Rewari Kingdom, Khera Vilge, night of 14th March 1557

  'Knock!' 'Knock!'

  Aditya was taken aback. He was having a sound sleep in a guest house specially made for important guests. He had the door closed, unlike before, as he didn't want to be overconfident about his safety.

  Upon opening, he found Rudra with a parchment in his hand, which looked like a royal deed. With a slight bow of salute, he handed it over. Aditya unfurled the parchment, and it was indeed the royal deed. Upon reading the contents, a satisfied smirk pyed on his lips. Surprised, he looked at Rudra and inquired, "So, how did it go?"

  Six hours ago in Kings court of Bawal

  The Grand Hall of the king's court was enveloped in a tense atmosphere. Due to the sudden turn of events, delegates were barred from the current session to avoid spoiling the mood of the banquet with discussions of internal matters.

  However, the real reason was clear to everyone: the kingdom's officials did not want the delegates to know about the current court issues. Rumors of a rift between the imperial prince and the King of Rewari were already circuting, and the prince's absence was taken as evidence that something was amiss. After all, today's court session was meant to discuss the draft proposed by the prince, yet he was nowhere to be seen.

  The anger on the king's face was evident. For some reason, Crown Prince Randip stood near the king, and from his demeanor, it was apparent that the king was not in good health.

  The king's grip on the armrest of his chair trembling. "Such arrogance," he muttered. "He is not even half my age... I will not let his draft go unchallenged."

  Crown Prince standing beside whispered, "Father, please be patient. He is a responsible person and might be on his way."

  However, the crown prince's attempt to ease the tension was overshadowed when a newly promoted minister spoke up.

  "This is outrageous," the minister echoed in court. "We are all assembled, and the prince hasn't appeared."

  An experienced courtier raised his voice in response. "I suggest we send someone to ascertain his status."

  The newly appointed minister, eager to gain attention stated. "But why should we send someone? The prince should have respected the majesty's time."

  This statement sowed seeds of doubt and chaos among the courtiers, who began debating whether to inform the prince or not. The rumours suppressed in their hearts soon surfaced.

  "SILENCE!" a commanding voice boomed, quieting the hall.

  King Todar Mal decred, "Do not forget, I am still present in this court. Commence today's court session."

  At that moment, the doors to the Grand Hall swung open with a loud creak.

  Echoes of a lone man's steps, drew everyone's attention. A Figure cd in chainmail armor strode into the room with an insignia of imperial prince that no one dared to obstruct. He moved with an aura of dominance, making his way to the front of the hall where the king and courtiers awaited.

  With a powerful voice , he addressed the assembly .

  "Subedar Rudra Singh Chauhan from the Samrajya, envoy of the Imperial Prince, greets Your Majesty and esteemed courtiers."

  He gave a light bow as per the decorum and outstretched the parchment to the chief minister who was a well known figure in the court.

  A stunned silence prevailed by his actions.

  Chief Minister Bharadwaj, after regaining his composure took the parchment from Rudra's hands. His face grew increasingly pale as he read the parchment.

  King Todar Mal, sensing the gravity took the matters in his own hand. "Speak, Subedar. What message does the prince convey?"

  Rudra replied with unwavering gaze. "Your Majesty, the prince extends his deepest apologies for his absence. He is currently engaged in matters of utmost urgency. However, he has prepared this draft and entrusted me to present it on his behalf. I am here to assert his position and participate in the discussion in his stead. Besides there is additional message that he wants for his majesty to address beforehand."

  The king felt anxious. The prince's absence and the anticipation of a new message gave him an ominous feeling.

  "Apology accepted. Speak his concern.", the king stated.

  Rudra said with a loud voice for everyone to hear, "Our prince feels unsafe in the territories of Rewari. The recent assassination plot has made him wary, and he wants to appeal to His Majesty to conduct a joint investigation into the perpetrators, as it was not done before."

  Panic enshrouded the court. The matter they thought was settled was being unearthed again.

  A court official raised his voice, "What's the meaning of this? Didn't the prince execute the traitors?"

  Another chimed in, "Even our majesty handled the trial at the end. They are undermining our authority."

  Soon, the king's reply came as an outburst as he stood up from his throne.

  "Enough! Of this nonsense,"

  'cough!' 'cough!'

  Crown prince tried to handle his father, and provide support but soon got stopped by King's gesture.

  King continued as he bsted frantically," Do you think I don't understand what game he is pying? First, he ignored my authority and, as my guest, took actions without my consent. I have been quiet since he once saved the city, but this time he is crossing his limits. If he thinks he can intimidate me to get his things done, he is mistaken."

  The court quieted down, realizing the joint investigation was a ploy to give the prince free hands to settle scores with anyone who would dare to oppose his draft.

  Rudra responded with a stern gaze , his words betraying his face, "Forgive my insistence, Your Majesty. Our prince doesn't intend to challenge your authority but seeks protection, which was once compromised. There is no guarantee it won't happen again. The rest will be known by our emperor and the empire."

  King Todar Mal's vein popped in anger. "Beware, envoy. Your words hints a defiance disguised under the emperor's name. Should I take this as the prince's intent?"

  Rudra locked his eyes with the king, "Your Majesty, you have the right to refuse, but your response hints at a challenge to imperial authority. Should I take this as your will?"

  The king was taken aback by the flip of situation. He scanned his subjects, seeing their anxious looks. One wrong answer could put the fate of his kingdom in jeopardy. In just a few discussions, he had reached the brink of rebellion, and with the status of the Samrajya, he had no way to win.

  Chief Minister Bharadwaj appealed to him, which hit him harder, "Your Majesty, I suggest accepting the envoy's appeal and not escating this matter."

  Crown Prince Randip whispered, "Father, please calm down. The Chief Minister has read the draft. Besides, the prince has ample reason to act against us if he wishes."

  Realization dawned on King Todar Mal about how hopeless the situation was. He clutched his heart in pain and finally sat down with a heavy heart.

  Crown Prince Randip, on behalf of his father, signalled the Chief Minister to read the draft.

  As the Chief Minister read the draft, the ground beneath the courtiers seemed to shift.

  The draft presented a well-banced structure for military, taxation, and administrative policy over the Nayaks' fiefdoms, which consisted of more than ten vilges. It aimed to avoid conflicts and proposed the separation of the military from the governance of the state.

  This meant a significant loss of influence for the court officials, as they would be subject to strict jurisdiction.

  Although the demand for imperial oversight was acceptable, the kingdom would lose the ability to raise forces at will. However, the draft reduced the risk of future rebellion and gave more power to king. But nothing for lower level nobles. It would be the end of feudal society if allowed to pass.

  A military official raised his voice after a lot of contemption, "This draft has many unresolved issues. I appeal to His Majesty to cancel it."

  His companion, encouraged by the outburst, added, "Indeed, this seems impractical."

  Rudra approached them with a diplomatic facade. The royal guards, bewildered, awaited a command but that never came.

  He inquired, "Do you have an objection to our prince's draft?"

  The officials were taken aback. They looked to His Majesty for support, but he seemed lost in thought, contempting the implications of the draft. Sensing the king's wavering stance, they quickly changed their position.

  "I meant, I am not able to understand it fully," one of them stammered. Another joined in, "A little crity would help."

  Rudra refuted as he pced a reassuring hand on the military official's shoulder. But the pressure was real. He spoke with low voice, "To understand this, you need experience my friend. Simply being promoted to vacant positions might not help you."

  The threat was subtle but clear. Those who can't listen can clearly understand what was going on as no more objections were made. The courtiers suppressed their opinions, realizing the peril of dissent.

  The king, too, felt defeated. He understood the prince's strategy. The draft provided a golden opportunity to reduce the influence of other court nobles while regaining complete control through a simple sary management.

  If enacted, the draft would benefit him the most and he would be fool to miss the chance. He simply wanted to regain his respect of authority but not at the expense of his kingdom.

  His face reflected complicated feelings.

  With a heavy heart, King Todar Mal spoke, "Let it be known that the draft presented by the prince is accepted. We will begin the necessary steps to implement these changes."

  Current time at Khera vilge

  Aditya patted Rudra's shoulder as he ended the details.

  By dismissing him Aditya noted how taller Rudra was while standing, but soon felt confidence as he is still growing age.

  By locking the door, his eyes again fell on the copy of deed that gave his mercenary army the authority of watchers.

  "Royal Decree

  By the grace of the gods, His Majesty King Todar Mal decrees the following reforms for the better governance and administration of our realm:

  1. Administration

  (Governance of Vilges)

  - The administration of each vilge shall be democratized through elections.

  - The Sarpanch (head of the vilge) will be elected by the people of the vilge for a term of three years.

  - Simirly, the head of the police chief guard will be elected for the same duration.

  - The Sarpanch will be responsible for dispensing justice, while the police chief guard will ensure that the Sarpanch's actions are in accordance with the w.

  - Imperial authorities will appoint watchers to oversee the smooth functioning of this process.

  (Governance of Larger Fiefdoms)

  - For rger fiefdoms consisting of more than ten vilges, an election will be held for the title of Nayaks.

  - The elected Sarpanches will choose their leader among themselves under the supervision of the royal authority and will .

  - The title is temporary and, will have oversight powers regarding taxation simir to the previous lords.

  - The kingdom reserves the right to dissolve any candidate deemed unfit if they challenge royal authority.

  - This system will be called Panchayat Raj. The existing ws will remain unchanged.

  - The Nayak will have the privilege to access the king's court whenever necessary.

  - They will be responsible for implementation of king's policies

  2. Distribution of Taxation Privileges

  - Collection criteria will follow imperial reforms.

  - The Nayaks will retain the privilege of receiving their share from taxation, simir to previous Nayaks.

  - This distribution will also apply to the breakdown at the Sarpanch level.

  - No military head or militia personnel will have the right to taxation; they will depend on the kingdom for their sary, ensuring their dependency and loyalty to the kingdom.

  3. Military Recruitment and Command

  - A vilge can recruit up to 20 percent of its eligible male popution for the police militia.

  - Nayaks, due to their temporary position, will not have any military privileges.

  - Kingdom-appointed officials will command soldiers in various regions, not the Nayaks, and these officials will not have any taxation rights as compared to existing nobles who might have both rights.

  - They will depend on the kingdom for a fixed sary. All military personnel will be under the direct command of the king.

  - Only 20 percent of eligible males from a vilge can be forcibly recruited for the kingdom's army for a term of three years, while the rest must volunteer.

  4. Authority to Assign Watchers

  In recognition of his wisdom and dedication to the realm, His Imperial Highness, Aditya Hem Chandra Bhargav, is hereby granted the authority to assign watchers to oversee the smooth functioning of the newly established processes and ensure the integrity of our kingdom's governance.

  Royal seal

  King of Rewari."