One rainy day, the sovereign sat on his gilded throne, and the courtiers stood around. Sieng Mieng was among them. The king wanted to laugh at this sly man, so he came up with such a trick.
“Listen, Sieng Mieng, I command you to use some cunning and lure me out of the throne room into the rain.” Then I recognize you as a great cunning one!
“Your Majesty,” answered Sieng Mieng, “I, insignificant, believe that there is no such cunning person in the world who could lure you into the pouring rain.” Now, if you did the opposite... If you yourself went out into the pouring rain... But is this possible?! If you were sitting in the pouring rain and ordered me to lure you into the throne room... But would you agree to this? Can you?
- How? I can't?! - The angry king jumped up. - Look, insignificant! I, sir, can do anything! - With these words the king jumped out into the rain. - Well, now manage to lure me back to the throne room! - he ordered.
“Your Majesty,” Sieng Mieng answered with dignity, “I won’t even try.” Why should I lure you back? If you want, get wet in the rain, if you want, go back to the throne room, your choice. You ordered me to lure you out into the rain. I did it.
This is how the cunning rogue managed to deceive the king.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru