The Empty Pot : A Chinese Folktale About Honesty and Courage

The Empty Pot

Long ago in ancient China, there lived a kind and wise Emperor who loved his people dearly. However, the Emperor had grown old and had no children of his own. He needed to choose someone honest and capable to take his place as ruler of the kingdom. Instead of selecting a successor from his ministers, he decided to test the children of the land.

Wise Chinese Emperor in golden royal robes thinking about choosing an honest successor, children’s story The Empty Pot

One day, the Emperor announced that all the children in the kingdom should come to the palace. Curious and excited, children gathered from villages and towns. The Emperor stood before them holding a basket of seeds.

Chinese Emperor giving seeds to children as a test of honesty in The Empty Pot story for kids

“I will give each of you one seed,” the Emperor said. “Take it home, plant it, and care for it with love and patience. After one year, return to me with what you have grown. The child who brings me the best plant will become the next Emperor.”

Among the children was a gentle and hardworking boy named Ping. He loved gardening and was very excited about the challenge. When he received his seed, he rushed home and showed it to his parents. Together, they planted it in a fine pot with rich soil.

Ping planting a seed in a pot with hope, children’s story about honesty The Empty Pot

Every day, Ping watered the seed carefully. He placed the pot in sunlight and protected it from cold winds. Days passed, then weeks, but nothing happened. While other children proudly talked about green sprouts and growing leaves, Ping’s pot remained empty.

Sad boy Ping looking at an empty pot after waiting, honesty lesson in children’s story The Empty Pot

Ping grew worried. He changed the soil, used a larger pot, and watered it even more carefully. Still, nothing grew. Months went by, and Ping felt sad and ashamed. He wondered if he had failed.

Children holding blooming plants while Ping holds an empty pot, honesty lesson for kids

As the year came to an end, the other children carried beautiful plants—tall flowers, leafy bushes, and colorful blooms. Ping looked at his empty pot and felt like crying. He did not want to go to the palace, but his parents encouraged him.

“You did your best,” his father said gently. “You must be honest. Take the pot as it is.”

With a heavy heart, Ping carried his empty pot to the palace. When he arrived, he saw hundreds of children holding magnificent plants. People laughed quietly at Ping’s empty pot, and his face turned red with embarrassment.

Brave boy Ping carrying an empty pot to the palace, children’s story about truth and courage

When the Emperor arrived, he walked slowly among the children, examining each plant. He nodded but said nothing. Finally, he reached Ping.

“Why is your pot empty, my child?” the Emperor asked kindly.

Chinese Emperor asking Ping about his empty pot, moral story about honesty for kids

Ping bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, I tried everything I could, but the seed would not grow. I am sorry.”

The Emperor smiled warmly. He then turned to the crowd and raised his voice.

“One year ago,” he said, “I gave you all boiled seeds. They could not grow.”

The crowd gasped in shock.

“All of you except one replaced the seed with another plant,” the Emperor continued. “Only Ping was honest enough to bring me an empty pot.”

Emperor reveals truth and praises Ping for honesty, children’s moral story The Empty Pot

The Emperor placed his hand on Ping’s shoulder.

“Honesty, courage, and integrity are the qualities of a true leader,” he declared. “Ping shall be the next Emperor.”

Ping standing proudly beside the Emperor, honesty rewarded in children’s story The Empty Pot

The crowd applauded, and Ping’s eyes filled with tears—not of shame, but of pride. From that day on, Ping ruled with wisdom and fairness, never forgetting the lesson that honesty is always more powerful than success built on lies.


Moral of the Story
The main moral of “The Empty Pot” is that honesty is more important than success.

Even when Ping failed to grow a plant, he chose to tell the truth instead of lying like the others. His honesty showed courage, integrity, and strong character. The story teaches children that doing the right thing—even when it is difficult—is always rewarded in the end.

The End

--------------------------

Questions & Answers

1. Why didn’t Ping’s seed grow?

Because the Emperor had boiled all the seeds, making them unable to sprout.

2. Why did other children have plants?

They replaced the original seed with another one instead of being honest.

3. What choice did Ping make when his seed didn’t grow?

He chose honesty and brought the empty pot to the Emperor.

4. What lesson does the story teach children?

Honesty, integrity, and courage are more important than success or winning.

5. How can children apply this lesson in real life?

By telling the truth, even when it’s difficult, and doing the right thing even if others don’t.

6. Why did the Emperor choose Ping as the next ruler?

Because Ping showed honesty and moral courage—qualities of a good leader.


The Empty Pot Is a Timeless Story for Children

This story reminds children and adults alike that honesty may not always be easy, but it is always right. The Empty Potteaches values that stay with children for life, helping them grow into kind, trustworthy, and responsible individuals.


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