FIVE KINGS (The Five Kings)

Chapter 1

The king of Cee was named Cee Siang Kong. His Majesty sacked two people. His eldest son, Kiu, was born to his first wife. His wife is from Louw. His second son was named Siao Pek. This child was born to his second wife, a daughter from the state of Kiu.

Both of King Cee's sons were born to his young wives (his concubines), but both of his sons have been recognized as legitimate sons of King Cee. In fact, they have been trying to find teachers to be led or educated in Bun (literature) and Bu (military).

Hearing his intention Koan I Gouw aka Koan Tiong was very interested. He wanted to be the teacher of one of the two sons of the king.

KoanTiong then met a minister of his best friend. His name is Pao Siok Gee.

Then they discussed his intentions with Pao Siok Gee.

”Son of our King there are two people,” said Koan Tiong, ”then the day one of them will definitely become king. If not Kiu, it would be Prince Siao Pek. What if we each educate one of them? If in the future they are ready to replace his father. We see, which of them is lucky?”

”Well, I agree on your opinion,” replied Pao Siok Gee.

They agreed to educate one of the two princes. Then Koan Tiong and Siao Hut meet King Cee. They begged that they be allowed to become Prince Kiu's teacher. So did Pao Siok Gee. he also begged to become Prince Siao Pek's teacher. The application of the two wise and clever ministers was approved by Cee Siang Kong.

Since then the two princes studied under Koan Tiong and Pao Siok Gee.

Prince Siao Pek studied under Pao Siok Gee and Prince Kiu studied under Koan Tiong.

**

There's an indecent event going on over King Cee. Every time Cee Day Kong meets Bun Kiang, his younger brother, they have an affair. The behavior of King Cee playing fun with his biological sister long ago discovered as well. One of Pao Siok Gee caught them. The act by Pao Siok Gee is considered very barbaric and embarrassing.

One day King Cee will meet his younger brother, Bun Kiang in Tanah Ko.

Hearing King Cee's intention to Tanah Ko, Pao Siok Gee advises King Cee not to go there. Pao Siok Gee also asked him to change his behavior. The situation is worse, because his brother Bun Kiang, was married to the king of the Louw country. But Pao Siok Gee's advice was ignored.

After Pao Siok Gee officially became Prince Siao Pek's teacher, he still tried to advise King Cee. This time it was through Prince Siao Pek. He asked his student to persuade his father to change his behavior.

”Ma-King's cruelty has been spread, so the people are not happy,” said Pao Siok Gee. ”If Kong-cu (Prince) doesn't prevent it, the disgrace will grow bigger! But if he wants to change his attitude, the ugliness can be somewhat subsided. But if your efforts fail then danger will threaten us. Like a water dam, if it is too full, it must be\ its water overflow. Then it became a flood! Then Kong-cu should warn your father.”

Hearing his teacher's description Siao Pek was startled, he did not expect his father to flirt with his aunt. After thinking for a moment Siao Pek promised to advise his father. He promised to work until his father was convinced.

One day he entered his father's palace. He went straight to his father. After paying his respects, with a sweet face Siao Pek said, ”Dad, I hope Dad is not angry, because I have a few words to say to Ayahanda. Again please Ayahanda not angry.”

”Tell me, what's that about?” said King Cee.

”As news spread outside, I heard gossip about King Louw's death. I heard bad accusations against Ayahanda. People make bird stories about the Father. Especially about the association of father with men and women. I hear people suspect and accuse what is not Dad. I think it's better to cancel the intention of going to the land of Ko.” said Siao Pek.

”What did you say? Brash kid!” sentak Cee Siang Kong angry. ”You're one little boy, why do you dare to talk so much in front of me? Come on, get out of here!”

After saying those harsh words, King Cee raised his leg and kicked. Siao Pek quickly dodged until he missed his father's kick. Siao Pek hurriedly ran out, continuing to flee leaving the palace. He hurriedly told Pao Siok Gee.

”I think vile people will definitely get a reply that is worth it too,” said Pao Siok Gee.. ”I'm willing to go with you, Prince.”

”Where to go?” siao Pek asked confusedly.

”Let's go to a country of people. While there we wait for a good moment for you, Prince!” pao Siok Gee.

”Good, I agree Su-hu. But go to what country?” ask Siao Pek.

”The excitement and disaster in a big country is uncertain, it would be nice if we just go to Ki country. In the small country of Ki and it is very close to the country of Cee.” said Pao Siok Gee. ”Because of the smallness of Ki's country, then the country does not attract attention. I'm sure no one will insult us there. Medium distance close to the state of Cee, will make it easier if we will go home.”

”Ya, well, I agree,” said Siao Pek.

That's how they secretly left Cee's country. When received the report King Cee Siang Kong did not bother the departure of the son and his minister.

**

Once King Cee Siang Kong was killed by Kong-sun Bu Ti, his kingdom was usurped.

In the meeting after Kong-sun Bu Ti came to power, Kwan Ci Hu proposed to the new king. He requested that Kong-sun Bu Ti call Koan Tiong to be minister. The proposal was accepted by Kong-sun Bu Ti. He immediately ordered people to invite Koan Tiong. He asked Koan Tiong to cooperate with him. But Koan Tiong refused the invitation. Intensely Koan Tiong said, ”Ha, that traitor's behavior is good! He did not realize the sharp machete had almost reached his neck. Even he wants to spread others?!”

King Louw Cong Kong received their good arrival, instead they were given shelter in the land of Seng-touw. Eating and wearing them every month is sent until enough.

**

In the twelfth year of Louw Cong Kong.....

That time is right on the Cun (semi) season in the month of Ji-gwe (month 12). At that time Kong-sun Bu Ti was already a king in the land of Cee. All the civil and military officials of the time were about to congratulate the new king. They had gathered in the room next to the palace and were waiting for the opening of the trial.

In the waiting room, the behavior of Lian Ceng and Kwan Ci Hu is very arrogant and arrogant.they think they are alone who helped Kong-sun Bu Ti overthrow Cee Siang-kong. Because of their services both Cee Siang Kong perished. Then Kong-sun Bu Ti ascended to the throne as king. They think their reward is very large.It is not surprising that their behavior becomes arrogant, and do not look one eye at other ministers who also contribute.

Most of the ministers became very hateful to the two arrogant ministers. Their hatred was clearly visible from their behavior.Yong Lim understood how the situation and feelings of the ministers. He purposely said to his colleagues, ”So I heard a guest coming from Louw country. The guest told him that Prince Kiu was going to borrow soldiers from the Louw country to attack the land of Cee..Have you heard the news?”

All the dignitaries in that place looked at each other between them. They said, ”We don't know about the news.”

Before Yong Lim continued his story further, the palace bells were already heard ringing. The bell as a sign of Kong-sun Bu Ti was already sitting on his throne. Then all the princes went into the palace to congratulate him.

After the appointment of the new king was completed, the trial was closed. All the princes came out of the palace. Most of the ministers did not return home immediately. They went straight to Yong Lim's house. They want to ask for further information about the news of Prince Kiu who wants to fight the country of Cee. After they got together, one of them spoke.

”What did you say in the palace earlier? Is Prince Kiu really ready to attack this country?” ask one of the dignitaries.

Yong Lim did not answer immediately, instead he turned around to ask.

”If it's true Kong-cu Kiu came to bring the army borrowed from the Louw country and attacked the land of Cee. What do you think of this?” ask Yong Lim.

”Even if the deceased King Cee Siang Kong is unwise and untrue when he becomes king. But his son was innocent. Day and night I look forward to his arrival,” said Tong Kok Gee.

His voice was steady but somewhat sobbed from being moved.

Hearing Tong Kok Gee's words, most of the magnifiers shed their tears.”I was on my knees not because I bowed to Kong-sun Bu Ti,” Yong Lim said.

Yong Lim was excited because many ministers agreed with him.

”I am silent not to fight, because I do not know how to fill the hearts of gentlemen. Now if you like to shoulder-to-shoulder get rid of the traitor. Let us elevate the son of the late King Cee Siang Kong to be our king. This action can only be said we are loyal ministers and know their obligations.”

All the dignitaries expressed agreement on Yong Lim's opinion.

”But how do you want to do this?” ask Tong Kok Gee.

”Kho He aka Keng Tiong, a hereditary minister of the Kingdom of Cee. He is a smart and clever man. He is also the most feared and trusted by everyone,” said Yong Lim. ”By Lian Ceng and Kwan Ci Hu, two great traitors! In fact I heard they tried to persuade Kho He, that Kho He would take the side of Kong-sun Bu Ti. If they managed to persuade Kho He to his side, then the influence would be even greater. But you know, their wishes are not fulfilled. They are very prying to Keng Tiong.”

”Thank God then,” said Tong Kok Gee with great excitement. ”Then what's our sense now?”

”We asked Kho He to arrange a banquet. Then invited the two traitors to the party. They would definitely be very excited, because they thought Kho He was willing to work with them. They will definitely come to the party,” said Yong Lim ”Later I will pretend to inform Kong-sun Bu Ti. I'll tell you that Prince Kiu is deploying his army. Since he was so stupid and had no strength, he would believe this news.

Later if I can get close to him, I will stab his heart upstream, he will surely perish! Then I'll light a fire as a sign. Kjo He can close the door immediately.

Then they exterminated the two traitors. Thus, is not this business then can be resolved like easily turning the palm of the hand?”

”Yes, this is one very good strategy!” tong Kok Gee said with glee, ”For Kho He, even though we know he hates the late King Cee Siang Kong. But in the interest of this country, surely he would not refuse to help. I dare guarantee, surely he will agree with our plan this.”

All the ministers were excited, each promised and willing to help with all their hearts.

Tong Kok Gee immediately went to Kho He's house. He immediately spoke to Kho He and informed them of their plans and the Yong Lim strategy they were planning to set up and run.

Kho He did indeed hate both the traitor and Kong-sun Bu Ti. Once he heard the plans of his comrades, he immediately agreed. He ordered Tong Kok Gee to go to Lian Ceng and Kwan Ci Hu's house to present his invitation. So hurry Tong Kok Gee to the traitor's second house.

When Tong Kok Gee arrived, the two traitors accepted Tong Kok Gee's arrival in excitement. After making small talk, Tong Kok Gee delivered an invitation from Keng Tiong to them. They were happy to accept the invitation. They promised to come to the party.

**