Tenali Rama's Intelligence

The emperor was angry with Tenali Rama for some reason and ordered his guards to behead him and bring back his head. Tenali was naturally distressed and went home to meet his family. Tenali's wife was also extremely clever. After some thought, she came up with a plan. "If we are lucky, this plan will work," she said.

Tenali came out and convinced the guards to take him to the palace alive. Upon seeing Tenali alive, the emperor flew into a rage. "Didn't I tell you to bring me his head? Why have you brought him alive?"

Tenali said politely, "O Emperor, they are not at fault. I'm the one who told them to do this. You know how attentively I perform your tasks; that is why I have brought my head to you carefully on my shoulders. No one else could have brought it so safely."

The emperor roared with laughter and forgave his dear minister.