The King issued a command: "The criminal must be executed. Send him to the gallows!"
No one dared to defy the King's order. The man was captured, bound, and brought forward to face his execution.
The man pleaded desperately for mercy, but the King remained unmoved. Realizing there was no hope for survival, the man began to hurl insults at the King. He thrashed about, screaming in rage and frustration.
The King was sitting quite far away and could not understand the meaning of the man's shouting. He turned to a courtier sitting beside him and asked, "What is that man saying?"
The courtier realized the danger of the situation. He knew that if he told the truth, the King might become even more furious. So, he replied, "Your Majesty, the man is saying: 'He who forgives an offender earns the respect of all.' I, too, wish to earn that respect."
Hearing this, the King was very pleased. He ordered, "Set him free."
However, another courtier was standing nearby. He held a deep grudge against the first courtier. He quickly spoke up, "Your Majesty, that courtier is lying to you! The man was actually insulting you. He should not be released."
Upon hearing this, the King became agitated, but his anger was directed at the second courtier. He looked at him and said, "His lie is a thousand times better than your truth. He lied to save a life, while you spoke the truth to harm two people."
The King continued, "Whom should I listen to? To me, a beneficial lie is far more acceptable than a harmful truth."
Hearing the King's wisdom, the courtiers began to praise his judgment.