Without a Lie

In days gone by, there was a king who convened a conference of all the pundits of his kingdom once a year. He distributed handsome rewards to each of them as a token of appreciation. However, one year, for certain reasons, the king’s treasury was almost empty. With the time for the conference approaching, he felt increasingly worried.

His minister reassured him, saying, “My lord, let the pundits come. I know how to send them back!” The king, surprised, asked, “You will reveal to them that our treasury is empty, eh?”

“No, my lord,” replied the minister.

“Then you will tell them some lies, will you?” inquired the king again.

“No, my lord, I will speak the truth and yet send them away,” the minister assured him.

When the day of the conference finally arrived, the pundits came, including a large number of newcomers. The minister quickly arranged for the newcomers and the regular visitors to lodge separately. He first approached the newcomers and said, “The king is worried about a certain issue. He will not be able to see the newcomers. You may go.”

Afterward, he met the regular visitors and said, “The king is worried over a certain issue. He will not be able to meet the regular visitors this time. You may leave as well.”