The Splendid Tiger Hunt

The young king had an old minister who was wise and affectionate, and the king liked him very much. One day, the king announced he was going out to hunt tigers. “Dear Minister, I’ll be happy if you accompany us,” he said.

Although the minister had no enthusiasm for chasing tigers, he could not refuse the royal invitation. He joined the king and the hunting party, albeit reluctantly.

The party returned in the evening, and the minister’s wife eagerly asked, “How did the hunting go?”

“It was splendid!” replied the minister with a smile.

Surprised, his wife pressed on, “Is that so? How many tigers did you come across?”

“Not even one!” he admitted.

Confused, his wife asked, “Then how can you say it was splendid?”

“That is precisely why!” the minister explained. “Do you think I’d be looking so smart right now if I had met a tiger?”