Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 156: Merchant’s visit at capital
In the 16th century, large coin transactions in India were a complex affair which was managed by merchants’ trade organizations. These organizations provided escort services and transported gold through various trade channels which were concealed among their regular supplies. They were heavily supported by the soldiers of the kingdoms involved.
When Aditya was awarded the new contracts, tokens were issued to merchants alongside gold from the treasuries of allied kingdoms. These tokens were meant to facilitate the transport of gold under the protection of soldiers of related kingdoms.
Aditya’s company soon became popular through word of mouth for its war products. The open success of his operations was no secret which could lead to substantial profit. This visibility attracted the attention of merchant agents trading near Delhi, who were directed by their affiliated merchant groups or guilds to seek permission from the empire for mercenary services. The idea of employing a private army for escorting goods was lucrative and held many new opportunities.
Mercenary services were not a new concept in Northern India, but the idea of a private mercenary army was unique. Unlike the Portuguese and Dutch in South India, who provided such services, Northern merchants were initially skeptical about their efficiency.
To address this, Ashitosh Kulkarni, merchant in 50’s from Gwalior was assigned to meet with imperial officials and investigate about registration of armed mercenary services.
Before setting out for Delhi, Ashitosh was trading in the northern Jaunpur region.
As he crossed into borders of Delhi’s influence, he was astounded by the central kingdom’s transformation. The roads were smooth and well-structured, a stark contrast to the rugged and uneven pathways he had known earlier . The increase in horse carriages and bullock carts offering transportation services was remarkable. The journey to the capital city near Purana Qila(imperial fort) was smooth and fast.
One of the most surprising changes was the local pub, known as Dhaba, which now offered hospitable services at reasonable rates to travellers. This was a significant shift from the past when travellers had to camp on the fields or depend at mercy of villagers for lodging.
This new accommodation model provided rooms with proper staying conditions and meals, offering travelers a secure and comfortable place to rest. The patrolling police guards added an extra layer of safety, making it easier to trust strangers. This new practice, facilitated by the exchange of news through the bard system, had gained popularity and extended its influence.
After settling into a local inn, Ashitosh decided to explore the city. As he wandered through Delhi, he observed the happy faces of the people and the bustling markets filled with an abundance of goods.
The most eye-catching was the dressing style, as he could see many people wearing simple-looking pajamas over dhotis. New police guards, equipped with strange-looking crossbows, stood vigilant. Edicts displayed in the market square outlined laws and punishments for basic crimes.
While navigating the streets, Ashitosh spotted a boy of around ten years old. He approached the boy and asked, "You there, tell me the road to Khirke village."
The boy ignored him and tried to pass by. Annoyed by his actions, Ashitosh stepped in his way. "You brat! Haven’t you learned to respond to elders?"
The boy looked at him straight. "You are a stranger. My teacher has told me to avoid strangers in the absence of guardians."
Ashitosh was intrigued. The boy’s attire suggested he was from a lower caste and unlikely to attend a traditional Gurukul. "Which Gurukul do you study at?" Ashitosh inquired.
The boy shook his head. "I don’t go to Gurukul. I attend school. Now please excuse me, or I will call the police."
The threat of police was serious, but Ashitosh’s curiosity was piqued. Determined to learn more, he said, "Listen, boy. I want to trade. You give me the information, and I will give you ten paise."
The boy hesitated but eventually agreed. "Alright, but I must warn you, I’m not well-versed in all matters."
The boy proceeded to share details about his school, his studies, and the various services offered by the shops in the area. Regarding the pajamas, it was the latest fashion that got popular due to the prince’s mercenary army, and other merchants caught on to that idea to spread it in the market.
He also recommended visiting the Information Guild for more comprehensive information. Ashitosh thanked him and handed over the coins. However, he unknowingly gave one coin short.
The boy pointed out, "Esteemed traveler, you missed one coin. It’s nine copper here." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
Ashitosh was surprised by the boy’s quick calculation, given his apparent newness to school. Embarrassed by his honest mistake, he apologized and offered two extra coins, making it twelve in total. The boy, adhering to his teacher’s advice, initially refused the extra coins, citing a lesson against greed. Ashitosh, however, persuaded him, saying, "Consider it a blessing. You’ve helped me greatly."
With a smile, the boy accepted the money and ran off to a food street stall, his joy was evident. Ashitosh watched him leave and felt satisfied.
Following the boy’s advice, Ashitosh sought out the Information Guild, located in a humble cottage amid the bustling city. As he approached, he was taken aback by the large number of footwears gathered outside. He peeked inside to get a view.
The cottage was abuzz with activity and had a two-way door for entry and exit. Just like the new pubs he ventured before, people sat on mats and gossiped in groups while sitting on the floor. The people working there were serving dishes and collecting leftovers. The floor was clean, and he was required to remove his footwear before entering. There was a line on the other side that led straight to the only table serving as bar for the room.
Ashitosh joined the line with curiosity to explore how it would unfold. As his turn came, he was handed a token and instructed to wait.
To pass the time, he ordered milk and bhakri (type of bread) and found a secluded corner to sit in.
A few minutes later, a young man appeared at the bar from other door and called out a token number. The person with that number followed him out to another location. Ashitosh sighed, realizing he would have to wait his turn.
He observed the room around him, noticing people going about their business, many engaged in gossip about the prince and his reforms. One particular conversation caught his attention: the emperor had recently passed a law for the special recruitment of women into the armed forces for local security. The intent was to ensure the safety of women in situations where male soldiers were considered unreliable or where their presence might be inappropriate.
The law had sparked much debate and criticism among the populace, but the emperor’s authority and determination had silenced dissent, and the recruitment was proceeding. Some of the travelers mocked the idea, questioning what a female soldier might be like, but they couldn’t deny the legendary status of Raamya, the general and queen of Bengal.
As he listened to the discussions, Ashitosh’s number was called, and he followed the young man.
Upon entering the room, he saw a cushion set on the floor and a middle-aged man, his face masked, observing him with interest. A low table in front of them held some papers and ink.
As they sat down across from him, the young man asked for his details. Ashitosh hesitated, saying, "I’m willing to pay. Why do you need my details?"
A harsh voice came from the middle-aged man, "You want information, and we want security. We need assurance that if something goes wrong, our guild won’t be in any trouble. So be careful about what you ask and say, traveler."
Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Ashitosh produced his merchant guild medallion and provided his information. The young man noted down the details, and then the middle-aged man continued.
"For basic city information, the first 10 questions are free. After that, it’s 1 rupee per question, no coppers accepted. For travel tips, we charge 1 silver per tip. Information about royal affairs costs 10 silver or a gold mohur."
Ashitosh gained valuable insights about the city, including directions to Khirkee village and the best markets for supplies. He also learned the visiting hours of the public welfare office, where kingdom officials meet with local people, and traders use it to ask their queries and register for new services.
Unfortunately, there was no provision for starting a mercenary army within the imperial regime due to security concerns. While the prince was an exception due to his meritorious contributions, the same rules did not apply to any noble or influential family because of the high stakes involved. Additionally, due to some mysterious reasons, Khirkee village has been declared a special zone by the emperor and is currently restricted to all outsiders.
However, debates are ongoing in court about whether to allow armed mercenary services under certain conditions, and the same rules could be applied to the selling of new weapons or not. He was also given a free tip to not try anything funny with local women, as the ending would not be good. Due to some unfortunate accidents, the empire has become very sensitive when it comes to women’s safety these days.
With this information, Ashitosh paid 7 gold mohurs and 5 silver coins, then took his leave. As he departed, the young man asked, "Havildar Sahab (sir), should we keep him under watch? He asked a lot of questions."
The middle-aged man, a secret agent of the imperial intelligence, replied, "No, let him be. He’s harmless."
"But Sahab," the young man persisted, "this makes it 51 people asking about mercenary services."
The middle-aged man sighed, bored from sitting in a closed area for hours, constantly speculating about everyone he met. Now, he had to give an explanation to his stupid subordinate.
He ordered with a stern gaze "Just do your job and keep your eyes open."
The young man saluted and went to call the next person with a token.
*****
Next day when Ashitosh went to check out Khirkee village, he found it to be a restricted area. Even before he could approach, the borders were closed off with wooden barricades. Soldiers patrolled the area, and many makeshift tents were scattered outside the restricted zone.
Soon, a soldier caught sight of him and inquired, "Do you have the entry token?"
Ashitosh shook his head, "No, what kind of token?"
The soldier sighed, "You’re an outsider, I see. The village is closed, and we’re not allowing anyone new to enter. It would be wise for you to leave before you find yourself in trouble."
Ashitosh tried his luck, "At least tell me, who are the people in those tent?"
The soldier’s expression turned stern, but then his eyes brightened as Ashitosh discreetly passed him a gold mohur. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, the soldier’s tone softened. "You seem like a man who understands how things work," He slipped the mohur into his pouch and added, "Those are the people who want to join the company of the prince. Since he’s not available, they’ve decided to set up their camps there. Beyond that, I don’t know much."
Ashitosh sighed, realizing that his mission might take much longer than expected.
