The chosen prince
RAJA Besar Ho Gading ruled over his kingdom with his queen, Puteri Seliput Layu. It was a prosperous kingdom and attracted many visitors and traders all year around. The royal couple had seven handsome princes. All the princes were well trained in the art of governance and warfare. The king loved them all. However, he had delayed appointing the heir to the throne even as he grew older. Raja Ho Gading cared deeply about his people and was worried about the future of his kingdom. He wanted to be sure he chose the right heir.
One day, he sent for the royal fortuneteller, Wak Nujum, to seek advice about his kingdom’s destiny. After the fortune-teller had gotten his premonitions, he reported to the king.
In short, Raja Besar Ho Gading learned that there would be tragedy, drought and famine in the kingdom unless his youngest son, Raja Bongsu, ruled. The youngest son, already a favourite of his mother, Puteri Seliput Layu, was a witty, but innocent lad who was brought up by his two loyal servants, Peran Tua and Peran Muda. He had a gentle and kind heart, and loved to play kites and fish in the pond in the royal garden.
However, the predictions of the royal fortune-teller reached the ears of his eldest brother Raja Sulung. The proud prince was blinded by rage. So jealous and angry upon hearing that Raja Bongsu may be the chosen heir was he, that he decided to plot with his other siblings to kill their youngest brother. He promised them great positions and riches if they supported his wicked plans.
And so, they began plotting and conspiring against Raja Bongsu, in the hope they would be able to win their parents’ favour. Raja Sulong was wily and
manipulative, so the king had no idea about the murderous thoughts he kept.
FOR DISCUSSION Do you think Raja Bongsu was fit to inherit his father’s throne and rule a kingdom although he is the youngest prince?
One day, Raja Sulong sought permission from his father to allow all the princes to travel and hunt together at Padang Luas Padang Saujana, an area far from the palace. The king and queen were not very worried, but they reminded the older brothers to take special care of their youngest brother. This angered Raja Sulong even more but he held his temper and smiled at his father, the king, promising him that he will be careful and look out for the youngest prince.
Immediately upon reaching Padang Saujana, he began to provoke the other brothers to oppose Raja Bongsu. They expressed their anger and jealousy towards him openly. Finally, in anger, they threw their youngest brother into an old dried-up well, and left him there to die.
Raja Besar Ho Gading was full of grief and sorrow when Raja Sulong returned and told him that Raja Bongsu had been attacked and killed by a tiger. The king became weaker and weaker, while Raja Sulong prepared himself to take over as ruler of the country, happy with the way his plan was going.
In the darkness of the well, Raja Bongsu cried for help for a long time. He became weaker and weaker as there were no food or water in the well. Luckily for him, two travelers, Tok Peraih Sireh and Terbuh Bodor were passing by. Hearing his cries for help, they rescued him quickly. Meanwhile, Raja Besar had sent the faithful Peran in search for the tiger which had supposedly killed Raja Bongsu.
Months passed by and Peran Tua and Peran Muda still had not succeeded in finding the killer tiger. They finally arrived at Tok Peraih Sireh’s humble abode and were shocked to find Raja Bongsu alive and well!
Now that they had found their charge, they advised Raja Bongsu that the royal fortune teller, Wak Nujum had predicted war and calamity if he did not return to rule. Hearing of his father’s illness, Raja Bongsu became worried. He agreed to return to the palace quickly.
Upon his return, the king was shocked to hear the truth! The other princes were then punished for their vengeful acts. He ordered for Raja Sulong to be banished.
But Raja Bongsu begged for his brothers to be forgiven. With that, Raja Besar Ho Gading hand over his kingdom to Raja Bongsu.