There was a
rich merchant who had 4 wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her
with rich robes and treated her to delicacies. He took great care of her and
gave her nothing but the best.
He also
loved the 3rd wife very much. He’s very proud of her and always wanted to show
off her to his friends. However, the merchant is always in great fear that she
might run away with some other men.
He too,
loved his 2nd wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and infect
is the merchant’s confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he
always turned to his 2nd wife and she would always help him out and tide him
through difficult times.
Now, the
merchant’s 1st wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in
maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household.
However, the merchant did not love the first wife and although she loved him
deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
One day, the
merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He
thought of his luxurious life and told himself, “Now I have 4 wives with me.
But when I die, I’ll be alone. How lonely I’ll be
Thus, he
asked the 4th wife, “I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and
showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep
me company?” “No way!” replied the 4th wife and she walked away without another
word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant’s heart.
The sad
merchant then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you so much for all my life.
Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No!” Replied the
3rd wife.”Life is so good over here! I’m going to remarry when you die!” The
merchant’s heart sank and turned cold.
He then
asked the 2nd wife, “I always turned to you for help and you’ve always helped
me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me
company?” “I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!” replied the 2nd wife.
“At the very most, I can only send you to your grave.” The answer came like a
bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated.
Then a voice
called out: “I’ll leave with you. I’ll follow you no matter where you go.” The
merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost like
she suffered from malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, “I should
have taken much better care of you while I could have!”