Krishnadeva used to ask many odd questions from his courtiers and amused himself. One day, he entered the Royal Court, settled in his Royal chair, and asked his courtiers, “What punishment should be given to a person who pulls my moustache?” One said, “He should be beheaded.” Another said, “He should be flogged.” Yet another said, “He should be hanged.”
“What do you think, Tenali?” the king asked him. Raman kept quiet for a moment, and then said, “Your Highness, he should be given sweets.” “What, Raman? Have you gone crazy? Do you know what you are saying?” Raman replied politely, “I am not crazy, Your Highness. And I know what I am saying.” “Then how can you talk like this?” the king asked in anger. Raman again replied politely, “Because, the only person who can dare to do this is your grandson.” So pleased was the king with this answer, that he gave his ring to Tenali as a reward.
