Sold For Yams
(2-minute read)
The Little Peasant was horrified. She had been sold by her family to a farmer for 10kg of yams and a goat. She was to move to his village and live in a hut.
In desperation, Little Peasant went to the Guan Di Temple and beseeched the Warrior God for help. “Give me the mind of a commander so I will live a life of bounty wherever I go,” she prayed. “In return, I shall sing songs of your greatness.”
That night she bribed the village headman with opium. In his stupor, he told her of an arranged journey to faraway shores. Little Peasant made for the beach where other escapees were waiting. “I am taking the place of the headman,” she announced bravely.
After days of choppy waters and illness, she saw the coast of a strange land with tall swaying trees and brown-skinned men.
“Where am I? Are we in America, land of the free?” she asked. Her companions laughed. “We’re in Nusantara, land of sun, tin and rubber.”
Half the boat passengers had perished from fever. Little Peasant had survived the treacherous pilgrimage across the South China Seas. A new life awaited her.
Four generations later, Little Peasant looked down from heaven to watch her deculturalised descendants sweep her tomb and offer food. Her granddaughter - a precocious blonde who barely spoke Chinese was leading the family with speeches.
“Grandma, life was hard when you first arrived but you laid the foundation of a wonderful life for us. I shall write and speak of you so you live on.”
Little Peasant turned to the Warrior God who was sharpening his spear. “Send her money and make every merchant say yes to her.”
“You spoil her,” crowed the Warrior God. “Her life is lazy and bountiful.” Little Peasant laughed. “Ah yes, but she remembers me in a way that no others do, much like I for you.” The Warrior God grunted and waved his magic spear.
Down below, granddaughter received a text message about buying a new stock - Ekovest. An assistant to a politician confirmed a meeting she had been pushing for weeks.
Little Peasant beamed as her granddaughter danced in glee. Her destiny was about to unfold.
