Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon
| Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon | |
| |
| Original title | Xunpadshahannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | list of characters |
| Timeframe | 1744 and onwards |
Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon is the thirdpart in the story series Xunpadshahannama. This Book of Xunpadshahan is the official chronicle of the reign of Xunpadshahan. It contains various stories surrounding the Shahanshah, the third ruler of Çakaristan. It is a sequel to Xunpadshahannama: Rajas of the Sandstorm.
End of the second
"For many years, our family has had a dormant imbalance with the Kaisership in Shirekeep. It is time for us to unite that if our family wants to play a role in Shireroth, we must conform to the rules and regulations of the Golden Mango Throne. Even if it goes against our feelings of sovereignty and self-determination. It makes no sense to want one and fail to do the other. So we have a choice to make. Though this matter has been generating discussions for some time, I want to resolve it in Justice and Peace. So I propose, we vote. One vote each on a note, we put it in a jar and then the votes will be counted." Aurangzeb thus addressed his family members. The entire family had gathered in Maulikpur. At the Cenfae Mahal, Aurangzeb had received everyone. Karel Kyle, Frederik Alfons and Yusuf, the respective heads of the House and junior branches.
The Nawab ka Mahal read out the ballot papers and the result was clear. The Secunda divisio des Vinandy was annulled. "How will inheritance rights be settled now, to avoid fighting among themselves?" asked Frederik Alfons. Karel Kyle looked at Aurangzeb, who nodded. "We did not want to overwhelm you, but Aurangzeb and I have prepared an arrangement. If you accept it, it will become the basic law for our House," Karel Kyle replied. Frederik Alfons responded, "Show us that arrangement so that we can assess it". Aurangzeb said, "Forgive us for anticipating this. We had hoped for this step, we are not forcing anyone". Frederik Alfons said, "Speaking for myself, in the game of chess you think a few steps ahead".
•••
Zahra had sent a new message to Şahin Faris. This time with the plan to release the Gold Dinar from circulation. That currency had remained in circulation even after the incorporation of Barikalus into the Çakar Empire. Although it was more convenient for trade to use the Muhar, the Dinar was still accepted in local markets. Ownership of the Barikalusian Mint had previously been transferred from the Emirate to the Çakaristan Mint, of which the Red Fortress Foundation is a shareholder. It was now decided that the Dinar would no longer be minted, while the Reserve Bank stopped circulating the Dinar.
•••
Mazyar Behdad had received the Sanpantul delegation in Agra. On the eastern sky, calls for independence were rising. Voices arose in the Çakari Congress that Sanpantul should be bound to a perpetual peace with the Çakar Empire to avoid a second Sanpo-Çakar War. A single vote wanted to keep Sanpantul as part of the Empire. But an overwhelming majority of the Congress agreed to secede from Sanpantul. Mazyar Behdad received a brief message from the Shahanshah to allow Sanpantul to secede with continued regional stability. The grand vizier found that message somewhat cryptic and assumed he had a free hand in the content of the secession agreement.
End of a term
"Viziers", Xunpadshahan said as he entered the hall, the grand vizier and the viziers quickly stood up and bowed their heads to the Shahanshah, "how is it that the most populous nation on Micras cannot build decent highways?" The viziers were surprised not only by the question but also the way Xunpadshahan posed it. The usual ceremonial of announcing, greeting, seating and opening of the meeting was all skipped by the Shahanshah. The Shahbanu, who followed the Shahanshah, had to chuckle a little as she noticed the confusion among the viziers. "Well, anyone have an answer?", Xunpadshahan asked impatiently.
The grand vizier started explaining that for a national highway network, congress consent is needed and there has majority to be found there for such a big investment. The Shahanshah interrupted the grand vizier and said, "Yes, I know that story. And my assessment that sporting events would contribute to investment for highway construction, that was also a bit optimistic. I'm just saying honestly. Only we are still stuck with the problem that highways are not being built. The states are not going to do it either." The viziers noticed that Shahanshah has already addressed all the arguments and that there is indeed an impasse.
"Well, I won't hurt you any longer", the Shahanshah said. "The biggest stumbling block for the Congress is a combination of investment and risk. I now have a solution to that. The Red Fortress Foundation has already found several investors to build highways. Then we can build highways, but there will be tolls. The risks for building will then still be for the state. This way, less will be paid from taxpayers' money." The Viziers were impressed.
Days later at a congressional meeting, although the plan was welcomed, there were some adjustments. States were given the option to buy off tolls. Along with this, a guideline was issued with rule how a highway should be built, such as gradients, bend radius and lane width.
•••
The grand vizier grumbled when he was again summoned to Maulikpur to appear before the Shahanshah. Receiving the message, he said exasperated, "It is as if Maulikpur is the capital of the Empire". Arriving at the Cenfae Mahal, he was surprised to see Şahin Faris. Şahin Faris approached and said, "Your Excellency, have you also been summoned by our Shahanshah?"' Mazyar Behdad nodded, still questioning why Şahin Faris turned up here. Both men were summoned to appear before the Shahanshah. With the usual ceremonial, they entered Xunpadshahan's office and took turns by rank to greet the Shahanshah.
Xunpadshahan waited impatiently for the courtesies, after which he immediately began the reason for summoning the two men. "Mazyar Behdad, your services to the Empire are countless and for that we are grateful. Only now it is time for your honourable dismissal." Mazyar Behdad was taken aback and did not know what to say. He bowed his head and finally said, "Your majesty, you know what is best for the Empire. Thank you for allowing me to serve this Empire". Xunpadshahan nodded and turned to Şahin Faris. "Şahin Faris, from now on you are the Grand Vizier. May your services serve the Empire". Şahin Faris, who had to hide the fact that he already knew about his appointment, played up his surprise and fell at the Shahanshah's feet. "Your majesty, that I am worthy in your eyes".
End of the march
Thoma Ulhas, archbishop of the Eastern Apollonian Catologian Church, had requested an audience with the Shahanshah. Xunpadshahan was surprised and agreed. "Your High Excellency Monsignor, what an honour to meet you," Aurangzeb said upon archbishop's entry. "The honour is all mine, your majesty," the archbishop replied. The Shahanshah offered an armchair and sat down in another armchair himself. After some light conservations, the archbishop broached the subject he had come for.
"Your majesty, it has come to my notice that the Sadar of Leyl wants to divorce Shitala Darwish. He would not tell me the exact reason. He said he wants to go to a monastery." Aurangzeb became nervous and pondered what to do. The archbishop observed the Shahanshah and added: "According to my information, Yusuf is unable to produce children. By alienating himself from his wife and even divorcing her, she may marry another to fulfil her desire to become a mother." The Shahanshah was surprised that the archbishop knew so much and began to wonder if Yusuf had personally told the archbishop this.
The Shahanshah remained silent, looking for a way to respond. If Yusuf wanted to go to a monastery, who was to become Sadar of Leyl? Gustavus? But Gustavus is Yusuf's biological father and the one behind the plot to make Yusuf infertile. He looked away from the archbishop's charismatic eyes and continued to ponder his head to avoid concealing what he knew about the matter. But the archbishop had not revealed everything he knew. He took out a paper from his inside pocket and handed it to Aurangzeb. The paper read a result of a DNA test. Aurangzeb wanted to start a response that bordered on a lie. But Archbishop was ahead of him with a response.
"Your majesty, if you take care of Shitala Darwish, I will admit Yusuf to a Catologian monastery. If you transfer the Sadarya to the Catologian Church, I will manage it." said the archbishop. Aurangzeb thought quickly about the proposal and asked, "Why should I agree to this proposal?" The archbishop bowed towards the Shahanshah and whispered, "The dirty laundry the House of Vinandy does not need to blow from Kila Vindasar." Aurangzeb looked startled, but saw himself chequered.
•••
Prakash Katari, the Mahaan Mansabdar, reported to the Shahanshah on state of armed forces. Fully as planned, the size of the armed forces had been reduced, mainly by transfer to paramilitary forces in several states. At the same time, several veterans took early retirement. In the process, several new bases were established, mainly as a response to Floria's instability. The Shahanshah was satisfied with these advances.
Then an intelligence report surfaced, showing that guerrilla activity had been observed in the Khelaq Mountains. The Shahanshah had also heard reports from his father-in-law, Liang Myksos. His father-in-law was a bit embarrassed because his brother, Mao Myksos, was said to be behind these guerrilla activities. The report was titled ‘Red Moon Revolution’, a title coined by the establishment service, contained details about the guerrilla activities. Including the whereabouts of Mao Myksos. The Shahanshah had to decide to take this opportunity to eliminate Mao Myksos.
End of boyhood
"My brother-in-law, how good to see you again!" said Lucy Myksos. Rafi greeted the Shahbanu with the usual protocol. He then also greeted the other lady present, Shitala Darwish. Lucy gestured to sit down. Sharbat and sweets were served. Rafi joked that it was almost like a wedding feast with all those delicacies. Lucy smiled and said, "You can say that. Because as you know, Shitala and Yusuf are divorced. Yusuf has left for Clervaux Abbey in Batavia. And it has pleased His Majesty, the Shahanshah, to introduce you, Rafi and Shitala, to each other as marriage partners." Rafi and Shitala looked at each other in amazement. Even before either of them responded, Lucy stood up. Completely in accordance with protocol, Rafi and Shitala also stood up. Lucy said, "You sit down again, I will leave you alone".
Two hours later, the pair reported to the sitting room. Lucy, who had been hiding there behind a book ‘The power of the King’ by Gustaaf Vermeylen Sr, called out "Inside!". The pair entered and greeted the Shahbanu as per protocol. "And?", Lucy asked, "Can we plan a wedding day?". "Your majesty", began Rafi, "Both of us have the restraint to displease the Shahanshah. Only neither of us have chosen this marriage." Lucy interrupted and said, "His majesty, the Shahanshah, is very generous. By Craitgod, Rafi, you are thirty years old. Is there anything holding you back?" Rafi was startled by this reaction and bowed his head. Shitala saw the game play out and fell in. "Your majesty, we can agree if our ceremony can remain modest. Thereby that my husband-to-be can be given an administrative position." Lucy looked up and said, "Look, that's brave. And... that can be arranged".
•••
"Your majesty, your brother, has arrived for an audience," said a palace clerk with bowed head. The Shahanshah looked up from his paperwork and responded, "Let him in". Moments later, Daniyal Hakimi bin Alsalam entered the room. "My brother!", greeted Aurangzeb, "How are you?". "Very well, your majesty, very well," replied Daniyal. "Ah, not so stiff," responded Aurangzeb. Daniyal did not relax. Aurangzeb saw it and said, "All right then, let's settle the formal quickly and then indulge in Antyan wine." Daniyal nodded in agreement. "Good, I had to hear from your wife that you would like to hold an administrative position. When I heard that, I immediately shouted ‘Micabad’. But that would be a bit lame to grant my eldest brother a small subah. Therefore, I appoint you Subahdar of Sylfystan." Daniyal looked up and was very surprised. He stepped towards the Shahanshah, fell to his knees and kissed the Shahanshah's ring. "May I be worthy in your eyes for this honour," Daniyal said.
"Stand up, brother, you are more than just a servant of the Empire. By Craitgod, you are of the dynasty!", Aurangzeb said. Daniyal stood up quickly. "Good," continued Aurangzeb, "Dawud Edward Çakar, is in town, make sure you get to speak to each other. Because, a dream project you are going to realise for me, the Strait Tunnel". The Shahanshah pointed to the construction drawing on his desk. As Daniyal looked at the drawing, his brother reached for a glass of Antyan wine. He took it and Aurangzeb said, "Let us toast to your administrative position and to the Strait Tunnel". But in his mind, Daniyal toasted his wife.
End of the storm
A co-production by Ric and Gustaaf Vermeylen
It was Rafi Hakimi bin Alsalam who had recently re-established contact with the Kaiser of Shireroth. Although formal diplomatic relations existed, the familial relationship between the imperial family and the House of Alsalam was not warm. Both sides spoke cordially and kindly, but did not talk to each other. Rafi wanted to change that. Although Aurangzeb and Karel Kyle had ensured that the Secunda divisio was annulled, this news had not reached Shirekeep. Rafi commuted between Tellia and Shirekeep to attend the football matches of the Çakaristan national football team as president of the Çakaristan Football Federation and to gain access to the complicated court of the Kaiser. Although the national team did not make it out of the group stage, Rafi did manage to organise a meeting between the Kaiser and his brother.
In Maulikpur, Rafi convinced his brother to travel to Khanabad and meet the Kaiser. In addition, Rafi persuaded Karel Kyle, as head of the House of Vinandy, to come up with an excuse together with Aurangzeb. Rafi had to break the Vinandy pride and stubbornness in both men to achieve this. Rafi had to restrain his own temper to avoid erupting in anger against the Shahanshah of Çakaristan and the Chhatrapati of Haritdesh. On 3.II.1747 AN, Aurangzeb, Rafi, Karel Kyle and their wives travelled to Khanabad. In the palace of the Nayib al'Amir, the Dar Al Baraka (House of Blessing), they awaited the arrival of the Kaiser.
Since his accession to the throne, the Kaiser had hoped to keep the Empire together. The western parts were foreign to him, because he was born in Huyenkula. His ancestors included Elw and Jing, so those parts of his Empire were familiar to him. But Batavia was mainly known to him from the history books. The Kingdom of Batavia had long been independent and ruled by various Vinandys. By being generous to the Vinandys in the western part of the empire and the junior branch of the House of Vinandy, the House of Alsalam, to the east of his empire, he hoped to achieve stability. But that generosity could not remain without compensation. He knew of the stubbornness of the Vinandys. Would they meet him halfway? Arriving at the Dar Al Baraka in Khanabad, he saw that the largest flag in front of the building was that of the Imperial Republic, with only the flag of the Order of the Holy Lakes hanging next to it. So not the flags of Batavia and Çakaristan. He and his wife were received by the Vinandys.
The meeting was friendly and full of pleasantries. Aurangzeb asked the Kaiser if he had gotten used to fatherhood yet. Yukio was surprised by the question and noticed that Aurangzeb spoke like an experienced father. His twins are now 15 years old. With this in mind, he replied to Aurangzeb: "My wife and I already have our hands full with our son, I can't imagine having twins." Aurangzeb smiled and began reminiscing.
After being served Arboric coffee and Imperial white tea, Aurangzeb stood up and spoke. "Your Majesty, my honourable cousin, our family has had many ups and downs. We have sailed the seas in two brotherly ships. Sometimes in calm waters and sometimes far away in rough storms. The most recent storm, which caused a rift between our ships, is entirely due to the ship Vinandy. We did not fully respect the rapprochement by Salome, wherever she may be. Her offer to restore family ties was undermined by the Secunda divisio. This should not have happened. On behalf of my family, the entire House of Vinandy and the House of Alsalam, I offer our sincere apologies. May we find mercy in your eyes."
The Kaiser nodded, took another sip of his drink, and said: “There are many aspects of this story that are painful. Yes, your family and you chose not to respect the law, and there were automatic consequences for that. But yes, I accept your apology. I cherish our family reconciliation. I believe reconciliation is an on-going process. The pain and resentment between our two sides have been going on for almost a hundred years, with countless deaths as a result. Of course, at times, we will make mistakes, even after our reconciliation began in earnest. My imperial predecessor was also not well when she refused to consider consent for your marriage to the Shahbanu, as evidenced by her on-going social harmonization therapy. I have seen in the logs of Raynor’s Keep evidence that you did ask.”
He paused.
“I have therefore decided to accept your apology and give consent to your marriage with to Shahbanu, and ex post facto consent to the marriages contracted thereafter. This creates legal complexities, however, and I have spoken with your brother at length about this, the current lawful Duke of Brandenburg. He has agreed to return the dukedom back to you.”
The Kaiser signalled to a servant, who came to them, bowed deeply to the Kaiser, and presented him with two equal-looking documents, engraved with the coat of arms of Shireroth, and a decree in calligraphy. He took his pen, and signed them, and then stamped them with the imperial seal. He gave one copy to the restored Duke of Brandenburg and kept one for the imperial archives. He allowed the Shahanshah to read them.
“It is done, Aurangzeb, restored Duke of Brandenburg. Now that Brandenburg also is returned to Shireroth, I would like to invite the Duchess and you to take possession over Arkadius Paleis, as the rightful restored rulers thereof. As for your brother, he shall be compensated for his act of generosity and loyalty.”
Aurangzeb thanked the Kaiser and said to Yukio, "As a gift, I would like to present you with the First Class of the Order of Çakar." Yukio accepted the certificate and medal.
End of the fog
Aurangzeb was greatly surprised to read the news that two Çakari runners had won the La Course du Désert. The multi-day ultramarathon in the Baatharz Desert, Nouvelle Alexandrie. He also understood that Arjun Sharma had even set a new record. Aurangzeb then invited the runners to the Cenfae Mahal. A few days later, Arjun Sharma and Priya Malhotra arrived to meet the Shahanshah and the Shahbanu. Aurangzeb and Lucy entered the hall with the usual ceremony. The press was present to capture the moment.
"To be honest, we were very surprised by both of your victories in the La Course de Désert. On top of that, the new record. What an achievement!" said Aurangzeb, "For this, you will receive the Third Class of the Order of Çakar". With some ceremony, the medals were pinned on Arjun Sharma and Priya Malhotra, respectively by the Shahanshah and Shahbanu.
•••
The news of Jayanti Sinha's passing did not come as a surprise. She had already reached the respectable age of ninety-nine. Nevertheless, it is a great loss for the nation. She was one of the last people to have lived through the first ten years of an independent Çakaristan and helped build the state. This first group of people is popularly known as the “Watercourse” generation, after the green colour of Çakaristan's first flag, used between 1687 and 1698 AN. Officially until 1704 AN, but that also includes the years of the Great Apollonian Empire.
Jayanti was also buried in her birthplace and place of residence. The Shahanshah had ordered a state funeral for the former Grand Vizier. However, at the request of the family, only women would give speeches, not male dignitaries. Thus, the Shahbanu and the Ataliq were asked to give speeches. Nevertheless, the funeral was an international affair. The President of Floria, Ronald Trueman Jr., and Vice-President of Floria, Rachael Halpburg, were present at the memorial service. The guests gathered in the Great Craittemple of Maulikpur. The Shahanshah and Shahbanu paused at the closed coffin, then greeted the bereaved family and finally the President and Vice-President of Floria.
The memorial service was held, after which the coffin was carried out of the temple. A mausoleum had been built next to Jayanti Sinha's house in Maulikpur. She was laid to rest there. The burial took place in the private circle of the family. Around the mausoleum was a small enclosed garden, which would later be opened to the public.
•••
The Grand Vizier was in Maulikpur for Jayanti Sinha's funeral. He wanted an audience with the Shahanshah. But after the memorial service, the Shahanshah had left for the golf course not far from the Cenfae Mahal. The Grand Vizier heard that the Shahbanu was in the palace and asked for an audience. Lucy granted it and received the Grand Vizier. "Your Excellency, how can your Shahbanu be of service to you?" Lucy asked. "Your Majesty, matters have come to my attention that concern me." The Shahbanu said nothing and waited to hear what the Grand Vizier had to say. "Namely, that you are behind clandestine activities." The Grand Vizier paused and tried to elicit a response from the Shahbanu. But Lucy said nothing.
As the silence continued, the Grand Vizier continued. "Your Majesty, it has come to my attention that you are behind the establishment of secret armies, financed by drug money. Would you like to hear more details? Does the Shahanshah know about this?" Lucy remained calm and was unimpressed by the Grand Vizier's questions. "You have a secret training centre on the island of Tennyn, weapons stolen from the army and weapons depots throughout the country," the Grand Vizier continued. After an awkward silence, Lucy said, "Your Excellency, I know how you got this information. But I also have other information." The Shahbanu took a file from the drawer of the cabinet.
"Your Excellency, you follow the orders of the Shahmadar. But that is all I could find out about you. Women do not appeal to you, nor are you interested in male love. Your financial transactions are difficult to trace, but you do not own any large palaces. You do not have a collection of expensive cars or expensive hobbies. So why this loyalty to the Shahmadar?" asked the Shahbanu. Şahin Faris hid his surprise that the Shahbanu had apparently had him investigated. "So, it could go either way. On the one hand, we remain opponents and have a mutual dependence on silence. On the other hand, we join forces," Lucy explained. Şahin Faris thought about it, knowing that mutual dependence in times of weakness can lead to downfall.
End of decay
A historic moment: two brothers walked through the halls and rooms of a palace. A palace that had fallen into disrepair. It had recently been used as an army base. No king or emperor lived here, only rough soldiers. No sounds of honourable language, but vulgar swear words. When a window was smashed during a fistfight, it was boarded up with a piece of wood. When a drunken soldier shot through the ceiling with his M1591(R) marksman rifle, the hole in the roof was not repaired. A bucket collected the rainwater.
Two brothers stood in what was once their grandfather's study. Their grandfather, Arkadius Frederik Gustavus des Vinandy, ruled Arcadia, Batavia, Francia and Helderbourgh from here, in a time long past. Now, his grandsons stood in that study. One rules over Çakaristan as Shahanshah. A country that did not exist at the time, but claims to have roots in countries of yesteryear. The other rules over Shireroth as Regent. A country that has existed all this time, endured, and now, after a period of decline, is rising again.
The men go outside, to the gardens. Overgrown with weeds, a large bare patch where there used to be neat grass. It doesn't take much imagination to picture what soldiers did here. Little remains of the Temple of Friendship but a crumbling shell. This was once an almost sacred place, where the memory of Kaiser Ayreon IV was kept alive. It had been used as a toilet by the soldiers. The bust of the emperor was gone, the eternal flame extinguished.
"Brother, I will have this restored," said Rafi. Aurangzeb replied, "But not from the Kaiser's pockets. Our grandfather paid for this palace himself, let us follow his example."
End of adolescence
The army command briefed the Shahanshah on Operation Valukatophan in The Hexarchy. Prakash Katari, the Mahaan Mansabdar, pointed to a map spread out on the table to indicate the locations he was referring to. The Shahanshah listened attentively. When Prakash Katari had finished his story, Xunpadshahan said: "We were lucky that the Vanics were mainly dealt with in Normandy itself and did not flee en masse to the south. I don't want any of that filthy business." The army leaders nodded. "When the operation began, there was great instability in The Hexarchy, possibly even a collapse. That would have given us the opportunity to annex Karnak. Thanks in part to us, the collapse has been prevented or at least postponed. We need to think about what to do next. An exit or continuing in the hope that we can expand our Empire there."
"But a new risk is emerging, and that is the instability in the Dark Berry Islands. The Grand Vizier can confirm this," he said, gesturing towards Şahin Faris, who nodded in agreement, "it is my desire to incorporate the Dark Berry Islands into the Empire. It could be as unincorporated territory or as a cultural reserve. I would like to see my sister Samira as chair of the council. That way, the character of the islands will remain the same. We can use this ever-troubled part of the nation on the Keltian continent as a permanent base for The Hexarchy."
As everyone remained silent and nodded in apparent agreement, he looked at the Grand Vizier. The latter stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this vision is in line with government policy," said the Grand Vizier. "Good," concluded the Shahanshah.
•••
Thoma Ulhas, archbishop of the Eastern Apollonian Catologian Church, sat on the archiepiscopal throne in the great hall of the Kila Vindasar. Before him sat the bishops of the Eastern Apollonian Catologian Church. He spoke: "Our church is blessed with great riches. Cato is with us. We have the means to build a new city on the west bank of the Leyl. There we will build a new headquarters for our church. At the same time, that city offers us the necessary space to expand our housing. We will call that city “Arcadia”, after the lost nation of our sister church, the Arcadian Catologian Church. The Catodral of St. Erasmus will be located in the centre of this city."
•••
Aurangzeb had thought about it for a long time. He wanted to give his sons the responsibility of governing their own provinces. He considered Micabad and Tennyn, but found them too small for them. He wanted to give them a chance to make a significant contribution. But he also did not want one son to get a smaller province than the other. In terms of administrative qualities, he had higher expectations of Suleiman than of Jaffar. Jaffar was more of a fighter. There was still unrest in the Khelaq Mountains. Perhaps that was why it would be better to send Jaffar to Vashigol. But where would he send Suleiman? While pondering this question, Aurangzeb stood staring at the large map on the wall when his wife entered the room. "Aurangzeb, what are you thinking about?" Lucy asked. Aurangzeb turned around and frowned. After a few moments, he said, "If I send Jaffar to Vashigol, where do I send Suleiman?’ Lucy took her husband's arm and turned him back to the large map. "What do you think of the Kantisha and Northak Islands?" said Lucy. Aurangzeb replied, "Not a bad idea."
Aurangzeb then sent for his sons. When they both presented themselves before him, Aurangzeb said, "Your adolescence is over; it is time for you to gain experience in governing. I am going to send each of you to your own province." The two young men were grateful and went to prepare to leave Maulikpur.
