The events of that day had left Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar seething with irritation. Had it not become an occasion for the people to openly display the trust they held in the Emperor and his family? “People! Mere people! Mindless sheep and cattle! If four men take one path, four thousand will follow behind them! How many among them know to use their own judgment?” he muttered to himself again and again, trying to contain his anger.

“It seems the Emperor will ruin the empire before he departs for heaven! ‘Waive the taxes for this town!’ ‘Make that village a tax-free settlement!’—he keeps issuing such orders! Soon, there won’t be a single village left to pay taxes. Yet, for the battlefield, money for expenses and grain for food must continue to be sent. From where are we to send them?” he lamented, his voice rising in anguish, so much so that even his servants grew a little fearful.

“Anna! What is the use of making such a commotion? We must wait for the right time and act then!” Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar had to counsel him to patience.

When he learned that Kundavai was coming to the palace, the elder’s irritation knew no bounds. He went to Nandini and asked, “What is this I hear? Why should that wretch come here? Did you invite her? Have you forgotten all the insults she heaped upon you?”

“I do not forget the good someone has done me, nor do I forget the harm another has caused me. Do you not yet know this nature of mine?” replied Nandini.

“Then why is she coming here?”

“It is her wish—she is coming! She comes with the pride of being the Emperor’s daughter!”

“Why did you invite her?”

“I did not invite her; she invited herself. She said, ‘Is not the son of Sambuvaraiyar staying in your house? I wish to see him!’ Could I say, ‘Do not come’? The day will come when I can say so. Until then, I must bear all insults in silence.”

“I cannot bear it any longer. I cannot remain in this palace when she arrives. I cannot even stay in this city. There is some business to attend to in Mazhapadi. I shall go and return.”

“Do as you wish, my lord! I was about to suggest it myself. Leave that venomous serpent to me. I know well how to draw out her poison. When you return, if you happen to hear some astonishing news, do not be surprised…”

“What sort of astonishing news?”

“You may hear that Princess Kundavai is to wed Kandanmaran, or that Aditya Karikalan is to marry Kandanmaran’s sister…”

“Heavens! What are you saying? If such things come to pass, what will become of all our plans?”

“Just because there is talk, does it mean the deed will be done? You go about telling your friends that Madurantaka Devar will be crowned next, do you not? Do you truly believe that will happen? Are we to endure all