With deep concern and wisdom, Rama addressed Bharata, asking him about the welfare of his kingdom and the conduct of his rule. He inquired whether Bharata ensured that his troops received their food and wages promptly, without delay, as befitting their service. For Rama knew that any delay in these matters would breed anger and corruption among the soldiers, a great misfortune for any ruler. He then asked if the sons of noble families, especially the chief among them, were devoted to Bharata, ready to lay down their lives for his cause with unwavering commitment. Rama wondered if Bharata had appointed as his messenger a learned, skilled, intelligent, and eloquent man from the countryside—one who spoke exactly as instructed, a sign of wisdom. Rama further questioned whether Bharata knew well the eighteen positions—ten on his own side and five on the enemy's—by means of three spies each, unknown to one another, a mark of careful vigilance. He advised Bharata to always avoid those ill-disposed towards him, to keep away those who had turned against him, and never to underestimate the weak, for such prudence is the destroyer of foes. He cautioned Bharata against associating with materialistic Brahmins, for these childish men, though thinking themselves wise, were skilled only in useless matters. When the main scriptures of dharma were available, these foolish men, having acquired a little logic, would speak uselessly, considering themselves wise. Rama asked about the city once inhabited by their heroic ancestors, named Truth. Was it still flourishing, with strong gates, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots? Was it always filled with Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, devoted to their own duties, self-controlled, enthusiastic, and surrounded by noble people in thousands? He wondered if Ayodhya, adorned with mansions of various shapes and crowded with skilled physicians, was prosperous and joyful, well protected by Bharata. Was the city graced with hundreds of buildings, densely populated, beautified by temples, rest houses, and ponds? Was it radiant with cheerful men and women, shining with gatherings and festivals, its borders well-cultivated, abundant in cattle, and free from violence? Rama hoped the city was delightful, free from irreligious people and wild beasts, abandoned by all fears, and adorned with mines. Was the region, protected by his ancestors and devoid of wicked people, prosperous, with inhabitants living happily? He asked if those dear to Bharata, who lived by farming and cattle-rearing, were well cared for, for happiness thrives in the world through agriculture. Had Bharata provided for their protection and welfare, without neglect? Rama reminded him that all residents of the realm must be safeguarded by the king through righteousness. Rama inquired if Bharata comforted the women, ensured their protection, and trusted them, avoiding the discussion of their secrets. Was the elephant forest well guarded, and did Bharata have plenty of cows? Was he satisfied with the horses and elephants in the royal stables? Did Bharata regularly show himself, adorned, to the people, rising early each morning on the great highway? Were all the officials’ tasks performed openly, without suspicion, or were they left unfinished with only partial reasons given? Were all the fortresses fully supplied with wealth, grain, weapons, water, machines, and craftsmen skilled in archery? Was Bharata’s income abundant and his expenditure modest? Did his treasury never go to unworthy recipients? Was his expenditure directed toward the gods, ancestors, Brahmins who visited, warriors, and friends? Rama 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. Was the thief, apprehended and questioned at the proper time, seen with evidence, never released out of greed for wealth? In times of adversity or prosperity, did Bharata’s well-learned ministers, impartial in judgment, look after his interests? Rama warned that the tears shed by those falsely accused destroy the sons and cattle of those who punish them out of desire for favor. Did Bharata seek to support the aged, the young, and the foremost physicians by means of gifts, thought, and speech—by all three? Did he show respect to teachers, elders, ascetics, deities, guests, all sacred shrines, the accomplished, and the Brahmins? Did he use wealth to support righteousness, and righteousness to support wealth, never harming either or both out of desire for pleasure or greed? Did he, knowing the right time, serve all—wealth, righteousness, and pleasure—by dividing them according to time? Did the Brahmins, skilled in the meaning of all the scriptures, wish Bharata well, together with the citizens and country people? Did he avoid atheism, falsehood, anger, carelessness, procrastination, disregard for the wise, laziness, and fickleness of mind? Did he avoid considering matters alone, consulting with those ignorant of misfortune, failing to act on decisions, and not protecting counsel? Did he avoid the fourteen royal faults: neglecting auspicious acts, failing to rise to occasions, and the rest? Did Bharata truly understand the ten, five, four, seven, eight, and three groups, as well as the three branches of knowledge? Having mastered his senses, did he know the sixfold policy, the divine and human factors, the twenty types of duties, and the circle of subjects? Did he properly approve of military expeditions, punishment, the two kinds of birth, alliances, and hostilities? Did he consult on counsel with ministers, as prescribed—either with four or three, or with all together or separately? Thus, Rama, with loving concern and profound wisdom, guided Bharata through each aspect of righteous rule, seeking assurance that his brother governed justly, wisely, and with compassion for all.