"The Empty Pot"

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a kind and just emperor who ruled over a peaceful kingdom. He was loved by his people for his fairness and honesty. But as he grew old, he realized he had no children to inherit the throne. He wanted to find a successor—not someone with wealth or power, but someone with a good heart.

One morning, the emperor made an announcement across the land:

“I will choose my successor from among the children of this kingdom. Each child will be given a seed. Whoever grows the most beautiful plant in six months will become the next emperor.”

Children from every corner of the kingdom gathered at the palace. The emperor handed each one a single seed and said, “Take this seed home, plant it, care for it, and return in six months with what you have grown.”

Among the children was a boy named Ping. He was honest, humble, and loved gardening. His plants always bloomed with care and attention. Ping was excited and took the seed home, filled a pot with rich soil, and planted it with great hope.

Every day, he watered it, placed it in sunlight, and waited patiently. Weeks went by, but nothing sprouted. Ping was confused. He changed the soil, used different pots, and continued to care for the seed. But still, it didn’t grow.

Other children, meanwhile, were bragging. They claimed their seeds had turned into beautiful flowers, vibrant vines, and even small trees. Ping felt embarrassed and began to worry. What would the emperor think of him?

His parents comforted him. “You’ve done your best, and you’ve been honest. That’s what matters most,” his mother said.

Six months passed, and the day arrived for the children to return to the palace. They carried pots filled with tall, blooming plants in dazzling colors. Ping, however, held his empty pot. He wanted to hide, but his parents encouraged him to be brave.

When Ping arrived, he felt small and ashamed among the other children with their flourishing plants. Still, he stood quietly in line, holding his empty pot tightly.

The emperor walked among the children, examining each pot. He nodded politely but said little. Then he stopped in front of Ping.

“What happened here, young man?” the emperor asked gently.

Ping bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, I planted the seed and cared for it every day. I tried my best, but it didn’t grow.”

The emperor’s face lit up with a warm smile. He turned to the crowd and announced, “I have found the one worthy to rule this land!”

The children and parents gasped in confusion. “But his pot is empty!” one of them shouted.

The emperor raised his hand for silence. Then he spoke:

“Six months ago, I gave everyone a boiled seed—one that could not grow. It was a test of honesty. Many of you replaced the seed with a different one to impress me with your plants. But only one child had the courage and integrity to bring me the truth—an empty pot. That child is Ping.”

The crowd fell silent. Then, slowly, they began to clap. Ping looked up in shock and joy. He never expected that his honesty, not a plant, would win the emperor’s heart.

Years later, Ping became one of the wisest and most beloved emperors the kingdom had ever known. He ruled with fairness, compassion, and the same integrity that helped him earn the crown.

Moral of the Story:

Honesty is always the best policy. Even when it’s hard, telling the truth shows courage—and it is the mark of true leadership.