Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 172: Future Directions

Rewari Kingdom, King’s court, morning of 26th march 1557.

Inside the hall, adorned with silk banners and garlands, the air was filled with the hymns of Sanskrit recitation by the head priest. The assembled officials and nobles stood in anticipation as Prince Randeep took his place before the dais.

King Todar Mal presented his sword to his son amidst the shower of petals and chants. It resembled the gesture of passing responsibility. Randeep accepted it with both hands, bowing deeply to his father.

The Samrat himself then moved forward, holding the crown, shaped like a grand turban, symbolizing Rewari’s leadership. Hemu placed it on Randeep’s head and blessed him with a firm voice, "Rule with justice, undeterred. Bring glory to our Rajya (member kingdom) and Samrajya alongside."

Randeep knelt, touching Samrat’s feet as he received the emperor’s blessing. As he rose, the youngest king in the empire was born that day, under the watchful eyes of history.

With the ceremonial crown and sword bestowed, Randeep stood before the court and addressed the assembly. "My first act as king will be to rebuild the city of Rewari, once glorious, but ravaged by the past Mughal regime. We will restore it to its former splendor and shift our capital there in days to come."

Gasps rippled through the room. Even Aditya, standing to the side, was struck by the revelation. He had long wondered why the kingdom’s capital was Bawal and not the ancient city of Rewari. He had been too occupied with other duties to explore the matter, but today, the mystery unraveled before him.

Randeep continued, "Rewari was once home to Samrat, where he was raised in childhood. His journey from a humble merchant to the emperor of northern India is itself a matter of pride to our kingdom. We still bore the pains of history when our capital was destroyed, and it is time for us to rise to its former glory. It is an inspiration for every child of Rewari to feel proud and determined, knowing that when times are perilous, their own efforts can make things right. Let our future generations know that a legend has grown from our soil, and we, as his loyal retinues, will ensure that his legacy continues. Rebuilding it is not only an act of gratitude to him, but a proof of our deep bond and trust that we share against the invaders for Swaraj (self-governance) and Samrajya."

Hemu’s face softened, nodding in approval as his once-hidden past was brought into the light. The emperor’s subtle smile spoke of pride for his new king’s decision. The crowd applauded in cheers at the prospect of rebuilding the lost city, which still lay in ruins, and now they were in a position to rebuild it. Many became emotional as they, too, shared same origin and welcomed it with vigor by chanting the name of the new king and glory to the Samrat.

As the rest of the coronation ceremony concluded, the nobles and officials turned to Aditya, who was tasked with delivering a speech. As the empire’s active foreign minister, his words carried weight, and everyone anticipated his thoughts on the imperial plans for the kingdom’s future.

Aditya stepped forward and addressed the crowd with charisma. "We stand at a turning point in our empire’s history. The rebuilding of Rewari marks not just the restoration of a city, but a renewal of our spirit. We will forge stronger alliances, ensure the prosperity of our people, and secure our place as a beacon of justice and strength. By our Samrat’s will, we will extend full support and expertise in rebuilding it, and taxes for its new residents will be waived for a whole year."

People cheered with the declaration as rebuilding a new city was always a hard chore and would deplete the kingdom’s treasury. In times when they faced total annihilation, this support was welcome and celebratory. Chants of glory to Samrajya and Samrat once again echoed through the hall.

Afterward, a major event took place. Former King Todar Mal was offered the role of prime minister, but he declined, expressing his wish to take a pilgrimage in the free lands of the Samrajya first before assuming his responsibilities. As the ceremony concluded, Yashpal Singh summoned Aditya to the royal chamber for a private audience with the Samrat.

Few moments later

As Aditya stepped inside his royal chamber, he was taken aback to find Shadi Khan and Bheem seated alongside Emperor Hemu at his desk. Shadi Khan, clad in armor, wore a worried expression as he sat beside the emperor. Bheem, in his ceremonial general’s attire, stood with his head bowed.

The emperor’s demeanor was stern, and his gaze felt like that of a judge, making Aditya swallow nervously. He realized that he was about to face a personal trial in his own office.

Aditya bowed on one knee and greeted the emperor, "Glory to His Majesty, Emperor."

Samrat Hemu nodded approvingly and gestured for Aditya to rise. With a piercing gaze, he inquired, "Aditya, I have heard that you introduced reforms to start elections, giving commoners the right to choose their leaders. You also caused unrest in society, including the banning of madrasas and the burning of a few settlements based on rumors. Additionally, you have expanded your private army by pressuring the royals. Is this true?"

Aditya responded cautiously, "It is true, Your Majesty, but I must clarify that it is exaggerated. I had solid reasons for these judgments."

The emperor’s gaze remained stoic , "State your reasons."

Aditya, sweat trickling down his face, "Regarding the elections, I conducted a survey of the villages and prepared a report on their problems and potential threats of usurpation. We lacked a common voice to connect with the ruling authority, so I implemented a temporary system to engage the people and ensure stability. The lower level of management is decentralized, but it does not impact the higher level of royal authority."

Sensing the emperor’s approval, Aditya continued, "As for the actions against the Muslims, we had ample evidence linking them to the Mughals. We also rewarded those who supported our cause. The madrasas were not permanently closed but were sealed temporarily until we could set up regulatory oversight to prevent any rebellious activities disguised as religious preaching."

Emperor Hemu looked at Bheem and then back at Aditya. "That is what happened externally. I have heard a different version from your friend, that you planned behind closed doors."

Aditya glanced at Bheem, who looked apologetic. Realizing that his framing of potential prisoners had been exposed, Aditya admitted, "I had no other option, Samrat. They were influential and unsupportive. Regardless of my methods, I am certain the outcome was necessary. Sometimes, it is better to apprehend potential threats beforehand."

Hemu turned to Shadi Khan. "Shadi, you are my most trusted friend and general, and you belong to that community. What is your opinion on the prince’s actions?"

Shadi Khan replied honestly, "Samrat, Prince Aditya’s actions might seem to cross the line, but they have indeed brought positive results. He has managed to filter out traitors and maintain stability."

Hemu interrupted, "So you acknowledge that he crossed the line."

Shadi Khan remained silent, cautious not to say anything that could be misinterpreted.

Hemu then asked, "What about the expansion of your private army?"

Aditya replied without fear, "I had limited information and lacked reinforcement. Given our plans to enter Deccan within months, I needed to make use of available manpower effectively. The state was in turmoil, and we faced potential retaliation from Pakistan. After being ambushed by royal authorities, I thought it better to take control rather than cooperate."

Hemu leaned over the table, deep in thought. "You once said that your army was sufficient to handle the western region. Is that still true?"

Aditya remained silent, his posture straight but his gaze downcast in surrender.

Hemu leaned back, considering. "Take this as a lesson and be prepared for the worst-case scenario."

Aditya nodded solemnly. "I will, Your Majesty."

Hemu then inquired, "I have heard rumors about your involvement with the Vijayanagar princess. What is the nature of your dealings?"

Aditya explained, "We have established an agreement of pre-alliance with the southern empire. They agreed to join our embassy under terms of permanent embassy, trade and non agression. The princess, being sceptical about our ambassador’s presence in their court, requested this treaty where she can be allowed as a state visitor for one month. I am bringing along, to keep an eye on her myself."

The emperor nodded in understanding and continued, "What are your future plans?"

Aditya responded, "With Your Majesty’s return, I plan to go back to Delhi to oversee operations for a month. Then, I will travel to Bengal to inspect the port construction, and from there, I will proceed to the Deccan in the Ahmednagar Sultanate."

Hemu and Shadi Khan exchanged a knowing smile. Bheem, appearing relieved, shared a discreet wink with Aditya, which puzzled him.

Shadi Khan then revealed, "His majesty was testing you to assess your motivations and future plans. Rather he is very impressed by your current actions."

A wave of relief washed over Aditya as he realized that his actions were already being thoroughly investigated, for taking matters into his own hands without notifying the capital.

Hemu praised Aditya for his efforts and then delivered some unexpected news.

"Amber has been secured, and the Rajputana alliance of Rathod clans has merged with our Samrajya without much conflict," He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "Bheem played a pivotal role in this achievement and has been promoted to Sub-Commander of the Royal Guards. He will now command 10,000 cavalry under the rank of Subedar."

With a measured tone, he outlined the future plans.

"Our immediate focus will be Gujarat, where we need to secure the port in the western waters. We will create the impression that we were the ones attacked first. Our forces stationed in Rajputana will be the first to respond. Imperial forces from Kashmir and other states will be recalled to Delhi and stationed in Rewari. You are authorized to expand your mercenary army to a maximum of 20,000. Any concerns regarding the capital will be addressed upon our return."

With that, the meeting was adjourned, leaving Aditya both relieved and excited for the challenges ahead.