Introduction:
The king in the story "Three Questions" dug the ground for a specific reason. The story, written by Leo Tolstoy, explores the theme of wisdom and the importance of asking the right questions. The king's actions reflect his pursuit of finding answers to his three questions, which are central to the plot.

The King's Three Questions:
The king's three questions are as follows:
1. What is the right time to do each thing?
2. Who are the most important people?
3. What is the most important thing to do?

The King's Motivation:
The king desperately seeks answers to these questions because he believes that having this knowledge will enable him to rule wisely and make correct decisions. He understands that being able to determine the right time for actions, identify important people, and prioritize tasks can lead to a successful reign and a better kingdom.

The Dilemma:
The king faces a dilemma as he struggles to find satisfactory answers to his questions. He seeks advice from wise men, scholars, and hermits but receives contradictory responses. This leaves him confused and uncertain about the correct course of action.

The Wise Hermit:
Finally, the king learns about a wise hermit who lives in a remote part of his kingdom. The hermit is said to possess profound wisdom and may hold the answers the king seeks. Eager to gain this knowledge, the king embarks on a journey to meet the hermit.

The King's Encounter:
When the king reaches the hermit's hut, he finds the hermit busy digging the ground in his garden. The king decides to help the hermit, believing that his assistance will make the hermit more likely to answer his questions.

The King's Lesson:
As they dig, the hermit reveals that he has not been able to answer the king's questions because he has been preoccupied with digging a ditch to water his plants. The hermit emphasizes the importance of the present moment and taking practical actions rather than obsessing over abstract questions.

Conclusion:
The king's decision to dig the ground was driven by his desire to gain wisdom and find answers to his three questions. However, his encounter with the hermit teaches him a valuable lesson about the significance of living in the present moment and focusing on practical actions rather than endlessly pondering philosophical questions.