This captivating tale from Indian folklore introduces us to Gopal, a witty and intelligent courtier in the court of a king. The story is set in a time when the entire kingdom, from the humblest commoner to the most powerful noble, was consumed by a single topic: the hilsa fish. Hilsa was not just a fish; it was a delicacy, a conversation starter, and an obsession. Everywhere one went, whispers of hilsa filled the air – how much it cost, how it was cooked, where to find the best ones. This endless chatter about fish began to annoy the King, who found himself unable to escape the omnipresent topic.

Frustrated by this fishy fixation, the King decided to challenge Gopal, known for his sharp intellect and ability to solve problems creatively. He challenged Gopal to bring a large hilsa fish to the palace without anyone, not even a single soul, asking him about the fish itself. It seemed like an impossible task, given the kingdom's obsession.

Gopal, however, readily accepted the challenge, confident in his unique approach. Instead of focusing on the fish, he decided to divert people's attention entirely. He began by shaving half his beard and smearing ash all over his face, giving himself a truly bizarre and comical appearance. Then, he donned ragged and torn clothes, completing his transformation into a peculiar sight. Looking utterly ridiculous and unkempt, he set out for the market, carrying a large hilsa fish.

As Gopal walked through the bustling marketplace, the public's reaction was exactly what he had anticipated. People were so utterly bewildered and amused by his strange appearance that they completely overlooked the large hilsa fish he was carrying. Their eyes were fixated on his half-shaven face, his ash-smeared skin, and his tattered clothing. Whispers and pointing followed him everywhere, with people wondering aloud who this strange man was and what on earth he was doing. No one, not a single person, mentioned the hilsa fish.

Gopal successfully reached the palace gates, where even the guards, typically vigilant, were more preoccupied with his outlandish disguise than the fish in his hand. Inside the court, the courtiers, usually quick to notice everything, were equally dumbfounded by Gopal's appearance. It was only when Gopal presented himself before the King, who initially reacted with similar surprise, that the purpose of his disguise became clear. Gopal gently reminded the King of the challenge, and the King, realizing Gopal's clever strategy, burst into laughter. Gopal had brilliantly used humour and wit to divert public attention, proving that human beings are often more distracted by the unusual than by the mundane. His actions subtly challenged societal norms by breaking the rigid pattern of conversation and thought that had gripped the kingdom.

This enchanting Japanese folktale transports us to a serene village, where an old, kind couple lives a simple, virtuous life. Their hearts are filled with compassion, not just for each other, but for all living beings, including their beloved dog, Muko. Muko is more than a pet; he is a loyal companion who reciprocates their love. One day, while the old man is tending his garden, Muko excitedly digs at a spot under a tree. Curious, the old man investigates and discovers a hidden treasure chest filled with gold coins. Their kindness has been rewarded, bringing them unexpected fortune.

However, their prosperity does not go unnoticed. Their greedy and unkind neighbours, consumed by envy, become desperate to replicate the old couple's luck. They trick the old couple into lending them Muko, believing the dog holds the key to hidden riches. But Muko, sensing their wicked intentions and lack of genuine affection, refuses to find anything for them. In a fit of uncontrolled rage and frustration, the cruel neighbours brutally kill Muko.

The old couple is devastated by Muko's death. They mourn him deeply, burying him with love and respect under a pine tree in their garden. One night, in a poignant dream, Muko's spirit appears to the old man. Muko instructs him to cut down the pine tree under which he was buried and fashion a mortar (for pounding rice) and a hand-mill from its wood. The old couple, still grieving but hopeful, follows these ethereal instructions. Miraculously, when they grind rice in the newly made mortar, it transforms into a heap of gleaming gold. And when they use the hand-mill, a shower of gold coins pours out. This magical bounty confirms Muko's enduring spirit and the reward for their kindness.

Once again, the greedy neighbours learn of the old couple's renewed prosperity. Their envy flares, and they demand to borrow the magical mill. But when they attempt to use it, their wicked intentions corrupt the magic, and instead of gold, the rice turns into foul-smelling worms. In their destructive fury, they burn the precious mill.

Yet again, Muko's spirit appears to the old man in a dream, giving him one final instruction: collect the ashes of the burnt mill and sprinkle them on withered, lifeless trees. The old man obeys, and as he sprinkles the ashes, a truly astonishing sight unfolds – the dormant trees burst into bloom with vibrant, beautiful flowers, even in the dead of winter. News of this miracle reaches the local feudal lord, who, impressed by the old man's apparent power, invites him to demonstrate it. The old man, filled with humility and grace, shares his gift, bringing beauty to the lord's garden. He is handsomely rewarded for his genuine kindness and the wondrous spectacle. The greedy neighbours, witnessing the old man's continued success, try to mimic his actions, hoping for rewards. However, their attempts are clumsy and selfish; they scatter ashes indiscriminately, making a mess, and are ultimately punished for their wickedness, proving that true magic lies in a good heart. The story strongly emphasizes the contrast between kindness vs. greed. The old couple's boundless compassion brings them fortune and peace, while the neighbours' insatiable greed leads to their downfall and misery. It beautifully illustrates several moral lessons: good deeds are inherently rewarded, greed inevitably brings suffering and punishment, and treating all beings with respect and compassion is paramount. It teaches us that true happiness stems from contentment and virtue, not from the relentless pursuit of material wealth.