Once upon a time, there was a choja named Sukeemon at Nameshida village in Oshu. There was a tradition in their family that was carried down from generation to generation. It was that no matter how poor they became and even if the times were so bad that they had to sell their estate, they were reprimanded to sell the plum tree that grew in the front yard. They were to be sure to dig it up and take it with them, whatever happened. Sukeemon thought that he could never become poor. But times changed and he became poor and had to sell his estate. However, Sukeemon did not forget the tradition of his forefathers, and he decided to dig up the plum tree to take it to the little neighbouring estate where he was shifting. While they were digging, the spade suddenly struck a huge old earthen jar with a click. Taking off the lid, they found a heap of gold coins.
The Estate Disappears
Everyone in the house was overjoyed and took out the gold coins to pay off their debts. Now, they did not have to sell their estate. Moreover, they bought a new estate which was more splendid than their earlier estate. They were again rich. There were still other old plum trees on this estate of Sukeemon which they left behind. The descendants remembered the story of the gold coins which came out of the jar under that tree. So, they passed their days comfortably, in luxury. They took everything easily and did nothing. With whole family lazing out and doing nothing, they began to become poor. Quickly, they started digging at the roots of other plum trees. One by one, they dug under all the trees but they did not find any treasure. At the end, the house and all the plum trees disappeared. What was left was only a patch of garden but people continued to call it Plum-tree Estate.
