Once king Babar called Tenali to visit Delhi.
When Tenali came, the king announced in the court that no one should smile or laugh at his jokes so that his wittiness could be judged. Once in the court, Tenali cracked many jokes but none smiled for 15 days. On the 16th day Tenali disguised himself to follow king Babar noting his daily routine. He noticed that the king went for a stroll and gave coins to the poor, etc. Next day he dressed as an old man planting a mango sapling by the river.
On being asked he said that this would benefit his future generations. This impressed the king and he gave him a bag of coins. To this Tenali said that he was rewarded much before. Again the king gave him a bag of coins.
Now Tenali said that the fruits would come once a year but he was given rewards twice and the king gave him the third bag. Seeing this, the prime minister said that the witty old man would loot all royal wealth with his tricks. The king laughed and walked away. On seeing this Tenali showed his reality and the king burst out laughing. He was later given even more rewards.
