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## Chapter 166: The Discourse on the Rejection of the Eager
**17. The Story of the King**
In the treasury of stories, the story of the King is found in the chapter on the hopes and aspirations. In the city of Kusumpura, which is situated in the land of Videha, where the weight of the mountains and the serpents is heavy, there lived a king. ||1||
Where the people are numerous and the city is full of jewels, the king was the best of men, a true king. ||2||
His name was Kusumsehara, the jewel among kings, whose strong arms were like the gates of a fortress. ||3||
He was born to Jayalal, who carried the weight of the earth on his shoulders, and he was a great king, full of joy and delight. ||4||
His queen was named Visalacchhi, born of a great family, with a beautiful face and a charming smile. ||5||
The king, enjoying the pleasures of the world with his queen, was happy and content. But one day, a time came when he was blessed with a son. ||6||
The son was born with a beautiful body, like a full moon, and he was blessed with all the auspicious signs. ||7||
His name was Muldeva, and he was a charming child, with a heart full of love and affection. ||8||
He was skilled in all the arts, with a beautiful body and a charming smile. He reached the age of youth, full of joy and vigor. ||9||
One day, the king, surrounded by his ministers, asked, "What is the state of the people? Are they happy and content?" ||10||
The king's minister, his face shining with the light of wisdom, replied, "Your Majesty, the people are gathered at the palace gates, their faces filled with sorrow. What is the reason for their distress?" ||11||
The king, his face shining with the light of his wisdom, said, "Bring them before me, quickly!" ||12||
The people were brought before the king, and they were treated with respect and honor. They bowed low before him, their heads touching the ground. ||13||
The king asked, "What is the reason for your sorrow? Is there any thief or robber in the kingdom? Is there any injustice being done?" ||14||
"Is there anyone who is envious of your wealth and power, who is trying to overthrow your kingdom?" ||15||
The people stood silent, their faces filled with sorrow. Then, a wealthy merchant stepped forward, his face filled with tears. ||16||
"Your Majesty, we are not afraid of any enemy, nor of any danger in this world. We are safe under your protection. But we are afraid of the king's minister, who is a wicked man. He is lustful and cruel, and he is oppressing the people." ||17||
"He has taken away our jewels and our horses, and he is ruling the kingdom with an iron fist. We beg you, Your Majesty, to save us from this wicked man." ||18||
The king, hearing the people's complaints, was filled with anger. He ordered his minister to be arrested and punished. ||19||
The people were overjoyed, and they praised the king for his justice and his compassion. The king, seeing the people's happiness, was filled with joy. ||20||