Everyone gathered in two hours, it was going to be a contest to test the intellectual abilities of the contestants. To rule an empire, one must possess good administration abilities, management abilities, problem solving skills etc. Sage Sandeepa stood up again and said, "now there will be questions on various subjects. The scholars sitting with me are well versed in law, administration, economics and history. They will start asking questions. We can begin with Prince Deepak"The Prince came forward and bowed to the scholars. The scholalrs asked him various questions which he answered successfully. He was well learned. The scholars were done, Samtukta too faired well. Even Prince Surya pa.s.sed with flying colors. It was a tie between the siblings. Then suddenly, there came an old lady who looked like a beggar, she was terribly hurt and had wounds which were bleeding with puss and blood. She was exuding a foul smell, she was laughing hysterically and was coming near the Royal siblings.
Prince Deepak and Prince Surya took a step back, the begger was looking at them and laughed loudly. Samyukta saw her state, it moved her heart badly. The soldiers tried to capture her,but Samyukta stopped them.She immediately went near the beggar, and held her hand. The beggar was mentally unstable, she was trying to hurt Samyukta, but she didn"t care. Samyukta was trying to speak to her. The beggar started crying, she let go of Samyukta"s hand and started rolling in mud.
Samyukta too slept beside her and rolled in the mud. People were shocked, the beggar was happy, she clapped and cheered Samyukta. She came near Samyukta and smiled, then Samyukta asked her maid to get a robe, she covered the beggar in a clean robe and asked her maids to help her bath and clean up. She spoke to general Rudra and asked him to help and arrange the Royal Physician to examine the beggar.
She also ordered the maids to give the beggar some food and let her sleep in Samyukta"s quarters. It was a very strange scene, everything happened so suddenly. Pinaka was observing all this ,he kept his sword at the ready as it could be an enemy in disguise but no, she was a harmless old lady who was hurt badly and she also seemed to be mentally ill.
Prince Deepak looked at Samyukta and suddenly said, "you will make an excellent empress! " she was shocked, she didn"t expect this, he said, "I am very happy, father"s decision was right, you have every ability to be the empress of Magadha. I was not kind enough to go near the beggar. You did, you are different, you deserve the throne, I will stand beside you and help you with the rule"
All the people cheered and cried,"Long live Princess Samyukta Chandra! " It was a great scene, General Rudra and Pinaka too joined and cheered on along with the crowd. The happiness of the emperor knew no bounds. He not only made Princess Samyukta the empress of Magadha, but also helped her gain the trust of her siblings. A ruler should possess kindness, otherwise they might turn into war mongers and lead wars which will empty the treasury and then heavy taxes will be laid on the people to fill the treasury back. This Will only lead the people to hate their emperor and there would not be any development in the state of affairs of the people and the society.
Waging a war when necessary was different from having a thirst to conquer. Defending oneself and setting things straight is always important. To take a decision in the time of crisis is the most crucial aspect of being a ruler.
The emperor stood up and addressed everyone, "I think the outcome of today"s events is the best thing that could have happened. I thank G.o.d Almighty who has sent over the old lady at such a crucial moment. This lead everyone to see the most suitable successor. I hereby declare that Princess Samyukta will be the future empress of Magadha. One week from now will be the coronation. I admire the words of Prince Deepak and thank both Prince Surya and Prince Deepak for announcing their loyalty to the throne. In two days time from now, princess Samyukta will choose her life partner. I thank everyone who has graced this occasion. Only with the blessings of the people, the Chandra dynasty is able to rule Magadha. "
Everyone cheered and cried, "hail Magadha! long live Emperor Krishna Chandra, Long live Chandra Dynasty, Long live Princess Samyukta! "
Note: The next chapters will be more about Pinaka. These few chapters were necessary to know the situations of Magadha empire.