The Unholy Sack

Once upon a time, there was a merchant residing with his large family. His income was meager compared to his family’s needs, causing a constant struggle to make ends meet. The merchant’s means of livelihood involved traveling to neighboring towns, buying goods, and reselling them at a higher price. However, this involved crossing a customs barrier and paying a duty on his goods, a routine he disliked intensely. To avoid the customs post, he would often detour through a dense forest rumored to be inhabited by fierce ghosts.

The Encounter with the Ghost

One day, while traversing through the forest, a formidable ghost confronted him. Startled yet strategic, the merchant manipulated the ghost by expressing his fear of encountering the customs officer. Intrigued and challenged, the ghost expressed a desire to meet this officer.

The Clever Plan and Its Execution

The merchant proposed a risky plan. He told the ghost to hide in his sack without making a noise, promising to help it escape after it had endured the customs officer. The curious ghost agreed and hid in the sack as directed. As anticipated, the cautious customs officer investigated the sack, poking and prodding it with his stick. The ghost inside suffered in silence. Satisfied, the officer collected a nominal duty fee and let the merchant proceed.

An Unexpected Treasure

Much to the ghost’s relief, the merchant drove away from the city towards the forest. When he opened the sack, a bruised ghost gingerly stepped out. Thankful for the merchant’s guidance and assistance, he directed him to a hidden treasure beneath a tree. As promised, the merchant found a pot full of gold coins. He returned home, richer and more content than before, and lived happily thereafter. Such was the tale of the clever merchant and his unholy sack.