"We have one case, Your Majesty!" said the Minister.
"What is the case?"
"A merchant had borrowed money from many people, but failed to repay the loans. The lenders have filed a case on him."
"Why didn't he repay the loans?"
"The merchant had been running the business, without investing any money. He had been procuring goods from big merchants on credit and selling them to the consumers, for a profit. He had been borrowing money, even for running expenses. With the interest on the loans eating up his profit margin, he had been finding it difficult even to survive. With the losses going up, at one stage, he closed his business. He could not repay his loans. He had not even paid the salaries to his employees for the past three months. He has no properties for us to confiscate, sell and pay his creditors."
"A person who thought he could earn profit by doing business, without investing any capital should be a fool. Try the case and give him the severest punishment. Inform his creditors and employees that we couldn't help them, since the merchant has no assets."
After instructing the minister, the King went to see the queen.
"When I was standing at the balcony, I happened to listen to you talking to the minister about the case" said, Queen Vanavani.
"What can we do? We are living in an era in which there are foolish people like this merchant, who run the business without any investment" said Dasarathy, with annoyance.
After being silent for a moment, Vanavani asked him, "Since long, I have been thinking of asking you this. Do you know why your father named you Dasarathy?"
"Dasarathy means son of Dasaratha. The name refers to Rama, the eldest son of Dasarathy. My father would have wanted me to be an emperor like Dasaratha."
"Don't mistake me for saying this. Dasaratha expanded his kingdom. But, the extent of our kingdom has contracted during your period."
"Yes. A couple of regional chieftains had revolted against me and declared their regions as independent countries."
"You told me that a few more regional chieftains have also been creating trouble."
"Yes. I am worried that some more regions may secede from our country and become independent" said Dasarathy, with concern.
"Did you ponder over the reason for these happenings?" asked Vanavani.
"Are you suggesting that I have not been a strong ruler?" asked Dasarathy, angrily.
"No, my dear. This is not about your strength. You have the might. But you don't have the base to support your might."
"What do you mean, Vanavani?"
"Your father wanted you to become a strong ruler like Dasaratha. Dasaratha's success was not due to his might alone, but also to the fact that he had the counsel of Vasishta, the great sage."
Dasarathy was silent.
"You also had Chandrachuda, a sagacious man as your minister. He took offense at your showing your anger at him on some issue and left your court. Eventually, he went out of our country. Even during the time he was with you, there were problems with some regional chieftains. But he handled them deftly and ensured that they remained loyal to you. Even at this time, when some other chieftains are creating problems, those chieftains continue to be loyal to you. You should be aware of the whereabouts of Chandrachuda. If not, you can find out his location in no time. If you invite him either in person or by sending an emissary, he will definitely come back. You will be able to not only overcome the incipient rebellion by a few chieftains but also gain back the territories lost by you."
Dasarathy reflected on the suggestion made by the queen.
Association With Great Men
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