'The Revenge of Xieng Mieng'; a folk tale from Lao Folktales

You expect a chicken leg in the curry but get meat from a vulture. That calls for revenge!

The king had been watching the match between Xieng Mieng and Xieng Nyan. He was amused by Xieng Mieng's antics and was thrilled that someone had fallen for it. He saw him walking and laughed, “So, Xieng Mieng, I heard how you defeated Xieng Nyan. You are indeed a smart fellow.'

'I am honoured, Your Majesty, but I am really just an ordinary boy. You really are much smarter than me.' "It is not easy to catch such a clever man," said the king. “That's why I've invited you to the palace for a special dinner to celebrate your victory. I've asked the palace chefs to cook you a special red curry.' "That's very kind of you, Your Majesty."

The king clapped his hands and the servants brought a tray of dinner, kept warm in silver-lidded dishes. They put all the food on Xieng Mieng's plate, but the king's plate remained empty…

"Your Majesty, won't you join us for dinner?" "I'd like to, but it's not possible right now. I unexpectedly have to talk to an ambassador. But I hope you like this extraordinary red curry and please come and tell me tomorrow if you liked it.' The king left the room and Xieng Mieng started the red curry.

The next morning he reported to the king. "So, Xieng Mieng, how was the food?" 'It was really delicious. Thank you for inviting me.' “It was from a new recipe from my cooks. Did you recognize the ingredients?'

"Sure, lots of chilli and lemongrass and poppy milk." 'Beats. And the meat?' "Chicken" "Almost good." 'Duck?' 'Not quite. Guess again?' 'Guinea fowl maybe? Was it guinea fowl?' 'No, Xieng Mieng, wrong again. Would you like to know which bird it was?' "Sure, yes!" 'Vulture!' laughed the king. “We roasted a vulture. I've got you, Chieng Mieng!'

Revenge!

A few weeks later, the citizens were invited to the palace to look at new construction plans in the city. A blackboard was ready and the king explained. "Teak trees will grow next to the market." The king took a piece of chalk to write on the blackboard. But the chalk didn't write…. 'Lick the chalk, Your Majesty, then it will work,' said Xieng Mieng.

And the king licked but still the crayon wouldn't write. "Lick again, Your Majesty," said Xieng Mieng. So the king licked again and tried to write but failed again. Then Xieng Mieng took the crayon and took a good look at it. 'Oh, Your Majesty, this must be a misunderstanding! This is not crayon. This is vulture poop! Your Majesty, how did it taste?'

Source: Lao Folktales (1995). Translation and editing Erik Kuijpers.