Chapter 128: The Silent Departure – Ashoka's Decision to Fake His Death

Twenty years had passed since the coronation of Sanghamitra Maurya, and the Mauryan Empire had flourished under his rule. The empire was stronger than ever, its borders secure, its people prosperous, and its legacy firmly entrenched in the annals of history. Ashoka, though still alive, had remained in the shadows, continuing to guide his son from afar and ensuring the continued success of the empire. He had lived for more than a century, thanks to the gift of agelessness and regeneration bestowed upon him by the Great Sage. But despite his extraordinary abilities, Ashoka had come to a decision—one that would mark the final chapter of his direct involvement in the empire's affairs.

Ashoka had lived far beyond the natural lifespan of any man. He had seen the rise and fall of empires, the changing tides of history, and the evolution of his own Mauryan Empire. But now, he had reached a point where his presence in the public eye was no longer necessary. His son, Sanghamitra, had proven himself to be an able and wise ruler, and the empire was in capable hands. It was time for Ashoka to step back completely, to remove himself from the world's gaze and live out his remaining years in peace.

But how could a man who had been at the helm of the empire for so long simply disappear? How could Ashoka, who had shaped the very course of history, vanish without a trace? The answer was simple: he would fake his death.

Ashoka knew that his death, if it were to be believed by the public, would bring about a period of mourning and reflection. His reign had been long and prosperous, and the people of the empire loved him. His legacy was undeniable, and his passing would be seen as the end of an era. But Ashoka had also come to understand that, while he was ageless, the world around him was not. People grew old, empires changed, and the passage of time was inevitable. His decision to fake his death would allow him to slip quietly into the background, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations without his direct involvement.

Ashoka's plan was meticulous. He would arrange for his "death" to be announced publicly, ensuring that all of the empire's officials, military leaders, and citizens believed that he had passed away. He would ensure that his body was never seen by the public, and he would make arrangements for a funeral that would be both grand and solemn, signaling the end of his reign. But in reality, Ashoka would retire to a secluded location, far from the eyes of the empire, where he could live out his days in peace and reflection.

The decision was not an easy one for Ashoka. He had always been a ruler who valued his connection with his people. His decision to withdraw from the throne and step back from the public eye had been difficult, but it had been necessary for the continued success of the empire. Now, as he prepared to fake his death, Ashoka knew that he was making the final sacrifice for the good of the Mauryan Empire. By removing himself from the world's gaze, he would allow his son, Sanghamitra, to fully assume his role as emperor and continue the work that Ashoka had started.

The announcement of Ashoka's death sent shockwaves through the empire. The ministers, governors, and military leaders were all stunned by the news. Ashoka had been a fixture in their lives for so long that the thought of his passing was almost incomprehensible. For many, it felt as though the foundation of the empire itself had been shaken.

The public reaction was equally profound. The people of the Mauryan Empire had come to see Ashoka as more than just a ruler. He was a symbol of strength, wisdom, and justice. His reign had brought peace and prosperity to the empire, and his efforts to reform the education system, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the military had made him a beloved figure. The news of his death was met with an outpouring of grief and sorrow. Monuments to Ashoka were erected in every major city, and the people gathered in the streets to mourn the loss of their great emperor.

But while the people mourned, there were those who began to question the circumstances of Ashoka's death. Whispers of doubt spread throughout the empire. Some believed that Ashoka's passing was a natural event, the result of old age. Others speculated that the emperor had faked his death in order to retire from the world and live out his remaining years in peace. The truth, however, remained hidden, known only to Ashoka, his closest advisors, and his son, Sanghamitra.

The ministers and governors of the empire, though initially shocked by the news, quickly fell in line with the official story. They understood the need for a smooth transition of power and recognized that the empire could not afford to be thrown into disarray by the loss of its emperor. They had seen firsthand the wisdom and foresight of Ashoka, and they trusted that his decision to step back from the throne was in the best interest of the empire.

Sanghamitra, now fully entrenched in his role as emperor, assumed the mantle of leadership without hesitation. Though he mourned the loss of his father, he knew that Ashoka's death was not the end of his influence. The lessons Ashoka had imparted to him, both in governance and in life, would guide him as he continued to lead the Mauryan Empire.

For Ashoka, the days following his "death" were quiet and reflective. He withdrew to his private sanctuary, a place known only to a few trusted individuals, where he could live in peace without the burdens of rulership. Though he no longer wielded power in the public sphere, he remained ever watchful over the empire he had built. His legacy would continue to shape the future of the Mauryan Empire, and he could rest easy knowing that his work had not been in vain.

In this chapter, Ashoka makes the decision to fake his death after 20 years of his son Sanghamitra's reign. The chapter explores the reactions of the empire's ministers, military leaders, and the general public as they process the news of Ashoka's passing. While Ashoka's death is mourned by the people, the truth behind his decision remains a closely guarded secret. The chapter marks the end of Ashoka's direct involvement in the empire's governance, allowing Sanghamitra to fully assume his role as emperor while Ashoka retreats into the shadows to live out his remaining years in peace.