The consequences of playing tricks

One day, the largest pharmacy in town was bustling with activity. The elderly owner had invited his relatives and friends to witness a momentous occasion. In front of everyone, the old owner signed an inheritance contract with his twin sons: whoever’s horse arrived first would be declared the winner, and the pharmacy would be passed down to that son.

The old owner asked his two sons to each choose a fine horse. They were to start from the pharmacy, ride to their home, recite an ancestral pre atcept home, and then ride back to the pharmacy. The first one whose horse arrived at the pharmacy would be the winner. So, the two sons each picked a good horse and spurred them on with all their might, arriving at home almost simultaneously.

After reciting the precept at the altar, the elder brother rushed out and saw that his own horse was already exhausted. Without hesitation, he quickly mounted his younger brother’s horse and galloped away. When the younger brother finished reciting and ran out, he found only his brother’s horse left. He had no choice but to ride it and chase after his brother.

As expected, the elder brother returned to the pharmacy first. After waiting for a long time, the younger brother finally arrived. The old owner then announced to everyone: “The winner of this competition is the younger son who arrived later. The pharmacy will be inherited by him.” This announcement caused an uproar. The elder brother was very dissatisfied and questioned his father. The old owner calmly replied, “It’s actually very simple. The contract clearly states: whoever’s ‘horse’ arrives first wins. The pharmacy will be inherited by that person.” After hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, and the elder brother had to accept it as well.

Indeed, one should not commit even a small evil deed. Honesty and integrity are essential qualities for a person.