By Yap Zhe Wen
Have you heard of the saying that you can get away one time, but you can’t a thousand times? Well, this story tells you about it.
Around 2000BC in ancient China, an emperor liked people to play music for him, especially the flute.
One young man, Chong Lie-tze thought it would be fantastic if he could get some free money by playing the flute.
But he didn’t intend to play the flute, he was greedy and only wanted the money. Then he thought of a loophole. He went to the palace, where the emperor lived.
“Sire,” he said. “I am a professional flutist . Allow me to play you some lovely music.”
The emperor agreed.
When it was time to play the flute, however, Chong Lie-tze actually did no t know how to play the flute. So he just followed what the other performers did, whether it was right or wrong, he did it anyway.
This went on for a few years, until the emperor died and was succeeded by his son, who also liked people to play the flute for him.
However, unlike his father, he preferred people playing the flute solo, instead of in groups.
Chong Li-tze knew he was doomed and he fled for his life. This story tells us that you can get away one time, but never a thousand . So don’t try to beat the system.
Yap Sze Wen is eleven years old.
Comments