The Tale of the Four Wives
Once upon a time, there was a man who had four wives. He loved his fourth wife deeply and was inseparable from her, whether sitting or standing.
His third wife was acquired through great effort, and he often spoke sweet words to her, though he did not pamper her as much as the fourth wife.
The second wife met with him often, comforting each other like friends. They were content whenever they were together and would miss each other deeply when apart.
The first wife, on the other hand, was treated almost like a servant, shouldering all the heavy household chores. Despite her numerous troubles, she never complained and had little place in her husband’s heart.
One day, the man needed to travel to a neighboring country to conduct some business. However, the country he was going to was known as the “Land of Death” because it was ravaged by war and fraught with mortal danger.
He asked his four wives, “Will you come with me?”
The fourth wife replied, “I am not willing to go with you.”
He resented her heartlessness and called his third wife to ask, “Will you accompany me?”
The third wife responded, “If even your most beloved fourth wife is unwilling to go, why should I accompany you?”
He then called his second wife and asked, “Will you travel abroad with me?”
“I have received your kindness and can see you off to the city gates, but if you ask me to accompany you abroad, I must decline.”
He resented the second wife for her heartlessness and turned to his first wife, saying, “I am going on a journey abroad. Will you come with me?”
The first wife replied, “I left my parents to be with you. No matter the hardships or life and death, I will never leave your side. Wherever you go, no matter how far, I will definitely accompany you.”
His three cherished wives all refused to accompany him, while the first wife, whom he had never considered, was willing to risk her life to stay with him. He was overwhelmed, and tears streamed down his face…
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
