Once again Emperor Bindusara and his chief minister were discussing the affairs of the state and the new developments. They had already analysed the Ashoka performance and successful mission. The chief minister was all praise for Ashoka.
He said, ‘‘Prince Ashoka did his job pretty fast and how admirably. The rebels are finished. The rule of law is again in place. We have someone who can take up any challenge.’’
The old Emperor moaned, ‘‘Yes, he did it with ruthless efficiency. He spared no one. That sometimes frightens me. Some of the harsh measures he took were unnecessary. It was simply overkill.’’
The chief minister reasoned, ‘‘Your Majesty! It is just the youthful exuberance of our prince which drives him to excel or achieves the maximum level of perfection. With the passage of time he will sober up and moderate his reactions. I am sure of it.’’
‘‘I hope you are proven correct, my dear chief minister. Such over-ambitious characters sometimes show intolerance to others. I want all my sons to live peacefully together in love. If Ashoka does not change he might prove a cat among pigeons. That is the last thing I want.’’
‘‘Your worry is unfounded, sir. Prince Ashoka loves and respects his brothers. I have noticed that. He is intelligent and the wise ones have said that the intelligence seasons into wisdom with the passage of time and the wisdom keeps one on the path of the justice and the righteousness,’’ the chief minister spoke.
The king’s face wreathed into smiles. He said emotionally moved, ‘‘Thank you for putting my mind at ease. I must admit that you know clever things to say. Well now…you were mentioning about some letter from an administrator…’’
‘‘Yes, yes sir. I have not read the letter because it is addressed to you. But the messenger orally briefed me about the situation in Ujjaini. The situation there has become just like it was in Taxila which again needs strong handling and that means we have another challenge for Prince Ashoka.’’
‘‘Ashoka!’’ Emperor Bimbisara groaned. ‘‘Can’t we do anything without Ashoka? Let him manage Taxila and tie up the loose ends. Can’t we send Susheem there to set things right? It will restore his pride and faith in us. We have hurt him by thrusting Ashoka on his ground in Taxila. I feel sorry for him.’’
‘‘We can send him but there is a risk, sir.’’
‘‘What risk?’’
‘‘The situation in Ujjaini is as bad as it was in Taxila. Prince Susheem could not handle it properly and the rebels had a field day. By ruthlessly crushing the rebels there Ashoka has unwittingly set a standard. Now every one expects the rebellions put down with the same swiftness and ferocity. If prince Susheem fails to meet that standard his reputation will suffer and the people would call him inefficient yellow belly. We can’t take the risk of sending any other prince.’’
The Emperor nodded his head and said, ‘‘So, it means that Ashoka had tied our hands. Hasn’t he?’’
‘‘He has, sir, very much. But he is not to be blamed.’’
Emperor Bindusara said, ‘‘Alright, read that letter the administrator has sent.’’
The chief minister produced a roll from his ornate silver letter container and handed it to the Emperor Bindusara. Bindusara caressed the silk roll and returned it saying, ‘‘Alright, read it. My old eyes can’t make out the letters properly.’’
The letter read—
In the service of His Majesty
Emperor Bindusara
I pay my obeisance.
I beg to state that for a longtime the state of Ujjaini had been properly administered and the law and order was in perfectly satisfactory condition. But lately the situation has suddenly changed which is causing worries and new problems. The local royalty has joined hands with outlaws and the flag of a rebellion is up. Some of the local army commanders are suspected to be in league with the conspirators. Thus, the anti-Magadha Empire plot has spread fast.
The scheming local royalty is dreaming of declaring itself sovereign ruler of the independent Ujjaini.
I regret to inform you that inspite of my best efforts the rebellion refuses to die down and the situation is worsening. The rebels are gaining ground. We immediately need to be reinforced with rapid action force of the Empire.
I beseech Your Majesty to take immediate action to recover the ground and deal with the rebellion.
Your humble servant,
The Administrator of Ujjaini
—Rashim
Emperor Bindusara muttered, ‘‘It is repeat of Taxila.’’
‘‘It is sir’’ the chief minister concurred. Rashim appears to be in a hopeless situation and his inability to control the rebels is clearly admitted. He is an honest man who does not make excuses.
‘‘Will sending a special task force to help Rashim suffice?’’
‘‘I don’t think so, sir. Rashim looks desperate which gives us a hint that he does not want to continue at that post. He wants transfer. We need to send a new person to take charge of Ujjaini. Rashim has been there a long time. The local royalty has become familiar with his character and weaknesses. They have studied him. His reactions and moves have become predictable. It has become our weakness and the advantage for the enemy. We must throw a surprise packet the rebels have no idea about.’’
‘‘And our surprise packet is Prince Ashoka!’’ Emperor Bindusara chuckled.
‘‘His bravery and toughness are no surprises. But they don’t know his habits and the way his mind works which is unconventional. That will baffle them.’’
The Emperor nodded his head, ‘‘So, do it.’’
