Once upon a time,

in a land nestled among lofty mountains,

there lived a queen crowned with a radiant ruby.

Its fiery brilliance dazzled all who beheld it,

and people throughout the realm

regarded it as an incomparable treasure.

Yet despite owning this magnificent gem,

the queen often sighed in private:

“Though this ruby sparkles so brightly,

why can it not grant me peace of mind?”

One year, unrest swept through the kingdom.

Disputes arose among the people,

and the royal court was consumed by endless debate.

Holding the ruby in her hands,

the queen found no way to quell the chaos.

At a loss, she sought counsel from a revered sage.

Bowing low, the sage gently said,

“Your Majesty, though the ruby shines,

it only reflects the light around it.

True guidance must come from within your own heart.

If your inner lamp is lit,

it will illuminate even the darkest path.”

Struck by these words,

the queen began to reflect.

She set aside her fixation on the ruby

and instead listened closely to the people’s concerns,

examining her own shortcomings in the process.

Gradually, her humility and insight resolved the disputes,

and peace was restored to the kingdom.

Only then did the queen realize:

however splendid external adornments may be,

they have their limits.

True tranquility comes from the wisdom that resides within.

From that moment on,

the queen’s bearing was calm,

her gaze gentle yet unwavering.

A courtier asked, “Your Majesty,

have you found a treasure more precious than the ruby?”

The queen offered a faint smile and replied,

“A ruby merely reflects the brilliance cast upon it,

but wisdom shines from within.

It is only wisdom that endures forever.”