Once there was a king. After having established his government, he inquired of his ministers, “I have governed this country well. Am I a wise king?” 

His ministers said, “Your Majesty, you have governed very well. You are very wise.” 

One of the ministers, however, said, “You are not wise.” 

The king asked, “Why not?” 

The minister replied, “After establishing your government, you handed it over to your son, instead of to your younger brother.” The king was offended and expelled the minister. 

Later, the king asked another minister, “Am I a benevolent king?” 

The minister replied, “Yes, you are very benevolent.” 

The king asked, “Why?” 

The minister replied, “Benevolent rulers all have loyal ministers, and loyal ministers offer straightforward remarks. That minister’s opinion was very straightforward. He was a loyal minister. If you were not a benevolent king, you would not have had such a minister.” 

The king was impressed by this and called the minister back.