Chapter :- 11; Plans for Future.
Meanwhile, at the village…
Ayush rode his horse, his chest wrapped in bandages and Ayurvedic herbs. Thanks to their fast recovery effects, he had healed significantly. The royal healer, Sister Ankita, had removed the bullet from his chest on the same day he was shot.
His mother, Kalyani, had taken the antidote that Ayush retrieved from Zakir Hussain. Although she was healed, the days of poisoning had left her weak. She was being carried in a cart pulled by a bullock.
Beside Ayush, Maan Singh rode to his left, Vikram led from the front, and Gaurav guarded the rear for protection.
"Your Highness, Prince...? What should we do now? Although we have taken control of a village, it means nothing in the grand scheme if we truly want to face the behemoth that is the Mughal Empire," Maan Singh said.
Maan Singh was from Kalyani's family. When she fled, he had helped her escape unnoticed by blending in with the refugees. However, when he later returned to his family, they cast him out. Despite this, he was like an elder brother to Kalyani. Even Ayush's father, Prajapati, had recognized his capabilities and made him a minister in his court. Now, he sought Ayush's direction.
Ayush heard Maan Singh's question but didn't respond immediately—not because he was unwilling, but because he was deep in thought.
What could he do?
He had already challenged the Mughal Empire. The only path left was expansion. Hiding? That was out of the question.
Fuck… He had a system. He had knowledge from the 21st century. Even without the system, he would still fight the Mughals. Fear was not an issue.
The problem was direction. Especially after learning that his father was still alive.
If he wanted to save his father, he would have to go personally. But that meant walking straight into the Mughal army's trap.
However, it wasn't going to be easy. But now was not the time for that.
Finally, they reached the village, where the villagers erupted in celebration.
As Ayush and his men entered the village, the villagers cheered joyously. They gathered around, their faces filled with admiration.
The reason was clear. They had always been oppressed, either by external forces or bandits who came to collect huge taxes. But Ayush and his men had freed them from such burdens. Not only were they no longer subjected to heavy taxes, but their families were also safe from bandit attacks—men who had previously abducted their sisters, wives, daughters, or mothers.
Ayush dismounted from his horse, his body aching from his wounds, but his expression remained calm. After coming down, he walked toward his mother's carriage as Sister Ankita helped her out.
Seeing his mother's frail appearance, Ayush's heart ached even more. He immediately called a few village women to assist her to a hut where she could rest for a few days. Afterward, he would ensure a proper residence was built for her and others.
"Maan Singh, how many gold coins do we have?" Ayush asked as he watched his mother being taken inside to rest.
"Your Highness, we have more than 1,500 gold coins, 2,500 silver coins, and 10,000 bronze coins," Maan Singh replied.
Ayush knew that one village alone was not enough. To truly stand against the Mughals, he needed more people, more resources, and a strong foundation for his army.
"Send a few men to buy food from the nearby cities and bring it back safely," Ayush ordered him.
"Yes... Your Highness..!"
After that, Ayush left.
In the evening
That night, Ayush, Maan Singh, Vikram, and Gaurav gathered in a secluded hut, discussing their next steps.
"We need to expand," Ayush stated firmly. "One village isn't enough. If we want to create a force capable of fighting the Mughals, we need more people, more land, and most importantly, loyalty."
Maan Singh nodded. "I agree, Your Highness. The surrounding villages are small, but many of them suffer under high taxation and oppression. If we liberate them, they might join us."
Vikram leaned forward. "But we must proceed carefully. If we take too many villages too fast, the Mughals will notice and send an army before we are ready."
Ayush tapped the wooden table in thought. "Then we must act strategically. We'll start with the villages closest to us, those that have already heard of our victory. We will offer them protection, fair treatment, and the promise of a better future."
Gaurav smirked. "And those who resist?"
"We give them a choice. Join us willingly or be left under Mughal rule. Once they see the difference, they'll come to us eventually," Ayush answered. "But we will not force them. If we are to build a lasting kingdom, it must be built on trust and not fear."
Maan Singh stood. "Then we must send envoys to the nearby villages. I suggest we send trusted men to speak with their leaders."
Ayush nodded. "Good idea. Select men who can negotiate well. We don't want to look like another invading force."
Vikram added, "And what about our defenses? We have won a battle, but what if the Mughals strike back?"
Ayush's eyes darkened. "We will fortify this village first. We will build walls, secure food supplies, and establish a training ground to train our soldiers."
The system had already granted him fortification rewards from the 19th century, which would help him build better defenses. And this was something Ayush couldn't let go.
Everyone in the room exchanged glances. Fortifications? They could understand, but making them here? Nevertheless, they still trusted Ayush, just as they did in the previous war.
Gaurav grinned. "Then let's get to work."
"Gaurav...!" Ayush suddenly stopped Gaurav, who was eager to begin.
"Yes, Your Highness...?" Gaurav asked.
"Well, is there anyone in the army capable of being a spy or an assassin?" Ayush looked at him.
"Well... Your Highness, there is indeed someone, but he is not specifically trained for assassination. However, if it comes to spying, he is the best among our army." Gaurav paused for a while before replying to Ayush's question.
"Well... call him here tomorrow. I have work that needs to be done by him."
Gaurav made eye contact with Ayush as he heard his words.
"Yes, Your Highness...!" Gaurav nodded.
"Hmmm... go back... and prepare for dinner...!" Ayush said.
During dinner
Ayush and his mother were alone.
Ayush wanted to tell his mother about his father's condition, but he was unsure how to express it.
"Beta (son)... is something bothering you? Your face doesn't look good." As his mother, how could Kalyani not notice that her son was troubled?
"Maa (mother)... it is actually about father.....!" Ayush stopped, looking at his mother.
Kalyani, who was about to take a bite of food, dropped the piece onto her plate upon hearing about her husband.
Trembling, she asked, "What... have you got any news about your father...?"
Although her voice was gentle, her hands shook, and Ayush could feel her distress.
"Mother... father is still alive... but he has been captured by the Mughals and imprisoned in Gorakhpur jail."
Ayush didn't dare to meet his mother's gaze, so he turned his head down.
"Can... we save him...?" After a long pause, she finally asked her son.
Ayush was silent for a while but still nodded his head in agreement. He already had a plan to save his father, and the only thing that could help him was the system. He needed to rely on the system's future tech products, which he had seen after opening it.
"When will you go to save him..?" Kalyani distressed asked to him.
"Within two months, i promise maa. I will let father come back safely. And not only let him come back, but one by one i will recapture what was ours. I will take every foot of land from the Mughals, and one day destroy it. And I swear." Ayush looked at his mother and swore.
[A/N :]
["महाशिवरात्रि की आप सभी को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ! ]
[Har Har Mahadev!" ]