In the time of Joseon Dynasty, there was a servant boy in the house of an official who was in charge of finances of the country. Although the boy grew up with poverty under the care of a single mother, he was honest and intelligent and took care of everything with no problems. The official thought that it was a waste of his talent to have him do chores, so he gave him a position and entrusted him with an important work. Then one day, his mother came to him and asked him earnestly.
“I feel honored that you are using my son for something so important. But please, take away my son’s position.”
Feeling perplexed that she wanted him to take away his son’s position which other people would even try to bribe him for, the official asked her why. Then the servant’s mom explained with respect.
“Thanks to you, my son and I never had to skip a meal, and my son even got married with a woman from a rich family. But after he became successful, he started changing. A few days ago, he even complained about the food that was prepared for him. I’m worried that he will become arrogant and end up committing a big crime with his work. Please give him another work, something that will pay him just enough to feed himself and his family.”
Moved by the sincerity of the mother who wanted her son to become an upright person, the official could not help but grant her wish.