Once upon a time there was a country ruled by a wise and kind king. As the king grew old, he wanted to select a suitable successor to rule the kingdom after him. He sent out a notice throughout his country inviting all qualified young men for an interview to decide who would be the next ruler. The only qualification was that the candidate should have immense love for their fellow human beings.
Every young man across the country was excited about the possibility of becoming the next king. A poor young man from a remote village also heard about this notice. He was a kind, hardworking man but very poor due to various circumstances. The young man worked hard and saved up some money to buy proper clothes and supplies for the long journey to the palace for the interview.
After getting ready, the young man set out on his quest. He travelled for many days and was close to completing his journey when he came upon a poor beggar sitting by the side of the road. The beggar was trembling in the cold, covered only in tattered rags. He extended his arms and pleaded for help in a weak, croaky voice "I am hungry and cold, please help me sir."
The young man was moved by the pathetic condition of the beggar. He immediately took off his new clothes and offered them to the beggar. He also gave the beggar all the food he had carried for his journey. The beggar thanked him profusely. But now the young man was hesitant to go for the interview dressed in his old dirty clothes. However, he gathered courage and entered the palace.
The king's attendant showed him to the great hall. After cleaning up, the young man was admitted for the interview. He bowed low as the king entered. When he looked up, he gasped in astonishment. The king looked exactly like the beggar he had met on the way!
The king saw the shock in the man's eyes and said "Yes, I was the beggar you met on your journey. But why did you dress up as a beggar? You are the king!" The young man stammered, still in shock, "Why did you do this to me?"
The king replied, "Because I wanted to know if you truly had a good heart and loved your fellow human beings. If I had come as a king, you would have tried to impress me. But this way I could see what was truly in your heart. Your generosity and kindness towards that beggar, without expecting anything in return, proves you have a great heart."
"This country needs a leader who cares for the welfare of all people, not just those who offer him flattery. You have shown compassion and love for your fellow man. That is the greatest gift a leader can have. Kindness is more important than power or wealth. By recognizing this, you have proven you are the right person to succeed me."
The young man was humbled. He realized that a heart full of love and compassion was the greatest thing he could offer, not riches or fine clothes. The king reminded him that in life, kindness matters more than prestige. A leader who cares for his people like his own family would truly make the kingdom prosper.
The young man vowed to rule with the same empathy and love he had shown the beggar. The kingdom flourished under the leadership of the kind hearted king. He always helped the poor and needy. Over time, stories of the king's generosity spread far and wide. Neighbouring kingdoms also implemented the young king's compassionate policies. Eventually, the entire region became more harmonious and prosperous.
The old king observed all this with satisfaction. On his deathbed, he told the young man, "When I chose you, I saw a glimpse of the great leader you would become. Continue to keep kindness and compassion as your guiding principles. This kingdom's glory lies in the hearts of its people, not in power or riches."
The young king continued to rule justly for many years. In the end, the kingdom remembered him as their most noble, caring ruler who taught them that empathy and charity are the true marks of great leadership. His legacy lived on in the people as they emulated his example in their own lives.
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