安徒生童話：The Emperor’S New Clothes 皇帝的新裝
once upon a time there lived a vain emperor whose only worry in life was to dress in elegant clothes. he changed clothes almost every hour and loved to show them off to his people.
word of the emperor's refined habits spread over his kingdom and beyond. two scoundrels who had heard of the emperor's vanity decided to take advantage of it. they introduced themselves at the gates of the palace with a scheme in mind.
"we are two very good tailors and after many years of research we have invented an extraordinary method to weave a cloth so light and fine that it looks invisible. as a matter of fact it is invisible to anyone who is too stupid and incompetent to appreciate its quality."
the chief of the guards heard the scoundrel's strange story and sent for the court chamberlain. the chamberlain notified the prime minister, who ran to the emperor and disclosed the incredible news. the emperor's curiosity got the better of him and he decided to see the two scoundrels.
"besides being invisible, your highness, this cloth will be woven in colors and patterns created especially for you." the emperor gave the two men a bag of gold coins in exchange for their promise to begin working on the fabric immediately.
"just tell us what you need to get started and we'll give it to you." the two scoundrels asked for a loom, silk, gold thread and then pretended to begin working. the emperor thought he had spent his money quite well: in addition to getting a new extraordinary suit, he would discover which of his subjects were ignorant and incompetent. a few days later, he called the old and wise prime minister, who was considered by everyone as a man with common sense.
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