Story The Confident King: adaptation of the Tibetan folk tale.
Many years ago, in a small but very prosperous kingdom, a just and kind king ruled who was very loved by his people.
The monarch was very proud that things were going well in his territory, but there was one issue that constantly worried him: he was aware that he had an overly trusting character and it overwhelmed him to think that at any moment a heartless person could appear to take advantage of his goodness.
One day, during dinner, he said to his wife:
– I consider myself a good person and I am afraid that someone will betray me. What can I do, my love, to solve this issue that overwhelms me so much?
– Dear, if you feel insecure, let someone help you and advise you in difficult situations.
– You’re right! I already know what I will do: I will appoint a counselor to warn me when someone tries to play tricks on me. He will be my best collaborator and friend!
– That’s very good!
– Yes, but I must be careful when choosing the right person. He must be the most intelligent man in the kingdom so that no one can deceive him either.
With that, the king left the dining room and gathered fifty royal messengers in the throne room.
– I have sent for you because I want you to go around all the cities, towns and villages announcing to my subjects that I am looking for the most intelligent person in the kingdom. Among all those who come to my call I will choose my future advisor, my trusted man. Tell them that I, the king, await them in this very room in a week.
There was no time to lose! All the messengers mounted their horses and spread the news to the most remote places. Seven days later, dozens of candidates gathered around the monarch eager to hear what he had to tell them.
There were applicants for all tastes: young people, old people, merchants, doctors, goldsmiths, fishermen… All very excited to get such an important position.
The king, sitting on his golden throne, spoke to them in a loud and firm voice:
– I imagine that each of you are really intelligent people, but as you know, I can only keep one. Whoever manages to overcome the challenge that I am going to pose will be named royal advisor.
The silence in the room was such that you could hear the buzz of a fly. The king continued with his speech.
– The proof is the following: I am sitting on my throne and I do not intend to get up while you are in the room, but whoever manages to convince me to do so, whoever manages to get me to stand up, will keep the position.
For a couple of hours the candidates for the position, using all possible tricks, tried to persuade the king. No one managed to get him to lift his royal buttocks from the throne.
When it seemed that the king’s challenge had been of no use, a shy boy who had not yet said a word appeared from the shadows and approached him.
– I introduce myself, your highness. My name is Yeshi.
– I hear you, Yeshi.
– I want to ask you a question: Do you think that someone can force you to cross the door and leave this room?
The king was stunned.
–How is someone going to force me to leave here?! I am the king and no one rules over me!
To his surprise and that of everyone gathered there, Yeshi replied with absolute calm:
– I can!
The king clenched his fists trying to contain his rage, but his curiosity got the better of him so much that he continued listening to the boy’s reasoning.
Yeshi pointed to the entrance door to the living room.
– Sir, now imagine that you and I are already outside this room. What would it give me if I managed to convince you to come back in?
The king answered without thinking through the consequences:
– I would name you my advisor!
Yeshi, with a smile, encouraged him:
– Very good! Why don’t we try it and clear up any doubts?
The king, thinking that the challenge was very easy because he was very clear that no one was going to force him to enter the room if he did not want to, accepted the young man’s proposal and jumped up to leave through the door.
As soon as he took three steps he caught Yeshi’s clever play. She stopped suddenly, turned to the boy and, winking at him, said:
– You are certainly very smart! You have managed to divert my attention so that I, without realizing it, rose from the throne. You have overcome the challenge and if anyone deserves the position it is you! From now on you will live in the palace and help me day and night as an advisor and good friend.
Yeshi felt very honored and received loud applause in recognition of his sagacity.