8. Drying Books, Drying Mud
10. Painting Contest
In the presence of the king and the courtiers, there was a boastful painter who challenged Trạng Quỳnh to a painting contest.
– Can you paint before the king with just three drumbeats? If you can draw one creature after hearing three drumbeats, I will admire your skill.
Quỳnh smirked, dismissing the challenge, saying:
– Only drawing ten creatures after one drumbeat showcases talent. Your challenge is trivial.
Hearing this, the boastful painter was furious and challenged Quỳnh to paint.
The contest began.
Upon hearing the first drumbeat, the boastful painter eagerly began painting, while Quỳnh remained nonchalant, not bothering to dip his brush. Upon the second drumbeat, Quỳnh still sat leisurely, seemingly unaware of the impending end of the competition. It was only after the third drumbeat that Quỳnh dipped all ten of his fingers in ink, then spread them across the paper, creating ten long, wiggling lines claiming they were earthworms, presenting them before the boastful painter.
The painter asked:
– What are these?
Quỳnh replied:
– These are ten earthworms, for the earthworm is the dragon of the earth!
At that moment, the boastful painter had not finished painting anything. Through cunning and wit, Trạng Quỳnh emerged victorious. Crestfallen, the boastful painter conceded, vowing to seek revenge another day. He retreated, nursing his wounded pride.
