The One to Win the Crown

A king had three sons. One day, the youngest son approached the king privately and said, “Father, my two elder brothers are admirable, but they are not fit to govern the kingdom. If you want your kingdom to prosper, make me the crown prince.”

The king called his three sons together and gave each of them a lakh of gold coins. He instructed them, “Use the money in any way you choose. Return to me in three months and report what you have accomplished. The one who has made the best use of the coins will succeed me on the throne.”

Three months later, the sons were summoned before the king. The eldest announced that he had used the money to promote religious education among the subjects. The second son stated that he had spent his fortune learning from a wizard the secrets of bringing rain when needed.

When it was the youngest son’s turn, he whispered to the king, “My lord, I have secured the loyalty of your army. They are ready to assist me in staging a coup. It would be wise to transfer the throne to me and retire with honor.”

The king found himself reluctantly compelled to consider the youngest son’s unsettling advice.