The fame of young Raman began to spread across Tenali (name of Raman’s village) and Tumuluru. His neighbours and friends were often surprised and amused by his wit, and came to respect the wisdom of his actions and words.
One of his neighbours, Rajamouli, enjoyed the things Tenali Raman said and did feel very proud of him.
Now in the village, there was a rich landlord, Nagendra Rao. He was rich and arrogant. He considered himself the greatest and wisest man in the village and did not think anyone else matched him in intelligence. Rajamouli decided to bring down Nagendra Rao’s vanity a little.
So one day, Rajamouli took young Tenali Raman with him and went to Nagendra Rao’s house. After the greetings were over, Rajamouli introduced his young friend.
“Nagendra Rao, this is my neighbour, Tenali Raman. He is the most intelligent young fellow I have ever met!” Rajamouli said.
Nagendra immediately had a frown on his face. “Most intelligent?” he thought, “More intelligent than I am? Not possible!” In his heart of hearts, he grew jealous and angry.
“Is that so, Rajamouli? He seems an ordinary young chap,” Nagendra Rao said, looking at Tenali Raman.
“Oh no! He’s exceptionally intelligent,” said Rajamouli again.
Nagendra Rao was not impressed. “You know, Rajamouli, a person who is intelligent as a boy becomes increasingly dull and stupid as he becomes older. He becomes very boring,” said the jealous Nagendra Rao.
“You are probably right, Sir,” retorted Tenali Raman, looking very innocent. “Then you must have been very intelligent when you were a little boy.”
Rajamouli burst out laughing as Nagendra Rao looked stunned at the reply and gazed at the clever Tenali Raman who had destroyed his vanity at one stroke.
