Once upon a time, there was an old king. His health was getting worse day by day, and he knew it was time to choose an heir. He had three sons. The eldest son and the second son were both very clever and strong, while the youngest son was rather kind - hearted and simple.
The king came up with a way to decide who would be the heir. He took out three feathers and said to his three sons, "Take these three feathers and walk in different directions. Wherever the feathers land, look for the most special thing there and bring it back to me. Whoever brings back the thing that satisfies me the most will inherit my throne."
After getting the feather, the eldest son blew it hard, and the feather floated towards the east. He rushed in the direction where the feather floated and came to a prosperous city. He saw a wealthy merchant selling all kinds of magnificent jewels. He thought these jewels would surely satisfy his father, so he bought the most expensive gem and took it back.
The second son's feather floated towards the west, and he soon arrived at a large town. There, he found a horse that was extremely strong and had shiny fur. He thought to himself that this horse was so outstanding that his father would surely like it, so he took the horse back.
And the youngest son's feather fluttered gently and landed not far behind him. He turned around and saw only a forest. Deep in the forest, there was a dilapidated hut. The youngest son walked into the hut, and there lived a talking little mouse. When the little mouse saw the youngest son, it said to him, "You are a kind - hearted person. I can feel your kindness. I can help you." The youngest son told the little mouse that he was looking for the most special thing to bring to the king. The little mouse said, "I am the most special. You can take me back." The youngest son thought it was very strange, but still followed the little mouse's advice and set off with the little mouse.
All three sons returned to the palace and stood in front of the king. The eldest son took out the brilliant gem, the second son led the fine horse, and the youngest son brought the little mouse. When the eldest son and the second son saw that the youngest son had only brought back a little mouse, they couldn't help laughing.
The king looked at the gem of the eldest son, then at the horse of the second son, and finally at the little mouse of the youngest son. He frowned, not knowing how to make a choice. Just then, the little mouse suddenly spoke: "Your Majesty, the respected king, you may think I am very tiny, but I have magical powers." After saying that, the little mouse jumped a few times on the ground. Suddenly, the whole palace became resplendent and magnificent, the table was filled with all kinds of delicious food, and the walls were hung with exquisite paintings.
The king looked at all this in surprise. He realized that although the thing the youngest son brought back seemed ordinary, it had extraordinary power. Moreover, it was because of his kindness that the youngest son got the help of the little mouse. So, the king announced that the youngest son would be his heir.
From then on, the youngest son became the king. He governed the country with his kindness and wisdom, and the country became prosperous and the people all lived a happy life under his rule.
