The wealthy man’s servant had a habit of joking around to amuse his peers, often getting scolded by his master for being foolish and talking nonsense. He was determined to get revenge once to feel satisfied. One day, he rowed the boat to take his master to the province, and on the way back, it was late at night when they were nearing the village. His master, tired from working all day, had fallen asleep. Suddenly, the sound of a single wooden drumbeat echoed loudly. Startled, the master feared that his house was being robbed and stammered to his servant:
– What was that drum?
The servant replied:
– Sir, it’s the drum of the mù u.
The master said:
– You fool, who doesn’t know about the mù u drum? But I asked how it sounds!
The servant leisurely replied:
– Yes, sir, it sounds like ‘cưm, cum, cum.’
– This is infuriating! Where are they beating it?
– Yes, sir, they are beating it horizontally with the drum.
– Oh my! How many sticks are they using?
– Yes, sir, probably one stick because I hear each sound clearly.
At that moment, a brightly lit boat rowed closer, and the master became even more frightened, thinking that robbers were blocking his way. He asked the servant:
– What kind of boat is that?
– Yes, sir, it’s a lồng (cage) boat!
– You dog! Why do you keep answering in a different way when I ask straight questions?
– Yes, sir, I believe I answered all your questions without missing any.
– Alright, you need to listen carefully and answer correctly, understand?
– Yes, yes.
– Where is that boat going?
– Yes, sir, it’s going along the river.
– You fool! I’m so angry! Where are we now? Are we close to home?
– Yes, sir, this is under the sky, on the water’s surface, between the two riverbanks.
– Oh my! Oh my! I’m asking you where? Which place?
– Yes, sir, it’s inside the lường boat!
