The Empty Jar
Once upon a time in a peaceful kingdom, there lived a wise and just king named Viren. As he grew old, he began to worry about who would succeed him. He had no children, and though he had many ministers and noblemen, he wanted someone kind, honest, and wise to lead the people after him.
One day, he summoned all the young people in the kingdom and made an unusual announcement.
“I am searching for the next ruler,” he said. “Each of you will receive a seed. Take it home, plant it in a pot, and care for it. In six months, return with your plant. The person with the most impressive plant will become the next king or queen.”
The entire kingdom buzzed with excitement. Among the young hopefuls was a boy named Aarav. He was poor but honest, and he dreamed of doing something meaningful in life.
Aarav took his seed home and carefully planted it in a clay pot with fresh soil. He watered it every day and placed it where it would get sunlight. Days passed, then weeks—but nothing sprouted.
He changed the soil, tried a new pot, added fertilizer—still nothing. Other children were bragging about their growing plants, some already blooming with flowers. Aarav felt embarrassed but didn’t give up. He continued to water the seed every day, even though his pot remained empty.
At the end of six months, the day came to return to the palace. Children came carrying lush plants, tall stalks, and colorful blossoms. Aarav looked at his bare pot and thought of staying home. But his mother said, “Go, my son. You did your best, and you were honest.”
So Aarav walked to the palace with his head down, holding his empty pot. Laughter and whispers followed him as he entered the great hall.
When the king arrived, he walked through the rows of children, admiring their efforts. Finally, he reached Aarav and stopped.
“What is your name, young man?” King Viren asked.
“Aarav, Your Majesty,” he replied, nervously.
“Why is your pot empty?”
“I did everything I could, sire,” Aarav said. “I watered the seed, gave it sunlight, changed the soil, but it never sprouted. I’m sorry I failed.”
King Viren smiled. Then, to everyone’s shock, he turned to the crowd and announced, “Behold your new king—Aarav!”
The hall fell silent.
The king raised his hand and said, “Six months ago, I gave everyone a boiled seed—one that could not grow. It was a test of honesty. All of you who brought flourishing plants must have replaced the seed. Aarav alone was truthful and brave enough to return with an empty pot.”
Cheers erupted, and tears filled Aarav’s eyes. The poor boy who had nothing but integrity had passed the greatest test of all.
King Viren trained Aarav for several years before stepping down. Under Aarav’s rule, the kingdom prospered more than ever, guided by honesty, humility, and courage.
Moral:
Honesty is always rewarded, even when it seems you have failed.
Aarav could have lied like the others, but his integrity made him a true leader. Truth may not always be easy, but it always shines in the end.
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