The South-Pointing Carriage

Long ago, a ruler named Kotei wanted to help people travel safely across his wide country. Roads crossed open plains, but thick fog often hid their landmarks and left travellers unsure which way to go.

After one confusing journey, Kotei returned to his workshop and thought carefully. Strong wheels were useful, but wheels alone could not tell a traveller where south lay when the hills disappeared.

He worked with craftspeople to build a curious carriage. On its top stood a wooden figure with one arm outstretched. As the carriage turned, the figure kept pointing steadily towards the south.

They tested it along winding paths, turning left and right. Each time, the little figure showed the same direction. Kotei invited the travellers to follow the carriage on their next journey.

Fog rolled over the plain again, turning trees into faint shadows. This time, nobody rushed ahead alone. The travellers stayed together and used the pointing figure to keep their chosen course.

Beyond the fog, they reached a wide river swollen by rain. There was no bridge nearby. Kotei called a rest on the bank while everyone considered how to cross without taking risks.

Beside a pond, he noticed a tiny spider climb onto a fallen leaf. The leaf floated gently to the other bank. Kotei watched closely: perhaps a larger floating shape could carry people too.

He and the craftspeople made a broad wooden boat and tested it carefully near shore. When it floated steadily, they made more. Travellers and bundles crossed in small groups, guided by experienced helpers.

The journey brought distant neighbours together. Kotei kept looking for inventions that could make ordinary life easier. Whenever someone praised his cleverness, he remembered the tiny spider and its simple floating leaf.

The old legend ends with a golden dragon arriving from the clouds to honour Kotei. Yet the carriage stayed with his people, reminding them that careful watching could turn a small idea into useful help.