With gentle concern and deep wisdom, a revered elder addressed Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi, seeking to understand the state of his rule and the well-being of his kingdom. He began by asking if Bharata had assigned his chief servants to the most important tasks, those of moderate ability to lesser duties, and the lowest to the least responsibilities, ensuring that every person served according to their capacity. He inquired whether Bharata appointed as ministers only those who were above suspicion, pure of character, descended from his father and grandfather, and the very best among the best for the highest offices. He wondered if Bharata’s counselors approved of his rule, or if the kingdom suffered under harsh punishments and a troubled populace. The elder asked whether Bharata was despised by his priests, as a fallen man might be, or by women as one who accepts harsh gifts and pursues them with desire. He cautioned that those skilled in intrigue, corrupt physicians, and brave but greedy men who seek power should not be left unpunished, for such men deserve execution if they are not checked. He questioned if the commander of Bharata’s army was bold, brave, intelligent, steadfast, pure, of noble lineage, loyal, and capable. He wanted to know whether the principal warriors were strong, skilled in battle, proven in danger, and whether they were properly honored and respected. The elder asked if Bharata gave food and wages to his troops at the proper time, without delay, as is fitting, warning that any delay causes anger and corruption among soldiers—a great misfortune for the ruler. He wondered if the sons of noble families, especially the chief ones, were devoted to Bharata and ready to give their lives for his cause with full commitment. He asked if Bharata had appointed as his messenger a learned, skilled, intelligent, and eloquent man from the countryside, one who speaks as instructed. He wanted to know if Bharata was aware of the eighteen positions—ten on his own side and five on the enemy’s—by means of three spies each, unknown to one another. He advised Bharata to avoid those who are not well-disposed and to keep away those who have turned against him, never underestimating the weak. The elder cautioned against associating with materialistic Brahmins, who, though thinking themselves wise, are skilled only in useless matters. He lamented that when the main scriptures of dharma are available, such men, having acquired a little logic, speak uselessly though they consider themselves wise. Turning to the city, he asked if the place once inhabited by heroic ancestors and named Truth, with strong gates, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots, still flourished. He wondered if it was always filled with Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, devoted to their duties, self-controlled, enthusiastic, and surrounded by noble people in thousands. He asked if the city, adorned with mansions of various shapes and crowded with skilled physicians, Ayodhya, was prosperous and joyful, well protected by Bharata. He wanted to know if it was graced with hundreds of buildings, densely populated, beautified by temples, rest houses, and ponds; if it was radiant with cheerful men and women, shining with gatherings and festivals, with well-cultivated borders, abundant in cattle, and free from violence. He wondered if the city was delightful, free from irreligious people and wild beasts, abandoned by all fears, and adorned with mines. He asked if the region, protected by his ancestors and devoid of wicked people, was prosperous and if its inhabitants lived happily. The elder inquired whether all those dear to Bharata, who lived by farming and cattle-rearing, were well cared for, reminding him that happiness in the world thrives through agriculture. He asked if Bharata had provided for their protection and welfare without neglect, for all residents of the realm must be safeguarded by the king through righteousness. He questioned if Bharata comforted the women and ensured they were well protected, if he trusted them, and if he avoided speaking of their secrets. He wanted to know if the elephant forest was well guarded, if there were plenty of cows, and if Bharata was satisfied with the horses and elephants belonging to the royal stables. He asked if Bharata regularly showed himself, adorned, to the people, rising early each morning on the great highway. He wondered if all the officials’ tasks were openly performed without suspicion, or if they were left unfinished with only partial reasons given. He inquired if all the fortresses were fully supplied with wealth, grain, weapons, water, machines, and craftsmen skilled in archery. He asked if Bharata’s income was abundant and his expenditure modest, and if the treasury never went to unworthy recipients. He wondered if Bharata’s expenditure was directed towards the gods, ancestors, Brahmins who visited, warriors, and friends. The elder asked if the noble person, pure in heart, was never accused of theft, nor condemned by scholars without inquiry, nor punished out of greed, remaining innocent. He wanted to know if the thief, apprehended and questioned at the proper time with evidence, was never released out of greed for wealth. He asked if, in times of adversity or prosperity, Bharata’s well-learned ministers, impartial in judgment, looked after his interests. He warned that the tears shed by those falsely accused destroy the sons and cattle of those who punish them out of desire for favor. He wondered if Bharata sought to support the aged, the young, and the foremost physicians by means of gifts, thought, and speech—by all three. He asked if Bharata showed respect to teachers, elders, ascetics, deities, guests, all sacred shrines, the accomplished, and the Brahmins. He questioned whether Bharata, by means of wealth, supported righteousness, and by righteousness, wealth, and whether he avoided harming either or both out of desire for pleasure or greed. He asked if Bharata, knowing the right time, served all—wealth, righteousness, and pleasure—by dividing them according to time. Finally, he wondered if the Brahmins, skilled in the meaning of all the scriptures, together with the citizens and country people, wished Bharata well, recognizing him as greatly wise. With these heartfelt questions, the elder sought to ensure that Bharata’s rule was just, his people protected, and his kingdom flourishing in every way.