The king was known for his kindness. His people 1 him and were proud of him. Once, the king decided to build a palace on the river bank. In a few days the palace was ready. And 2 bringing the king to show the palace,the minister (大臣) decided to take a final look. “Great!” the minister said,looking at the palace. Then 3 his eyes fell on a hut just a few steps away from the palace gate. “What is this hut doing here?” shouted the minister. “Sir,it 4 to an old woman. She has been living here for a long time ,” replied a soldier.
The minister walked up to the 5 and spoke to the old lady. “I want to buy your hut. Ask for anything, ” he said. “I am sorry,Sir. I can not 6 your offer. My hut is dearer to me than my life/' the old lady said.
The minister tried to tell the old lady that 7 hut would spoil the charm (魔力) of the new palace. But the old lady refused to sell her hut to the king. The 8 was then taken to the king.
The king thought for a while, and then said, u Let the old lady have her hut 9 it is. It will only add to the beauty of the new palace. ” Then turning to the minister,the king said, “Let us not forget that what seems 10 to us may be valuable to someone else. ”