"The Road of Life" from A Successor to the Throne

            When the Old Emperor announces that his successor will be chosen from among the children of his kingdom the one who has grown the most magnificent flower in all the land, the people are excited.  They wait through summer wondering when the seeds will start sprouting.  When they don't, the mothers take matters into their own hands and seek out the eccentric shopkeeper Madame Wong to discreetly buy new exotic seeds for their children.  Madame Wong always has just what they need.