In a grand, shiny palace where a Young Emperor lived, there was a very important minister named Mr. Gao. Mr. Gao was clever, oh yes, but he was also a little bit bossy and wanted to make sure everyone listened to *him*.

One sunny morning, Mr. Gao had an idea. "Hmm," he thought, stroking his chin, "I wonder who *really* follows my lead, and who just pretends."

So, Mr. Gao found a lovely deer with tall antlers and a spotty coat. He led the deer into the big palace hall where the Young Emperor and all the other officials were gathered.

"Your Majesty," Mr. Gao announced with a big, proud smile, "Look at this magnificent horse I have brought for you!"

The Young Emperor blinked. He looked at the animal. It had antlers. It had spots. It looked very much like... a deer. "Mr. Gao," the Emperor said, a little puzzled, "are you sure? That looks like a deer to me."

Mr. Gao puffed out his chest. "Oh no, Your Majesty! It is a horse, a very special and fast horse! Don't you agree?"

Then, Mr. Gao turned to all the other officials in the hall. "Everyone," he said, his eyes twinkling in a not-so-friendly way, "what do you think of this splendid horse?"

A few brave officials whispered to each other, "But... that's a deer." One or two even quietly said, "Sir, with all respect, that appears to be a deer."

But many other officials saw Mr. Gao's stern face. They knew he was very powerful and could make things tricky for them if they disagreed. So, they quickly nodded and said, "Oh yes, Mr. Gao! A wonderful horse! So strong! Such a fine horse!"

Some officials just looked down at their shoes, not wanting to say anything at all. They didn't want to lie, but they were also a bit scared of Mr. Gao.

Mr. Gao watched everyone very carefully. He smiled, but it wasn't a happy, friendly smile. He remembered who said "horse" and who dared to say "deer," or who stayed silent.

Later on, Mr. Gao found ways to make things difficult for the people who had called the deer a deer, or who hadn't agreed with him. He wanted everyone to agree with him, even when he was obviously pointing at a deer and calling it a horse.

And that's how everyone in the palace learned that sometimes, even when you see a deer with your own eyes, a very powerful person might try to tell you it's a horse. It was a strange day in the palace, indeed!

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