Story for kids: The Fall and Rise of a Merchant

In the city of Vardhamana lived a kind and very clever merchant. The king trusted him so much that he made him the helper in charge of the whole kingdom. People liked the merchant because he treated everyone fairly.

One day, the merchant’s daughter was getting married, so he prepared a big celebration. He invited the king, the queen, and many important people. He welcomed everyone with good food and nice gifts.

A palace servant, who usually swept the royal floors, came too—but he had not been invited. He sat in a seat meant for the king’s nobles. The merchant became upset and told his helpers to take the servant out.

The servant felt very hurt and angry. He wanted to get back at the merchant.

A few days later, early in the morning, the servant was sweeping near the king’s bed. The king was still half-asleep. The servant whispered softly:

“Oh my! The merchant even hugged the queen…”

The king woke up quickly. “What did you say?” he asked. The servant pretended to be confused and said, “I didn’t sleep last night… I must have said something silly. Please forgive me.”

But the king had already heard enough. He became jealous and suspicious. He stopped trusting the merchant and would not let him enter the palace anymore.

One day, when the merchant came to the palace gate, the guards stopped him. The servant teased him loudly, reminding everyone about the wedding incident. The merchant suddenly realized that the servant had caused all the trouble.

Feeling sad, the merchant went home. After thinking for a while, he invited the servant to his house. He welcomed him politely, gave him gifts and clothes, and said:

“I’m sorry about what happened. That seat was for nobles. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

The servant was delighted by the gifts and said:

“I forgive you. I will help you regain the king’s trust.”

The next morning, when the king was half-awake again, the servant swept near his bed and whispered:

“Our king is silly… he eats cucumbers in the bathroom!”

The king sat up angrily. “What nonsense! That is not true at all!” The servant again pretended to be sleepy and confused.

The king thought: “If this morning’s words are nonsense, then what he said about the merchant must also have been nonsense.”

He felt sorry for doubting the merchant. He called him back, gave him gifts, and returned him to his important job.