The Precious Box
One day,
Tenali Ramen arrived in the Royal court.
holding a cold box.
The box was studded all over
with gems and precious stones.
Looking at the box,
the King wondered at its beauty.
This is an exquisite and rather expensive box.
Where did you get it from?
I didn't buy it.
It was presented to me your majesty.
Which King presented to you with such an expensive box?
Not a king your majesty,
just an ordinary officer.
That too, just a tax collector in our kingdom.
What!?
An ordinary tax collecting officer?
Tenali, give me more details.
Not only me your majesty,
But many other ministers,
officers, and other courtesans of our kingdom,
were presented with this box in his son's marriage.
Tenali, but why is he gifting it to our courtesans?
He is collecting high tax amounts from the citizens of our kingdom.
To continue doing this without any opposition,
he is bribing our ministers,
with these kinds of precious boxes your majesty.
What is this nonsense?
Tenali.
Tomorrow, we shall visit the tax officer in disguise.
If your words are proven wrong,
you shall be severely punished.
Every time you say the same thing your majesty.
But,
always you present me with lots of gifts at the end.
So the next day,
King Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Raman
visit the tax officer, in Disguise.
Hurry up.
Give me ten gold coins!
But why are you asking me for ten gold coins?
When I am supposed to pay only five.
Hmm
How dare you stand in front of me and ask for justice!?
if you hesitate to pay me five coins more,
I will arrest you for a false crime.
Mmm.
Give me the money and get out of my sight.
Is there no minister to question this officer?
Mmm.
Even the minister get a share in this.
Don't open your mouth.
Or you will be in deep trouble.
Instead of paying five coins,
you will be in jail for five years.
make it Fast.
King Krishnadevaraya and Tenali,
watching all this from the distance.
Then,
they went near the tax officer,.
But the tax officer,
did not identify the King.
Hey!
Why are you not in line?
Discipline is the most important thing.
For all citizens!
My lord,
with the government itself is in corruption,
how can you expect discipline from the citizens?
Who is that?
Talking so arrogantly in front of me.?
You should pay fifteen coins,
otherwise,
you'll find yourself in jail.
Do you know who I am?
I am not bothered about your identity!
Mmm.
give me the money.
Can't you still recognize me?
Your majesty.
Please forgive me.
I've done all this unknowingly.
You have done all this wantedly.
You have taken advantage of the powers given to you.
I can forgive anybody.
But not officers like you,
who take advantage of their power.
Who's there!
Put him in Prison.
The king then presented finale with a pearl necklace and congratulated
Children.
Every officer should do their duty sincerely.
If they misuse their power,
they will definitely be punished one day.
So, be sincere always.