Karna was preparing himself to undertake his noble duty as the paragon of justice. Clad entirely in ebony garments, only his resplendent lotus-hued eyes graced the scene.

Harnessing his enchanting powers, he conjured forth a mystical equine companion, a creation that bestowed upon him unparalleled efficiency in his travels.

Meanwhile, Madirakshi's heart brimmed with concern for her husband's well-being, for he had been deprived of restful slumber in the past two days.

Karna's endurance had swelled with each passing day, as he rendered justice to countless denizens of Āryāvrata. He liberally dispensed golden coins to farmers, enabling them to repay their burdensome debts. He championed the cause of those enslaved, delivering them from their shackles.

Before embarking on his imperial duty, Karna bade a tender farewell to his beloved wife.

He meticulously ensured the tranquility of Āryāvrata, making his way towards the headquarters of his formidable Prithvi Sena in Gandhar. There, he was slated to partake in a momentous gathering with his loyal spies, who had now infiltrated even the most powerful realms.

Having just meted out justice to a family of agrarians, emancipating them from their tyrannical landlords and dealing the oppressors a severe retribution, Karna now advanced toward Gandhar, ready to execute his strategy to oust Shakuni from Hastinapur. Formerly spies under Shakuni's employ, they had now pledged their unwavering loyalty to Karna.

Karna had become an astute connoisseur of Shakuni's schemes, effortlessly maintaining a one-step lead over the wily mastermind in every facet.

***

Within the grandiose precincts of the Hastinapur palace, Bhishma brooded over the contents of a missive, contemplating its implications. He pondered deferring the proclamation of the crown prince. Engrossed in deep ruminations, he weighed the repercussions this decision would unleash.

Bhishma apprehended that the pronouncement of a crown prince would exacerbate the already yawning chasm between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, an irreparable rift that the manipulative Shakuni would exploit to his advantage. The brainwashing machinations of Shakuni, the king of Gandhar, would successfully inveigle Duryodhana and his kin.

"Given Ashwathama's allegiance to Duryodhana, it automatically aligns Dronacharya with the Kauravas. Furthermore, today I discovered that Karna harbors an aversion towards the Pandavas, which further bolsters the Kauravas' standing both on paper and in strength. Bound as I am by my oath, my service to Dhritarashtra has inadvertently allied me with Duryodhana," ruminated Bhishma, contemplating the impending future.

"Pandavas find themselves bereft of substantial support and allies. The incident at Kala Pradarshan has diminished their popularity. Now, the public is divided, with half supporting the Pandavas and the other half siding with the Kauravas. Dwarka, angered by their kinsmen's failure to assist them in the war against Jarasandha, has declared neutrality," Bhishma cogitated, delving deeper into the intricate political machinations of Āryāvrata.

Vidur and Dhritarashtra arrived, interrupting Bhishma's musings. They sought an audience to deliberate on the matter of the crown prince.

"Tatshree, we beseech you for counsel on the matter of the crown prince," Dhritarashtra said, tinged with trepidation.

Bhishma nodded sagely and inquired, "Son Dhritarashtra, reveal your true preference for the heir to the Hastinapur throne. And Vidur, whom do you believe should ascend as the crown prince?"

"Duryodhana," Dhritarashtra declared, and Bhishma acquiesced with a nod before shifting his gaze to Vidur.

"Yudhishthira," Vidur proclaimed, compelling Bhishma to heave a resigned sigh in the face of such stark dissent within his own family.

"We shall postpone this matter for the time being. The council remains divided, and the princes have not yet fulfilled their gurudakshina to their guru," Bhishma proclaimed authoritatively. Dhritarashtra and Vidur stood dumbfounded by this unexpected turn of events.

Continuing his authoritative discourse, Bhishma elucidated, "The enmity between the Pandavas and the Kauravas has escalated to its zenith. Announcing the crown prince at this juncture would only deepen the schism, rending it irreparable. Let us, for now, set this matter aside, safeguarding the welfare of our cherished Hastinapur."

Both Dhritarashtra and Vidur nodded in acquiescence and exited the chamber.

Outside the chamber, Dhritarashtra turned to Vidur and queried, "What ails our revered Bhishma?"

"I know not, O elder brother. It appeared as though he harbored anger toward me as well," Vidur replied, fraught with anxiety.

Overhearing their conversation, Gandhari interjected, "Perchance our revered Bhishma's anguish emanates from the internal strife that consumes our progeny. Ever since Queen Satyavati's departure, I have witnessed a transformation within him. He has become a vigilant and contemplative soul."

Vidur nodded solemnly, affirming, "You speak true, sister-in-law."

***

Dushasana, and Shakuni were sitting in royal chambers of Duryodhana. They reveled in laughter at the expense of Bhima, who had been swiftly vanquished by Karna in a mere five minutes.

"Comrade Karna, today you have triumphed in our hearts," chuckled Dushasan gleefully.

"Yes, my nephews, today the valorous Karna has revealed the true station of the Pandavas," added Shakuni, his laughter joining the chorus.

"Uncle, when shall my coronation as the crown prince occur?" inquired Duryodhana, a goblet of wine in hand. He, too, reveled in the day's triumphs.

"Soon, my dear nephew, very soon. Merely keep the Pandavas at bay in Karna's presence. Today, Yudhishthira attempted to foster rapport with the anointed hero, yet his impertinent brother Bhima disparaged Karna, cementing his enmity," divulged Shakuni, sipping his wine with relish.

"You speak the truth, Uncle. I too observed it. Now, let us retire for the night. I am weary from today's exertions," announced Duryodhana, bidding his brother and uncle goodnight.

Having changed into his regal attire, Duryodhana reclined on his sumptuous bed, reminiscing about the triumphs of the day as slumber claimed him.

***

After ensuring her children were soundly asleep, Kunti entered her private chamber, securing the door behind her. Her mental state had been profoundly affected since she had come face-to-face with her firstborn son.

Saddened by her children's taunts aimed at their elder brother, which had inadvertently sown seeds of discord among them, Kunti approached the statue of Lord Vishnu, her heart rent with anguish.

"Why, Narayan, must I endure such torment?" she beseeched the divine effigy.

"Why am I unable to witness my eldest son's nuptials? Why am I deprived of the embrace of my firstborn? Oh, Lord Vishnu, answer me!" Kunti implored, her tears flowing ceaselessly throughout the night.

***

At the borders of Gandhar Rajya, Karna arrived at the stronghold that served as the headquarters of his esteemed Prithvi Sena in Gandhar. As he neared, every soldier knelt in deference, paying homage to their revered emperor. Karna commanded them to rise, their bodies adorned in ebony attire, their countenances bearing the resemblance of dashing bandits.

"What news of the plan that I entrusted to your charge?" Karna inquired of his soldiers.

"Emperor Prithvi, we have executed your orders with precision. We have unleashed mayhem upon this kingdom, deploying our soldiers and manipulating numerous individuals. Many ministers in Shakuni's court have been swayed against him," reported one of the trusted generals of the Prithvi army.

"Tomorrow, if you so command, we shall incite civil unrest within Gandhar," added another general, eyes cast downward, head bowed in reverence.

"Proceed as planned. Capture the second most pivotal city and fortify its defenses. However, remember this: should you find yourselves on the precipice of defeat, tactfully withdraw. Is that understood?" Karna issued his decree with commanding authority, prompting unanimous nods from the spies who held him in the highest esteem.

"How long shall it take to dismantle Shakuni's regime and restore order?" Karna queried, his curiosity piqued.

"Emperor, it shall take four to five years," Girish responded. Karna nodded, a satisfied smirk dancing across his countenance. Together, they offered prayers to Lord Ram before Karna set off for Hastinapur.

He arrived home earlier than usual, proceeding to his chamber. There, he discarded his regal attire, donning casual garb as he directed his gaze toward the slumbering beauty by his side. Engaging in silent admiration, he joined his beloved wife, surrendering himself to the embrace of sleep.

***

As the first rays of dawn breached the horizon, Karna awoke precisely two hours prior, his internal clock attuned to this rhythm. Engaging in his customary meditation, he arrived at the designated spot, only to find his loyal comrades approaching. A smile played upon his lips in their presence.

"What shall be our endeavor today?" inquired a guileless Duryodhana.

"We shall devote the next hour to meditation upon the verdant grass," Karna announced, and his companions dutifully acquiesced, engaging in focused meditation.

After the hour had passed, the trio felt lightness pervading their beings, their troubled minds assuaged, replaced by an influx of positivity.

The four friends then proceeded to the Ganga ghats, cleansing themselves in the sacred waters. Karna then commenced his worship, a dedicated fifteen minutes offered to the divine.

Having completed their rituals, they returned to their abode, embarking on a vigorous practice regimen. Commencing with warm-up exercises, including push-ups and pull-ups, they proceeded to hone their skills with weapons. After an arduous training session, sweat streaming down their brows, their sculpted physiques stood in stark relief.

Karna proposed a disguise, suggesting they assume the guise of commoners and explore the marvels of Hastinapur. Prior to their departure, they apprised their mother Gandhari of their intentions, seeking her blessings. Sustenance was provided by Madirakshi, and the quartet reveled in the culinary delights, consuming four plates each.

Thus disguised, they embarked on their tour of Hastinapur, traversing its bustling streets. Witnessing the distressing sight of children sold into slavery, tears welled up in Karna's eyes. Swiftly intervening, he freed the children by compensating their captors.

The liberated youngsters found solace in an ashram constructed by Bhishma, dedicated to orphaned children. Continuing their sojourn, the four friends paid obeisance to Lord Vishnu at the temple before venturing into the residential quarters, where they beheld scenes of joyous children at play, women gathering water from wells, and elder men engaged in spirited discussions beneath the shade of a majestic banyan tree.

Three hours slipped by as they explored Hastinapur, delving into the intricate tapestry of its daily life. Concluding their journey, they returned to Karna's abode, donning their royal attire in preparation for the Rajya Sabha.

***

Within the grand assembly hall, the situation in Gandhar was relayed to an astonished Shakuni. Hastily gathering his belongings, he sought aid from Maharaja Dhritarashtra.

Regally present, Bhishma remarked, "Gandhar Raj, we are unable to offer you assistance. Hasten your departure before it becomes too late."

Meanwhile, Gandhari and Kunti partook in a sacred ritual alongside Maharishi Vashistha and Lord Parashurama, seeking divine blessings for the well-being of their families.

As the four musketeers arrived at the grandeur of the Hastinapur palace, dressed in resplendent regalia, they were informed of the upheaval in Gandhar. A smug smile flickered across Karna's mind. Duryodhana and Dushasan met with their departing uncle.

In a matter of hours, Gandhar Raj bid farewell to the kingdom of Hastinapur. Bhishma now discerned the handiwork of Emperor Prithvi in this development.

The ensuing day saw Lord Parashurama departing for Mahendragiri, while Maharishi Vashistha ventured towards Ayodhya, imparting blessings upon all. The visiting dignitaries too made their way back to their realms.

The main predicament that plagued Hastinapur had finally departed from the noble kingdom of the Kurus.