The All-Wish Stick | Ep. 266

If you could wish for anything in the world, what would it be?

In today’s episode, we’ll meet a flute player who receives a magical gift that makes wishes come true… but only if they’re made with an honest heart!

Our story is called “The All-Wish Stick.” It’s inspired by tales from the East Asian country of China.

Voices in this episode include Feodor Chin, Paul Dateh, Robert Feng, and Amy Tsang. Amy has appeared in 80+ shows and movies in America and her native China, including the feature film “Silent River,” the CW series “Kung Fu,” and the new Disney+ series, “Star Wars: The Acolyte.”

This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. It was edited by Dean Russell. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.

GROWN-UPS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. We’re also keeping an album so please share your picture on Facebook and Instagram, and tag it with #CircleRoundPodcast. To access all the coloring pages for past episodes click HERE. Our resident artist is Sabina Hahn and you can learn more about her HERE.

Now it’s your turn!

It’s nice to make wishes for ourselves. But it can be even nicer to make wishes for others!

Pick someone you have fun with – a family member or friend – then take turns stating what you wish for each other. And remember: your wishes don’t have to be something you can see or touch. They can be as simple as happiness, health, safety or peace!

After you share your wishes, close your eyes… and picture those wishes coming true!

Musical Spotlight: Dizi

Dating back more than 2,000 years, this Chinese bamboo flute was first known as the hengchui (translation: “horizontal blow”), then the hengdi (“horizontal flute), and finally the dizi (“disciple”). One of China’s oldest and most well-known instruments, the dizi is a major component in folk music, musicals and operas.

Traditionally made of bamboo, the dizi has six finger holes, one blow hole and one hole covered by the buzzing, tube-shaped membrane known as the dimo. Made from paper-thin slices of bamboo shoots, the dimo is the most important part of the instrument, since its buzzing vibration helps give the dizi its clear, bright and resonant (or ringing) sound.

Story Transcript:

NARRATOR: There once was a woman named Fei. Fei lived in a small town by the sea, inside a cramped cottage with sagging floors, leaky ceilings, and rickety windows that rattled in the breeze.

Fei scraped together a living doing odd jobs for her neighbors. Sometimes she mended clothing.

FEI: I replaced the buttons on your jacket, Mr. Lee. What do you think?

NARRATOR: Sometimes she weeded gardens.

FEI: I got the vines off your peonies, Mrs. Wu. See how happy they look?

NARRATOR: And sometimes she walked dogs.

FEI: Can you pick up the pace, Chester and Rocky??? And Spike! Can you please stop nibbling Coco’s collar????

NARRATOR: Fei enjoyed helping her fellow townspeople – and towns-dogs.

FEI: Spike! PLEASE!

NARRATOR: But what she enjoyed most were those rare slivers of free time when she could cozy up in her cottage, nestle into a creaky chair, and play…

[flute in, duck down]

NARRATOR: …her bamboo flute.

[flute up, duck down]

NARRATOR: The music that flowed from Fei’s flute was so passionate, so moving, that anyone passing by would stop in their tracks… and listen.

And what's more… they would change! If their mind was troubled and stormy, their head would clear. If they were full of sorrow, their tears would dry. If they were brimming with anger, their heart would soften. Such was the power of Fei’s music.

[flute out]

NARRATOR: One summer evening, after a packed day of odd jobs around town, Fei decided she would bring her flute to the seashore.

FEI: …so I can play my music beneath the wide open sky! Wouldn’t that be glorious?

NARRATOR: The sun was setting and the sea was calm as Fei stepped onto the beach. She settled on the sand, brought her flute to her lips… and began to play.

[flute in, duck down]

NARRATOR: So immersed was she in her playing that she didn’t notice the water begin to ripple… then bubble… then froth into tall foamy waves! And before she knew what was happening…

[flute out]

NARRATOR: …a towering whitecap came surging to the shore and crashing over her head, soaking her through and through!

FEI: (gasp!) Dear me! That wave came out of nowhere! Good thing I was holding on to my flute; it could have been washed away!

CRAB: Oh, I wouldn’t have allowed that to happen! The Dragon King would be FURIOUS!

NARRATOR: Fei looked up. And what should she spy scuttling toward her on the sand but a giant red crab.

FEI: Goodness. That wave must have knocked a screw loose in my head! I could have sworn that enormous crab just TALKED to me!

CRAB: That’s because I DID talk to you! By order of the Dragon King!

FEI: The Dragon King?

NARRATOR: Fei cocked her head.

FEI: You mean, the divine ruler of the waters? The mighty deity who controls the world’s rivers, lakes, and oceans?

CRAB: AND ponds. AND streams. AND harbors. AND bays. It’s been said he controls the PUDDLES too, but the jury’s still out on that one.

FEI: Sooo… assuming I’m not hallucinating right now… the Dragon King really sent a giant red crab to TALK to ME…?

CRAB: Oh, he didn’t send me to TALK to you. He sent me to COLLECT you! And bring you to his palace! So stop asking questions, will ya, and hop on! (dramatic) We’ve got a date with the big guy!

NARRATOR: Why do YOU think the Dragon King sent his messenger to collect Fei? What do you think will happen when the flute player meets the mighty deity?

We’ll find out, after a quick break.

[BREAK]

NARRATOR:  I’m Rebecca Sheir. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today our story is called “The All-Wish Stick.”

Before the break, Fei was playing her bamboo flute by the sea when the Dragon King sent a big red crab to bring her to his underwater palace!

FEI: I appreciate the Dragon King wishing to see me, but how long will it take to get there? Will I be able to breathe? Should I hold my breath? All my flute-playing has given me amazing breath control, but do you think it’ll be enough?

CRAB: Boy! You sure love asking questions, don’t you? Just relax, hold tight, and I’ll take care of everything.

NARRATOR: Grasping her flute with one hand – and the crab’s knobby shell with the other – Fei felt the icy sting of saltwater as she and the crab plunged beneath the waves. She was relieved to discover that, indeed, she was able to breathe underwater. And after floating all the way down to the seafloor, she found herself gazing upon a magnificent palace, its lofty towers and walls shimmering with coral and sea glass.

FEI: THIS is the Dragon King’s palace? Where he LIVES???

CRAB: (sarcastic) NO! This is the Dragon King’s treehouse! Where he plays “Go Fish” with his friends! (beat) YES this is the Dragon King’s palace! Now stop asking questions and let’s go in.

NARRATOR: Fei and the crab glided through an archway. When they floated into a spacious hall, Fei felt her body tremble all over. For seated upon a massive throne, high above her… was the Dragon King. His snake-like body was deep scarlet; his eyes were, too. A long, dark beard curled from his chin, and his horns and claws were as sharp as daggers.

DRAGON KING: So! YOU must be the flute player whose music I heard just now!

NARRATOR: Fei made an awkward, quivery curtsy.

FEI: (nervous) Um yes! My name is Fei, and I AM ‘the flute player whose music you heard just now.’ (beat) Is that why you brought me here? Was my music too loud? Did I play a song you don’t like? Did I hit a sour note? 

DRAGON KING: (to Crab) Does she always ask so many questions?

CRAB: (sarcastic) Does a dogfish have fleas?

FEI: Dragon King. You must understand that my music is my passion. I play it out of love. I apologize if my playing disturbed you.

DRAGON KING: Disturbed me…? On the contrary, Fei! Your playing DELIGHTED me! That’s why I sent my messenger to fetch you! I would like you to stay at my palace for one week, and play for me. When it’s time for you to go, I shall give you a reward.

NARRATOR: Fei could hardly believe her ears. Honored to receive such a generous invitation from such a powerful host, she immediately accepted.

She flashed the Dragon King a smile, then lifted her flute to her lips, and began filling the sparkling walls of the palace with music.

[flute in, duck down]

NARRATOR: She did the same thing the next day.

[flute up, duck down]

NARRATOR: And the next...

[flute up, duck down]

NARRATOR: And the next...

[flute up, duck down]

NARRATOR: …and at the end of the seventh day, the Dragon King stayed true to his word.

[flute out]

DRAGON KING: Fei. You have graced this palace with your presence – and your playing – for an entire week. Though I’m sad to see you go, it’s time for me to make good on my promise. Messenger? Give Fei her reward.

CRAB: Sure thing, Your Majesty!

NARRATOR: The giant red crab came scurrying over. Clutched in one of his pincers was a smooth golden stick.

FEI: Wow! This stick is beautiful! (beat) But with all due respect… all I did was play my flute, you know? Do I really deserve something so fancy? Maybe you’d like to give me a less extravagant reward? Like seashells? Or coral? Or – (gets interrupted)

CRAB: (interrupting) Enough with the questions, Fei! Just take the Dragon King’s reward.

DRAGON KING: Yes, Fei. Take the reward, for it is my gift to you. We call it… the All-Wish Stick. With this stick in your possession, anything you desire shall be yours. … Provided you make the wish with a good and honest heart. 

NARRATOR: Fei cradled the golden stick in her hands.

FEI: This is so generous of you, Dragon King! I can’t tell you how much this means to me. (heartfelt) Thank you!

DRAGON KING: No, Fei. Thank YOU!

NARRATOR: By the time the crab brought Fei back to the shore, it was the middle of the night and not a soul was about. Fei thanked the crab, then took off through the empty streets of her sleepy town. Moonlight filtered through her rickety windows as she hurried through the door of her cramped cottage.

FEI: Is this really happening? Am I dreaming? Did the Dragon King really reward me with this magical gift? (beat) Uch! I DO love asking questions, don’t I?

NARRATOR: Fei walked over to the table. The moment she sat down, she clutched her belly as it let out a deep, low growl.

FEI: Ooooo! I didn’t realize how hungry I was! And as usual, there’s hardly a crumb of food in this house! (beat) Well, I guess I know the first thing I’ll wish for! All-Wish Stick? I wish… for a bowl of rice!

NARRATOR: All at once, there was a flash of light…

…and then, what should Fei find steaming on the table before her, but a deep bowl filled with fluffy white rice!

FEI: (gasp!) That rice looks delicious! All-Wish Stick…? Would it be too much to wish for a pot of tea to go along with it…?

NARRATOR: No sooner had Fei said these words than she saw another burst of light…

…and a porcelain pot of tea appeared beside the bowl of rice. She swallowed a mouthful of rice, then washed it down with a hot, fragrant sip of tea.

FEI: Scrumptious! …This is unbelievable!

NARRATOR: Fei glanced around her cottage. As her eyes took in the sagging floors, the leaky ceilings, the rickety windows… she got an idea.

FEI: All-Wish Stick…? This next wish is a whole lot bigger than the first two, but trust me: it’s something I really need. I wish… for a new house!

NARRATOR: There was another blaze of light…

…and what should Fei find herself sitting in but – yes – a new house!

This house was far less cramped than her old one, with shiny floors, sturdy ceilings, and thick windows that didn’t allow a lick of air to blow through. What’s more, the kitchen was stocked with good things to eat… and the closet was full of new clothing to wear.

At long last, Fei no longer had to scrape by to survive. She still did odd jobs here and there, but only because she loved her neighbors and was happy to help them out. But now that she had more free time, she devoted all of it to her one true passion:

[flute]

NARRATOR: …playing her flute.

As sweet music drifted through her open windows, passers-by listened with delight. As they did, they marveled at Fei’s new house, and how quickly her fortune had turned around. And everyone agreed it couldn’t have happened to a kinder, more honest soul.

Well… perhaps not EVERYONE.

One day, while Fei was playing her flute, she heard someone knocking at her door.

[flute stops]

FEI: One minute! I’ll be right there! (beat) May I help you?

NARRATOR: Standing outside was a man whom Fei didn’t recognize.

BO: (laying it on thick; trying to butter her up) Greetings! My name is Bo. I’m new to these parts. I recently moved into a house on the other side of town.

FEI: Oh! Well welcome to town, Bo! My name is Fei.

BO: Lovely to meet you, Fei. And lovely to see your beautiful house! Everyone’s been talking about it. They say it magically transformed overnight!

FEI: Well… I did come into some good fortune…

BO: OBVIOUSLY!

NARRATOR: Bo barged past Fei and began wandering around.

BO: I mean LOOK at this place! Not only is the house the snazziest in the neighborhood… but the closets are bursting with stylish attire! The cupboards are brimming with good things to eat! (beat) So tell me, Fei. What’s the secret to your newfound fortune? Nobody goes from rags to riches overnight. Yet word has it that you apparently DID!

NARRATOR: Fei hesitated. She hadn’t told anyone about the Dragon King’s All-Wish Stick. She suspected no one would believe her.

But, despite her reservations, she took a breath, then told Bo the story of her flute-playing on the beach… her underwater journey with the giant red crab…

FEI: …and then I met the Dragon King! And it turns out he loved my music so much, he gave me a reward! It’s called an All-Wish Stick. And it will give you anything you wish for, provided you make the wish with a good – (get interrupted)

BO: (cutting her off) Anything you wish for?

NARRATOR: Bo was so excited, he could hardly sit still. Or allow Fei to finish a sentence.

FEI: Well, YES! …Provided you make the wish with a good – (gets interrupted again)

BO: (cutting her off) That is AMAZING!

NARRATOR: Bo’s mind was in a whirl. He was desperate to meet the Dragon King… and get his hands on an All-Wish Stick of his own.

BO: So… you’re saying it was your flute-playing that caught the Dragon King’s attention…?

FEI: It was! I don’t think I’ve ever had a more appreciative audience.

BO: Clearly! But speaking of playing the flute… can I admit something to you? All my life, the one instrument I have always wanted to play… is the flute.

FEI: That’s wonderful, Bo! You know – I have a spare flute in one of my closets,  and I’d be happy to give it to you. I could even teach you how to play! We could start lessons right now!

BO: Right now…?

NARRATOR: Bo shifted from one foot to the other.

BO: Actually… now’s not a good time. How about you send me home with the flute… I start practicing on my own… and we’ll meet up for a lesson some other day?

FEI: That works! Hang on a sec.

NARRATOR: Fei fetched the flute from the closet. There was a gleam in Bo’s eye as he grabbed it from her hands.

BO: Thank you, neighbor! This is so very generous. I’ll get to work right away!

NARRATOR: That night, under the light of the moon and the glint of the stars, Bo crept over to the seashore. He sat on the sand, lifted his new  bamboo flute to his lips… and began to play.

[sour-note flute]

NARRATOR: But unlike Fei’s playing, Bo’s music was not the kind that would clear a troubled mind or dry tears or soften an angry heart.

No. This music…

[sour-note flute continues]

NARRATOR: …would pretty much do the opposite. After all, Bo had no idea what he was doing! He was so busy fumbling with the flute and playing sour note after sour note…

[sour-note flute continues]

NARRATOR: …that he didn’t see an enormous wave come roaring to the shore, until it tumbled right over him!

[flute stops, crash]

BO: Yikes!!!!!

NARRATOR: Bo held tight to his flute. And when the wave receded, he let out a cry of joy.

BO: (ad-lib cry of joy)

NARRATOR: For who should he find himself face to face with… but the big red crab!

BO: It’s YOU!

CRAB: Yeah! It’s ME… Have we met????

BO: No! But I’ve heard all about you! You’re the Dragon King’s messenger! Which leads me to believe that he was so impressed by my flute-playing that he sent you up here! To bring me to his palace! So he can give me a reward! An All-Wish Stick!

NARRATOR: There was a long pointed pause as the crab considered how to respond. The truth of the matter was, the Dragon King was not “impressed” by this man’s flute playing. He was OFFENDED by it. If not downright UPSET! The moment the racket began, the King clamped his claws over his scaly ears and begged his messenger to swim up to the beach and make it stop.

But the crab could see the greed glittering in this man’s eyes… and could sense the dishonesty burning in his heart. So the crafty crustacean got an idea.

CRAB: Ya know what, fella? It just so happens that the Dragon King DID send me up here. And if you climb onto my back, I’ll take you down to see him.

NARRATOR: Bo didn’t waste a minute. He leaped onto the crab’s knobby shell, and they plunged beneath the waves. When they reached the underwater palace, the Dragon King turned to the crab in confusion.

DRAGON KING: Messenger???? Who’s this you brought with you????

NARRATOR: The crab gave the Dragon King a mischievous wink.

CRAB: (laying it on thick, trying to get Dragon King in on the scheme) This is the FLUTE PLAYER you were hearing just now, Your Majesty! The one whose playing made such a strong IMPRESSION on you! He’s here to see about his REWARD!

NARRATOR: The Dragon King immediately understood what his messenger was up to. His mouth stretched into a sly smile as he turned to Bo.

DRAGON KING: (playing along) Soooo! You want your REWARD, do you?

BO: I DO, Your Majesty! After all, I played my flute for you, so now you have to give me my All-Wish Stick! Just like you gave my neighbor!

DRAGON KING: Ohhhh! So you know Fei! Such a good and honest heart that woman has. Don’t you think?

BO: Psht! I don’t know! She’s my neighbor! Not my soulmate!

DRAGON KING: And did she explain to you how the All-Wish Stick works…?

BO: She told me everything I need to know!

DRAGON KING: Well then. If it’s the All-Wish Stick you want, then it’s the All-Wish Stick you shall get. (beat) Messenger? Give this man his All-Wish Stick.

CRAB: (relishing this) It would be my pleasure, Your Majesty!

NARRATOR: When Bo laid eyes on the smooth, golden stick, he snatched it right out of the crab’s pincer.

BO: I’ll take that, thank you very much! I can hardly wait to take this thing for a spin and wish for anything I want! (gleeful laughter)

DRAGON KING: Indeed… you may wish for anything you want. (beat) Messenger? Take this fellow home… so he can “take this thing for a spin”!

NARRATOR: It was early morning when Bo and the crab reached the shore. Neither thanking the crab nor bidding him goodbye, Bo hopped off the knobby shell and sped into town. He burst through the door of his house, and held the All-Wish Stick high above his head.

BO: I can’t believe it! My very own All-Wish Stick! …What should I wish for first? (beat) How about money? Money’s always good. So uh… All-Wish Stick? I wish for a barrel of gold coins!

NARRATOR: Bo braced himself, waiting for a barrel of gold coins to magically materialize before him.

But nothing happened.

BO: What, did I not make my wish loud enough? (louder) ALL-WISH STICK! I WISH FOR A BARREL OF GOLD COINS!

NARRATOR: Again, nothing happened.

And do you know why?

Well, do you remember what the Dragon King told Fei when he gave HER an All-Wish Stick?

DRAGON KING: With this stick in your possession, anything you desire shall be yours. Provided you make the wish with a good and honest heart.

NARRATOR: As we’ve seen, Fei certainly DID make her wishes with a good and honest heart. But you know who didn’t?

BO: (even louder) ALL-WISH STICK! I WISH FOR A BARREL OF GOLD COINS!

NARRATOR: So even though Bo tried…

BO: (even louder) I WISH FOR A BARREL OF GOLD COINS!

NARRATOR: …and tried…

BO: (even louder) I WISH FOR A BARREL OF GOLD COINS!

NARRATOR: …thanks to his greedy, dishonest heart, no matter what he wished for, it would never ever come true.

BO: (even louder) I WISH FOR A BARREL OF – (exhausted) Uch! Forget it.