Karna immersed himself in the task of composing a letter to his revered father-in-law, utilizing the eloquent dialect of Ujjaini.

Respected Father-in-law,

I sincerely hope that all is proceeding harmoniously in the illustrious city of Ayodhya. The purpose of this missive is to beseech your esteemed assistance.

I implore you to arrange for a substantial provision of sustenance to be dispatched from the granaries of Ayodhya to the province of Anga Pradesh, for it currently suffers from a dearth of food. Additionally, I beseech you to entreat Mahamantri Nikumbh to assemble a task force comprising highly skilled craftsmen, as the infrastructure in Anga Pradesh languishes in a state of destitution.

Madirakshi and I shall soon embark on our journey to Anga Rajya, where we are to be coronated as the sovereigns of Ang. However, I request that the supplies be delivered only after the arrival of my associates and their kin, who shall also grace Anga with their presence.

I trust that you shall be able to effectuate these indispensable arrangements within the span of the ensuing thirty days.

With utmost devotion,

Emperor Prithvi

Having meticulously affixed the letter to the leg of a niyay bird, Karna released the avian messenger, which promptly took flight toward Ayodhya. Satisfied with this task's completion, he readied himself for his duties, having received intelligence regarding the abhorrent treatment of children in a certain region of Sindh Desh. Consequently, he relinquished his leisure time and set forth to rescue the oppressed youngsters.

Upon reaching his destination, Karna was confronted with the distressing sight of children in a pitiable state. Commanding his battalion, he ordered the children to be conveyed to their headquarters for immediate treatment, followed by their transportation to Ayodhya, considering their orphaned status. The valiant soldiers of Prithvi Sena nodded affirmatively and promptly commenced their work.

Subsequently, Karna swiftly dealt with the malefactor, ensuring his punishment was both severe and unequivocal. The villain was dispatched to the village center, serving as a warning to any others who dared to inflict torment upon women and children. With this task accomplished, Karna returned to his abode.

***

Fatigue seemed utterly alien to Karna, compelling him to engage in meditation within the serene confines of his chambers. While his body persisted in its unyielding vigor despite exhaustive toil, he pondered the cause of this enigma. The quandary had been broached with his wife, who surmised it might stem from the Lord Vishnu boon.

Devoting an hour to meditation, Karna's acute hearing discerned subtle sounds that roused his senses. However, his anticipation was swiftly replaced by the realization that the sounds emanated from his companions. Opening his eyes, he embraced his friends warmly, extending his felicitations for their astounding triumph.

"In no small measure, Mitra, it is through your guidance that we have achieved this victory," Duryodhana acknowledged, though he detected an air of concern clouding Karna's countenance.

"What burdens your mind, my friend? I implore you, speak without reservation," Duryodhana asserted with an air of authority.

Unable to disclose the truth to his dear friends, Karna deflected their queries, stating, "I am plagued by an apprehension arising from the newfound responsibilities of monarchy. How shall I successfully manage the kingdom and its myriad affairs?"

Consequently, his comrades embarked on a discourse, offering sagacious counsel on the intricacies of governance for half an hour.

"Let us engage in some physical exertion and hone our skills with weaponry," Karna proposed, receiving unanimous affirmation from his companions. Thus, they commenced their practice regimen, diligently honing their martial prowess for over two hours.

Following their exertions, the group collectively deliberated on their imminent journey to Anga. Resolving to depart for Anga Desh within the next two days, they concluded their discussion and proceeded to cleanse themselves in the purifying waters of the holy Ganga. This ritual had become a customary practice for the stalwart quartet. Subsequently, Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Ashwathama made their way to the palace, informing Karna that Mahamahim desired an audience with him.

Karna simply nodded in acknowledgment before retiring to his dwelling. He was well aware of the purpose behind Mahamahim Bhishma's summons—a meeting was imminent to discuss matters pertaining to the amelioration of relations between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Having arrived home, he relayed this information to Madirakshi and his parents, announcing their departure for Ang Rajya in two days' time.

Initially met with parental resistance, Karna's unyielding determination prevailed, convincing his loved ones of the necessity to accompany him. Addressing Madirakshi, he expressed regret, accompanied by a tinge of sorrow in his voice, "Forgive me, for I am unable to spare sufficient time for us to be together."

Her countenance graced by a gentle smile, Madirakshi reassured him, "Do not burden yourself with guilt, my love. I comprehend the demands placed upon you."

Thus, Karna retreated to his chamber, where he found solace in meditation. After a while, a bird arrived bearing a missive from Maharishi Vashistha.

Beloved Prithvi,

I empathize with your quandary regarding your unrelenting vitality, coupled with its augmentation and the inexplicable diminishment of your need for slumber. I possess insight into the cause behind this enigma. It is the result of the austere penance you undertook to earn the favor of the Tridev. This ascetic endeavor has purified your corporeal form and awakened your senses in their entirety. Your body now possesses the divine potency of the Tridev, for you have been entrusted with their most formidable celestial armaments.

Accordingly, you shall endure greater hardship, which shall correspondingly augment your strength. Thus, I beseech you to be untroubled. Furthermore, your dispatch to Anga shall arrive in due course, as we are diligently attending to it. Shon, too, excels in his training, displaying remarkable progress.

Rest assured, my blessings accompany you. Abandon any apprehension and focus solely on your duties. My blessings extend to Madirakshi as well.

Maharishi Vashistha

Having perused the letter, Karna committed it to the flames, experiencing a profound sense of tranquility. Subsequently, he prepared himself for the royal assembly.

After some time, Karna and Madirakshi made their way to the palace. Amid their jubilant procession, Karna shared the contents of the missive with his wife.

"Have no fear, for all predicaments shall be resolved in due time," Madirakshi assured him, her countenance beaming with reassurance. And thus, they reached the entrance to the royal assembly.

***

At the royal assembly, Bhishma had summoned a gathering of the royal court. Accompanied by Duryodhana and his brothers, Karna took his place in the assembly, while Ashwathama occupied his newly bestowed throne, having assumed a position of great importance within the court of Hastinapur.

Madirakshi joined Dushala, Maharani Gandhari, and Raj Mata Kunti, who radiated immense affection towards her, a love akin to that of a mother. Amidst their interactions, Dushala inquired about the forthcoming coronation. However, before Madirakshi could respond, Maharaj Dhritarashtra, Mahamahim Bhishma, and Mahamantri Vidhur entered the assembly.

"Tatshree, what is the purpose of this urgent gathering?" Dhritarashtra inquired, sensing that his revered uncle had significant matters to discuss, possibly concerning the appointment of a crown prince.

"As the Angaraj coronation approaches, the royal prince Duryodhana, Prince Dushasan, and Finance Minister Ashwathama shall journey to Ang. However, I have decided that myself, my daughter Dushala, Maharani Gandhari, Putri Kunti, Prince Yudhishthira, and Sahdev shall also accompany them," Bhishma declared, his words bearing an air of command as they reverberated throughout the assembly. He then proceeded to articulate his innermost thoughts.

"As the Angaraj has provided invaluable aid in our political endeavors, I hereby announce that he shall be granted a seat in the Hastinapur council. Furthermore, Angqrani Madirakshi, my revered sister-in-law, shall assume the mantle of the medical department of Hastinapur, advising us on matters pertaining to the enhancement of our populace's immunity. This decree is final, Dhritarashtra. I appoint Yudhishthira and Duryodhana as the councilors for internal and external affairs, placing them under the jurisdiction of Finance Minister Ashwathama, thereby integrating them into the financial apparatus. Rajkumar Arjuna and Dushasana shall assume responsibility for the security arrangements within Hastinapur, whereas Rajkumar Nakula, Sahadeva, Yuyutsu, and Vikarna shall oversee medical and animal husbandry services. Rajkumar Bhima shall oversee the food department of Hastinapur."

Bhishma's statements flowed seamlessly, outlining each prince's designated responsibilities and offering them an opportunity to prove their mettle. The crown prince would be determined by means of a test evaluating their knowledge and expertise in various domains. Bhishma expressed his disappointment at the princes of Hastinapur, emphasizing their lack of experience and excessive thirst for power. He further lamented the inefficiency of the Hastinapur council, which had dissuaded the common folk from seeking justice. In light of this, Bhishma pledged to revamp the council, expressing his disappointment in Vidur and Dhritarashtra for their inaction. The position of council head would be bestowed upon Karna, owing to his tutelage under Shukracharya, rendering him exceptionally suited for matters of statecraft. Thus, the meeting concluded.

With a stern countenance, Bhishma departed for his quarters, having lectured his family for an hour. Despite the severity of his words, he felt a sense of satisfaction in having expressed his true sentiments.

In his mind, Karna smirked, satisfied with the efficiency of the letter he had dispatched to Bhishma as Prithvi.

Bhishma's commanding voice cut through the air, commanding the court to fall silent, leaving the attendees in rapt attention. Today, they bore witness to a wholly different aspect of Mahamahim Bhishma. Dhritarashtra and Vidur paled upon realizing the depth of their uncle's displeasure, particularly in relation to their own negligence. Thus, the court adjourned.

Karna and Madirakshi made their way to Duryodhana's chambers, finding him in a state of contemplative silence. Karna, determined to alleviate his friend's distress, broke the silence, inquiring, "Mitra, what troubles you? Why do you appear despondent?"

Duryodhana, his countenance brightening, responded, "I am not despondent, but rather elated. Pitamaha has considered me for the position of crown prince and delivered a resounding rebuke to every individual in the assembly." A smile adorned his face as he shared these thoughts. The trio engaged in conversation for a while before departing for their respective homes.

Kunti reveled in the joy of witnessing her eldest son's coronation, having acquired deeper insight into his struggles and triumphs. The Pandavas, however, bore a tinge of sadness, as Bhishma had reprimanded them, a first in their lives.

***

Karna, Madirakshi, Adhirath, Radha, Bhishma, Dushala, Duryodhana, Dushasana, Ashwathama, Gandhari, and Kunti departed from Hastinapur. Bhishma had arranged for the protection of Karna's abode, inadvertently deploying the royal soldiers for this purpose.

After a three-day journey, they arrived in Anga, only to be confronted by a landscape marred by abject poverty. The royal palace appeared far from regal, yet Karna vowed to rectify this situation promptly.

The subsequent day saw numerous rituals and religious invocations performed on Karna, culminating in Bhishma's proclamation of him as the new king of Anga.

To the people of Anga, Karna represented a beacon of hope. Madirakshi wasted no time in establishing a hospital, providing free medical aid to those in need.

After spending a week in Anga, the royal entourage departed for Hastinapur. Prior to their departure, Karna beseeched the populace to evacuate their homes for a single day, assuring them that Maharishi Vashistha would oversee the creation of a splendid city for their future abode.

Accompanied by supplies, Maharishi Vashistha arrived, and Karna commenced a sacred oblation, summoning Mayasura, the father of Mandodari. The venerable sage instructed him to construct a magnificent city within the confines of Anga Rajya.

Patliputra, Nalanda, and Champanagri came into existence, serving as testaments to human ingenuity and the blessings of divine providence.

Maharishi Vashistha departed for Ayodhya, while Mayasura ventured towards Khandhavprast.