"So that's it then. They produce the most so they should be rewarded, not penalized." The ruler gestured.

"So it is done," said the sycophant. "But master, what about reciprocity? Those that produce the least. Should they not be punished in some fashion?"

"Of course. Take a percentage of their goods and distribute among the producers." He paused. "And make of this a lesson. For every act rewarding the deserving, there should be an equal act harming the less so, as a warning."

And it was done.

Their land would be great again. So it was foretold.