Once upon a time there lived a wise eastern ruler. No one could surpass him in intelligence or equal him in wealth. One day the vizier came to him with a sad face: “O great Sultan, you are the wisest and the most powerful. But what did I hear when I traveled around the country? People everywhere praised you, but there were also those among them who spoke ill of you. They mocked you and scolded your decisions. How can there be such disobedience in your kingdom!”
The Sultan smiled condescendingly at the vizier and replied: “Like anyone in my kingdom, you know about my services to the people. Seven provinces are under my control. The seven provinces under my rule have become rich and prosperous, crafts and trade flourish everywhere. In seven provinces people love me for my justice. Of course, you're right, I can do a lot. I can order every single gate of my cities to be bolted, but I am not able to shut the mouths of my talkative subjects.”
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru