your moon-bright face will turn drear,

That's when your Venus-like eyes will flash lightning's spear,

That's when your Bodhisattva heart will rage severe,

That's when you'll vow this sinner vile

To strike with thunder ten thousand times!

Only then will all men's grievances be paid,

Only then will all women's hearts be comforted and laid!

 

The Unmasking of a Traitor

 

Upon hearing Queen Dan Sa's song, the people of the Ling Kingdom felt greatly comforted and laughed with joy. Only Chao Tong was cursing: "You wretched woman, are you seeking death? Quickly hide me in the purple leather bag! Clench your thirty teeth tight. Don't make another sound through your teeth!"

 

By this time, the Great King had already dismounted. His aunt tethered the divine steed and invited the King inside to sit upon the tiger-skin throne. She then placed the purple leather bag containing Chao Tong, along with butter, roasted barley flour, and other foods, on the table before the King, and poured him a cup of rich, fragrant wine. Chao Tong, hiding inside the leather bag, trembled with fear, causing the table to shake uncontrollably. Pretending to be puzzled, the King said: "There are three ill omens in the world. One is when a red cliff trembles—that means it's time for lightning to strike and destroy it. Another is when an ancient tree spirit trembles—that means it's time for axes to fell it. And the third is when a purple leather bag trembles—that means it's time for a blade to split it in two. But for this purple leather bag, a needle is too fine, a blade would be a waste, and an awl would be just right."

 

After saying this, he pricked the leather bag with an awl. Blood gushed out in streams, and the bag squirmed violently. The King continued: "In the Tibetan lands, there are three portents of misfortune. A musk deer should only run on rocky cliffs; if it runs into a village, it becomes an ill omen, signaling it's time to harvest its musk. An owl from a stone cave, if it lands on tent ropes, becomes a bird of ill omen, signaling it's time to shoot it with arrows. Aunt, this purple leather bag of yours seems to have a corpse inside trying to resurrect—this is an ill omen of misfortune befalling the household, and it must be dealt with promptly. An awl is too short, a spear is too long; only a knife thrust is just right."

 

He then stabbed it with his dagger. Chao Tong, in agony, suddenly stood up. Dark purple blood sprayed out in gushes. Not daring to cry out, he threw off the leather bag and tried to flee naked. The King reached out, grabbed Chao Tong, threw him to the ground, pinned him down with his knee, and drew his white-handled crystal dagger, singing:

 

My hatred is hard to quell, my anger hard to appease,

How can I let a traitor like you escape with ease!

You, an uncle, sided with the foe,

How many Hor soldiers did you help bring here below?

My brother Gyatsa Xiega,

Often in secluded meditation did he stay,

Now like a rainbow in the sky,

He vanished without a trace, gone by.

You caused my royal father and mother,

And all the people of eastern Ling Gabu,

To suffer humiliation and be trodden under.

Considering our blood ties, I should spare you,

But how can your deeds be forgiven, tell me true!

Smashing a sacred image to show piety,

Is not an act worthy of sincerity.

Killing a guilty man of your own kin,

Is not a cause for celebration or a win!

If you have any last words, speak them fast,

Your life will be over in moments that won't last!

 

As he sang, he pointed the dagger tip at Chao Tong's chest. Trembling, Chao Tong begged for mercy: "You are right, nephew, you are right! But I beg you to spare my old life, don't kill me! Uncle I was bewitched by the yellow Hor's magic, my mind was addled, confused and upside-down, I completely lost awareness of what I was doing. Otherwise, why would I tie my hair into three topknots? Have my wife braid her hair into three plaits? Put three collars on a dog? These are things I did only because I was mad! Your hatred for uncle is justified, all the blame should fall on me, but towards you, nephew, uncle still holds the deepest affection. Please, Joru, spare your uncle's wretched life!"

 

Public Shame and a Narrow Escape

 

The King released Chao Tong, mounted his horse, and drove him forward with whip lashes, shouting: "Look quickly! This corpse in the leather bag has come back to life!"

 

Everyone recognized the man as Chao Tong and shouted in unison: "Beat him to death! Beat him to death!"

 

Amidst the shouts and the crowd chasing after him for amusement, Chao Tong was so ashamed he wished the ground would swallow him. He actually crawled into a marmot hole in the mountain.

 

Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen had already seen the morning mist churned up by the divine steed Jang Gapeibu and knew King Gesar had returned. He hurriedly led heroes like Danma, Gade, and Niben to welcome him. Everyone paid their respects to King Gesar one by one. In the valley, they pitched an Auspicious Treasure tent, laid out cushions, and invited the King to sit at the highest seat. They presented him with hero's sashes and various fine wines and delicacies. In front of everyone, the Chief Steward recounted in detail the invasion by the Hor, how each hero had sacrificed themselves. As he spoke, old tears streamed down his face, and all the assembled heroes and warriors also had tears in their eyes. The Chief Steward sighed and said with relief: "Now it's good. Being able to wait for the Great King's return is an immense blessing for this old man! From now on, the prestige of our Ling Gabu can be restored. Although my sons have died for the kingdom, I still have my nephew Gesar. Alive, I will find infinite joy; dead, my heart will be at peace."

 

The Great Lion King repeatedly comforted everyone: "During my campaign in the Demon Kingdom, it was my uncles, father, and all our brothers who gave their lives to protect the lineage of our divine clan. The Hor's debt must be repaid, and my Zumu must certainly be retrieved. But now, there is a debt right before our eyes that needs settling. This evil root of trouble, Chao Tong, harbors black intentions in everything he does, never missing a chance to commit wicked deeds. Even before I was born, he was harming people. From my birth until today, the one he hated in his heart was me, Gesar; the one he glared at sideways was me, Gesar; the one he cursed with malicious words was me, Gesar; the one he pointed at with his little finger was me, Gesar. Thinking again of his wicked act of betraying Ling Gabu to the yellow Hor, I wish I could chop him into mincemeat and tear out his heart and liver while he still lives!"

 

Pleading for Mercy and a Humiliating Punishment

 

Hearing this, Chao Tong was scared out of his wits, his face ashen. Still bleeding and naked, he crawled out of the marmot hole and prostrated himself before the King, tears falling like rain, trembling as he pleaded: "Please, everyone, help plead for me! Just now, inside the marmot hole, I reflected deeply. I am indeed guilty, but the me now is nothing but a black crow—its feathers are useless, its flesh inedible. Killing me would only add to the Great King's sin of taking life. Killing a dog, crushing an insect—these all carry sin, let alone killing a person. I beg Old Chief Steward to plead for my worthless life. If an opportunity arises in the future, I, Chao Tong, will repay you with my life."

 

Seeing his wretched state, everyone felt both angry and amused. The divine steed Jang Gapeibu could no longer contain itself. It opened its mouth and swallowed Chao Tong whole. Not until dusk did it regurgitate the barely breathing Chao Tong along with a pile of dung, thus sparing Chao Tong's life.

 

Celebration and Judgment

 

The next day, a grand celebration banquet was hosted by Chief Steward Rongtsa Chagen, Guomu, and Dan Sa. The King distributed the livestock, treasures brought from the Demon Kingdom, and Chao Tong's property among the heroes and subjects of the Ling Kingdom. By the King's decree, Dan Sa was to separate from Chao Tong; she could choose another husband and start a new family. Chao Tong was left to live out his remaining half-dead existence.

 

For a full twenty-one days, the masses from all tribes spent their time at the sumptuous feast, immersed in boundless joy.

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