In Section 16 of the first book of Haft Awrang, Jami uses the story of King Hormizd and his son's deputy to highlight the themes of absolute justice, strict military discipline, and the protection of peasant livelihoods.

Key Literary and Moral Themes

• Protection of Peasant Property: Hormizd's strict decree forbidding the army from entering or damaging crop fields (khasht-zar) represents the ideal of a ruler safeguarding the livelihoods of common subjects.
• Impartial Justice and Accountability: The deputy (na'ib) of the king's son is not spared from punishment despite his high standing, demonstrating that royal justice must apply equally to all, regardless of status or proximity to power.
• Symbolic Retribution: The punishment of severing the offender's ear serves as a literal and symbolic consequence. Since the deputy did not heed (lend an ear to) the royal herald's proclamation, his ear is cut off to serve as a warning (ibrat) to others.