In a small village lived a wealthy merchant whose only son was away on business. His daughter-in-law, a sharp and virtuous woman, went to the well one day to fetch water. After filling her pot, she placed it on the ledge and began washing her hands when four thirsty travelers approached.
The Travelers’ Request
The first traveler begged, “Sister, I’m parched. Could you give me water?”
The daughter-in-law hesitated—her attire was modest, and she had no cup. Instead of refusing outright, she asked, “Who are you?”
“A traveler,” he replied.
She smiled. “There are only two true travelers in this world. Which one are you?”
Baffled, the man fell silent and stepped aside.
The second traveler pleaded, “I’m a poor man. Please, spare some water.”
“Ah, but only two beings are truly poor,” she countered. “Which are you?”
He, too, was stumped.
The third claimed, “I’m an uneducated rustic.”
“Only two fit that description,” she replied. Confused, he retreated.
The fourth, frustrated, blurted, “Fine, I’m a fool!”
“But there are only two fools in this world,” she said. “Which one are you?”
Defeated, all four turned to leave—until she called them back. “Come to my home. I’ll serve you properly there.”
The Father-in-Law’s Mistake
Her father-in-law, watching from afar, grew furious. “How dare she invite strange men home!” Without asking for her side, he rushed to the king, accusing her of impropriety.
Summoned to court, the daughter-in-law arrived gracefully. When the king demanded an explanation, she said, “I only delayed them at the well to change into respectful attire. Was it wrong to offer hospitality at home?”
The Riddle Revealed
The intrigued king asked about her riddles. She explained:
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“The two eternal travelers are the sun and moon.”
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“The truly poor are a cow (who gives milk but eats grass) and a daughter-in-law (who serves yet has no authority).”
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“The ‘uneducated rustics’ are food and water—essential yet silent.”
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“As for the fools…” She paused. “May I speak freely?”
With the king’s permission, she declared:
“The first fool is my father-in-law, who judged me without inquiry. The second?” She bowed. “You, my king, who summoned a woman to court without cause.”
The Moral
The king, humbled, rewarded her wisdom. Her father-in-law apologized, and the travelers left enlightened.
Lesson: Quick judgments make fools of us all. True wisdom lies in seeking understanding before accusing others.