Hearing the prince’s noble words, those present—ministers, elders, and citizens—were overcome with emotion. Tears of joy, born from the eyes of the virtuous, welled up and fell upon their faces, testifying to the deep love and respect they felt. The ministers and the assembly, their sorrow lifted, turned to the prince with gladness and said, “By your command, the devoted people and the skilled craftsmen have already been instructed regarding the preparation of the road.” Then, those skilled in the work of the land—surveyors, markers, brave diggers, and engineers—set out, their hearts dedicated to their tasks. Alongside them went foremen, experts in machinery, carpenters, road-makers, and tree-cutters, each ready to contribute their craft. Well-diggers, plasterers, bamboo workers, and surveyors all joined, forming a vast and joyful multitude moving swiftly, shining like the ocean under the full moon. With their various tools in hand, the road workers advanced, clearing the path ahead. They cut through creepers, bushes, shrubs, and even stones, felling trees as needed. In treeless stretches, some planted new trees, while others, wielding axes, hatchets, and sickles, cleared away thickets. Strong men broke through dense reeds and tackled difficult terrain, filling in wells and deep pits with sand and leveling the low-lying areas. Everywhere, they bound what needed binding, cleared what needed clearing, and broke open what required breaking. In a short time, they created many water channels, vast and varied like the sea. In dry regions, they dug excellent wells, each adorned with beautiful platforms. The path itself became splendid, with plastered floors, blossoming trees, the sweet calls of birds, and fluttering flags. Sandal water was sprinkled, and flowers of every kind decorated the route, making the army’s road shine like the path to heaven. Officials, following their orders, chose delightful places rich in sweet fruits for settlements. The settlement desired by the noble Bharata was further adorned, resembling a precious jewel. Experts, consulting auspicious stars and moments, established the settlement for the great-souled Bharata. Moats piled high with sand, splendid gates, and posts like Indra’s machinery surrounded the settlement, making it beautiful. Rows of palaces and mansions, adorned with flags and broad roads, rose up, their tall upper stories seeming to glide in the sky, giving the settlement the appearance of Indra’s own city. At last, they reached the banks of the Ganges, where groves of trees flourished, the water was cool and pure, and great fish abounded. The royal road, delightful and skillfully built, shone in succession like the night sky adorned with the moon and stars. That night, as all was prepared, bards and minstrels gathered to praise Bharata with words of blessing and songs filled with good omens. The hour-drum, edged with gold, resounded; hundreds of conches were blown, and instruments played notes both high and low. Yet, the great sound of music, filling the sky, only deepened Bharata’s grief, for his heart was heavy with sorrow. Awakened by the noise, Bharata halted it and said, “I am not king.” He turned to Shatrughna and spoke, “See, Shatrughna, what great harm my mother Kaikeyi has brought upon the people. Abandoned to sorrow, our father, King Dasharatha, has departed. The royal fortune of that righteous king, rooted in dharma, now wanders aimlessly, like a boat adrift without a rudder. Even Rama, our mighty protector, has been banished to the forest by my mother, who has forsaken righteousness.” As Bharata lamented, distraught and pitiable, all the women present wept aloud, sharing in his grief. In the midst of this sorrow, the illustrious sage Vasishta, knower of royal duty, entered the assembly hall of the Ikshvaku lords. The hall, splendid and adorned with gems and jewels, resembled the famed Sudharma and was filled with attendants. The sage, master of all the Vedas, seated himself upon a golden throne covered with the finest cloth. He summoned the messengers and commanded, “Quickly, without delay, bring here the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, warriors, ministers, and leaders of the people—we have urgent matters to attend to. Bring Shatrughna, loyal to the king, the illustrious Bharata, Yudhajit, Sumantra, and all the devoted people present.” At his command, a great tumult arose as people arrived in chariots, on horses, and on elephants, gathering for the important assembly.