Question

One day while talking to his ministers, the Emperor, on a whim, ordered that the merchants of the city would have to guard the city at night. The merchants were deeply concerned to hear this. How could they, who had been selling goods for years suddenly take up the duty of guarding the city? For hours on end they discussed the matter. At last one of them said. "We have no alternative but to obey the Emperor's orders. Let us go to the old commander who lives near the palace and ask him to guide us how to fulfill this task." His idea was met with approval by the other merchants and they proceeded to the commander's house. Upon hearing the merchants' dilemma he said, "Relax. There is no need to worry. Do as I tell you". The merchants agreed.         The next evening, as instructed. they wore their armour back to front, carried their weapons in baskets on their heads and began to chant, "It is our turn now." Soon a crowd gathered and people began to laugh and point at the strangely dressed merchants. Word of this reached the Emperor's ears. He ordered merchants to be rounded up and brought to the court. Red-faced the Emperor commanded angrily. "Explain this odd behaviour!" The commander had told them what to say when they met the Emperor. The leader of the merchants, accordingly, folded both his hands and politely said. "Your Majesty, we are merchants, deft in business, in purchasing and selling in keeping accounts and making profits. We cannot patrol the kingdom. We did not mean any disobedience but this task is simply beyond our capability. We have no training". The Emperor said, "I am pleased with your truthful reply and appreciate your ingenuity." "Thank you, Your Majesty, but the credit goes to the retired commander," was the merchants' reply. "I think I shall visit him. He deserves a reward for his sound advice. The order stands withdrawn from this day onwards!" announced the Emperor.

What made the Emperor ask the merchants to guard the kingdom?

Options

• He was dissatisfied with the performance of his soldiers.

• It was a test to see if the merchants were loyal and would obey him.

• He wanted to try out an idea he had had.

• To test the merchants' resourcefulness.

Answer 1

He wanted to try out an idea he had had.