00:00In the heart of a serene village nestled between emerald green hills and sprawling rice fields lay a modest yet charming house.
00:10It was here that an aging father, his face etched with the wisdom of years lived well, prepared to pass on his legacy to his only son.
00:21The young man had found love with a girl from a neighboring village, and the time had come to arrange their marriage.
00:29However, the father, far from being eager to welcome a new member into his family, surprised his son with an unexpected twist.
00:40He decided that he would choose a daughter-in-law for him, not based on her beauty or status or wealth, but solely on the virtue of her heart.
00:51Confused and slightly hurt by his father's words, the young man could only agree, wondering how his father would find a suitable match for him based on such a nebulous virtue.
01:05The first, tall and statuesque, carried herself with an air of quiet confidence.
01:21Her eyes, pools of warmth and intelligence, seemed to hold a universe of kindness.
01:29The second, petite and delicate, moved with a gentle grace that was both endearing and elegant.
01:37Her smile was like the soft blush on a winter's dawn, promising the warmth of a thousand suns.
01:45The third, though, was unlike the other two.
01:49She was fiery and full of spirit, her laughter echoing with joy.
01:55Yet beneath her vivacious exterior lay a depth of sincerity that was disarming.
02:02After welcoming them into his home and observing them for a while, the old man called the first woman into his private chambers.
02:12My dear, he began, his voice raspy yet kind, you seem like a good, intelligent and capable girl.
02:22However, I haven't seen anything that sets you apart, anything that truly speaks to the virtue of your heart.
02:31The woman, taken aback by the old man's blunt honesty, tried to hide her disappointment.
02:39She had come with high hopes, believing her beauty and status would win him over.
02:45But she couldn't deny his words held truth.
02:49With a slight nod of her head, she accepted his decision and gracefully exited the house.
02:56The second woman entered the room with a demure smile.
03:01The old man, as before, wasted no time in his assessment.
03:06You are a sweet girl, he said, and I can see you have a good heart.
03:12But I need someone who can not only endure hardship, but also thrive in it.
03:19Someone whose spirit is as resilient as a bamboo.
03:23Again, the woman was taken aback.
03:26She had thought her gentle nature and warm smile would be enough, but she understood the need for more.
03:34Accepting the old man's assessment with a graceful bow, she too left the house.
03:41And so only the third woman remained.
03:44As she entered the room, her vibrant energy seemed to fill the space.
03:50The old man, his eyes twinkling with amusement, broke into a warm smile.
03:56You, he said, are the kind of girl who doesn't need me to tell you what to do, yet always manages to do what needs to be done, he continued.
04:08Your laughter echoes with life itself, and your eyes hold the kindness that warms my old heart.
04:16Overwhelmed by his words, the woman, who had been so confident earlier, suddenly felt a vulnerability she had never known.
04:26She had never sought to be anyone's choice, and the idea that this gruff old man saw something special in her was both humbling and exhilarating.
04:38As days turned into weeks, the old man kept a close eye on the remaining woman.
04:44He watched how she interacted with the villagers, how she helped his son with chores around the house, and how she patiently listened to his stories of the past.
04:56One day, however, an unexpected trial came upon the village.
05:02A sudden illness swept through, taking many to their beds, including the old man.
05:08When the village healer was asked for help, he sadly shook his head.
05:14There is nothing I can do, he said.
05:17This illness is one of balance, and only the mountain herbs can cure it.
05:23But these herbs were known to be guarded fiercely by mystical beasts.
05:29It was a near-impossible task.
05:31Without a moment's hesitation, the woman he had chosen took it upon herself to go for the herbs.
05:39The old man, watching her leave, knew this was her greatest test.
05:45As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows across the village, the old man found himself growing weaker.
05:54Just when all hope seemed lost, the woman returned.
05:59In her hands were not just the mystical herbs, but also a strange concoction of local remedies.
06:06I may not have been able to get the mountain herb right away, she explained, but we can still help our people.
06:16Using the knowledge passed down from her grandmother, she had made a potus that brought relief to the sick.
06:24While it wasn't a cure, it was the best they could do until the mountain herb took effect.
06:31Days passed, filled with the aroma of healing herbs and the murmur of recovery.
06:37Slowly but surely, the villagers got back on their feet.
06:42The old man, his strength returning, looked at the woman with newfound respect.
06:49He had seen not just her spirit, but also her compassion and quick-thinking.
06:56She had faced danger without flinching, used her knowledge to help others, and never once complained.
07:04One evening, after the last of the villagers had recovered,
07:09the old man called the young women into his house.
07:13Today, he announced,
07:15I want to introduce you all to my future daughter-in-law.
07:20The first two women, though surprised, bowed their heads in acceptance.
07:25The old man then turned to the last woman.
07:28You have shown not just kindness and bravery, but a deep understanding of our people's needs, he said.
07:37You are not just my daughter-in-law.
07:40You are now part of our family.
07:43Overjoyed, the remaining woman could only nod tears of happiness streaming down her face.
07:51The old man then turned to his son, who had been silent throughout.
07:56His eyes filled with surprise and admiration for the woman his father had chosen.
08:02The wedding was a joyous affair, celebrated with the merriment of drums,
08:09the lilting melodies of stringed instruments, and the contagious laughter of villagers.
08:16The old man, watching his son and the woman he chose embrace each other,
08:22felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
08:24He had not just found a suitable daughter-in-law for his son.
08:30He had found a partner for life,
08:33someone who would stand by his side through the joys and hardships of life,
08:39someone whose heart was as big as the sky.
08:42In the years that followed, the old man's choice was proven right.
08:47The woman, now his daughter, proved to be not just a loving and supportive wife,
08:54but also a pillar of strength for her husband and a kind, generous member of their community.
09:01Theirs became a love story whispered around village hearths,
09:06a testament to the power of a kind heart and a wise father's choice.
09:11As for the other two women, they too found their own paths to happiness,
09:18each becoming a respected member of their community, each successful in her chosen field.
09:25They often visited the old man, sharing stories and laughter, their bond of sisterhood unbroken.
09:32Looking back, the old man smiled.
09:36He had not just chosen a daughter-in-law that day.
09:40He had chosen love, happiness, and unity.
09:44The story goes that whenever the wind rustled through the rice fields
09:48or the hills echoed with the laughter of children,
09:52it was a reminder of the old man's wisdom,
09:55a celebration of his choice and a tribute to the enduring power of the human spirit.
10:03The story has been passed down through generations,
10:07serving as a guiding light for many young hearts
10:10seeking to navigate the complexities of love and relationships.
10:15Perhaps it is a tale that reminds us to look beyond physical attributes
10:19or societal standing when searching for a life partner
10:24to instead focus on the qualities of the heart,
10:27the strengths of character, and the depths of kindness.
10:31Or maybe it is a story that teaches us about the profound impact of Father E's love.
10:38And wisdom can have on the lives of those around him,
10:42shaping not just the future of his son,
10:45but the very fabric of their community.
10:48Whatever the interpretation,
10:51the story of the old man's choice continues to resonate,
10:55weaving its timeless message into the tapestry of our lives.
