The people of the north nation were causing the king, Ting Ming Wong, much trouble, and one day he ordered his general, Gui Süt Yun, to declare war on them. [[186]]
The brave general prepared to march north at once. He led an army of twenty-five thousand cavalry, followed by one thousand infantry.
By the time they reached Mau Tin Lang the soldiers were very tired, for they had then marched ten days. Orders were given that they rest for three days before proceeding.
The weather was very warm, and on the second day there was no more water, not even to drink. The soldiers dug wells in many places, hoping to find water; but each time they were disappointed.
A report was then made to the general, Gui Süt Yun, which said, “The men and horses are near death for the lack of water.”
Then the general ordered many men to go in different directions within a radius of ten miles to search for water.
The following morning two hundred men were dead, and still no water could be found.
Then the general, Gui Süt Yun, said, “We must all die here if we do not find water. If it is within one hundred miles, I will find it.” He then mounted his favorite war horse, and rode until both he and the horse were ready to die with the terrible thirst. He tried to feed his horse with green leaves; but he was weak and suffering, and the general lay down for rest and sleep. [[187]]He cried in bitterness of spirit. Then he looked up to heaven and said:
“Has our king done a great wrong or have our soldiers done evil? Why should we perish here in a strange land? In the hour that I rest and sleep here, may a spirit show me the path that leads out of this great trouble.
“It may be that if the north kingdom is right, we shall die here and not even go to battle. But if we are right, this thing should not be. When we first came here, there was plenty of water. Why did the earth drink up this water and leave us to die? As I sleep, may a spirit show me the meaning of all this.”