What the Birds Said
by Unknown · from Tales of Wonder Every Child Should Know
Adapted Version
Kong Hia Chiang was a boy. He had a secret. He could talk to birds!
One night, birds sang a song. "Kong Hia Chiang, listen to us!" they chirped. "A sheep is missing on the plain. It is by stones." Kong heard birds. He knew what they said.
Kong Hia Chiang went to the plain. He found the missing sheep. He took the sheep home with him. The next day, The Shepherd came. He looked for his sheep. He saw Kong Hia Chiang.
The Shepherd asked about his sheep. Kong Hia Chiang told him about the birds. "The birds told me," he said. The Shepherd did not believe him. He thought Kong Hia Chiang was wrong. Kong Hia Chiang was put in a room.
While in the room, a bird flew near. It sat on the wall. The bird sang to Kong Hia Chiang. "Danger comes from the west!" it sang. "No one watches the gate." Kong heard the bird.
Kong Hia Chiang told The Guard. "Bad people are coming!" he said. "Birds told me this." The Guard did not believe. He thought Kong Hia Chiang was silly. The Guard wanted to test him.
The Guard put rice on a roof. Some rice was sweet. Some rice was salty. Many birds came to eat. "What do birds say?" The Guard asked Kong. Kong Hia Chiang listened well.
"Birds call to their friends," Kong said. "They say, 'Come and eat! Here is rice. Half is sweet. Half is salt. Stop and take a bite!'" The Guard was surprised. He believed Kong Hia Chiang.
The Guard told The Wise Leader. The Wise Leader sent a man. The man went to the west. He looked for danger. He saw bad people coming. The Wise Leader sent soldiers.
The soldiers went to the west. They met the bad people. The soldiers stopped them. The bad people could not come in. Kong Hia Chiang's warning helped all. He saved his land.
Kong Hia Chiang was set free. The King thanked him very much. Kong Hia Chiang got a good job. He helped The King often. It is good to have special talents. At times people do not know them. But special talents can help all. They can make you good. Kong Hia Chiang was happy. He helped his land. His special gift was very good. All were safe because of Kong Hia Chiang.
Original Story
What the Birds Said
lad named Kong Hia Chiang, who lived with his parents among the mountains, understood the language of the birds. One twilight, as he sat at his books, a flock of birds alighted on a tree before his window and sang:
"Kong Hia Chiang, on the southern plain
A sheep awaits you by a heap of stones,—
A fine fat wether, that the dogs have slain;
You eat the flesh and we will pick the bones!"
Kong Hia Chiang went and brought in the torn sheep and cooked it during the night. The next morning a shepherd came and said that one of his sheep was missing; he had found blood on the meadow, had followed the trail, and it had brought him to that house. Kong Hia Chiang acknowledged that he had brought in the sheep, but declared that the dogs had killed it, and that its death and the place where it might be found had been made known to him by birds. His story was considered to be an impudent fabrication, and he was haled away to prison.
While he was awaiting his trial before the magistrate, a bird, flying eastward, perched on the wall, saw him, and piped:
"Foes approach the western border,
Banners, bows, and spears in order,
While the gate lacks watch or warder."
Kong Hia Chiang thereupon so vehemently besought his jailer to inform the magistrate of the imminent danger of invasion through the unprotected Western Pass, that the jailer, though wholly incredulous, decided to test his power of comprehending the utterances of birds. He took some rice, soaked a part of it in sweetened water, and a part in brine, and then spread the whole on the roof of a shed into which he brought Kong Hia Chiang, and asked him if he knew why so many birds were chirruping overhead. Kong Hia Chiang at once replied that those on the roof were hailing those that were flying past, and saying:
"Call a halt; call a halt;
Here is rice fresh and white;
Half is sweet, half is salt;
Stop a bit; take a bite."
The jailer was at once convinced that the prisoner understood the speech of birds, and therefore hastened to the magistrate to report the warning and the test. The magistrate sent a swift courier to notify the military officers, and a scout was sent out to the west. He soon confirmed the message of Kong Hia Chiang, and troops were dispatched to strengthen the garrison at the pass, the invaders thereby being successfully repelled. The great service rendered to the country by Kong Hia Chiang was acknowledged by his sovereign, who afterward made use of his remarkable talent, invited him to study with the princes, and eventually raised him to a high rank among the nobles of the empire.
Story DNA
Moral
Unusual abilities, though initially misunderstood, can bring great benefit and lead to recognition and success.
Plot Summary
Kong Hia Chiang, a boy who understands birds, is imprisoned after he explains that birds led him to a slain sheep, a story deemed a fabrication. While in jail, birds warn him of an impending invasion. He convinces his jailer, who tests his ability, leading to the magistrate dispatching troops based on the warning. The invasion is repelled, and Kong Hia Chiang is honored by the sovereign, rising to a high rank for his invaluable gift.
Themes
Emotional Arc
misunderstanding to vindication and triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a societal structure with a clear hierarchy, from commoners to magistrates and a sovereign, and the importance of military defense against invaders.
Plot Beats (11)
- Kong Hia Chiang, who understands birds, hears them sing about a slain sheep on the southern plain.
- He retrieves the sheep and cooks it, but is later confronted by a shepherd.
- Kong Hia Chiang explains the birds' message, but is disbelieved and imprisoned for theft.
- While in prison, a bird warns him of an approaching invasion from the west.
- Kong Hia Chiang urgently informs his jailer of the danger, who is initially incredulous.
- The jailer devises a test, placing sweet and salty rice on a roof and asking Kong Hia Chiang what the birds are saying.
- Kong Hia Chiang accurately reports the birds' message about the rice, convincing the jailer of his ability.
- The jailer reports to the magistrate, who sends a scout to the west.
- The scout confirms the invasion warning, and troops are dispatched to the Western Pass.
- The invaders are successfully repelled due to Kong Hia Chiang's warning.
- Kong Hia Chiang is released, honored by the sovereign, and given a high position in the empire.
Characters
Kong Hia Chiang
A slender young man of average height, with a studious build. His movements are generally calm and observant, reflecting his thoughtful nature.
Attire: Initially, simple, practical scholar's robes made of plain, undyed cotton or linen, suitable for someone living in the mountains. Later, after his elevation, he would wear more refined silk robes in muted scholarly colors like deep blue or forest green, possibly with subtle embroidery, befitting a noble of the empire.
Wants: To live truthfully and apply his unique gift to benefit himself and others, ultimately seeking recognition and justice for his abilities.
Flaw: His honesty and unusual gift make him vulnerable to disbelief and accusations from those who don't understand him.
He begins as an ordinary, misunderstood lad, falsely imprisoned for his unique ability. Through his persistence and the validation of his gift, he rises to become a respected noble and advisor to the sovereign, using his talent for the good of the empire.
Observant, honest, intelligent, earnest, persistent.
The Shepherd
A sturdy, sun-weathered man of average height and build, accustomed to outdoor life. His hands are likely calloused from working with sheep.
Attire: Simple, durable peasant clothing made of coarse woven fabric, likely in earthy tones, perhaps a tunic and trousers, with sturdy sandals or boots. He might wear a wide-brimmed straw hat to protect from the sun.
Wants: To find his missing sheep and hold accountable whoever took it.
Flaw: His immediate suspicion and inability to believe anything outside his conventional understanding.
He serves as the initial catalyst for Kong Hia Chiang's imprisonment but does not change or reappear.
Suspicious, accusatory, practical, focused on his livelihood.
The Jailer
A middle-aged man, perhaps a bit stout, with a practical and initially skeptical demeanor. He would have a presence that commands order within the prison.
Attire: Official, but not luxurious, uniform of a jailer in ancient China. This would likely be a dark, sturdy tunic and trousers, possibly with some simple insignia or a belt, made of durable fabric like coarse silk or cotton.
Wants: To maintain order, fulfill his duties, and later, to verify Kong Hia Chiang's claims.
Flaw: Initial incredulity towards anything supernatural or unusual.
He begins as a skeptic but becomes convinced of Kong Hia Chiang's ability, leading to the protagonist's vindication and rise.
Skeptical, dutiful, pragmatic, open-minded (eventually).
The Magistrate
An elderly, wise-looking man of dignified stature, perhaps with a long, thin beard, reflecting his position of authority and experience.
Attire: Formal, dignified court robes of a magistrate in ancient China. These would be made of fine silk, likely in deep, rich colors like maroon or dark blue, with subtle, intricate embroidery, possibly a cap or headpiece.
Wants: To uphold justice and ensure the safety of the empire.
Flaw: His initial reliance on conventional evidence, making him slow to believe extraordinary claims.
He initially condemns Kong Hia Chiang but later becomes convinced of his abilities, leading to his release and subsequent elevation.
Initially skeptical, judicious, wise, open to evidence, responsible.
The Sovereign
A powerful and regal figure, likely of imposing presence, reflecting his imperial authority. His build would be strong and dignified.
Attire: Magnificent imperial court robes of the highest quality silk, richly embroidered with symbols of power like dragons, in vibrant colors such as imperial yellow or deep red. He would wear a jeweled crown or elaborate headpiece.
Wants: To protect and strengthen his empire, and to utilize exceptional talents for the good of his realm.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but potentially susceptible to flattery or misjudgment if not for his wisdom.
He acknowledges and rewards Kong Hia Chiang's service, elevating him to a high rank, demonstrating his wise leadership.
Wise, pragmatic, appreciative of talent, decisive, benevolent (towards those who serve the empire).
Locations
Kong Hia Chiang's Mountain Home
A modest dwelling nestled among mountains, likely a traditional Chinese rural house with a simple window overlooking trees. The interior is where Kong Hia Chiang studies.
Mood: Initially peaceful and studious, then becomes tense and foreboding with the bird's message.
Kong Hia Chiang first hears the birds' prophecy about the sheep.
The Southern Plain by a Heap of Stones
An open, flat expanse of land to the south of Kong Hia Chiang's home, characterized by a pile of rocks where the sheep is found.
Mood: Desolate and quiet, with a hint of recent violence.
Kong Hia Chiang finds the slain sheep as foretold by the birds.
The Prison Courtyard / Jailer's Shed Roof
A functional area within a Chinese prison, likely with stone or brick walls, and a shed with a flat roof used for the bird test. The atmosphere is initially grim, then becomes a place of revelation.
Mood: Initially oppressive and skeptical, transforming into one of wonder and validation.
Kong Hia Chiang is imprisoned and later proves his ability to understand birds to the jailer.