The Chinese emperor sent his envoys to a hermit who lived in the mountains in the north of the country. They were to convey to him an invitation to take the post of prime minister of the empire.
After traveling for many days, the ambassadors finally approached his home, but it turned out to be empty. Not far from the hut they saw a half-naked man. He sat on a stone in the middle of the river and fished. “Is this man really worthy of being prime minister?” - they thought.
The ambassadors began to ask the village residents about the hermit and were convinced of his merits. They returned to the river bank and made polite signs to attract the fisherman's attention.
Soon the hermit climbed out of the water onto the shore: arms akimbo, barefoot.
- What do you need? he asked.
“O venerable one, His Majesty the Emperor of China, having heard about your wisdom and holiness, gives you these gifts. He invites you to take the post of prime minister of the empire.
- Prime Minister of the Empire?
- Yes, sir.
- To me?
- Yes, sir.
- What, has the emperor gone completely crazy? – the hermit burst out laughing, to the great embarrassment of the envoys.
Finally, gaining control of himself, he said:
“Tell me, is it true that on the main altar of the imperial sanctuary there is a stuffed turtle, and its shell is encrusted with sparkling diamonds?”
- Absolutely right, oh venerable one.
“Is it true that once a day the emperor and his family gather at the sanctuary to pay homage to the diamond-decorated turtle?”
- Is it true.
“Now look at this dirty turtle.” Do you think she will agree to switch places with the one in the palace?
- No.
“Then go back to the emperor and tell him that I don’t agree either.” There is no place for the living on the altar.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru