The three questions that the Tsar wanted to be answered were what was the right time to start every work, who were the right people to listen to and whom to avoid and the work that needed his utmost attention.
The Tsar needed correct answers to those three questions because he hoped that, if he could gain proper information then he would never fail in anything he might do.
The Tsar was dissatisfied with the answers given by the scholars and the learned men because the answers differed from one another.
When the Tsar was not satisfied with the answers of the learned men, he decided to consult a hermit who lived in the woods and was well-known for his wisdom. The Tsar disagreed with the replies and did not give any reward to anyone.