Once upon a time, in a part of Thailand, there lived a man named Cadeo, who inherited a rice paddy field from his late father, along with a single ox. Although he learned much from his parents and was eager to work, he had a hard time plowing through the mud because his tools were rusted from age. Still, Cadeo did his best and managed a good, albeit minuscule, yield for the harvest. One night, he bemoaned his troubles to his ox, whom he took care of like a loved one.

“Dear Ox, I am at a loss for what we can do now. The crop is too small for the market. The tools are on the verge of falling apart, and we cannot afford new ones or help as our money has dwindled away. At least you’re here with me, giving it all you’ve got. You are a loyal friend. Even if worse comes to worst, I shall never sell you to anyone willing to break you down. I’ll make sure of it.”

Cadeo went to bed for an early rise the next day, and Ox thought about what the man had said.

My friend needs help beyond the field. Perhaps I can assist him with that.

So, he secretly left the stall and walked northwards where a wealthy ruler lived, said to be vain and easily won over with flattery. He found the latter’s ornate palace and bellowed loudly that it woke the guards. They rushed to see him kneel on the soft ground and draw something with his horn. The ruler, hearing the commotion, peered out the window; Ox’s portrait met his gaze.

He was flattered. “My, such artistry from an unlikely creature. It puts my royal artists to shame. Your artwork is marvelous! I shall reward you with whatever you desire!”

The animal paused briefly before sketching images of a sickle, a thresher, various other tools that needed replacement. The ruler was as good as his word, and by the coming dawn, Ox carried a satchel filled with new, silver equipment. None the wiser, Cadeo was surprised to see the contents.

“I must be dreaming. Either that or fortune has finally smiled upon us!”

In no time, the rice paddy field produced a larger amount of rice thanks to the new equipment. Still, most of the crops were small in stature. Word soon spread of a new fertilizer that helped rice grow fat but was expensive. So, Ox walked back to the palace and repeated his actions, this time drawing the ruler as a fearless hero, defending his people from a dragon. Once again, he was impressed.

Such brilliance! It’s hard to imagine a farm animal captures my true self in art so perfectly. I shall reward you with whatever you desire!”

After drawing what he wanted, the ox returned with fertilizer. Although curious about its origins, Cadeo didn’t complain and used it to make fat rice.

Soon the farm was filled with freshly harvested rice, and the market would be open the next day. Though there would be dozens of other rice merchants, the young man assured himself that he’d still make a good sale.

However, Ox wouldn’t leave it to chance, and as you can imagine, that night the ruler saw his greatest portrait, of him surrounded by his loyal subjects and lauded. When the individual witnessed this, he clapped like a sea lion and danced a jig by the window, which made the guards panic for fear of him falling; luckily, he did not.

“Please, o magnificent beast, tell me the name of your master!”

Ox did as requested, and by morning, the farmer was surprised to see the ruler greet him at the market.

“Cadeo, bright young man, your precious ox is an amazing creature! I shall purchase every grain of your rice!”

Dazed and surprised, Cadeo agreed to the deal and left the market twenty times richer than when he arrived.

“I don’t suppose you had any help in this, Ox?” He smirked at his bovine companion.

Ox didn’t reply, but the mischievous twinkle in his eye was an obvious answer.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero