There lived in Delhi a merchant named Hirachand. It was said that anyone who saw his face would go without food for a day. When Akbar found out about Hirachand, he was asked to see him. He wanted to know if the stories about him were true.
The next day, Akbar was on his way to the dining room when Hirachand was brought to him. At the same time, a broker came to say that the Queen was ill. After meeting him, Akbar left Hirachand and spent the whole morning with his sick wife. When he returned to the dining room, his food was cold. He ordered a fresh meal. He took so long to prepare the food that Akbar started to feel bad.
The doctor was called. He told Akbar to rest and not eat anything for one day. That way, he said, the cramps would go away.
“But I haven’t eaten anything yet,” said Akbar.
“Tough luck,” said the doctor. “Whose face did he see this morning?”
Akbar told the doctor about Hirachand. “I will have him executed,” he said, “because he has made me suffer.”
Hirachand was surprised. He fell at the Emperor’s feet and begged for mercy. “What will my wife and children do without me?” he begged her. But Akbar did not listen to a word he said. He was called to the guard and Hirachand was immediately dragged off to be executed.
Poor Hirachand groaned loudly and begged the guard to find a way to free him. “I can’t think of anything I can do,” said the guard who felt very sorry for Hirachand. “If the Emperor discovers that I have disobeyed his, I will be executed as well.”
Suddenly he had an idea. “Let’s call Birbal,” she said. “He is the only one who will know how to help you.”
When Hirachand told Birbal what had happened, Birbal comforted him by saying, “Do what? I tell you and you will be saved.”
When it was time for Hirachand to go to the block, the executioner asked him if he wanted anything.
“I would like to see the Emperor,” said Hirachand.
When Akbar arrived, Hirachand said, “Your Majesty, is it true that you saw my face and ate nothing for a day?”
“Yes,” Akbar said.
“Your Majesty,” Hirachand said. “Consider my fate, which is worse than yours. I saw your face and I have to be executed.”
“Someone has taught you to say this,” said Akbar, immediately guessing who it was.
“Impossible,” Hirachand said, “I don’t know anyone here.”
“Perhaps not. But you yourself did not think of this plan,” Akbar replied. You must have met Birbal.
Hirachand confessed that he did.
“Birbal has saved me from executing an innocent man,” Akbar said and sent Hirachand with gifts.