Qi Family's Precepts

I've heard that Han Changli of the previous dynasty wrote "On Horses", claiming, "Thousand-mile horses are common, but Bo Le's are rare"—what impassioned rhetoric, unmatched through the ages... but in truth, utter rubbish! Horses come in inferior and fine, just as men are fools or horse tamers. Only when a fine horse falls into the hands of a master tamer can they achieve mutual greatness—like beauty with talent, sword with hero... Thus, I record all the fine horses my ancestors and I have tamed, to warn descendants: Skip that drivel titled "On Horses"! Han Yu was just a pedant who didn't know whether to trim hooves or heat iron first for shoeing—follow his advice and you'll end up in a ditch! ......

Hailing from Youzhou, the Qi family's ancestors served as low-ranking horse herder officials. Through their exceptional horse-taming skills, they gained imperial recognition, eventually using their life savings to establish a horse ranch and engage in horse trading. By the 16th generation, family head Qi Nie was appointed by imperial decree as the Royal Horse Merchant after presenting a fleet of fine steeds to the court. Now, their pastures stretch endlessly, housing countless magnificent steeds that roam the plains—all belonging to the Qi family. ......

My father entrusted me with the Qi horse ranch, as our clan enters its 22nd generation. But the traitor Shi Jingtang of the Shatuo tribe sold our country for power, inviting the Khitan barbarians to invade. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun fell entirely, and my younger brother Qi Jingtang was killed in battle. Yet that dog still sits on the throne—shameful is this land! Forced to relocate, we founded Finesteed Hamlet in Qinghe. Fortunately, we found an enlightened ruler in the Zhou Dynasty, supplying horses for their army. His Majesty plans a northern expedition to reclaim lost territories. If successful, the Qi family shall rise again. Marvelous! Fortunate indeed! ......

Word reached me like a thunderclap—His Majesty had passed, and so many warhorses fell with him. Our great campaign crumbled mid-stride... I can hardly bear to speak of it. To think the Qi family leagcy met its end in my hands... such regret gnaws at me day and night. When my time comes, I'll bow before my ancestors in the underworld and beg their forgiveness. My wife, Li, gave birth to our son, Feijun. The boy shows a rare gift—even as a child, horses seem to understand his every thought. He's the only hope to reclaim our ranch and bring back its former glory. ......