Chapter 1
The King's Unusual Decision
Once there was a strange country. The king of that land was very peculiar. One day the king called his ministers and said, "I do not want anyone in my kingdom to shave or cut their hair. Everyone must keep their hair and beard. If God has given them hair and beard, they must keep them as they are."
The ministers bowed their heads and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, of course!" Immediately, announcements were made everywhere—cutting hair and shaving beards were strictly forbidden. It was the king's order, and anyone who disobeyed would be punished.
Who would dare to disobey the king's command? So everyone had to keep their hair and beard. As a result, the barbers had no work left to do. They became very worried. How would they earn their living? How would they manage food and other necessities?
The barbers gathered together and went to the king to complain. They said respectfully, "Your Majesty, we can no longer earn our livelihood. If no one is allowed to cut their hair or shave their beard, how will we survive?"
But the king said nothing. His order would not be withdrawn. The ministers told the barbers, "You must find some other work."
The poor barbers returned home feeling helpless. They began to think of other ways to earn money. Some of them tried to do different kinds of work, but they were not skilled in anything else. Life became very difficult for them.
As time passed, the people of the kingdom began to look untidy. Their hair and beards grew long and messy. It became uncomfortable, especially during the hot season. Some people secretly wished they could cut their hair, but no one dared to break the king's rule.
The barbers once again discussed among themselves what they could do. They felt that the king's order was unfair because it had taken away their means of living. However, they were afraid of punishment if they spoke against it.
Thus, the entire kingdom suffered because of one strange decision made by the king. The people learned that a ruler's command should be wise and thoughtful, as it affects the lives of many.
Chapter 2
The barbers said, "We do not know any other work. We shave beards with razors, but what else can we do with them?"
The ministers began to think and said, "What can be done then?"
One day a minister said, "With a razor, not only potatoes and gourds, but many other things can be cut."
The king laughed and said, "That is true. But if a razor is used only for shaving beards, it has no great value. If one wishes, hands and feet can also be cut with it."
Another minister said, "Cucumbers and pumpkins can also be cut. And while cutting, even robbery can be committed."
The barbers replied, "Many things can be cut, but where will the money come from?"
A minister said, "Why should robbers worry about money?"
"So, should we commit robbery?" asked the barbers.
The king said angrily, "Is robbery such a bad thing?"
The barbers replied, "If that is so, then do not blame us later. From now on, we will begin cutting and looting."
The king said, "Do whatever you wish, but no razor should come near my palace."
The barbers immediately began looting and cutting.
The next day, many people of the kingdom came crying and fell at the king's feet.
The king asked, "Why are so many people here?"
The people said, "The barbers are robbing and cutting. They are threatening to cut our throats if we do not give them money."
The ministers shook their heads and said, "Since the barbers have no work and no food to eat, they may even kill people."
The king then declared, "From today, robbery is forbidden."
The ministers said, "Your Majesty, matters of food and livelihood are not so simple."
The king replied, "How can you simply stop people from earning their food?"