In ancient times, two desired twin sons were born to one padishah. The padishah loved them and spoiled them.
The years passed unnoticed, and the twins turned into beautiful, slender young men.
But then one day the sons of the padishah lost their appetite. They could neither eat nor drink and began to quickly waste away.
The padishah was very worried. He feels sorry for his sons - heirs to the throne and untold wealth. He summoned all the doctors, cooks and navaychi of his state.
But none of them could help the twins.
Then the sons asked their father for permission to go on a long journey and look for a cure in another country.
Father allowed.
Outside the city, the brothers met an old peasant who was hammering dry soil with a ketmen. They asked him:
- Dear, do me a favor, tell us where, in what country can I find a medicine that induces appetite?
“Such a medicine is not difficult to find,” said the old man. “But you see how much work I have: before the evening I have to level this hillock in order to sow at least a little chumiza and corn.” If you help me, I promise to help you find a good cure!
The twins agreed.
The old man left them his ketmen and went home.
The young men worked with the sweat of their brows as ketmen, replacing each other, working until late at night - they were so eager to find the desired medicine at all costs.
Meanwhile, the old man came home and punished his wife:
- Prepare a large cauldron of pilaf for the evening. If you don't have enough carrots, chop up more radishes.
Late at night, the old man brought the young men into his house and placed in front of them a large dish of steaming pilaf.
The young men, without noticing it themselves, ate the pilaf with such appetite that they did not leave a single grain of rice in the dish. They wanted more, but they were embarrassed to ask. Then one of the twins asks:
— Dear Bova, what magic medicine did you put in the pilaf? It tastes so good!
“I admit,” the old man laughed heartily, “there is no magic medicine in pilaf.” I have a magical ketmen that I left for you in the field...
The young men understood the old man’s words and did not go further to look for a cure, but immediately returned home.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru