Flash Fiction Takeover

Flash Fiction Takeover –

"The King of Birds" by Xiaojie Rong

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September 15th, 2026

The King of Birds

by Xiaojie Rong

The King of Birds sat on his throne at the top of a tree.
He was worried about a lack of money.

Suddenly, an eagle and a peacock flew toward him in a hurry.

“Do you have more papers for me to approve?”
The King asked, putting on a serious face.

“Well,” the peacock stepped forward,
“To improve taste and beauty, I want to hold a beauty contest.
It will need some money…”

“I know,” the King said, cutting him off.
Then he turned to the eagle.
“And you?”

“I want to hold a fighting contest,” the eagle said quickly.
“It will train bodies and strengthen defence.
It will need some money…”

“I know,” the King said again.
He thought for a moment and said,
“I don’t have much money. I can only support one event.
The one that costs less will be chosen.”

“I only need 100 coins,” said the peacock at once.

“I only need 80,” the eagle replied.

“50,” said the peacock.

“30,” said the eagle.

“20.”

“10.”

“I don’t need any money at all!”

“Neither do I!”

“I can even earn money for the treasury!”

“So can I!”

“Enough,” said the King, waving his wings.
“Whoever can make money, go and do it alone.
Just pay tax as required.”

He stretched and yawned.
“I’m going to rest now.
You may each go and run your own event.”

The peacock and the eagle glared at each other,
then flew away in different directions.

About the Author
Xiaojie Rong resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Read the writer's biography and Flash Fiction Takeover publications on Xiaojie Rong's Artist Page.

Previously published in Flash Fiction Takeover:
The Journey
by Asakiri Zen

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