With deep concern and affection, a noble soul addressed Bharata, asking him about the well-being and governance of his kingdom. He inquired first whether Bharata had appointed as commander of his army a man who was courageous, intelligent, steadfast, pure of heart, noble by birth, loyal, and truly capable of leadership. He wondered if the principal warriors were strong, skilled in battle, proven in times of danger, and whether Bharata had honored and respected them as they deserved. He asked if the troops received their food and wages at the proper time, without delay, as is fitting, for he knew well that when there is delay in such matters, soldiers become angry and corrupted, which brings great misfortune upon a ruler. He questioned whether the sons of noble families, especially the foremost among them, were devoted to Bharata, ready to give their lives for his cause with unwavering commitment. Turning to matters of communication, he asked if Bharata had chosen as his messenger a learned, skilled, intelligent, and eloquent man from the countryside, one who would speak only as instructed. He also asked whether Bharata kept himself informed of the eighteen key positions—ten on his own side and five on the enemy’s—through three separate spies for each, unknown to one another. He advised Bharata to avoid those who were ill-disposed or had turned against him, never underestimating even the weak. He counseled him to avoid associating with materialistic Brahmins, for these men, though thinking themselves wise, were skilled only in trivial matters. When the main scriptures of dharma are available, he said, such foolish men, having learned a little logic, speak unnecessarily, though they consider themselves wise. He asked after the city once inhabited by their heroic ancestors—a place named Truth, with strong gates, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots—whether it was still flourishing. Was it still filled with Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, each devoted to their own duties, self-controlled, enthusiastic, and surrounded by noble souls in great numbers? Was the city, adorned with mansions of many shapes and crowded with skilled physicians, Ayodhya, prosperous and joyful, well protected by Bharata? He wondered if the city was graced with hundreds of buildings, densely populated, beautified by temples, rest houses, and ponds. Was it radiant with cheerful men and women, alive with gatherings and festivals, with well-cultivated borders, abundant cattle, and free from violence? Was it delightful, free from irreligious people and wild beasts, abandoned by all fears, and adorned with mines? He asked whether the region, protected by their ancestors and devoid of wicked people, was prosperous, and if its inhabitants lived happily. Were all those dear to Bharata, who lived by farming and cattle-rearing, well cared for, knowing that happiness in the world depends on agriculture? Had Bharata provided for their protection and welfare without neglect, safeguarding all residents of the realm through righteousness? He inquired about the women of the kingdom—were they comforted and well protected? Did Bharata trust them and avoid speaking of their secrets? Was the elephant forest well guarded, and did the royal stables have plenty of cows, horses, and elephants? Did Bharata rise early each morning, showing himself adorned to the people along the great highway? He asked if all the officials’ tasks were performed openly and without suspicion, or if they were 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, ensuring that the treasury was never wasted on the unworthy? Was expenditure directed toward the gods, ancestors, Brahmins who visited, warriors, and friends? He emphasized that the noble person, pure in heart, should never be accused of theft or condemned by scholars without inquiry, nor punished out of greed while remaining innocent. If a thief was apprehended and questioned at the proper time, and seen with evidence, he should never be 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 a desire for favor. He wondered if Bharata supported the aged, the young, and the foremost physicians with gifts, kind thoughts, and words. Did he show respect to teachers, elders, ascetics, deities, guests, sacred shrines, the accomplished, and the Brahmins? Did he use wealth to support righteousness, and righteousness to support wealth, never harming either out of desire for pleasure or greed? He asked if Bharata, knowing the right time, served all three—wealth, righteousness, and pleasure—by dividing them according to what was appropriate. Did the Brahmins, skilled in the meaning of all the scriptures, wish him well, along with the citizens and country people? He advised avoiding atheism, falsehood, anger, carelessness, procrastination, disregard for the wise, laziness, and fickleness of mind. Did Bharata avoid considering matters alone, consulting only with the ignorant, failing to act on decisions, and not protecting counsel? Did he avoid the fourteen royal faults, such as neglecting auspicious acts and failing to rise to occasions? He asked if Bharata truly understood 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? Thus, with love and wisdom, he questioned Bharata on every aspect of kingship, justice, and the welfare of his people, ensuring that the kingdom remained righteous, prosperous, and well governed.