Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 200: Troubling news from Kashmir

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

Aditya gestured to Hari Singh, who swiftly handed over a prepared parchment. As he unrolled the draft, he addressed the gathered courtiers with clarity, saying, "The bill I present today focuses on the protection of original ideas and the introduction of a patent system."

Intrigue rippled through the crowd, the murmurs of discontent pausing as they absorbed the implications of his words.

Aditya continued, "Under this patent system, anyone who invents a mechanism, whether a product or service, will retain complete ownership of their invention until they choose to transfer their interest. This ownership will not depend on the fiefdom under which the invention was created or the investment involved. Moreover, if a third party wishes to use the inventor’s creation, they must provide compensation."

He paused to let the significance sink in before elaborating. "To register for patent rights, one must submit documentation to the imperial public office. Any formal transaction receipt or contract related to the invention will be essential for registration. In cases of forgery, the regime reserves the right to punish the offender, which could result in the loss of titles, lands, and even sanctions."

Aditya outlined the categories for patent rights, clarifying what could and could not be protected to prevent misuse. "Given that the use of a private army as a mercenary force is my original idea, I shall retain complete monopoly over it," he stated firmly.

Turning his attention to Sayantika, he praised her proposal for a company to implement a graded system but recommended adjustments. "I suggest we lower the price cap and provide escorts by imperial forces instead of relying on private armies. This will eliminate any potential for factional crises and secure imperial support for my company in the process."

His words drew the curtain on dissent, establishing a clear boundary where imperial authority would ensure business stability while maintaining order.

A heated debate ignited in response, but it was swiftly silenced by the emperor, who sided with Aditya in the name of the empire’s stability and military control. With the emperor’s endorsement, the patent rights were approved.

As the court deliberated over the company registration procedures, a sudden commotion interrupted the proceedings. The doors swung open, and Intelligence Minister Jayadev Patil hurried in with urgency. He bowed before Emperor Hemu and presented a sealed missive to Prime Minister Chandrashekhar.

Chandrashekhar’s expression darkened as he read the message. "Samrat, Kashmir has fallen. The Ladakhis have captured the entire territory," he announced as his voice trembled with anxiety.

A heavy silence descended upon the court as the weight of the revelation took hold.

A heavy silence settled over the court. Emperor Hemu’s hand clenched the golden armrest of his throne so tightly it trembled, threatening to crack under the strain. Reining in his fury, he stood abruptly. "Everyone leave, except the council members and Aditya. The court is adjourned for now."

All nobles left in silence, leaving only Prince Aditya and the council members. Hemu stepped down and came to the front, feeling too uneasy to sit and discuss the situation.

Turning to Jayadev, he demanded, "Explain in detail what we know."

Jayadev Patil replied, "Samrat, we received word from Punjab, where our northern corps are stationed. The passes leading into Kashmir had been blockaded by fallen trees. When our outpost soldiers were sent to clear the way, they were met with arrows containing a letter. The message stated that Zara, the last heir of Kashmir, has married the Prince of Ladakh and has willingly merged the territory with Ladakh."

Jayadev bowed as he finished the report.

Aditya frowned; he had little information about the Ladakhis, as he considered Kashmir and Ladakh the same territory, as being part of modern-day India. Turning to Jayadev, he inquired, "What is the name of the dynasty that ruled over Ladakh, and do we have information on their origin?"

Jayadev replied, "They are the Namgyal dynasty, Your Highness. Ladakh is a shared region, with ties to both India and Eastern Tibet. Historically, it has acted as a borderland between the Tibetan kingdoms."

That was a revelation to Aditya. He had never thought of such a possibility that the Ladakhis would be different, sharing a common origin with India and Eastern Tibet.

Defense Minister Shadi Khan stepped forward and bowed to the emperor as he suggested, "Your Majesty Emperor, these Ladakhis have dared to bare fangs at the wrong opponent. We must not show leniency toward them. It’s time we raze their every building to dust and show them the might of Samrajya for whoever dares to set their eyes on us."

The emperor nodded. "Yes, this time they have crossed the limits. There will be no mercy." Turning to Jayadev, he inquired, "I want to know how many soldiers we have at our disposal and when we can send them to march."

Jayadev answered swiftly, "We have twenty thousand soldiers ready at the capital, with more in training. Our northern imperial corps in Punjab numbers ten thousand, with five thousand under our direct command. It shall take one week to assemble there if we order more forces to march tomorrow."

Shadi Khan interjected, "We could send a commander with a message via pigeon post. It would take only two days at most, Your Majesty. The sooner we act, the less time they will have to prepare."

The emperor replied to Shadi Khan, "We will wait for a week, as we will need more soldiers. Not only do I want to defeat Ladakh, but I also want to maintain control." Turning to the council, he inquired, "What impact could it have on our economy if we were to divert ten thousand more?"

Sayantika Sen, the economic advisor, replied, "There will be no immediate issues with the current influx of income. However, if another region requires aid, we will be stretched thin. Our forces are already spread across multiple corps."

Aditya spoke up, addressing the emperor. "Your Majesty, if we send troops into the mountainous regions, we should seek advice from Gorkha King Dravya. He comes from the mountains and can guide us on how to handle warfare in such terrain."

Shadi Khan bristled slightly, his voice laced with irritation. "Are you suggesting, Your Highness, that our forces are incapable, and that we must now rely on a tiny kingdom for advice?"

Aditya explained, shaking his head, "Your Grace, I am not saying our soldiers are incapable, but it is a fact that they are trained for the terrains of the plains. I am certain, as a seasoned veteran, I don’t need to explain the advantage of rugged terrain and the harsh atmosphere they can have over our soldiers. The more we prepare, the less they will have to suffer."

Shadi Khan sighed but did not argue further, seeing the logic in Aditya’s words.

Emperor Hemu, after thinking for a while, agreed to the proposal, and soon the King of Nepal was summoned.

Soon after, King Dravya of Gorkha arrived. After the formal greetings, Aditya wasted no time. "Your Majesty, we seek your counsel regarding mountain warfare. If a large army were to attack your kingdom, how would you defend it?"

King Dravya, already anticipating questions like this, replied as he was prepared, "Prince, if a large army were to attack us, we would force fight them in difficult terrain, that is the places where passage is hard. We would sabotage their supply lines, ambush them in narrow valleys, and create fortified positions on high ground, making it easier to rain destruction upon them. Defending the valleys would be crucial, as rolling rocks alone could break their formations. Given your situation in Kashmir, I’m certain the passes have been blocked, and they lie in ambush, waiting."

This sudden answer not only shocked the council but also the emperor, as no one had briefed him about the latest development. With the revelation of the attack, he could only be aware that Kashmir was involved, but how could he predict what exactly had happened?

Shadi Khan, still somewhat skeptical, asked "What if we use battering rams to pass?"

King Dravya shook his head. "The terrain is not suited for such tactics. The uneven ground will slow your forces, and the steep slopes will make it impossible for battering rams to function effectively. So if trenches or simple blockades were made, then it would be a nightmare."

The whole council went into pin-drop silence as the gravity of the situation sank in.

Shadi Khan, undeterred by the reality, replied, "Every tactic fails in front of sheer power. If we were to blast their fortifications with our artillery and use the sheer number of soldiers, they could be handled."

King Dravya nodded. "Yes, it can happen, but for that, you would need the range, which I believe is still smaller than the tall mountains with enough pockets to place soldiers and hurl stones."

Emperor Hemu, desperate for a solution, leaned forward. "Then what would you do if you were in my position?"

King Dravya smiled as he replied, "Your Majesty, Emperor, if I were to attack, I would choose a higher position by either climbing it to attack them directly or bypassing them through another hidden valley where soldiers can cross the path and assemble. The Himalayan region has many such valleys that can lead to Ladakh directly."

Emperor Hemu’s brow furrowed. "Are you certain, King of Gorkhas, your people can find it?"

King Dravya proudly replied, "Yes, Samrat. But I doubt even if we are able to find it, your soldiers would have a difficult time passing it as they are not habituated to the harsh climate."

Emperor Hemu’s eyes narrowed. "How much time would it take if we were to train them?"

King Dravya replied, "Two weeks minimum." Recognising the pride of emperor, he offered his help himself. "Also, our guides would need that much time to find the passage if you may commission? I believe we still have the strategic cooperation for defense?"

The emperor gave a stoic response. Then he replied, "Yes, you are commissioned, but we will not sit back for 2 weeks." Turning to Shadi Khan, he instructed, "Send Rudra with 5,000 forces for a frontal assault. He will lead the northern corps with 15,000 units and coordinate with King Dravya regarding the training and see if we can find a passage."

Shadi Khan bowed in approval and gestured for King Dravya to follow him with respect, which Dravya agreed to.

Aditya intervened. "But, Emperor, please allow me to take over this venture."

But the emperor sharply declined. "War is not meant to be fought all alone; you need to trust your commanders. You can send a division as suitable."

Aditya’s face fell as he didn’t expect this outcome. As everyone left, Aditya stayed behind.

Emperor Hemu inquired, "It seems you have something more to say? I hope it’s not related to you personally leading troops into Kashmir?"

Aditya sighed internally as he dropped the plan and added his other concern. "I believe we lack intel handling and our council needs to expand."

Emperor Hemu scoffed. "You know council positions cannot be given to anyone if not from a formidable background. I already have enough headaches."

Aditya argued, "But Father, we need talented people to fill in the roles. I am already burdened with two ministries, and we lack a proper structure of spies."

Emperor Hemu softened as he heard the word "Father," but he didn’t show it. He suggested with a straight face, "Then put them under your company and assign them as deputies. If you need resources, then report to me; I will arrange it. Now you may leave."

As Aditya exited, Hemu paced around the courtyard all alone, thinking of the scenarios that he would soon need to handle. The loss of Kashmir was a challenge to his might that he must responds without fail.