Once the Emperor of China had sent a special gift to King Kishkanda.
The gift was wrapped in beautiful China Silk with Golden tapestry. The courtiers appeared before the king with the gift and the king asked them to unwrap the gift.
The stroll with the gift read, "O Great King, these luscious peaches are the gift of nature. They appear only once in hundred years and give long life to anyone who eats them. Long life the pious King of Kishkanda!"
The sight of wonderful peaches lured the King. He was all the more carried away by the enchanting message written for him by the presenter.
However, Tenali who sat besides the King was quick. He immediately picked up one of the peaches and began eating. This was considered as a gesture of disrespect by the King who looked enraged. He thundered, "Tenali! How can you eat the fruit without seeking my permission?"
The King immediately ordered his soldiers to take away Tenali and sentence him to death for such disrespect.
While Tenali sought no forgiveness, but said, "The King of China is deceitful. He claimed that the fruit will give long life to anyone who eats it - and look here I just one casual bite of it and I am approaching my death! I wonder what will happen to one who eats the whole fruits!".
Hearing Tenali's the King laughed out. He asked his soldiers to relieve Tenali and said, "Tenali, you have won my heart with your humour. You deserve no punishment".
Tenali gratified the King and revered before him. The King asked his attendents to wrap a basket full of peaches for Tenali and his family as a gift from the King. That day Tenali returned home happily with the big basket of Chinese peaches.
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