Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 199: Second official reforms part-3 (Patent rights)

Purana Qila, Council chamber, afternoon of 11th April 1557.

Emperor Hem Chandra Bhargav was facing a difficult moment. After taking over the crown, he wanted to flex his military might to supress all neighbouring kingdoms and put them under one banner of his empire for his dream of united India.

However, in the first council meeting before his coronation, Aditya had presented a different approach. He emphasized the importance of stabilizing the region first, gradually influencing neighboring states to become dependent on the empire, eventually leading to peaceful mergers.

At first, the idea seemed far-fetched, even foolish. But as the discussion went on, it deeply resonated with the emperor and the council. Aditya’s plan promised prosperity while holding the potential for peaceful expansion. Yet, when Aditya later opted to raise a private army, Hemu grew concerned and summoned him privately to question his true intentions.

It was then that Aditya revealed the heart of his strategy, that is to create controlled chaos in neighboring regions and then extend stabilizing aid, pressuring them to seek merger under the empire’s banner. In this way, the empire could foster flourishing trade, forge alliances, and gradually absorb territories without facing unified opposition; all under the pretext of offering assistance.

Hemu, who had once used a unified front by assembling Pathans and Rajputs to resist the Mughals, found Aditya’s plan a sound tactics even though ethically questionable. So, he pledged his full support.

Ahead of the southern expedition against the Dutch and in handling Gujarat, Hemu suggested Aditya to expand his army of 20,000 by any means. However, this posed a significant challenge. Many states that had joined the empire were not entirely obedient, and Hemu had to make compromises by appointing trusted aides recommended by these states for councils.

These council members, although loyal to the empire, each had their own agendas. Their loyalty was based on mutual benefit, not complete submission. Hemu feared the possibility of sensitive information leaking, so he shared his plans only with a select group of generals who shared his vision, keeping the strategy even from his father.

It was fortunate that Hemu’s father supported Aditya and favored him, albeit unknowingly. But as the council’s debate intensified, Hemu began to feel uneasy. Sukhwindar’s arguments were compelling, painting Aditya as a threat to the empire’s foundations, one who was unjustly favored. Just as Sukhwindar was about to sway the court, Aditya entered the chamber, bringing with him a renewed sense of hope.

In a shrewd move, Aditya aligned himself with Sukhwindar’s cause, proving that he was not only selfless but committed to the empire’s well-being. Yet, in the same breath, he openly admitted his desire for a monopoly over his forces. This admission put Hemu in a difficult position as openly supporting Aditya could lead to unrest among those who balanced the empire’s power. If he were to back him, Hemu would need a strong, justifiable cause.

As Aditya continued to make his case before the council, Hemu listened intently, hoping to find that very justification.

"...The idea was entirely my own, and I am not required to justify my monopoly or share it when I hold legitimate ownership."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "I understand that it might sound selfish, But singling me out would be the council’s gravest mistake. We’re not just forming companies here. We’re granting individuals the power to command private armies. These forces could be weaponized to destabilize other regions and, in time, threaten the empire itself."

A heavy silence descended. Sukhwindar Singh’s brows furrowed, unsure of how to counter. "Thank you, Prince Aditya, for taking my side and clearing your stance. But why object when a force of merely 2,000 soldiers would suffice to maintain the balance?"

Aditya’s lips curved slightly in a knowing smile. "I understand your concern, that someone like me, without the crown, shouldn’t require such a large force. But everyone here must grasp this: me having an army is not the same as anyone else having one. First, the resources spent on surveillance and documentation for my company are immense. If others were granted the same rights, we would lack the manpower to regulate them all. Second, when I command an army, I am held accountable as the imperial faction . But if a regional noble were to command a private army, it would invite a dangerous hub of multiple factions."

The room remained tense, his words sinking into the minds of the council members.

Aditya continued, his tone sharpening, "Imagine if these factions could legally grow their strength by recruiting soldiers across the empire. They could challenge the very kingdoms they belong, even attempt a coup. Remember Rewari? The rebels there, funded by foreign powers, almost annihilated their capital."

He leaned forward, eyes sharp. "If not for my mercenary reinforcements, it would have fallen. Can you ,minister, take responsibility if such a rebellion were to occur again under the guise of legality?"

Sukhwindar, taken aback, hesitated before replying. "That’s... a hypothesis, Prince. This issue won’t arise if we limit the forces to 2,000 men."

Aditya’s smirk deepened. "And what if they band together? Do we have regulations in place for that? Relying on watchers alone will not suffice. Are we truly ready to take that gamble?"

The court erupted in murmurs, the council now clearly divided. They whispered among themselves, grappling with the complexity of the issue.

Trying to regain control of the argument, Sukhwindar Singh pressed, "You’re diverting the topic, Prince. Besides, you still haven’t explained why you need such a vast private army in the first place."

Aditya leaned forward, explaining in measured tone. "As the scale of my business grows, so do the operations, and with them, the need for soldiers. I could have opted to use the imperial army, given my authority as a prince, but I didn’t want to burden the standard army that defends our land. I chose to create my own force, entirely funded by my resources. The success of my ventures speaks for itself. This army and it’s use is my hard-earned reward, and I despise the idea of it being handed over to others so easily."

Sukhwindar faltered, visibly thrown off by Aditya’s calculated response. He knew he had been played and pushing this issue further would only backfire and strengthen Sayantika’s cause, weakening his own argument.

Sensing Sukhwindar’s on backfoot, Pratap Rao Taode, the agriculture minister and another skeptic of the prince, stepped forward. "So, Your Highness, it’s acceptable for you to prosper while others are left behind? Isn’t that injustice? You mention the threats, but surely there must be a way for others to share in success?"

Before Aditya could respond, Sayantika, eager to assert her influence, interjected. "I believe the draft I presented addresses everyone’s concerns, including the prince’s reward. The price cap ensures that only those who are capable can maintain a private army. Additionally, meritocracy will be key to determining who is granted this power, ensuring loyalty to the empire. And the 20,000-soldier limit is a safeguard against any potential threat to the throne."

Nods of approval rippled through the crowd. Though some were not fully satisfied, they saw it as a reasonable compromise, one that would allow them to retain private forces while maintaining order.

But Aditya, sensing the moment, wasn’t done. He stood resolute and objected, "I’m afraid, Your Grace, I don’t support your bill either."

Tension rippled through the court as all eyes turned to Aditya. Sayantika frowned, clearly puzzled. "Can you explain, Prince? Do you have a solution to this problem?"

Aditya nodded confidently. "Yes. First, I want protection for original ideas. If anyone wishes to use my concept of mercenary services, they must seek authorization and pay compensation. This is my intellectual property, and I ask the emperor to safeguard my rights"

The court erupted in protests, murmurs of discontent rising. But before chaos could ensue, Samrat Hemu, who had been watching in silence, raised his hand and thundered, "Silence!"

Instantly, the room quieted, all eyes turning toward the emperor as he prepared to speak.

Samrat Hemu leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Aditya. "You’ve brought forth an interesting matter, Aditya. I’d like to hear more of your views as how exactly would this help the empire if applied? Only then can I consider it."

Aditya straightened, his voice steady but firm. "Your Majesty, Emperor, it is a matter of fact that gunpowder came from outside, as did the cannons and guns we use. And even if we use the same guns, we are still inferior to the ones used by the Europeans. The reason we lag behind is not because we lack skill or talent, but because we despise trade and innovation. "

He paused, glancing around the court. "This company rights bill that we are discussing is only possible because I introduced ways to innovate. If it were handed over for free, then others with power would grow, and those who worked hard to innovate would fall behind. In this way, no one would strive to bring forth new technologies. We must protect original ideas, or there will be no progress."

The tension in the room thickened as Aditya finished. The courtiers exchanged uneasy glances, fully aware that if this bill passed, no company would be formed without Aditya’s approval. All eyes turned to the emperor, awaiting his decision.

Samrat Hemu, sensing the growing unease, responded thoughtfully, "Your argument is compelling, Aditya. I will allow others to counter your points if they wish."

A series of questions quickly followed, nobles voicing concerns over the rights of nobility and restrictions on trade. Aditya, however, responded with precision and confidence, dismantling each argument with his flawless logic. He pointed out that, as an imperial prince, his higher status warranted authority in this matter, while many nobles already used their power to control trade. Thus, it was only fair to implement a system that would ensure uniformity and protect all individuals, regardless of their status.

The emperor, already leaning toward Aditya’s side, gestured for him to continue. "Aditya, you may present the bill you’ve prepared."