King Joy and Secretary Splendor

King Joy was admired across his land, and his secretary Splendor was famous for thoughtful advice. Yet both men had one weakness: when someone close to them was upset, they promised anything before asking what was fair.

After a small disagreement, Splendor’s wife demanded that he shave his head and bow at her feet before she would speak kindly again. Wanting the quarrel to end at once, he agreed. Neither of them paused to discuss the real misunderstanding.

That same evening, the queen asked King Joy to pretend to be a horse while she rode on his back. The king felt uncomfortable, but he too agreed merely to end an argument. The silly performance solved nothing; it only left both people embarrassed.

The next morning the king noticed Splendor’s shaved head and asked what had happened. Splendor answered carefully, “Sometimes even sensible people abandon good judgment when they are desperate to please. One may shave his head, while another may neigh though he is no horse.”

King Joy understood the gentle mirror hidden in those words. He thanked his secretary for speaking honestly. Both men returned home and held calmer conversations. They apologized for their part in the quarrels, but also explained that affection should not demand humiliation.

The families agreed on a better rule: listen first, speak truthfully, and seek a solution that respects everyone. King Joy and Splendor remained loving husbands and capable leaders because they learned that kindness and self-respect can stand together.