The Irony of the Golden Collar

In the heart of the ancient imperial court, where whispers of power and ambition were as thick as the air, there lived an ox named Zhong. Known for its strength and unwavering loyalty, Zhong had been chosen by the emperor to serve as his mount, adorned with a golden collar that signified its special status. This collar, a symbol of honor and trust, was a constant reminder to Zhong of its duty to the emperor.

The court was a chessboard, and every move was a strategic step towards gaining the upper hand. The emperor, wise and cautious, was surrounded by courtiers and advisors who sought to curry favor. Among them was a cunning minister, Minister Yang, whose ambition knew no bounds. He desired the throne more than life itself and saw the golden collar on Zhong as a symbol of power he could seize.

One evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the palace, Minister Yang approached the emperor's private chambers. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice dripping with respect, "I have found a way to secure our empire for generations to come."

The emperor, intrigued by the minister's confidence, nodded. "Speak on, Minister Yang."

Minister Yang's eyes gleamed with a malevolent light. "We must remove the ox, Zhong, from the throne. It is a symbol of power and loyalty, and its removal will weaken the empire's foundation."

The emperor, taken aback by the minister's proposal, hesitated. "But Zhong is loyal. How can I justify such an action?"

Minister Yang bowed. "Your Majesty, loyalty is a fragile thing. It can be corrupted by ambition. By removing Zhong, you demonstrate your own strength and wisdom."

The emperor pondered the minister's words, and as he did, a shadow of doubt crept over his mind. He called for Zhong, who, as if summoned by the very thought, appeared in the doorway, its golden collar gleaming in the dim light.

"Zhong," the emperor called, "you have served me well. But there is a new path for you. I have appointed you to lead our army into battle, to secure our borders and protect our empire."

Zhong bowed its head, its voice a rumble, "I am honored, Your Majesty."

The next morning, the court was abuzz with the news of Zhong's departure. Minister Yang smiled, his ambition growing with each step towards his goal. But Zhong, true to its nature, was not one to be easily swayed.

As Zhong led the army into battle, it became apparent that the ox was more than a symbol of power. Its strength and loyalty were a force to be reckoned with. The enemy, caught off guard by Zhong's presence, fell back in disarray.

Minister Yang, watching from afar, was aghast. The ox was not just a symbol of power; it was a living, breathing embodiment of the empire's might. He realized that he had underestimated the ox's importance and the depth of its loyalty.

The battle ended in a decisive victory, and Zhong returned to the court, its golden collar now tarnished but its spirit unbroken. The emperor, moved by Zhong's unwavering loyalty, summoned the minister to his chambers.

"Minister Yang," the emperor said, his voice firm, "I have realized the error of my ways. Zhong is a symbol of loyalty, not a threat. I am sorry for what I have done."

Minister Yang, his ambition shattered, fell to his knees. "Your Majesty, I am a fool. I have misunderstood the true nature of loyalty."

The emperor nodded, his expression softening. "You will have another chance to serve our empire with honor."

From that day on, Minister Yang became a changed man, dedicated to serving the empire and its people with integrity. Zhong, the loyal ox, continued to serve the emperor, its golden collar a symbol not of power, but of the true strength that lay within the heart of a loyal servant.

In the end, the empire was saved not by the cunning of a minister, but by the unwavering loyalty of an ox adorned with a golden collar. It was a lesson to all that true power comes not from wealth or ambition, but from the strength of character and the unyielding spirit of loyalty.