The Empty Pot Story

This is an inspiring story of a Chinese boy named Jun. He got a seed like all the other boys from the Chinese emperor. The deal was to grow the best plant to get chosen as the next heir to the throne. Jun could not grow one. What happened to his seed? What did the emperor say? Who became the next emperor? Read this interesting story and find out.

The Chinese Emperor’s Decision

One day, the Chinese Emperor declared that he is too old to keep on ruling this huge dynasty. He will choose a true heir from the young boys of China as he did not have children.

He made a plan to test and find the more deserving candidate for the emperor’s position. He called all the boys to his royal court and gave them a seed. The deal was to grow the best plant and get chosen as the next ruler of China.

Jun, the Innocent Boy

Jun was a hardworking and innocent little boy. He liked to take care of his plants. He watered them, trimmed old leaves, and changed pots. He went to the court with other boys.

The emperor handed one seed to each of the boys. They went happily to their respective homes. Jun also got one and was elated to participate.

He made a beautiful porcelain pot and covered its base with rocks. He then used humus soil, the richest soil to grow the seed and planted it gently. He watered the seed and waited for it to germinate.

Jun’s Pot was Empty

Days passed but his seed did not show a sign of leaves coming out. There was no shoot either.

The Empty Pot

On the other hand, Chen had grown a beautiful plant. Lee was happy that his plant was growing faster than everyone else. Most of the boys found their plants healthy and they were so happy.

The emperor has given six months to all the young boys with seeds. Jun was disappointed. He started to think about what he lacked. He changed the pot and poured rich soil to nurture the seed. Days and weeks passed but the seed did not show any sign. He was not happy with his empty pot.

The Final Day

There was news from different corners of the kingdom. Boys with beautiful plants were queuing in front of the palace. Jun did not want to go. His pot was still empty. His mother and father said, “You have given your best effort. You must go to the palace and face it. You are a brave boy.” Jun felt reluctant but went with his empty pot.

He was standing in line. The emperor started walking and checking the display. He reached Jun’s pot. Jun was anxious. The emperor said, “Did you bring an empty pot?” Jun’s face was red with embarrassment. He started crying and said, “I did everything I could, my lord. I gave the best soil, watered it, and even changed pots with fertilisers. There was no sign of leaves. I showed up to show my effort.”

The emperor embraced the boy and said, “We have our new emperor.” Jun was surprised. The emperor explained, “You see I have given everyone boiled seeds. They could not have grown plants.”

Jun, the Heir to China

All understood the emperor’s brilliant plan and hailed the new prince.

Moral of the Story

The moral of The Pots Story with Pictures is to work hard without expecting results. It also explains how treachery will not lead you to the place you expect.

Tips for Parents

Read this edition of the Empty Pot Stories to the children and explain why the emperor preferred the hard work of Jun. Explain why he chose Jun as his prince even though his pot was empty.