One bright morning, the wise advisor Vishwanathan was preparing to leave for the royal palace. His young daughter, Nila, suddenly approached him with a determined look. "Father, I want to come to the palace with you today," she announced.
Vishwanathan was surprised. Nila was usually a quiet child, so he wondered if there was a special reason for her sudden request. "Nila, the palace is a place of serious business and grand meetings. Why do you wish to go there?" he asked gently.
Nila replied with sparkling eyes, "Father, I have never seen the magnificent palace or met the Great King. I want to see how you speak and how the kingdom is run."
Seeing her genuine curiosity, Vishwanathan decided to take her along. When they arrived at the royal court, King Simhan was seated on his golden throne. The King noticed the little girl and smiled warmly. "Vishwanathan, your daughter is lovely! I would love to talk to her," the King said.
The King then playfully asked, "Little one, do you know how to speak properly in a royal court?"
Nila bowed slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, I know how to speak briefly yet meaningfully."
The court fell silent in surprise. The King leaned forward, intrigued. "Briefly yet meaningfully? How is that possible?"
Nila explained with great composure, "Your Majesty, when I am with elders and wise people, I speak very little. This is because I wish to listen more and learn from their vast experience. But when I am with children my own age, I speak a lot. I must explain things to them clearly so they can understand. Listening to the wise is learning; teaching the young is sharing."
The King was deeply impressed by her maturity. He turned to Vishwanathan and said, "Truly, the apple does not fall far from the tree! Your daughter possesses not just eloquence, but great wisdom." The King rewarded Nila with beautiful gifts, and Vishwanathan walked home with his head held high, proud of his daughter's brilliant mind.
Moral
True wisdom lies in knowing when to listen and when to speak.
