Once upon a time there was an emperor who had three daughters, whom he loved very much. After his wife died, he took a great interest in his daughters’ education and granted their every wish. He bought his daughters the most beautiful dresses, the most expensive jewels and the most wonderful books. His daughters loved their father more than anything else.
One day the emperor asked his eldest daughter how much she loved him.
“I love you like honey,” replied his eldest daughter.
Her father was pleased with her reply and asked his middle daughter.
“I love you like sugar,” she replied.
The emperor was touched by so much love. He then asked his youngest daughter.
“And my little one, how much do you love me?”
“I love you like the salt in your food, father,” replied his youngest daughter.
Her sisters started to laugh at her. The emperor was furious.
“What kind of answer is that? Leave my house at once!”
The youngest daughter was not allowed to give any explanation and was exiled. Her sisters laughed at her stupidity and were pleased that she was leaving because they did not really love her dearly. The youngest daughter dressed herself in some simple clothes. She left with sadness in her heart and tears in her eyes.
After a long journey, she reached the palace of another emperor and found work as a servant. She was so hard-working and skillful that before long everyone adored her. She could cook the finest dishes and could make any object shine. The empress heard of this clever servant girl and called her to her. After they had spoken a little, they became inseparable. The girl no longer had to work in the kitchen. Instead she stayed alongside the empress, sewing or painting, and everything she made was incomparably beautiful.