The emperor Akbar and the half-reward

One day, Emperor Akbar went to the jungle to hunt. After some time, he knew he was lost. He called for help but it was no use. Then the sun started to set The Emperor said, "Soon it will be dark"

"Here I am, all alone in the woods!"

A young man named Mahesh Das lived in a hut nearby. He heard a call coming from deep in the woods, and he ran to that place.

The Emperor was glad to see him!

Mahesh Das said to Emperor-"I know the way back to the palace," "Follow me."

Safe home at last, the Emperor said, "Young man, I want to give you a gift." He took a ring of emerald and gold from his finger. And he gave the ring to Mahesh Das.

The Emperor said "In a few days, come back to the palace," "I want to give you something else, even grander."

A few days later, Mahesh Das went back to the palace.

But the guard stopped him at the door. "Halt!" he said. "You do not look like someone who should see the Emperor." Mahesh Das said, "But I have come to see him and the Emperor knows me."

He showed the guard the fine ring that Emperor Akbar had given him.

The guard thought to himself, "It is not every day that I see such a ring! I think I have an idea."

The guard said to Mahesh Das, "Listen to me. I will let the Emperor, I must get half."

The guard crossed his arms. "That's the deal," he said. you inside. But any gift you get from

What could Mahesh Das do? So he agreed. The guard let him into the palace and showed him to the royal room of Emperor Akbar. Emperor Akbar called "My young friend in the woods!" when he saw Mahesh Das

"I am very glad you came back. Now I can give you another gift. What would you like from the King of Hindustan?" Your Majesty!" said Mahesh Das with a bow. "I would like 50 lashes." "What?!" said the Emperor.

The royal advisors were shocked. "This young man is crazy!" they whispered.

"It makes no sense!" said Emperor Akbar. "Why would you ask for such a Mahesh Das said to Emperor "I will tell you after the lashes," So the king's men started to whip him, as he had said. But after the 25th lash, Mahesh Das asked the King to call the guard who was standing outside the room. "Wow!" thought the guard. "What grand thing will I get now?"

But to his surprise, Mahesh Das pointed to him. He said,

"My Emperor! This guard let me inside the palace only if1 agreed to pay him half of any reward I may get from you.

I always keep my promises. So please, give him the 25 lashes that are left." The Emperor ordered that the guard be given 25 lashes, along with 5 years in prison. Emperor Akbar was more pleased than ever with Mahesh Das. He invited the young man to stay at the palace and serve as his royal advisor.