1142. Miss Pearl

Ajan first met her in the jewellery shop.

By virtue of having worked in a jewellery shop for a few years, Ajan had developed the expertise of identifying and evaluating precious stones.

After working in a jewellery shop for a few years, Ajan had the idea of starting his own business. He quit the job and started a food grains business, with a small investment.

Though the income from his food grains business was small, it was sufficient for him to support his family, comprising him and his mother. 

Ajan's mother wanted him to get married. Ajan felt confident about expanding his business and increasing his income to support his family, after getting married and begetting children.

Ajan's mother was engaged in finding a suitable match for her son.

Ajan's former employer, the owner of the jewellery shop, would, now and then, ask him to come to his shop for help, whenever the shop had an important customer. 

The shop owner found that Ajan's expertise on the quality and value of precious gems impressed the potential customers and gave them the confidence to buy the gems, with a feeling of conviction. 

It was during such a visit to the jewellery shop of his former employer that Ajan met the young woman. 

From the way the woman had dressed, talked and acted, it was obvious that she belonged to a wealthy family. Whether she was speaking to the shop assistants or to the shop owner, she displayed an authoritarian tone. 

When the shop owner introduced Ajan to her, saying, "Madam! Ajan is an expert in identifying the quality of stones and assessing their value. He will help you to select the pearls," she threw a nonchalant look at him. 

However, within a short time of listening to Ajan explaining the different grades of pearls, their characteristics and value, she was impressed by his expert knowledge about precious stones. She began to look at him with respect and admiration..

After she had bought some pearls and left the shop, the shop owner thanked Ajan for facilitating the sale.

"Who is this lady? She is so authoritarian!" said Ajan.

"She has a reason to be so. She is the daughter of a high level official in the palace" said the shop owner.

"What is her name?"

"I don't know her name. Since she bought pearls from me, we can refer to her as Miss Pearl!" said the shop owner. 

After sometime, Ajan received word from the shop owner that Miss Pearl wanted him to visit her residence.

Ajan went to her house, feeling apprehensive whether she didn't like the pearls bought by her on his advice and whether she called him for reprimanding him for giving her wrong advice.

But, contrary to his fears, Ajan was given a warm reception when he reached her house. The servants served him some dishes, in spite of his saying that he was not hungry.

"It is Madam's order that you should be taken to her chamber, only after you take food" said a servant.

After Ajan had had his food, he was taken to the 'Madam's' chamber.

"Welcome, gentleman!" Miss Pearl received him enthusiastically. "I have known many experts well versed in the intricate knowledge about gems. But I have never come across a person with such an incisive sense of discrimination like you. I have some more precious gems with me. I want you to examine them and give me an assessment about their quality and value. I keep buying and selling gems. But I want to keep rare gems with high value, permanently with me. I need your help in assessing the values of the gems I have" said Pearl

Ajan examined the gems shown by her, one by one, studying them closely, and explained to her about the quality, characteristics and value of each of them. 

When he took leave of her, after completing his task, she offered him gold coins of considerable value as remuneration for his services. But he refused to receive any remuneration from her, saying, "I consider it my fortune that I am able to serve a noble person like you." 

Ajan was often thinking about Miss pearl. 

'What a majestic personality, with a commanding appearance, cheerfulness and affability! Why did I get a feeling of being overwhelmed, in her presence. I used to be amused reading writers comparing the eye of a woman to a lily flower. But her eyes do remind me of lily flowers!

'Will I get a chance to meet her again? Oh, what a stupid desire! I am nowhere near her in status. I am fit to be only a servant in her house. But, if I were to be a servant in her house, commanded by her and spend my time looking at her flower-like eyes from close quarters and admiring her majestic appearance from being near her, I would be fortunate! Oh, what a stupid thought!'

But, Ajan could not help having such thoughts quite often.

After a few weeks, Ajan received a message from Miss Pearl, asking him to visit her house.

This time, she was slightly upset.

"What is this, young man? I called you to my house only to make an assessment of my gems. But it has led to people gossiping about you and me!" she asked in an angry tone.

Though such rumours reached his ears also, Ajan did not attach any importance to them. With Pearl herself calling him and asking about the rumours, he had a fear that perhaps things had gone a little far.

"Madam! I have not done anything to cause such rumours."

"You call me 'madam!' Is this the way to address a woman you are going to marry? My name is Parivadhini" she said, smiling.

"I don't follow..."

"When I first heard about the gossip of the people of this town, I felt angry. But, after pondering over the matter deeply, I realized that the talk of the people only reflected my inner feelings. If you like this Parivadhini, please tell me. I will talk to my father and ask him to make arrangements for our marriage."

Parivadhini bowed down her head, involuntarily. 

Ajan was struck with wonder by the sight of the commanding Parivadhini bowing down her head like a timid girl.

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 115
Gossiping by Others

Verse 1142 (in Tamil):
malaranna kaNNAL arumai aRiyAdhu 

alar emakku Indhadhu ivvUr.

Meaning:

Not knowing the value of this damsel, whose eyes are like flowers, this town, by gossiping about her, has facilitated my earning her love.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'pavaLakkodi' by the same author.)

Verse 1143 (Soon)
Verse 1141 

636. The Acting Chief Minister

"The Chief Minister has designated Chandramurthy, a novice with no political or administrative experience, as the Acting Chief Minister, during the time the Chief Minister would be on a foreign tour, ignoring senior people like us, who have rich experience in governance. Will Chandramurthy be able to manage?" Minister Parivallal asked Minister Kulaidaivelu.

"Chandramurthy is well educated, no doubt. But, education will be of no help in politics. Political wisdom is entirely different from the knowledge gained by college education. It is a pity that the Chief Minister did not realize this basic fact" said Kulandaivelu, sharing the concern of his cabinet colleague.

"The Chief Minister will be returning from his foreign tour only after three weeks. Within this period, we will create problems for Chandramurthy, leading him to commit mistakes. When the Chief Minister returns, he will be so angry with Chanrdramurthy for the mess created by him that he will dismiss Chandramurthy from the cabinet" said Parivallal. 

After returning from his foreign tour, the Chief Minister convened the meeting of the Executive committee of his party.

"During the time I was abroad, you people took good care of both the government and the party. I am thankful to you for this" said the Chief Minister. 

After looking at every one, he continued:

"It is true that Chandramurthy doesn't have much experience in politics or governance. But I made him the Acting Chief Minister, considering that he was well educated and capable of thinking clearly and doing things efficiently. As expected by me, he has functioned in an admirable manner. Apart from overcoming the hurdles created for his smooth functioning by some senior leaders of our party, he had also been vigilant about the schemes of the ruling party at the cenrre, which has always been looking for an opportunity to undermine us. Chandramurthy took extraordinary care to ensure that he didn't fall into the trap laid by the central government. Fallen into such a well-laid trap would have jeopardized the functioning of our government and got a bad name for us. He discharged the responsibility I had entrusted with him in an efficient manner and enhanced the image of our party in the eyes of the people. I congratulate him on his achievement."

Parivallal and Kuzhandaivelu looked at the Chief Minister, shocked and dismayed by his words. 

"Sir! I didn't do anything great. I reflected how you would act in specific situations and acted accordingly" said Chandramurthy, embarrassed by the praise showered on him by the Chief Minister. 

"I appreciate your prudence in recording, on a daily basis, all the happenings in the government and the party and giving  it to me on my return from the tour. Going through your diary, I learnt about every thing that went on during my absence" said the Chief Minister, with a smirk on his face.

He paused for a while and said, "One more thing. I want to reward senior ministers Parivallal and Kulandaivelu for the things they did in my absence. So, I have decided to give them rest, by relieving them from their positions" 

He turned to Parivallal and Kulandaivelu and smiled at them, as if he was greeting them.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 64
Being A Minister

Verse 636 (in Tamil):
madhi nutpam nUlOdu udaiyArkku adhi nutpam 

yAvuA mun niRpavai.

Meaning:

For one who has an impressive intellect, and is well-read,

is there any task that can be extremely challenging?

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'poRuppu mudhalvar' by the same author.) 

Verse 637 (Soon)
Verse 635

147. Twenty Five Years of Marriage

Invitees who had come for the silver jubilee of the marriage of Nagarajan and Bhuvana conveyed conveyed their greetings to the couple, some in English and some in Tamil.

Bhuvana looked at her husband standing beside her, with a sense of pride and joy.

At the time of their marriage, Bhuvana was 20 years old and Nagarajan was 25.

Karthik was born in the first year of their marriage and Selvi, in the third year.

Time seemed to have flown fast.

Nagarajan climbed fast in the ladder of his career and became the General Manager of his company. 

The family had their own house and a comfortable life that included annual holiday trips to hill stations and other places of interest.

Karthik had completed his studies and got a job in a good company. Selvi, after completing her undergraduate education was getting ready to pursue higher studies in the U.S.

When Nagarajan's friend greeted Nagarajan, saying "You have set an example for an ideal family life," Bhuvana had a feeling of pride and fulfillment.

The next day, when Nagarajan went to his office, his personal assistant Prema followed him to his cabin and after he sat down, asked him, "How did your silver jubilee function go?"

"Why didn't you come?" asked Nagarajan.

"As I had told you already, my husband left for Germany yesterday on official work. I had to be home to send him off. He left home only at 10 pm" said Prema.

"I missed you" said Nagarajan, smiling. 

"Really?" asked Prema, with a mischievous smile. 

"I have an important call. Tell the peon that I should not be disturbed for the next half an hour" said Nagarajan, blinking his eyes.

"Can I be present?"

"You should be the one taking notes during the call."

Prema went out of the cabin, gave some instructions to the peon, entered the cabin and locked it from inside.

Even before she could turn back, Nagarajan came close to her and hugged her.

Thirukkural

Section 1
The Path of Virtue

Chapter 14
Possession of Propriety 

Verse 147 (In Tamil)

aRan ilAn ilvAzhvAn enbAn piRan iyalAL
peNmai nayavAdhavan.

Meaning:

Only a man who doesn't crave the feminine grace of another’s wife will be considered a person leadings a righteous family life.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'veLLI vizhA' by the same author)

Verse 148 (Soon)
Verse 146

635. The Minister's Choice

"Our leader has become a central minister now. This is a new responsibility for him. I don't know how he is going to manage!"

"Yes. If one is a minister at the state level, one will be able to manage with the help of the officials at the state level. The officials at the centre are of a different kind. Managing them is not going to be easy. Though our leader knows English, functioning as a Minister at Delhi, the capital city, will be a challenge to him."

"That's why he is going to have a personal secretary."

"Whom is he going to appoint as his personal secretary?"

"It is only through his personal secretary, will our leader be able to interact with other ministers and officials. I think that he will choose an educated and knowledgeable person from our party as his personal secretary."

"That means neither you nor I will be selected!"

This was the dialogue between two second level leaders of the political party.

"Mr. Arumugam! You have become a central minister. There seems to be a lot of competition to be appointed your personal secretary!" said Sabhapathy, the President of the party.

"Yes, sir. I have come to you, only to speak to you about this. I have chosen a candidate. I would request you to give your approval" said Arumugam.

"Who is the lucky person?"

"Gunaseelan."

"Gunaselan! He is quite young. After observing that he was a good orator in our party's public meetings, I made him a spokesperson of the party. He has been articulating our party's policies and views in the Television debates quite effectively. But, will he be a fit candidate for a personal secretary? Several senior leaders of our party are hankering for this post. Some even approached me, requesting me to recommend them to you. But, I told them, 'Arumugam will choose the person he thinks suitable. I won't recommend anybody.' But, you have chosen a young and inexperienced person!"

"Sir! Our party has been given a berth in the union cabinet for the first time. Reposing your faith in me, you have chosen me for the post. I want to make the best use of this opportunity, perform extraordinarily well and earn a good name for our party at the national level.

"Gunaseelan is educated. He is a man of integrity. While speaking in the television debates in support of our party, he will present facts and figures and advance logical arguments. He won't belittle the other side. He always uses measured words, chosen after careful thinking.

"I have noticed that he has admirably carried out the tasks and responsibilities given to him by you now and then, on matters relating to our party. If I have him as my personal secretary, he will not only carry out the tasks efficiently but also advise me appropriately on various matters."

Arumugam looked at Sabhapathy.

"This will create some flutters in the party. Some of the senior leaders will feel discontented. But, when you have taken a good decision, after deep thinking, I have the responsibility to support your decision. Best wishes" said Sabhapathy.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 64
Being A Minister

Verse 635 (in Tamil):
aRan aRindhu AnRamaindha sollAn engnAnRum
thiRan aRindhAn thErchchith thuNai.

Meaning:

He is the best helper (of the king) who understanding the duties of the latter, is by his special learning, able to tender the fullest advice, and at all times conversant with the best method (of

performing actions.)

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'antharanga udhaviyALar' by the same author.) 

Verse 636
Verse 634

634. The Finance Minister

When People's Welfare Party (PWP) won the elections and was set to form the government, there was a lot of interest among various sections of the people including the media, political commentators, economists and the general public at large about who was going to be made the Finance Minister in the new government. Names of a few senior leaders of the party made the rounds.

But, to everyone's surprise, Chief Minister Manickam chose Parankusam, a retired professor of Economics as the Finance Minister.

This decision shocked the senior leaders of the party and led to some heartburning. However, they chose to keep quiet, since they did not have the courage to ask the Chief Minister.

Six months passed, since the PWP government had assumed office.

Chief Minister Manickam, who was also the President of the party, convened a meeting of the Executive Committee of the party. Finance Minister Panakusam, though not a member of the party, participated in the party, as a special invitee. 

The Chief Minister spoke:

"I know that many of you were surprised and shocked by my appointing a person who had not been a member of our party as the Finance Minister. All of you are aware to what extent the economy of our state had been ruined by the party that was holding the reins earlier. I strongly believed that we needed a professional, an expert, to retrieve the economy from the pit it had fallen and make it healthy. It was also imperative that the economy could be put back on rails, only if the person managing the Finance portfolio took steps purely from the perspective of Economics, keeping political considerations aside. That was the reason for my choosing Mr. Parankusam, an Economist with no political background, for the job.

"During the last six months, the Finance Minister has taken several decisions and implemented measures for reviving the economy. Some of his decisions and actions might not have been to your liking. You may pose your questions to him."

"Sir! Soon after coming to power, we have raised a few taxes. People are unhappy with us for these raises" said a senior leader.

"Further, we have not implemented many schemes we had promised in our election manifesto. In the television debates, our party spokespersons have a tough time answering the questions raised about this issue" remarked another.

"Even a minister like me has been unable to answer the questions about our electoral promises, posed to me, when I visit my constituency" said a minister.

"The Finance Minister will answer your questions" said the Chief Minister, smiling.

Parankusam hesitated for a moment and then said, "While entrusting me with the responsibility of managing the Finance portfolio of the government, the Chief Minister told me, 'You should set right the economic situation of the state, acting the way you would, if the economy of your family were in a bad shape.' After studying the state of the economy, I told the Chief Minister, 'Sir! The revenue deficit has been increasing. Because of it, the borrowings have increased. The interest on the borrowings has been making the revenue deficit go up still further. If this situation has to be rectified, we should increase the revenue on the one side and reduce the expenditure on the other side. We will be able to take up new schemes only after bringing down the revenue deficit to zero.' The Chief Minister accepted my diagnosis and my action plan to revive the economy. Accordingly, I have implemented some measures."

"You make it sound so simple. How are we going to explain these to the people and make them understand?" asked a minister.

When Parankusam tried to answer him, the Chief Minister said, "People have given us a tenure of five years to govern. We have five years' time to deliver on our promises. It is quite possible that we will face the discontent of the people during the first two years, because of the unpopular but essential measures implemented by us. If there were to be by-elections, we may lose some or even all of them. But, if we pursue the path of course correction devised by us, with steadfastness, for two years, we will be able to see results in the last two years. At that time, we will be in a position to implement the schemes promised by us. Once people are able to realize that the measures implemented by us have begun to yield results, they will extend their support to us. The points mentioned by the Finance Minister are known to all of us. But, since he was not obliged to consider the political perspective, he was able to look at the economic situation objectively, decide what steps were needed to improve the economy and outline his plan of action to me. I accepted his plan and gave him the freedom to implement the plan the way it should be."

Nobody said anything.  

"We should do one more thing to make people understand that the financial position of the government is bad. We should cut our salaries by half. The amount saved from this step my not be significant. But it will send the right signal to the people." 

The Chief Minister paused and added "Again, it was the Finance Minister, who suggested this step," turning to Parankusam, with a smile.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 64
Being A Minister

Verse 634 (in Tamil):
theridhalum thErndhu seyalum oruthalaiyAch
chollalum valladhu arasu.

Meaning:

The minister is one who is able to comprehend (the whole nature of an undertaking), execute it in the best manner possible, and articulate his views unequivocally. 

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'nidhi amaichchar' by the same author.) 

Verse 635
Verse 633

1141. Welcome Gossip!

Muthaiyan, standing at the doorstep of his house, was watching with interest and amazement, the young woman walking on the street, carrying four bags filled with groceries and vegetables bought by her from the market, frequently, yet adroitly, shuffling the bags from one hand to the other.

At that time, a bullock cart entered the street from one end of the street. Muthaiyan noticed that the cart was moving behind her. 

The young woman, not being aware of the bullock cart coming behind her, was focusing her entire attention on carrying the bags, by repeatedly shuffling them between her hands and balancing their weights.

Though the cartman tried to pull the ropes on the bulls, attempting to stop the cart, lest it should hit the young woman, Muthaiyan was not sure whether the bullocks would stop in time or whether the young woman would notice the cart and move aside.

Muthaiyan jumped into the street, rushed to the spot and pulled the young woman away. While pulling her away, he took care to ensure that the bags in her hand didn't fall down. 

For a moment, the young woman, shocked by the sudden movement of her body by some force external to her, wondered what had transpired. Then she saw the bullock cart passing her and the cartman looking at her and scolding her for her inattentive behaviour, which could have resulted in an accident. 

Even as the young woman turned aside to see who the person that had saved her was, she realized that he was still holding her tight. She extricated herself from his clasp, threw a thankful look at him and began to move.

"I see that you have been struggling to carry the bags. If you don't mind, I will carry two of your bags and escort you to your house" Muthaiyan told her.

"I am already worried whether people would imagine things about us, after seeing you holding me. I can't imagine how people will gossip, if they see you walk along with me to my house. People of this village have gossip in their blood" said the young woman and turned to leave. 

The young woman's fears were proved right.

"When I was driving a bullock cart, a young woman was walking before the cart on the middle of the road, carrying three or four bags, without noticing the cart coming behind her. I was worried that the cart was going to hit her. Fortunately, her lover rushed to the spot and pulled her away. The passion with which he hugged her while saving her showed how much love she had for her!"

The above message shared by the cartman with some of his friends got spread to the whole village in no time. 

With one of those who watched the scene identifying the young woman as Annapoorani and another identifying the young man as Muthaiyan, the message got the names added to it. 

The "love" between Muthaiyan and Annapoorani became a talking point in the entire village.

It was only after some people asking Muthaiyan, "Is it true that you are in love with a girl called Annapoorani?" that Muthaiyan came to know the name of the young woman saved by him.

"Are you Muthaiyan?" asked the young woman.

"Yes. And who are you?" asked Muthaiyan.

"I am Kannamma, a friend of Annapoorani. Have you realized what you had done? The whole village has been talking about you and Annapoorani being lovers" said the woman.

"What was my fault? I saved your friend from getting hit by a bullock cart. Was it wrong?"

"What are you going to do about the gossip in the village, linking you and Annapoorani."

"I think it is good that such the villagers have been gossiping that way!"

"What do you mean?" asked Kannamma.

"I don't know what is in the mind of your friend. But, from the time I pulled her away to save her from getting hit by the bullock cart, I have developed a liking for her. I wanted to meet her again and know her mind. But, I was reluctant to approach her. I was feeling restless, not knowing how to meet her again and convey my feelings to her, since I didn't know her identity. Then I heard the villagers gossiping about us. With the villagers revealing what was in my mind, my love for Annapoorani has become known to all. If your friend also likes me, then I will meet her parents and request them to get her married to me" said Muthaiyan.

Kannamma turned towards a nearby tree and said in a loud voice "Your lover has spoken his mind, Annapoorani. Now you can come out from the hideout." 

Annapoorani came out from behind a tree, her face beaming with love and ecstasy, with an underlying expression of shyness.

Thirukkural
Section 3

Love

Chapter 115
Gossiping by Others

Verse 1141 (in Tamil):
alar ezha Aruyir niRkum adhanaip
palar aRiyAr bAkkiyaththAl.

Meaning:

My precious life is saved by the raise of rumour, and this, to my good luck, others are not aware of.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'UrkkArargaL seydha udhavi' by the same author.)

Verse 1142
Verse 1140 

633. The Indignant Prince

"Father! Why should we invite the king of Valliya country to our palace? Valliya is a small country. Should we give so much importance to that country?" 

"Yes, son. I also feel the same way. But this arrangement has been made by our minister. I have given him a certain amount of discretion. He has been acting within that discretion. It won't be appropriate to question his decision" replied the King.

"Who is the monarch, you or the minister?" asked Komagan, angrily.

"Your Majesty! We have received information through our intelligence network that Malaya country is making preparations to invade Kundala country. Kundala country has always been friendly with us. So, I suggest that we send our troops to support the Kundala army in its war against Malaya country" said Minister Arulmozhi.

"Honourable Minister! I am unable to understand why you have so much concern for the welfare of other countries. Some time back, you invited the King of a small country like Valliya to our palace and had him as our guest for a few days. Now you want us to send our troops to fight along with the troops of Kundala country. Have we built up our army for the sake of fighting the wars of other countries?" flared Komagan. 

"Komagan! Though you are not a member of the Elders Council, I invited you to the meeting of the Council, since I wanted you to get acquainted with the developments relating to our country's engagement with other countries. You may speak, if I ask for your opinion. Otherwise, just listen to what others say. I disapprove of the way you spoke to the Minister" the King reprimanded his son.

Minister Arulmozhi told the King, "Your Majesty! It is my duty to clarify the doubts the Prince may have."

The King nodded his head, signaling his consent. 

Arulmozhi then turned to Komagan, smiled at him and said, "Prince! When people who have stood by us in the past encounter a threat, we have a moral obligation to extend our help and support to them."

Komagan did not appear to be satisfied by the Minister's terse reply.

"Minister! The dangerous development we have been apprehending since long is now at our doorsteps!" said the King, his voice betraying his concern and consternation.

"Yes. The army of Kari country has launched an attack on our troops stationed at the border. The Kari army is trying to invade and capture our country. Our army is not strong enough to fight the mighty army of Kari country. What are we going to do?" asked Komagan.

"We have a three tier defence setup. so, we will be able to thwart the attack of the Kari army" said the Minister.

"What is this three tier setup?" asked Komagan, perplexed.

"Valliya country had been friendly with Kari country. We invited the King of Valliya to our palace, befriended him and made him our ally. Therefore, Valliya country will not send its troops in support of Kari country, as they did in the past during Kari's war with another country" said the Minister.

The King interjected and told Komagan, "You questioned our inviting the king of Valliya to our palace and having him as a valued guest in our country for a few days. If we had not extended our hand of friendship to him and alienated him from the king of Kari, Valliya's troops would have joined the war on the side of the Kari troops, making the fight more difficult for us. Do you understand the significance of the Minister's move in inviting the king of Valliya?"

Komagan nodded his head silently. 

"Secondly, the troops of Kundala are going to attack the Kari country from the eastern border, even as the Karmi army is trying to invade our country from their southern border. Kundala country will do this in return for our help in sending our army to support its army in its war against the Malya country. With Kundala attacking Kari from the east, Kari will be forced to abandon its invasion into our country, since it cannot fight the war on two fronts" the King added.

"You spoke about a three tier setup. What is the third tier?" Komagan asked with interest.  

The Minister looked at the King and told him in an apologetic tone, "Your Majesty! I did something without seeking your prior permission."

"What is it?" asked the King, feeling apprehensive.

"We know that your cousin who left the palace after a misunderstanding with you has taken shelter in a place near the border and been building up his own army to fight you."

"Yes. You told me that since the local tribes near the border have been protecting him, we have not been able to arrest him."

"Pardon me, Your Majesty. I had located his hiding place with the help of our intelligence network. A few days back, I went to his hiding place secretly and met him. He is remorseful of acting against you. He wants to apologize to you, return to the palace and serve you, as he did in the past. Since, for the past few months, you have been seized of the looming threat of a war with Kari country, I thought of bringing him to you, after the situation eased."

The King cut short the Minister saying, "We can deal with it later. What has that to do with the present war?"

"Your cousin has a small army comprising a few hundred men. But they are experts in launching clandestine attacks on the enemy troops by hiding themselves in strategic places. By making use of them, we can stun the Kary army" said Arulmozhi

"Minister! Forgive me for speaking to you harshly, without understanding your intricate planning and strategic moves" Komagan told Arulmozhi, folding his palms together. 

"What is this Prince? You are the Crown Prince" said the Minister, holding the Prince's hands.

The King beamed in satisfaction about his son son having gained an understanding about the Minister's thinking.

Thirukkural
Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 64
Being A Minister

Verse 633 (in Tamil):
piritthalum pENIk koLalum pirindhArp
poruththalum valladhu amaichchu.

Meaning:

The minister is one who can bring about discord (among foes), maintain the good-will of the king's friends and restore to friendship of those who were estranged from the king.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'iLavarasanin kObam' by the same author.) 

Verse 634
Verse 632