Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor decided to hold a grand race to select animals to represent the years in the Chinese zodiac. He invited all the animals of the land to participate. The first twelve animals to cross the river would be chosen.

The rat and the cat were good friends and decided to travel together. However, the rat was afraid of water and asked the ox for help. The kind-hearted ox agreed to carry them across. Just as they reached the other side, the rat pushed the cat into the river, ensuring it wouldn't win.

The ox was about to finish second when the clever rat jumped ahead at the last moment, becoming the first animal to complete the race. Thus, the rat claimed the first position.

Following closely behind was the hardworking ox, which earned it the second place. Next came the tiger, who struggled against the strong current but managed to come in third.

The rabbit, using its quick thinking, hopped across stones and even floated on a floating log to secure fourth place. The dragon, known for its power, arrived fifth. Surprisingly, it explained that it had stopped along the way to help others, including the rabbit.

The horse galloped forward with determination, only to be surprised by the sneaky snake hiding on its hoof, which slithered past and took sixth place. The sheep, monkey, and rooster worked together to cross the river using a raft, earning places seven, eight, and nine respectively.

The dog, usually swift, got distracted playing in the water but still finished eleventh due to its loyalty. Finally, the pig, which had eaten too much and fallen asleep during the race, woke up just in time to claim the twelfth and final spot.

And so, the order of the Chinese zodiac was set: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal brought its unique qualities to the zodiac, making the story timeless and cherished by many.