The Minister’s Redemption

The King of Sitapur had a minister in charge of the treasury. He had served the king for many years, but unbeknownst to the king, the man manipulated the accounts and embezzled money for his own needs. This practice went on unchecked.

One day, the king became suspicious and made discreet inquiries that confirmed his worst fears. The minister was summoned to court; everyone anticipated that the king would dismiss him immediately. Much to their surprise, the king opted only to admonish him. “You’ve done something very wrong. If you were to repeat it, take it from me, your services will be terminated!” the king warned him.

The queen, who was present in the court, later questioned the king, “Why did you let him off like that? You should have dismissed him straight away.”

“Poor man, he must have been in dire need of money. He has two unattractive daughters to marry off, and he has also started building his own house. Now that I’ve warned him, I’m certain he’ll be honest in the future. He must realize that he wouldn’t get employed anywhere else at his age. Moreover, how can we be sure that a new incumbent won’t indulge in similar habits?”