The illusionist [Mahabharat] [Slow Updates] [Under Editing]

25

"Dividing the kingdom?" Yudhishthir echoed in disbelief, his voice echoing through the silent court.

Bhishma nodded solemnly. "Yes, after careful consideration, I have advised Maharaj that dividing the kingdom is the best course of action, putr."

The Pandavas were shocked and dismayed. Duryodhana wore a look of smug satisfaction, while Shakuni's crooked smile widened. Dhritarashtra stood up and cleared his throat. "I apologize for misjudging you and arresting you on false pretenses, Pandavas," he said. "But I believe that dividing the kingdom is in the best interests of everyone."

Vidura spoke up, his voice laced with skepticism. "What part of the kingdom will be given to the Pandavas, Maharaj?" he asked.

"Khandavaprastha," Dhritarashtra said, and Yudhishthira looked at him in surprise. He had heard about the land of Khandavaprastha, a barren wasteland where snakes resided. It was impossible to grow crops there or start a kingdom.

But Yudhishthira did not complain. He had complete faith in the abilities of himself and his brothers. Duryodhana and his brothers, on the other hand, were overjoyed. Their faces couldn't hide their glee.

Yudhishthira spoke, proving once again that he was the son of Dharma, the gatekeeper of righteousness.

"When a father gives his property to his son, he is overjoyed. But he is even happier when the son gives him the right to give him whatever he pleases. Maharaj, you are in the position of my father. I trust in your wisdom and strength, and I wholeheartedly accept what you have given us."

"We brothers will start a new kingdom in khandavaprastha with your blessings." He said but bhishma looked unconvinced by the situation. "Putr yudhisthir, do you know the state of khandavaprastha?" He questioned and Yudhishthir nodded saying "It's cursed by lord Indra and is a barren land but just like how everything comes to an end and starts with a new beginning, I believe we can put the misery of the land to an end and start a new beginning." Confidence laced in his voice as he uttered the words. 

"The land is ruled by the king of serpents, takshak. Are you aware of that, yudhisthir?" Questioned bhishma worried "There will be no humans ready to live there along with you." 

"Maharaj, I have chosen dww kingdoms which could be given to pandu putron, not khandavaprastha." Said bhishma and dhritarashtra gave a disapproved look "Asambhav, mahamahim. Yudhisthir has accepted khandavaprastha and denying it now will be not be right. In addition to the land I'll give them one lakh cows and one lakh gold coins which will help them in nagar Pooja and the citizens who wish to live with you are free to leave hastinapur and follow you" Dhritarashtra stated which only added more happiness to Duryodhan's face. His eyes filled with bliss as he felt his dream coming true

"Yudhisthir, I announce you as the king of khandavaprastha!" Announced dhritarashtra and Pandavas looked at each other in happiness, genuine one.

The Pandavas were overjoyed for Yudhishthir to be crowned the king of Khandavaprastha, but their happiness was short-lived. Dhritarashtra imposed a number of conditions on their kingship, making it clear that he did not intend to give them full independence.

The Pandavas were not allowed to have their own flag or seal, and they were required to take all oaths of office under the throne of Hastinapura. Additionally, they would not be recognized as the legitimate kings of Khandavaprastha until 1000 other kings had bowed before them.
These conditions were clearly designed to humiliate and weaken the Pandavas. But the Pandavas refused to be cowed. They knew that they had the support of Dharma, and they were determined to build a strong and prosperous kingdom in Khandavaprastha.

"Guru kripacharya, may you begin the coronation of yudhisthir." He ended his speech as kripacharya came further.Bhishma, Vidura, and Kripacharya were all troubled by Dhritarashtra's actions. They knew that he was setting the stage for a conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. But they were powerless to stop him.