B1. The Emperor’s New Clothes

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Once upon a time, there was an Emperor who loved new clothes. He spent all his money on being well-dressed, with a different outfit for every hour!

The Emperor cared more about clothes than his people or the city's problems.

One day, two strangers came to the city. They said they were excellent weavers who could make the most beautiful cloth ever seen. This cloth was magical—it looked invisible to anyone who was stupid or lazy.

If I wore them, I could see who in my empire is stupid or lazy. I must have them made right away!

The Emperor gave the men a lot of money. They set up looms and pretended to work, moving their hands as if weaving, but using no real thread.

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After a few days, the Emperor sent his minister to check on the weavers. The minister went to the room where the men pretended to work at their looms.

I can't see anything! Am I stupid? Am I lazy? No one can ever know. So, he pretended to see the cloth.

"It's beautiful!" he told the Emperor. "Such wonderful colors and patterns!"

The Emperor was pleased. He sent more officials to see the cloth. They all pretended to see it too, afraid of looking stupid.

Finally, the Emperor went to see the magical clothes. He went to the weavers with his most important men.

"Isn't it magnificent?" said the officials, pretending to see the cloth.

Everyone looked at the Emperor, waiting for his reaction.

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The Emperor stared at the loom, trying to see something.

Finally, he said, "It's beautiful!"

Everyone was relieved.

The Emperor also pretended to see it, but inside he was cold with fear, Am I stupid? Am I lazy? he thought to himself.

"Your Majesty, it's time to try your new clothes," said the weavers.

The Emperor took off his clothes. The men pretended to put the new ones on him. The Emperor looked in the mirror. He pretended to admire the clothes.

"They fit so well!" everyone said. "What colors! What patterns! The new clothes are perfect!"

"The Emperor will wear the new clothes in a parade tomorrow," someone announced.

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The next day, the Emperor walked in the parade. He waved at the crowd, holding himself high. His officials pretended to carry his train.

"The Emperor's new clothes are the best!" everyone shouted.

Suddenly, a little boy ran out from the crowd. He pointed at the Emperor. "He isn't wearing anything at all!" he cried out.

For a moment, everyone was silent.

Soon, everyone whispered, "He has nothing on!"

The Emperor's face turned red. He knew the child was right. He was tricked. Yet, he couldn't admit his mistake and lose face.

So, he walked even more proudly, his officials holding high the train that wasn't there.