Long ago, in a kingdom nestled between tall mountains and wide rivers, lived a wise King named Qi. One spring, the King and his brave soldiers went on a long journey, far, far away, to help some friendly neighbors. They were successful and everyone was happy!

But on their way back, something tricky happened. The land was full of twisty-turny paths, tall grasses, and forests where all the trees looked the same. Soon, the King and his soldiers were completely lost! The sun began to set, and worried whispers spread through the group. Their water was running low, and their tummies were starting to grumble.

"Oh dear," said the King, looking at his map, which now seemed like a confusing scribble. "Which way do we go?"

His soldiers looked at each other. No one knew.

Then, Guan Zhong, the King's clever advisor, stroked his chin. "Hmm," he said. "I have an idea! Old horses, who have traveled many roads, often remember the way. They have a special kind of memory for paths they've walked before."

The soldiers looked at their horses. Most were young and strong, but a few were older, having served in many journeys. They chose a very old horse, one with wise, gentle eyes and a slightly grey muzzle. They let it walk freely at the front of the group, without anyone guiding its reins.

The old horse sniffed the air, looked around carefully with its big, calm eyes, and then, with a confident flick of its ears, it started walking. It didn't rush. It just walked, step by steady step, through the tall grass, around some spiky bushes, and into a part of the forest they hadn't noticed before.

The soldiers followed quietly, full of hope. After a while, the trees started to look a little different, a little more familiar. And then, there it was! A well-worn path they recognized! The old horse had led them right back to a main road.

Everyone cheered! "Hooray for the old horse!" they shouted.

King Qi smiled. He learned that day that even the oldest and quietest among them could have special wisdom and experience that was very valuable. And that's the story of how an old horse showed everyone the way home, just by remembering.

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