Turns in the Roads

The king of Persia once sent Emperor Akbar a strange letter asking, “How many turns are there in your kingdom’s roads?” 

Akbar was perplexed by this question; since his kingdom was vast, it would not be easy to count the number of turns in the roads.

Nevertheless, the emperor summoned his prime minister, Todar Mal (another of Akbar's navaratnas), and assigned him this task. Todar Mal, in his turn, sent his men to count the number of turns in the roads. The next day, Beerbal saw that the emperor was eagerly waiting for something. 

“Your Majesty looks worried," said Beerbal to the emperor. "Is something troubling you?”

“Yes, Beerbal," answered Akbar. "I am waiting for Todar Mal. I have told him to count the number of turns in my kingdom’s roads.” 

He then told Beerbal about the letter from the king of Persia. Beerbal started to chuckle. 

“Emperor, I can tell you the number of turns in the roads of any kingdom,” said he.

“I hope you’re not kidding," replied Akbar. "Several men have been sent to enumerate the number of turns in the roads, and you’re telling me you already know this number?” 

“I’m not fooling around, Your Majesty," said Beerbal. "There are only two turns in the world's roads: right turn and left turn!”

Emperor Akbar burst out laughing. This simple answer had never occurred to him. He rewarded Beerbal and replied to the king of Persia.