Long ago, the emperor wanted to have a race.
"All the animals must cross a river." he said.
"The first twelve animals to get to the other side will be on the new calendar."
Cat and Rat were good friends.
They wanted to win the race, but they were very small and they were not good swimmers.
Rat had a good idea. "We should ask Ox!" she said. "Ox is kind and she will not mind if we sit on her back."
Cat and Rat went to Ox.
"Ox, you are so strong and kind. You are such a good swimmer!" said Cat.
"Will you help us in the race?" asked Rat.
Ox smiled and agreed.
The next day, the race began.
Ox was a fast and strong swimmer.
Rat and Cat sat on her back and did not swim at all.
Finally, Ox made it to the other side.
Just before they arrived, Rat pushed Cat in the water.
"Now I will be first!" she thought.
Then, Rat jumped off Ox's back.
Before Ox could finish the race, Rat ran across the finish line!
"You are first, Rat." said the emperor.
"You are second, Ox." said the emperor.
Rat was very happy that she was in first place.
But the other animals were not happy.
Ox was not happy that Rat jumped in front when Ox did all the hard work.
The other animals were not happy that Rat cheated and did not swim herself.
Cat was not happy that Rat pushed him into the water. Cat came last in the race!