Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 232: Intelligence Report

Purana Qila, Intelligence chamber, Few days back at 23 April 1557.

In the soft light of daytime, which passed through the large window and illuminated the royal chamber, the atmosphere was tense.

Right now, the intelligence chief, Jaydev Patil, and the prime minister, Chandrashekhar, were engrossed in deep conversation, with Chandrashekhar sipping herbal tea made of tulsi and elaichi while Jaydev recited the words written in the document.

"The Kashmir pass has been discovered. Our northern forces request more cannons and additional munitions to breach the high walls of their strongholds. They estimate a month-long campaign."

Chandrashekhar took a measured sip of tea, setting the cup down on a small brass table. "Earlier than expected," he mused, his brow furrowing slightly. "Pass the requisitions to Shadi Khan. Now, what updates do we have on the Gurkha Kingdom, our newest trade ally?"

Jaydev, scanning his documents, nodded. "Yes, Your Excellency. However, we’ve received a letter from the Garhwal Kingdom strongly opposing the Gurkhas’ inclusion in our alliance. They claim interests in the region and urge us to reconsider."

Chandrashekhar raised an eyebrow. "Huh! And what incentive have they offered for us to heed their request?"

Jaydev flipped through his papers. "They propose a tribute of 100,000 gold mohurs, along with their finest gems, on the condition we exclude the Gurkhas. They justify their request by citing a marital alliance with the neighboring Kumaon Kingdom and a desire for revenge against the Gurkhas, who unjustly executed Kumaon’s heir."

Chandrashekhar’s lips curled into a smirk. "Blunt and self-serving. Typical. What’s your assessment?"

Jaydev thought for a moment before responding. "Your Excellency, based on our intelligence, the Gurkha Kingdom is indeed a region of strategic importance. Along with Lamjung, it controls key river borders on both the western and eastern flanks, acting as a gateway to the Nepal Mandala.

Garhwal’s intentions are clear—they aim to use Kumaon as a pretext to expand into Nepalese territory. Our decision to limit Gurkhas’ role to that of a strategic partner rather than a member country fuels their hope of expansion by paying tribute since they can’t challenge us if they want to."

He paused, then added, "In my opinion, we should wait if they increase their stakes with the given potential of profit they would get, if they succeed."

Chandrashekhar gave a wry smile. "And yet my grandson insists I’m wrong for denying them allegiance, even though their kingdom doesn’t share a border with our empire. Tsk, young blood."

Jaydev inquired cautiously, "Your Excellency, if the Gurkhas succeed in their campaign against Ladakh and gain glory, our Samrajya might appear neglectful for not protecting them."

Chandrashekhar finished his tea, placing the empty cup on the table. The lines on his forehead deepened as he leaned forward. "That’s why we must wait for Garhwal if they would raise the stakes. First of all, Aditya will be dispatched south as the month ends. This war won’t conclude swiftly. I don’t expect resolution before next month at the earliest.

During this time, we’ll evaluate the Gurkhas’ performance. If they succeed, we’ll offer them governance over captured territories in Kashmir or Ladakh on our terms. It will be a fair trade."

Jaydev asked with curiosity, "But what if they fail to meet our expectations?"

Chandrashekhar’s tone shifted, becoming sharp and resolute. "Then they will face the full might of our Samrajya, in case they dare to challenge the status quo... We’ll make an example of them and ensure it’s remembered as a Chapter of glory."

He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. "Now, what news from the Pakistan Sultanate and the Deccan?"

Jaydev nodded as he replied with seriousness. This time, he didn’t even look at the document, as if it were well-versed. "Yes, Your Excellency, the Pakistan Sultanate has won over Baloch, and they are planning to move to Multan to make it their new capital for handling the expansion. The discussions are ongoing."

Chandrashekar nodded, a pleasant smile forming with the news. "Good, the farther the trouble, the better the future, and..."

Jaydev replied, "The major developments in deccan are the mysterious death of the First Prince of Berar and the passing of the line of succession to the second prince. Fortunately, he has raised the discussion of coordination with our prince’s company, and we can expect an ambassador from their sultanate soon."

Chandrashekar frowned. "Are we responsible for this?"

Jaydev shook his head. "No, our agents are not involved. However, we suspect it might be related to either inter-alliances or our prince’s work, as we cannot track his espionage progress so far. It is still a mystery for us."

Chandrashekar was amused. "So, our boy has increased his capability to that extent."

Jaydev said, "Still, we cannot be certain if it’s our prince’s work, as his secret organization is still in the early stages. Besides, the Dutch are becoming a uniting factor for the Deccan sultanates. There is mutual hatred for the foreigners due to their blatant aggressive behavior. It is more likely that their internal alliance is behind it, seeking the help of our samrajya, much like Ahmednagar and Bidar sultanates."

Chandrashekar scoffed. "Stupid Dutch. These foreigners never learn." After a pause he added with a smile, "But we have to give some credit to our lad, who, despite being new, has managed to sniff out our agents’ grasp. Weren’t your agents the ones who trained him?"

Jaydev replied with a bit of embarrassment. "Indeed, Your Excellency."

Chandrashekar chuckled, his voice full of energy. "It’s alright if your peers surpass you. It means you taught them well. No need to be embarrassed." After Jaydev nodded with tight lips and a bowed head, Chandrashekar added, "More than that, I’m curious if the prince has cleared his mistake."

Jaydev nodded. "So far, the prince has avoided meeting with the southern princess and has been dedicating much of his time to training his private militia." He paused abruptly.

"Well, he has matured," Chandrashekar remarked. He sensed the hesitation in his subordinate’s voice and asked, "Don’t worry, speak your mind."

Jaydev hesitated before speaking, "Your Excellency, this is more of a personal question. Even if the prince is allowed to maintain a private army, why is the imperial army not allowed to upgrade its own arsenal? I don’t understand why even the capital is barred from copying the technology when the empire holds the fundamental rights to it."

Chandrashekar smirked. "It’s a blessing we don’t have to." Jaydev looked puzzled, prompting the prime minister to explain. "You see, as long as the prince conducts his experiments and upgrades his private army, it remains within his personal rights as stated in the court’s guidelines. Otherwise, there would be chaos, and other member kingdoms would soon demand access to the technology. It’s an open secret that our empire is a patchwork of fragile factions with mutual interests, and with patent rights, it eases all our worries."

Jaydev nodded, now understanding the reasoning. No wonder there was chaos for the approval of mercenary services.

Chandrashekar stood up from his chair, preparing to leave. "In the end, the prince will soon become the crown, and our job is to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes. But for now, keep track of what he’s doing and make sure he doesn’t stray from the right path."

Jaydev stood up and saluted with a heartfelt bow.

As Chandrashekar left, he sank back into his chair and sighed. "Both grandfather and grandson are going to drive me mad." He ran his hands through his hair, trying to shake off the frustration. "Now I have to prepare a report for the mughals. Damn my life."