Once upon a time, there was a King named Alaric who loved his people dearly. But his kingdom was vast, and dangers lurked in every corner—wild beasts, dark magic, and treacherous mountains. The King wished for peace, but he knew he needed a guardian who was stronger than any army.
One day, while seeking wisdom in the highest peaks of the world, the King came upon a garden that seemed to float among the clouds. It was the legendary Garden of Hanging Gardens, the sacred orchard of the ancient gods.
Standing guard at the gate was a creature of magnificent beauty and power.
It had the body of a strong and swift horse, covered in stripes like a tiger's fur. It possessed the face of a wise man, and from its back grew great wings like a bird, allowing it to fly.
This was Ying Zhao, the Eternal Watchman.
When the King approached, the beast lowered its head and spoke. Its voice was deep and rhythmic, sounding like the creaking of a well wheel drawing water from the deep earth.
"Who comes to the gates of the sky?"
"I am King Alaric," said the ruler respectfully. "I seek not to steal, but to learn. You are said to know the language of all things and to travel the four seas in the blink of an eye."
Ying Zhao nodded. "I am the keeper of this place. I run without tiring, and I see all that happens under the sky."
The King bowed low. "My land is in need of such wisdom and speed. Will you not come down from the clouds and become the protector of my people?"
The beast looked at the King's kind eyes and saw that his heart was true.
"I will go with you," said Ying Zhao, "for a good ruler deserves a loyal guardian."
And so, the great beast descended from the mountain. It was a sight to behold—galloping across the land, its wings carrying it over rivers and valleys, its tiger-like stripes gleaming in the sun.
Whenever there was trouble, Ying Zhao was there first.
- If a fire broke out in a distant village, Ying Zhao would fly there instantly, sounding the alarm with its deep, well-wheel voice.
- If evil spirits or monsters tried to enter the kingdom, the beast would chase them away, for it knew all the secrets of magic and could see the truth in every heart.
- It could speak to birds and beasts, and they would tell it where danger lay.
The people were no longer afraid. They called Ying Zhao "The Eyes and Ears of the Kingdom."
Years passed, and the kingdom flourished. The King grew old, but Ying Zhao remained as strong and swift as ever. It never left the King's side, fulfilling its duty faithfully.
One evening, as they sat together watching the sunset, the King asked:
"Great Guardian, you can travel anywhere in the world. Why do you stay here, bound to service?"
Ying Zhao looked at him, its human-like face wearing a gentle expression.
"I was born to guard," it rumbled, the sound like water flowing smoothly. "But to guard a garden is easy. To guard a good King and a good people—that is a task worthy of my strength."
And so, Ying Zhao continued to watch over the land, ensuring that peace would last forever. It became a legend: the creature with a man's face, a horse's body, and wings of the wind, who knew everything and served faithfully until the end of time.
And they lived in safety and wisdom, happily ever after.