Once upon a time, in a far away kingdom, there was a king who did not have an heir to his throne. Thingking that it was high time to look for his successor, he held a competition for his people. After winning in their own regions, they had to go to the capital city. The king himself would give them final test there.
In the final competition, there were only eight people left. They had almost the same level of intelligence and they had passed many other tests before. The king carefully tested them one by one. He advised them, “My dear children, the duty a king is not easy. It is a duty that should be done with full responsibility. The eight of you five grains of seeds. Plant and take good care of the seeds as if you were taking care of your kingdom and its people. You can go home now. Come back in two week’s time with the plants from the seeds that you bring home today.”
After a fortnight, seen young men proudly showed the king their sprouts. Then is was the eight young man’s turn. Embarrassedly, he looked the pot he brouht and said, “Your Highness, please forgive me. I planted all the seeds you gage me and I have taken good care of them. But until today, they have not grown. I have failed to do your task. I do not know what have gone wrong, but at least I have done my very best. Now, I will accept any decision you are about to give me.”
Hearing this, at first the king smiled contentedly. Then he started to laugh loudly. Seeing the king’ reaction, those who assembled there looked at one another. The king then patted the young man’s shoulder and said, “Thank you, young man. I am happy and very pleased. I did not hope for nothing. There is still leader of the nation among many young men of this country.”
Looking at all of the people in the room, the king continued, “Listen carefully! This young man has fulfilled my last wish. He is an honest young man, the future leader of this country. It is true that his seeds did not grow. It seems he failed, but did he? No! Actually, I had boiled all the seeds I gave them. So no matter how well they might have taken care of the seeds, there can be no sprouts! The seeds have died. I am very disappointed to see the sprouts these seven young men brought here!” The king firmly reprimanded them. “You, dishonest young men! How dare you do such a shameful thing! You must be punished because you tried to fool your king.”
The seven young men immediately knelt down begging for forgiveness. Nonetheless, the king asked his soldiers to seize and punish them. How tragic! Dishonestt prevented them from reaching their ambition for a better position.
“Honesty is the universal currency acceptable everywhere. Although we are not materially wealthy, by being honest, we will live free from uneasiness, anxiety, and worries ”
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