Thanks, Deb! Tsk! I knew I couldn't pull one on you! The true first line (aka the last line) was a tongue-in-cheek statement to readers that it's not how this story should be read. This story was inspired by the conflict between North Korea and South Korea, but as I was replying to @dreemit, I came across an ancient Joseon (old Korean dynasty) folktale that involves.... two brothers!! With one wealthier than the other. What a coincidence, huh? It seems stories like these run deep in Korean history.