Long ago, there was a wealthy man who was extremely greedy and miserly. When the Lunar New Year approached, he craved some wine but refused to give any money. He ordered his farmhand, the plowman, to go to the market and buy a bottle without paying for it.
The plowman was puzzled and asked, “Sir, how can I buy wine without money?”
The rich man laughed loudly and said, “Anyone can buy wine with money. The clever and talented person is the one who can get wine without spending a penny!” He patted his thigh with pride, certain that the plowman would use his own money just to appear clever and capable.
The plowman calmly took a bottle to the market. A short time later, he returned and handed it to his master, saying, “Here is the wine, sir. Please enjoy it.”
The rich man was furious. He stared at the bottle and demanded, “What is this? How can I drink from an empty bottle?”
The plowman smiled and replied, “Anyone can drink when the bottle is full. The truly clever person is the one who can drink from an empty bottle.” He then walked away, leaving the rich man standing in shock, staring at the empty bottle.
This story teaches an important lesson: those who are kind and honest will be rewarded, while the greedy and selfish will face the consequences of their actions.