King Vikram of Rajnagar was known far and wide for his wisdom and fairness, but even the wisest kings enjoyed testing the intelligence of those around them. One morning, he called a meeting of his ministers and courtiers.
“My ministers,” said the king, “I am troubled. In my kingdom, I have heard tales of dishonesty. Some claim that certain villagers take more than they are given, while others quietly return what is not theirs. I wish to know — who among my subjects is truly honest?”
The ministers were silent. They knew that the king’s questions were never simple. Each thought carefully but hesitated to speak. After all, any wrong answer might be taken as folly or ignorance.
A young page named Biru, barely twelve, who had been serving the king for only a few months, stepped forward nervously. “Your Majesty,” he said softly, “may I offer a suggestion?”
The king, intrigued, smiled. “Speak, child. I am listening.”
Biru took a deep breath. “Place a bag of gold in every household in the kingdom,” he said. “Do it secretly, without informing anyone. Then, watch carefully. Those who are truly honest will return part of it, if they realize the gold is not theirs. Those who are dishonest will keep it.”
The ministers gasped. How could a mere child propose such a clever and practical test?
King Vikram laughed aloud, a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the palace halls. “Indeed, wisdom does not always come with age. Biru, your plan is fair, clever, and just. Let it be done!”
The king’s orders were carried out. Gold bags were sent to every home, and hidden observers noted the villagers’ reactions. Some families returned a portion of the gold, explaining that it had been sent by mistake. Others kept every coin, claiming it as a gift. When the results were reported to the king, he nodded thoughtfully.
“You see,” said the king, addressing his ministers, “honesty cannot be forced, and clever thinking reveals the truth better than threats or punishments. Even a child understands this, yet many grown men fail to grasp it.”
From that day onward, Biru was no longer seen as just a page. He was respected by ministers and villagers alike for his intelligence, and the king often sought his advice on matters both serious and whimsical.
November, 2025
