It is said that the Yên Lược region, located in Thọ Xuân district, near the mountains and forests, has a lot of wasteland, where Xiển migrated to settle.
According to village customs, Xiển had to present betel leaves and wine to request permission from the village to stay and then had to offer betel leaves and wine again to ask for a piece of land to set up a temporary hut for living. The village head summoned a meeting, but in reality, the “village” was just the local dignitaries and wealthy landowners. Seeing their haughty and demanding behavior, Xiển felt a deep aversion. The second time he brought betel leaves and wine to the communal house, Xiển scratched his head and said:
– Yes, esteemed elders, I just arrived here, grateful for your permission to stay and serve you, but I currently have no housing, so I would like to request a piece of land at the village entrance where the dogs relieve themselves(1) for your consideration.
The village head, upon seeing the wine, became gleeful and said:
– What do we care about that piece of land at the village entrance where the dogs relieve themselves? Go ahead and invite the elders; let us drink!
(1) Here, “village” refers to the local influential figures.
This article was submitted by Phan Công Tưởng to Khoa Học
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