Prince Neba's Plan
Once upon a time, King Don and Queen Sasha lived with their two children in a grand and luxurious palace. The kingdom of Panda, ruled by King Don, was home to powerful warriors skilled in combat. The youngest son, Prince Neba, was always engrossed in books. One day, as King Don was passing by his room, he called out:
"Neba, it's time to stop wasting your time reading books and learn how to be a strong man like your elder brother."
Prince Neba calmly replied, "Being smarter is more important, Father. I want to be the smartest prince, and that requires reading a lot."
Prince Jay, the elder brother, woke up every day early to practice sword fighting, even having a special trainer to teach him. Despite the significant differences between the two brothers, they shared a deep mutual affection. They cared for each other and would spend hours chatting whenever neither was busy with reading or training. During one of Jay's training sessions, he injured himself. When Neba heard him from his room, he rushed to offer help. They always sat next to each other at the dining table, whispering to each other about their thoughts.
One day, as they were all having breakfast, a trusted servant whispered something into the king's ear. The king immediately stood up, his face showing signs of anger and concern.
Queen Sasha asked anxiously, "What's wrong? You seem very troubled and angry."
King Don replied angrily, "The king of the Kingdom of Labus has declared war on my kingdom."
Prince Jay asked in surprise, "Why? They are much larger and stronger than us. What could they possibly want to prove?"
The king answered, "They must have planned to attack us suddenly. Do you think they might be secretly planning to take over our kingdom?"
Prince Neba wisely suggested, "Father, why don't you meet with your advisors? You all can then decide the best course of action."
The king agreed and said, "Yes, that is a wise course of action. My king, please consider this matter."
That night, King Don gathered all his advisors and informed them about the imminent attack from the Kingdom of Labus. One of the advisors suggested that the king consider sending a gift as a gesture of peace to the Kingdom of Labus.
King Don decided to send Prince Jay the next day with a chest full of gold to the King of Labus to prevent the attack. Upon arrival, King Jay and his entourage were warmly welcomed by King Jade at his palace.
King Jade greeted with a sly smile, "Prince Jay! What a surprise!"
Prince Jay replied coolly, "Thank you, King Jade."
King Jade asked disdainfully, "What can I do for you today? Or did you come to beg for your life?"
Everyone in the room laughed, except Prince Jay and his four guards.
Prince Jay said firmly, "King Don has sent this chest of gold as a gesture of peace towards your kingdom."
One of Prince Jay's men advanced with the chest of gold and placed it on the floor before King Jade. A servant opened the chest, revealing the stunning gold. King Jade admired the gold but showed a sinister expression and ordered his men to seize Prince Jay.
King Jade said wickedly, "Thank you for this gold. It was a nice gesture, or should I say... a pitiful one?"
Everyone laughed again.
Prince Jay, enraged, asked, "What are you doing?"
King Jade looked him straight in the face and said, "I will take the gold, and then I will kill you and everyone in your kingdom. King Jade never backs down from his plans."
Prince Jay, though bewildered, quickly freed himself and, along with his four guards, fought off King Jade's men and escaped.
Upon returning to their kingdom, Prince Jay immediately went to his father, who was sitting with his advisors, and recounted everything that had happened. Everyone was frightened and unsure of what to do. They all talked at once, and no one was listening to the other. When Queen Sasha and Prince Neba heard the commotion, they came to understand what was happening and were shocked by King Jade's stubbornness and insistence on war.
Prince Neba calmly said, "I have an idea. Our kingdom is surrounded by a large forest. Let's pour oil all over the forest. When King Jade and his army come to attack us, we can set the forest on fire and burn them all."
The king and his advisors agreed with the idea and quickly set to work. They gathered large quantities of oil and poured it throughout the surrounding forest. As King Jade's army approached the kingdom, they set the forest ablaze. The fire spread rapidly and trapped the invading army.
King Jade's army quickly retreated, and victory belonged to the Kingdom of Panda. King Don thanked his son, Prince Neba, for his wisdom and intelligence.
This incident proved that intelligence and knowledge could be more powerful than physical strength. King Don learned a valuable lesson, and Prince Neba became a wise advisor in the affairs of the kingdom. The people lived in peace and happiness, and the Kingdom of Panda thrived in safety thanks to the wisdom of their young prince.