Translated from French by Luc Sâr
Ms. Yeap and the young “tightwad” King Sihanouk
By N. Sihanouk
By N. Sihanouk
My august Maman Preah S. Kossamak was known, loved and admired, not only for her religious and social achievements, but also for her action – starting from the 30s until her death in Beijing on 27 April 1975 – in favor of the Rebirth and the prestigious development of the Khmer Royal Ballet.
40s: Within the Khmer Royal Ballet corps, came along with grace, a young and pretty damsel named Yeap. Yeap’s Papa was a District Chief of the Khmer Royal Administration. Mrs. Khun Meak, the dean of the favorites of King Sisowath Monivong, my maternal Grandfather, considered Yeap as her own daughter. Adoring my Maman, Mrs. Khun Meak often sent dishes, fruits, desserts to my Maman.
Yeap was charged by Meak to bring these dishes, fruits, tasty morsels to my Maman (who was at the Khemarin palace with my Father and me (who was already crowned King).)
Preah Suramarit and I both felt in love with Yeap. Separately (of course!). We courted her by offering her riels (our local money.)
At each “opportunity,” “tightwad” Sihanouk offered to Yeap … 5 (five) riels.
At each “opportunity,” my Father offered to Yeap … 20 (twenty) riels.
My Maman was in charge the Suramarit-Kossamak “couple” purse, my Father had to “terrorize” my personal Treasurer, Mr. Puch, to obtain form him (Puch) … a portion of my money (my salary) as King of Cambodia, and gave it to Yeap … in his personal name. When it came to choose between Sihanouk and Suramarit, Yeap “naturally” chose the “well-healed” Suramarit rather than the “tightwad” Sihanouk.
(Signed) N. Sihanouk
40s: Within the Khmer Royal Ballet corps, came along with grace, a young and pretty damsel named Yeap. Yeap’s Papa was a District Chief of the Khmer Royal Administration. Mrs. Khun Meak, the dean of the favorites of King Sisowath Monivong, my maternal Grandfather, considered Yeap as her own daughter. Adoring my Maman, Mrs. Khun Meak often sent dishes, fruits, desserts to my Maman.
Yeap was charged by Meak to bring these dishes, fruits, tasty morsels to my Maman (who was at the Khemarin palace with my Father and me (who was already crowned King).)
Preah Suramarit and I both felt in love with Yeap. Separately (of course!). We courted her by offering her riels (our local money.)
At each “opportunity,” “tightwad” Sihanouk offered to Yeap … 5 (five) riels.
At each “opportunity,” my Father offered to Yeap … 20 (twenty) riels.
My Maman was in charge the Suramarit-Kossamak “couple” purse, my Father had to “terrorize” my personal Treasurer, Mr. Puch, to obtain form him (Puch) … a portion of my money (my salary) as King of Cambodia, and gave it to Yeap … in his personal name. When it came to choose between Sihanouk and Suramarit, Yeap “naturally” chose the “well-healed” Suramarit rather than the “tightwad” Sihanouk.
(Signed) N. Sihanouk
