Dwelling in the Emperor

"You are a man not an island"

A refined and royal emperor stood on a porch over looking his domain he mutter to himself, "My land, My Kingdom" with a smile. His adviser came in and told his emperor, "Your majesty, the  nation's birthday is coming soon, and you must do something special in order to gain favor with the gods". The emperor was displeased, not because he didn't like the idea, because he had no idea how to repay the nation for their loyal service.

So he sat down at his desk, and began outlining things he could do, but with each proposal he discovered that "oh this is too expensive" or "This is childish" with each idea that came to him he had no humane way to repay the nation and it's people for their service over the many years. He stood up quickly like lighting hitting a tree and told his adviser, "Quick! get me some commoner clothing i wish to know what the people want!" the poor old adviser nearly had a heart attack, the royal emperor a commoner?! the adviser propose a different if not humane way to go about their business with the common folk, "why don't we just ask directly?" said the adviser.

So the emperor and the adviser with a contingent of royal soldiers went to the city overlooking the castle, he explored everywhere asking the people what they want, to their amazement the whole consensus was this, "we like everything you have given us, you don't need to bother". The emperor pounded his feet to the ground causing dust to dirty his royal attire. The adviser once again almost feinted and told the royal soldiers "Quickly! protect the emperor from the dust!" the men tried their best to fight his unforeseen foe only to be made a mockery of the townsfolk.

The royal party returned to the castle and planned another trip in the city. The next day, they entered the town was busy as it was trading season. Ships come and gone dropping off goods and people to either start new lives or usually on a business trip of some kind. "Ah ha!" said the Emperor. "Why don't we build a ship that does all of these things and therefore we won't need any more stinking ships passing in and out". This time it wasn't the adviser that had a heart attack but the banks the nation over, out crying: "Absolutely not!" the emperor was sad and return to his quarters for the rest of the day crying in his sleep.

On the day before the country's birthday a monk from distance lands came to visit. The whole city welcome his arrival except for the emperor who was so depressed at not being able to figure out that 'gift' he can give back to the nation. The monk visited his quarters, as he stepped in he sees paper everywhere from sketches to blueprints to finance papers; yes it was that bad.

The monk sat down next to the emperor; and ask him: "What is wrong emperor?" said he. The royal majesty got up from his seat and told him candidly, "I can't figure out what this nation want's in return". The monk was slient and then began laughing much to the dismay of the emperor, the monk got up and gave him advice. "You are a man, not an island" he patted the emperor's shoulders and departed.

The emperor was in shock for a brief few seconds and then he began giving out a haughty laugh. "So that is what he meant" the emperor was happy again he told his adviser, "I know what we need to do" said the emperor. The adviser said "oh? what is it?". The emperor sat on his throne and announced this to his people:

"My people, loyal citizens and soldiers of the empire, for many years we have fought, bled, and died for each other and for the sake of this nations future. My predecessors couldn't do, what I did; we have brought peace and comfort to the four corners of the world and for that I thank you. Today marks the 10th anniversary of this nations history and i want to make it a special one. So in honor of our nation under the heavens above, I will step down as being leader and for a good reason for you see I am a man not an island i can't be an emperor if i am treated like a god, I can't be treated as a normal human being without the need for constant council, I hope you understand and thank you for your hospitality and generosity".

The audience and the royal council was in shock. But then one by one each one clapped their hands. Including the adviser, after the announcement. The adviser asked the emperor for a clearer context to his meaning of "A man not being an island". The emperor patted his trusted adviser and said, "The people don't need a figure to follow, they need to follow what's in their hearts, countless emperors from nations long past and the world over are treated like a divine being from the heavens, I want to be here on earth where all of my vassals are and if we die together then we will die together, but the most important thing that they and us will remember was that on this day. The emperor of this nation has become 'normal' and for that i am happy and content".

So he took off his royal attire, grabbed his things and departed for his people, not to celebrate like a nation but to celebrate as equals.