"The Tale of Melon City" is a witty narrative about a king who had an arch built in the city from where he intended to deliver moral sermons to his subjects. He specifically demanded that the arch be constructed low. Unfortunately, as he passed under the arch, it knocked off his crown. Enraged by this mishap, the king demanded the guilty party be executed. However, the builder, workmen, mason, and architect all passed the blame onto each other, refusing to accept responsibility. In a quest for fair judgment, the king consulted the city's wisest man. Surprisingly, the sage pointed to the arch itself as the culprit. However, this decision was challenged by a councillor. Amidst the confusion, the crowd grew restless and demanded a spectacle. To appease them, the king decided to hang the individual who fit the noose - ironically, this turned out to be the king himself. According to the city's law, the next passerby through the city gate had the privilege to choose the succeeding king. A simple-minded individual who loved melons happened to pass by and hence, a melon was declared the king. The inhabitants of Melon City, surprisingly, accepted this extraordinary development without question.