Chapter 6: Operation: Promote Corruption

On the twentieth day of cancelling morning durbar, I finally remembered someone.

The palace, once abuzz at dawn, was now used to my new routine: late brunches, naps till sunset, the court musicians playing raga Yaman as I stared at the clouds.

The current Assistant Minister of Revenue, Mr. Mehra.

He was infamous for corruption in later generations.

It's said he embezzled a full thousand crore rupees—an all-time record.

Impressive! Truly admirable!

I flipped through the Ministry of Revenue's accounts brought by Eunuch Gopal.

I found that this year's salt tax revenue from the South was 30 lakh rupees less than last year.

Not long ago, I overheard the palace attendants gossiping.

They said Mr. Mehra recently bought a new five-bungalow property in the southern part of the city.

That's it, no mistake.

This Mr. Mehra must be a certified, top-level corrupt official!

He must be reused! Reused again and again!

I quickly ordered Eunuch Gopal to summon Mr. Mehra for me.

Gopal nodded, barely hiding a smirk. “Aapka hukum, Maharaja.” He vanished into the marble corridors, and I tried not to look too eager.

Inside the Maharaja's private quarters.

The lamps glowed softly, casting patterns on the carved walls. I lounged on my throne, resisting the urge to giggle.

I stared at the middle-aged, chubby man kneeling before me, rubbing his hands together like a fly:

"Beloved minister, I want to build a Star-Touching Tower."

Mr. Mehra suddenly looked up, troubled:

"Your Highness, the Ministry of Revenue doesn't have enough funds."

I waved my hand: "Then divert military funds and raise taxes by thirty percent."

The court scribes nearly dropped their pens. Gopal’s mouth twitched, but he said nothing.

Mr. Mehra's eyes widened, hesitating:

"Your Highness, this will exhaust the people and waste money. I'm afraid it's not appropriate..."

What a joke, I'm trying to be a foolish ruler here.

What's appropriate got to do with it?

Besides, I'm giving you a golden opportunity!

If I don't start some massive construction and burn through resources, how will you embezzle?

This old fox, still acting in front of me?

Does he really think he's so upright?

Annoyed, I waved my hand:

"Enough talk, just do as I say.

If you do it well, I'll make you Minister of Revenue."

Mr. Mehra's eyes darted around, but finally he gritted his teeth and said:

"Rest assured, Maharaja, main apni poori koshish laga dunga. Bas, aapka ashirwad bana rahe."

I nodded in satisfaction.

Felt like I was finally on the right path to losing the kingdom.

I leaned back, hands behind my head, grinning. The scent of jasmine drifted in from the garden. Even the monkeys outside seemed to be celebrating, chattering from the mango tree.