5
A corrupt gatekeeper demanded coins for entry to the palace. Tenali brought a small sealed jar labeled ‘bribe’ and opened it in court.
Inside the jar lay a single copper coin and a note: “This bribe is too small to corrupt a gatekeeper, but large enough to open a conversation.” The king smiled dangerously. “Let us increase the bribe—in reverse,” Tenali suggested. “Fine the man a hundred coins for every person delayed this week.” The gate opened for free thereafter; the jar sat in the court as a museum of what used to be necessary.
