Title: A childs inclination custom

Author: Unknown

No of page: 2

During the Three Kingdoms Period, the crown prince suddenly died of an illness. The emperor was at a loss. He did not know what to do because there was a struggle for the position among his other princes. He was in a dilemma. He called his most trusted minister, Jin Yang. Jin Yang, whom do you think I should appoint as my successor? asked the emperor. Your Majesty, whom you appoint will have far-etching efforts on the state. It is not good enough to appoint a successor with good morality and kindness alone. The qualities that his son possesses are of utmost importance too, replied Jin Yang. The emperor broke into a smile. He picked an auspicious day and summoned all his princes to bring their children to the palace for a test. All his ministers were also summoned to court to witness the test. When everyone was ready, Jin Yang took out a platter filled with peals, ivories, rhino horns, books, scrolls, ribbons and many more. He then explained to them. After that, the children were put on the floor and the platter was placed before them. The children were excited. They grabbed the items that attracted them. Some took pieces of jade, some took the ivory and others. Only Sun Hes son, Sun Hao took the bamboo scroll and the ribbon. The emperor was extremely happy. He picked up Sun Hao and was about to name him the crown prince but the other princes protested. The emperor was forced to name Sun Liang as his successor. However, three years later, Sun Liang was forced to abdicate in favour of his elder brother, Sun Xiu. Sun Xiu only became the emperor for seven years. The palace minister then appointed Sun Hao as the successor. They recalled the day Sun Hao went through the test as an infant. They were surprised at the coincidence. This story spread like wildfire and in no time, people in China were using this test on their children when they were one year old. This custom is still practiced by the Chinese today. Vocabulary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. inclination Liking / showing a preference for struggle fight / make a great effort to obtain something dilemma predicament/ difficulty far-etching higher impression auspicious favourable / good platter tray/ plate protested voiced disapproval / objected

8. abdicate to give up the throne Lesson learned: I learned the origin of the Chinese custom of testing the childs inclination when a child reaches one year old.