where coaches go > nuggets > inspiration > royal palace
He was a powerful Emperor, known for his justice and benevolence. He was wise beyond measure and governed so well that the kingdom prospered mightily and was constantly expanding even without military conquest. Village after village at the geographic frontiers simply elected to become part of the kingdom and the Emperor was too kind hearted to refuse. His credo was that riches existed to be shared.
By custom, all members of any village that became a new part of the empire were welcomed to visit the Royal Palace, in the capital. Each member of the palace staff to whom a villager paid respects was obligated to give a gift. The higher the position of the member, the more valuable was the gift given. This was the tradition, and it was widely proclaimed and known by all. It probably contributed to the willingness of villagers to merge with the kingdom.
The head man of a dirt-poor village that had just joined the kingdom was exhorting the villagers to set out for the capital. "It is too far," they wailed, "how can we leave our homes for so long? What will we eat on the way, and where will we find shelter, and what will become of our huts?" And so half the village did not even begin the journey.
The path was not well marked and the journey was long and arduous; half of those who set out lost heart and turned back. The rest struggled on and supported each other with words of encouragement, and they finally reached the capital.
The guard at the palace gate was tall and imposing. He wore a white-and-red uniform with gold braids and shiny brass buttons. The villagers had never seen anyone so impressive. "Surely this is the Emperor," they said, and they made obeisance to him. He gave each villager who did a handful of copper coins and they were satisfied. Many turned back to their village clutching the coins.
A few went up to the gate and the guard opened it for them. Inside was an usher, and he wore a similar uniform, but his clothes were made of silk and were more elegant. The villagers knew that they had been mistaken, that he was the Emperor, and they bowed. He gave them each a silver coin and many accepted it gratefully and took their leave.
The head man gathered his courage asked if he was truly the Emperor. The usher told him that the Emperor was in the inner palace and took him and those of his village who remained across the courtyard and over a moat. The majordomo who opened the heavy door was truly resplendent, bedecked with ribbons. "This is finally the Emperor." They all knew this and bowed again, and he gave each a handful of silver coins. And many turned and left, marveling at their good fortune.
And so it went on as those who were left met ministers at various levels. Only the head man and one other were left when they met the grand vizier, and he gave each of them a magnificent diamond and bade them leave; and the last villager did.
But the head man was gently persistent and so the vizier opened the door to the throne room and there was the Emperor, who was dressed simply in white. And this time the head man knew that he was not mistaken and paid his respects with tears in his eyes. And the Emperor gave him much wealth and, more important, assigned him to his wise men for instruction so that he could one day assume a position in the royal court.
Gently Persist.
—Author Unknown