The Empire

There's such pathos in the singer's voice.

His call seems to be coming from the depths of the Yamuna.

Yamuna is quite inscrutable, isn't it?

Calm on the outside,

but who knows what restlessness lies deep within.

Just like you.

There's a war waging inside me, sister.

And it's worse than all the battles I have fought.

How can I choose between my sons and hurt one of them eventually?

I wonder how Grandmother chose between Father and me.

Imagine her plight.

The pain she'd been living with all her life.

I stand at the same crossroads today.

If I can't forgive her, how will I ever forgive myself?

Sacrificing the dreams of our people is our call of duty.

And then to pay the price for that decision is also our duty.

This punishment is our fate.

And we must respect this fate like a religion.

Religion was made for men, not the other way around.

Hindus and Muslims might belong to two different religions,

but the people who follow them are not much different.

Why can't Humayun and Kamran rule the empire together?

After all, it's a vast empire.

Don't be sentimental, Babur.

The human body is controlled by one heart and one mind.

Similarly, an empire needs to be controlled by one ruler.

History bears witness to this fact.

This empire needs a strong ruler like you.

Kamran is too soft-hearted.

Be more specific, sister.

Humayun proved his capability when he fought beside you against Lodhi.

Kamran cannot be ignored because he's soft-hearted.

And don't forget we got Kabul because of his mother.

And we got Hindustan because we had Kabul.

You may have got the throne because of Gulrukh.

But the throne doesn't assure victory in battles.

This victory belongs to you and no one else.

You're falling prey to your arrogance.

And you're being weak.

To keep your empire together, you must break someone's heart.

Think like an emperor, not a father.

My Queen, slight scheming for our benefit is acceptable,

but what you're planning to do is dangerous.

I'm willing to accept even death to make Kamran emperor.

What if someone finds out?

The poison will instantly react with the wound.

And in a matter of days...

Be careful.

There's no cure for this poison, my Queen,

except death.

Stepmother, is everything all right?

I came to check on you,

but you were fast asleep.

You should've woken me up.

I didn't have the heart to break your dreams.

Deep wounds take time to heal.

These wounds are a sign of your valour on the battlefield.

I am proud of you.

You're the reason I could go to war.

You gave me the confidence.

I am grateful to you, Stepmother.

No need for such formality.

Get some rest.

I'll pray for your well-being.

Your troubled silence makes me restless, my Lord.

Even after winning a grand country like Hindustan,

I am losing everything I have.

All my advisors are blinded by the power of the throne.

Maham, you are the only one who doesn't care about Kabul, Samarkand or Hindustan.

Just me.

Please advise me what to do.

How do I choose between Humayun and Kamran?

Humayun is the eldest--

Being older doesn't entitle you to anything.

Humayun is the eldest,

so he'll understand if you choose Kamran.

This is my firm belief.

Bonds of blood are stronger than the lure of the throne.

Has the Emperor agreed?

My brother wants to make honesty his legacy.

While the decision is quite clear,

Humayun is Babur's one true heir.

My Queen, there's always a valid reason behind your decisions.

But I can't understand the reason behind this decision.

What does Kamran lack?

As kind-hearted as Kamran is,

Gulrukh is cunning.

A weak son and an audacious mother are the reasons.

I lost my home once.

I won't allow what Roxanna did in Ferghana to be repeated by Gulrukh in Hindustan.

But the Emperor?

I'll challenge Babur if I must.

But I won't let the throne of Hindustan fall prey to errors in judgement.

You look much better.

Father, you should've summoned me.

I never got the chance to thank you.

Conquering Hindustan was impossible without your valour.

Now you're embarrassing me, Father.

It was my duty.

You've always proven your capability.

But remember

life will keep testing you.

Even your own kin will put you on trial.

Surviving those trials will be the real test of your bravery and character.

I shall be prepared for every trial, Father.

Weapon or wisdom, what is more important?

There's no better weapon than wisdom.

Love or legacy?

A legacy that leaves behind only love.

Power or pardon?

The power to pardon.

Brother or empire?

Empire.

But not at the cost of my brother's happiness.

I am proud you're my son.

Humayun!

It's close to sunset, and he's still unconscious.

My Lord, I've tried every possible treatment.

But the fever won't subside.

Try a different treatment.

Until we find the real cause, no treatment will be of use.

Could it be the wounds he suffered in battle?

I've already treated those wounds.

Let's wait until morning for him to wake up.

What if he doesn't wake up?

Pray that he wakes up.

My Lady, I tried to stop her.

I came to give you this holy water.

It's for Humayun.

Then why bring it to me?

I cannot see him suffer.

Please take it to him.

You could've sent it with a maid

or with Aitbaar.

I don't trust outsiders.

Life has taught me

that it's the insiders who can't be trusted.

You must be praying that Humayun never recovers?

His illness will fulfil your dreams for Kamran.

You're accusing me of weaving dreams for my son?

I am not accusing you of anything.

Only reminding you of your desires.

My desires are not so vile that I should wish

they be fulfilled at such a heavy cost.

History stands witness.

The lust for the throne has blinded many before.

Including you.

-I think-- -I do too.

Gulrukh is certain that Humayun will never recover.

And her confidence is worrying me.

Issue a royal order at once.

No one except Babur and Maham should be allowed to meet Humayun.

Of course.