在中国古代寓言故事中，《牛缺遇盗》是一则寓意深刻的短篇故事。这个故事不仅具有文学价值，还蕴含了深刻的人生哲理。以下是原文和翻译，希望能为大家带来启发。

原文：

牛缺者，齐之富人也。家资巨万，田连阡陌。然性吝啬，常自苦其身。一日，牛缺出游，路遇强盗。强盗索其财，牛缺曰：“吾无所有。”强盗不信，搜其衣袖，果无所获。强盗怒曰：“汝虽无外财，然家中必藏巨宝。”遂将牛缺押至家中，欲搜其屋。牛缺无奈，引强盗入室。强盗见其家中陈设简陋，空无一物，叹曰：“汝虽富甲一方，却如乞丐般贫乏。”

牛缺笑曰：“吾之财富，在于心耳。吾心安泰，不为外物所累，此乃真富也。”强盗闻言，顿悟，释牛缺而去。

译文：

There was once a wealthy man named Niu Que from the state of Qi. His fortune was immense, with vast fields stretching far and wide. However, he was known for his stinginess and often subjected himself to hardship. One day, while traveling, Niu Que encountered bandits. The bandits demanded his wealth, but Niu Que replied, "I have nothing." Unconvinced, they searched his sleeves and found no valuables. Enraged, the bandits said, "Though you may lack external riches, your home must be filled with treasures." They then escorted him back to his house, intending to search it. Reluctantly, Niu Que led them inside. Upon seeing the meager furnishings and empty rooms, the bandits exclaimed, "Even though you are rich beyond measure, you live as poor as beggars."

Niu Que chuckled and said, "My true wealth lies within my heart. My peace of mind is not burdened by material possessions; this is the real wealth." Upon hearing these words, the bandit had an epiphany and let Niu Que go.

这个故事告诉我们，真正的财富并不在于物质的积累，而在于内心的满足和平静。即使一个人拥有再多的金钱和财产，如果心灵被忧虑和欲望所困扰，那么他依然无法感受到真正的幸福。相反，一个内心安宁的人，即使生活简单，也能体会到生活的美好。