Sinharan’s lips trembled. “How…?”
“The Nagas control the southern trade routes through the Vindhyas. Without their blessing, your merchants will find only thorns and arrows. Give me a small province to govern—your mercy made visible—and I will ensure the Naga kings bow to you.” chandragupta maurya tv show
“Grant him the small fief of Malavagram,” the emperor declared. “But one act of treachery, Sinharan, and I will burn that province to ash and scatter your ashes in the Ganga.” Sinharan’s lips trembled
Six months passed. Sinharan governed Malavagram with surprising competence. He built wells, settled disputes, and sent regular tributes to Pataliputra—silk, spices, and gemstones. Even Chanakya’s spies could find no fault. Give me a small province to govern—your mercy
The Acharya stepped out from behind a tapestry, his expression unreadable. “No, Queen. You were right to advocate for mercy. But mercy without intelligence is suicide. Intelligence without mercy is tyranny. Tonight, you both learned the difference.”
Then came the invitation: a feast to celebrate the harvest, hosted by Sinharan. “To seal the bond between the Nanda son and the Maurya emperor.”
“And if I refuse, I prove I am a coward-king,” Chandragupta retorted. “I will go. But you, Acharya, will remain here. If I die, you know what to do.”
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