It is said that the Yên Lược area, located in Thọ Xuân District, near the mountains and forests, has many vacant lands where Xiển migrated to settle.
According to village customs, Xiển had to present betel and wine to request permission from the village to reside there, and then again had to offer betel and wine to request a piece of land to set up a temporary hut for living. The village chief beat the drum to call a meeting, but in reality, the “village” was just a group of officials and landlords. Seeing their petty demands and arrogance, Xiển felt a strong dislike. During the second presentation of betel and wine at the village hall, Xiển scratched his head and said:
– Dear elders, I have just arrived here, thanks to your kindness in allowing me to stay to serve you, but I have no shelter yet and would like to request a piece of land at the edge of the village where the dogs relieve themselves(1) for your consideration.
The village chief, seeing the wine, perked up and immediately responded:
– What more could you ask for? That piece of land where the dogs relieve themselves is fine; come, let us drink!
(1) The village here refers to the village officials and landlords.
Article submitted by Phan Công Tưởng to Science
Email: [email protected]
