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. 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. “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 s...