The Royal Pond Test

It was the winter season. One evening, King Shersingh, was walking along the bank of a pond with some forest dwellers.

- Vivek Chakravarthy

As he walked along, his eyes fell on the mist slowly rising from the pond, and a chill crept through him.

“Just walking by the pond, I can feel a sharp chill. Imagine what would happen to someone if they entered this pond in such cold weather,” Shersingh said in a trembling voice.

“It is true, Your Majesty,” Cheeku rabbit answered. “Even I'm feeling a slight shiver, and there is no chance that anyone can spend time in this pond,”

“Your Majesty, only a fool would get into the water in such weather,” Baddy jackal said laughing.

“You are right. It would be impossible for someone to go inside water this cold,” Shersingh agreed with Baddy.

“Your Majesty, the water is certainly cold, but I feel it is not impossible to spend time in it,” Cheeku said.

“If it is so, then we will make an announcement tomorrow itself that whoever spends a night in this pond will be given a hundred thousand gold coins,” Shersingh said and announced it to the public the very next morning.

Damru donkey appeared in the court after hearing Shersingh’s announcement, and he accepted the challenge.

“Fine, you will spend tonight in the pond,” Shersingh declared and Damru left the court.

As soon as Baddy got news of this matter, he went to find Damru immediately.

“Damru, if you listen to me, then you can win this prize easily.”

“How so?” Damru asked in surprise after hearing Baddy’s words.

“Enter the pond in front of His Majesty for a little while in the evening and then come out of the pond as soon as he leaves. Later, enter the pond at dawn right before His Majesty arrives. By doing this, His Majesty will not even know, and you will win the prize as well. Yes, but in return for this wonderful idea, you must give half the prize to me,” Baddy said, smiling.

“Baddy, I want to win the prize through my hard work, not dishonesty,” Damru said, and Baddy went away feeling humiliated.