And whether I can marry my beloved also totally depends on you.”
When Cholmo finished the Heavenly horse did not move restlessly any longer. Instead, it stood beside Choru submissively and waited for its master to ride it. It was going to help Choru to win the horse race.
Choru won over the Heavenly horse Gyaingar Pebo and felt everything was in readiness. Cholmo was even more confident that the Heavenly horse was a cinch to win the race and that her husband would be Choru, so she felt close to the mother and the son as if she was part of the family.
“Choru and Gormo are back!”
“Cholmo has brought Choru back!”
The people in Ling Garpo went around telling the news. They gathered quickly round Choru and Gormo, greeting them warmly. They asked what had happened to the mother and her son after they left the tribe. They talked and talked, but what concerned them the most was Gormo’s swift horse. The animal looked rather uncommon!
Choru looked around but did not find Darong Zhaotoin in the crowd. For some reason he was eager to see his uncle. No time to delay. After Choru made arrangements for his mother he mounted the horse and went to Zhaotoin’s home. Choru called Zhaotoin in a loud voice at the door:
“Uncle, it is Choru at your door. Could you be kind enough to give me some fodder?”
On hearing the voice of Choru, Zhaotoin went out. What he first set eyes on was not Choru but the swift horse Gyaingar Pebo led by Choru. This was really a Heavenly horse which is hard to find on earth! Zhaotoin’s eyes remained on the horse for quite a long time before he turned to see Choru.
“Oh, my dear nephew, I heard of your coming back and I was going out to greet you, when, unfortunately, something else stopped me. Several days ago when we discussed the horse race, I, your uncle, did not forget you in spite of your absence. I still have some nice food from the feast for you if you would like.”
Aware of Zhantoin’s greedy eyes on the Heavenly horse, Choru laughed quietly to himself. Zhaotoin will surely be after the horse. He is a cormorant to the marrow of his bones and never misses any chance to gain anything even as tiny as a needlepoint. The Heavenly horse will determine who will ascend the throne. How can he be unconcerned about the horse?
“My dear nephew, where is your horse from? Why have I never seen it before?”
Choru retorted:
“He is but a wild horse, untamed and untrained. I do not know whether it is going to be a good ride for the race or not.”
Zhaotoin chuckled to himself and thought that Choru was a kid after all and did not recognize a fine horse when he saw it.
“Well, Choru, my dear nephew, if a rider wants to take part in the horse race, he should have a good horse which should be sturdy, swift, tamed and good-looking. I do not think your horse possesses these strong points. Things will probably go against you if you use this horse for racing. I say, how about doing business with me on the horse?”
“Do business?”
“I have a courser with a green mane and a white forehead. It is a horse of choice in my droves of horses and is sure to be a good mount for you. How about exchanging our horses? No matter how much you request, I will agree.”
Choru laughed: “It is surely all right to make a deal if it is made on the basis of free will. Mine is a fierce but uncommon horse; if I do not sell it, I have no way to tame it; but if I sell the horse, it would be quite a pity! Well, if uncle gives my mother and me enough money to allow us to live from spring to winter, together with 13 bolts of silk, 13 shoe-shaped gold ingots and 13 packs of gold, I think I can make a deal with you. Furthermore, the horse you offer me must be suitable for me to ride. At the same time, my horse shall be willing to be tamed by you.”
Zhaotoin was glad to hear that Choru was willing to exchange the horse with his. But he neglected the implication of Choru’s words.
The next day, Zhaotoin prepared a sumptuous meal including superb scented tea, milk of yak aged three, sweet snacks, sumptuous dishes, delectable fruit and ripe wine. At the same time, he prepared the exchange he had promised —13 bolts of silk, 13 shoe-shaped gold ingots and 13 packs of gold. Zhaotoin was about to have these things sent to Choru, when Choru leading the horse arrived. Zhaotoin was so delighted that this exchange was taking place as he knew that with this horse he would certainly win the race and the throne.
Wearing a smile, Zhaotoin ushered Choru into his tent:
“My dear nephew, I am sure you will be satisfied with what I have prepared for you. Everything is here. In the past we hardly had a chance to have a word with each other because of your short stay here with me. Today let’s have a chat to our heart’s content.”
Seeing food and drink in abundance offered in the tent, Choru said without batting an eyelid:
“Now that uncle has prepared everything, I’d better accept. But how can I take everything home?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll have my chamberlain deal with it.” Zhaotoin told his chamberlain to send all the things to Choru’s tent right away.
Choru then took his seat.
“Uncle, I am ready to listen to your instructions.”
“No instructions. Let’s just have a chat. Anyone can go through the sweet and bitter things of life but the key is how he treats them. Well, leave this problem aside for a moment; let’s go to see my horses first.”
“I think there is no need to see your horses. If uncle is willing to exchange your Yacha horse with me, we can continue to talk; if uncle does not agree, I am afraid that I can do nothing.”
“What?!” How can Zhaotoin consent to exchange his Yacha horse for Choru’s wild horse?
“Doesn’t Uncle agree?” Choru deliberately teased Zhaotoin.
“Are you kidding? The Yacha horse is the rare treasure of Darong family. How can I give it away?”
“The Yacha horse is your treasure and Gyaingar Pebo is mine? In the same way how can I give it to you?”
“Ok, then, a deal should be made on the basis of free will and since you are not willing to make a deal, please return to me what I sent you.”
“It seems to me that there is no such rule in Tibet of taking back things given to others. Are you going to make this rule?” With these words Choru walked off leading his Heavenly horse Gyaingar Pebo.
Furious with rage, Zhaotoin made his mind up to get his revenge on Choru at the horse race.