The Ancestral Country
The War Without Bloodshed

Adipati Seloageng turned to Patih Ajisanta, the successor of Mpu Lodaya who had been full of duties.

"Ajisanta, please,

Prepare an escort for me. I'm going to Daha to deliver this news to Nakmas Prabu Jayengrana.

Today also I want to leave", ordered Duke Tejo Sumirat while stroking his mustache which began to whiten.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Adipati", Patih Ajisanta immediately worshiped at the in-laws of the Watugunung Panji and then rushed out to carry out the duties received.

Although the sun had slipped to the west, Duke Tejo Sumirat still recklessly left for Daha. The report of the telik cipher that saw Mpu Rikmajenar crossing into Singhapura with his family members must have been something important for the Daha palace. Therefore, Duke Tejo Sumirat was unwilling to waste time.

At the escort of 100 selected soldiers with Tumenggung Bonokeling and Bekel Mangun Tapa, Duke Tejo Sumirat chose to ride horses rather than take a carriage. In addition to being more concise, riding a horse is also faster to get to Daha Palace.

Duke Tejo Sumirat's entourage continued to pound his horse towards Daha.

After passing through Pakuwon Palah and Randu, they entered Kadiri City when the night began to come down to greet the entire earth.

Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately pulled the reins of his horse as soon as he saw hundreds of Panjalu soldiers flocking towards Katang-katang Palace.

'Something strange has happened', the inner Duke Tejo Sumirat while stroking his beard..

"Bonokeling, please,

Come here", call Duke Tejo Sumirat to his flagship.

The Bonokeling Tumenggung directly approached Duke Tejo Sumirat while worshiping.

"Please forgive Gusti Duke. There is an order for servants?", The Bonokeling Tumenggung spoke while worshipping.

"Let's find out what happened, it seems that something extraordinary happened in Daha", Duke Tejo Sumirat ordered while continuing to pay attention to the Panjalu soldiers who moved towards Katang-katang Palace.

The Bonokeling pulanggung immediately saluted the Duke of Seloageng and then jumped down from his horse. Immediately he stopped the footsteps of a Panjalu soldier.

"Hi soldier, I'm Bonokeling butggung from Seloageng.

I'd like to ask you guys. Why do Panjalu soldiers flock to Katang-katang Palace? What happened?", asked Tumenggung Bonokeling immediately.

"Yesterday night, Daha's palace burned people. Gusti Prabu Jayengrana began this afternoon to move the government center of the Kingdom of Panjalu here. We are the last to move from Daha" replied the soldier quickly. Bonokeling surprised not playful to hear the answer. Soon he returned to the side of Duke Tejo Sumirat and then reported the answer of Panjalu soldiers who were asked.

The pale face of Duke Tejo Sumirat heard the words of Tumenggung Bonokeling. The old duke was pictured on the face of Dewi Anggarawati and her grandson Panji Tejo Laksono. Afraid of things that were not desirable, Duke Tejo Laksono immediately kicked his horse to the Katang-katang Palace to ask news about the youngest daughter and granddaughter.

Tumenggung Bonokeling and the soldiers of the Duchy of Seloageng immediately followed the leader's steps.

In front of the gate of Katang-katang Palace, the hurried Duke of Seloageng jumped down from his horse. The palace gate guard soldier who knew well Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately gave way for the King Panjalu's in-laws immediately, but Tumenggung Bonokeling and the soldiers of the Duchy of Seloageng cannot enter the palace.

In the grand palace of Katang-katang Palace, Panji Watugunung was watching the soldiers who arranged the slap kencana or throne of the Kingdom of Panjalu to replace his Yuwaraja seat when the Duke of Seloageng came.

"Nakmas Prabu's.. Nakmas Prabu Jayengrana", said Duke Tejo Sumirat while walking closer to the Watugunung Panji.

The arrival of the Duke of Seloageng was of course surprising Panji Watugunung. The Panjalu King immediately greeted the steps of Duke Tejo Sumirat.

"Greetings to me, Kanjeng Romo Adipati", said Panji Watugunung while respecting the Duke of Seloageng.

"Ah does not deserve a King to pay respect to a Duke", Duke Tejo Sumirat directly held the body of Panji Watugunung who was about to squat towards him. The old duke immediately smiled at the courtesy of his favorite son-in-law.

"My position as the King of Panjalu is not something that should make me jumawa, Kanjeng Father Duke.

However Kanjeng Romo Adipati Tejo Sumirat is still my in-law" Panji Watugunung said immediately.

"Haha..

Yeah, this is what makes me love you Nakmas Prabu. You have always been humble even though you have become the Maharaja of Panjalu. Anggarawati is very lucky to have a husband like you.

Ehh Nakmas Prabu,

What about my youngest daughter and granddaughter? Are they okay? I heard that the Daha Palace had just been on fire", Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately looked at the handsome face of Panji Watugunung as if looking for answers to his questions.

"Kanjeng Romo Adipati need not worry. The banner of Tejo Laksono and Dinda Anggarawati is fine. They survived the fire", replied Panji Watugunung which made Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Lord Vishnu worship,

Thank goodness they are okay. How does the story of Daha Palace get burned like that of Nakmas Prabu?", Duke Tejo Sumirat asked quickly.

"We should talk about this in my private room only Kanjeng Romo Adipati..

Uncle Saketi,

Please finish tidying up this place. You're doing the best you can", Patugunung Panji turned to Patih Saketi who had been watching the courtiers of Katang-katang Palace and the Panjalu soldiers who rearranged the grand paseban hall to be worthy to carry out pisowanan activities.

"Sendiko dawuh Gusti Prabu", Patih Saketi immediately saluted the Watugunung Panji.

The Panjalu King immediately walked towards the King's private room followed by Duke Tejo Sumirat.

After sitting cross-legged on the floor of the King's private room, Panji Watugunung immediately told about the incident that had just hit the Daha palace. Including the assassination attempt against him which was masterminded by Mpu Rikmajenar.

Duke Tejo Sumirat was surprised not to play to hear the words of his son-in-law.

"So all this is the work of Mpu Rikmajenar, Nakmas Prabu?

It is fitting that he fled to Singhapura", said Duke Tejo Sumirat who immediately made Panji Watugunung aghast.

"What does Kanjeng Romo Adipati mean?

Mpu Rikmajenar fled to Singhapura?", Panji Watugunung stared at the face as old as Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately.

"Look at Nakmas Prabu Jayengrana..

Last afternoon I sent a cipher to spy on our border area with Jenggala, reporting that he saw Mpu Rikmajenar and his family crossing the Brantas river into Singhasari territory.

They left the horse-drawn carriage stamped by Daha's palace at the Wanua Lawor crossing pier, after transporting the property they had brought from his residence", Duke Tejo Sumirat reported, stroking his beard.

"Basar old fox motherfucker!

Does Kanjeng Romo Adipati know why he chose to flee to Singhapura?", asked Panji Watugunung who found no reason why Mpu Rikmajenar chose to flee to the eastern region of Land Perdikan Lodaya.

Mmmmmm..

"Considering my Nakmas Prabu, Mpu Rikmajenar had an older brother who became Patih of the Duchy of Singhapura who was also the in-law of present-day Duke Singhapura, Duke Damar Galih.

And maybe he was there because he felt safe in the Jenggala region because he knew Nakmas Prabu Jayengrana had made a pact with Dewi Kilisuci not to do war with the Jenggala", the deep telaah of Duke Tejo Sumirat made Panji Watugunung silent for a moment.

After sighing heavily, Panji Watugunung immediately said firmly.

"After all, I will not release Mpu Rikmajenar with such ease as Kanjeng Romo Adipati..

The one who burned Daha Palace was really like smearing charcoal on my face. I will not let him escape to Jenggala territory. Even if Jenggala dared to take up arms to protect him, I am not afraid at all" said Panji Watugunung firmly. Duke Tejo Sumirat immediately understood what Panji Watugunung felt.

"You're right Nakmas Prabu..

If indeed the Duchy of Singhapura intends to protect Mpu Rikmajenar, just attack them for daring to hide fugitives Panjalu government.

If you need my help, just say so. I will prepare an army to attack the Duchy of Singhapura", said Duke Tejo Sumirat fiery. He still feels annoyed with the actions of Mpu Rikmajenar who had made his favorite daughter and granddaughter in danger.

Panji Watugunung immediately smiled broadly at the words of Duke Tejo Sumirat.

An idea flashed through his mind.

"Kanjeng Romo Adipati is really smart. I just didn't think about this.

Then, Kanjeng Father Duke prepare troops to be on standby. I will use it as a weapon to threaten the Duke of Singhapura to surrender Mpu Rikmajenar", said Panji Watugunung with a smile.

The conversation between the in-laws and the son-in-law lasted until late at night.

That night, Duke Tejo Sumirat stayed at the guest hall of Katang-katang Palace. Dewi Anggarawati was so happy with her father's arrival. The first empress of Patugunung Panji was preparing all the needs of Duke Tejo Sumirat as a form of worship to the father.

**

"Daughter Duke,

I invited you here because there's one important thing I want to talk to you about.

Please listen to me carefully.

This is Mpu Rikmajenar, my younger brother which means also your in-laws. His coming here to ask for protection from the pursuit of the soldiers of Panjalu.

I'm just a weak old man. How could I possibly protect my sister from her enemy's enemies. That's why I'm asking for your help to protect my brother's whereabouts in this Duchy of Singhapura.

Are you able to grant this old man's request?", Mpu Sogatan looked at Duke Damar Galih's face expectantly.

Mmmmmm..

"Wait a minute Kanjeng Romo,

I could have given protection to anyone who wanted to stay in Singhapura. The origin of him is clear and not the perpetrator of serious crimes from his home region.

Now I ask Uncle Mpu Rikmajenar, please,

What made you have to leave Daha? Tell me the truth", asked Duke Damar Galih immediately.

"Please forgive Gusti Duke,

This old man was slandered by his own slave nephew. Servants are accused of masterminding the rebellion that occurred in the Kingdom of Panjalu to prepare a group of assassins to kill Prabu Jayengrana.

Therefore the servant was forced to flee from the Daha palace to ask for protection to Kakang Mpu Sogatan because the soldiers of Panjalu hunted the servant" said Mpu Rikmajenar with his face to weld.

"Then the problem is, I'm willing to give you protection guarantee Uncle Mpu Rikmajenar.

As long as the uncle is in the Duchy of Singhapura, the Panjalu troops will not be able to touch the skin of the uncle", said Duke Damar Galih immediately.

Mpu Rikmajenar immediately kowtowed to the Duke of Singhapura as a sign of his gratitude.

"Hamba Mpu Rikmajenar thanked Gusti Adipati Damar Galih. It's lucky to have such an amazing niece-in-law as Gusti Adipati", praised Mpu Rikmajenar as she buried her face. A sly grin was etched on that old face.

**

Panji Watugunung held a ceremony to transfer the central government of the Kingdom of Panjalu by inviting the Dukes around the Kadiri region which is now the center of government of the Kingdom of Panjalu, including inviting Prince Arya Prabu ruler of the Land of Perdikan Lodaya.

After performing the Yadnya ceremony as a form of thanksgiving to Hyang Akarya Jagat, Maharesi Mpu Soma of Ranja Hermit who is a religious advisor of Patugunung Panji, approached the Maharaja of Panjalu with a deep smile.

"Nakmas Prabu Jayengrana,

As the new ruler of Panjalu, you need to confirm it with the title abhiseka. Show the whole world where your lineage is and what makes you worthy of being a ruler" said Maharesi Mpu Soma who got a nod from the Watugunung Panji.

"I understand Maharesi,

But the confirmation will be done after I finish the job of capturing Mpu Rikmajenar who has hurt the hearts and feelings of all Daha people.

I do not want to be considered a king who thinks of himself by ignoring the interests of the people", Panji Watugunung replied immediately.

Hearing that answer, Maharesi Mpu Soma smiled knotfully.

Inside the grand paseban hall, Watugunung Panji is receiving pisowanan the rulers of the area around Kadiri such as Anjuk Farm, Karang Anom, Wengker, Seloageng, Matahun and Bracelets.

Duke Tejo Sumirat of Seloageng, Duke of Windupati of Karang Anom, Regent of Panji Gunungsari Bracelets, Duke of Warok Suragati of Wengker took turns to congratulate and reward the transfer of the central government of the Kingdom of Panjalu. Next Duke Maitreya of Matahun, Duke of Gunawarman of Anjuk Field also gave gifts to the Patugunung Panji in the form of non-mandatory tributes that are in the form of livestock and silver and gold jewelry.

Panji Watugunung said that he was very grateful to the Regional Rulers who had supported all his decisions and promised to immediately rebuild the Daha palace with the gifts they gave.

After the grand pisowanan, Patugunung Panji called the Duke of Karang Anom, Duke of Seloageng, The Regent of Panji Gunungsari Bracelets and Prince Arya Tangib who came to represent his father Prince Arya Prabu the Ruler of Land Perdikan Lodaya to the King's private room to talk about something.

"I mean calling Kanjeng Father Duke Tejo Sumirat, Father Regent of Gunungsari Regent, Adhimas Arya Tangib and you Duke of Windupati here, is I want to ask for your help all..

As you all know, that Daha Palace has just been burned and the mastermind of it all fled to Singhapura.

I could have sent an army to attack the Duchy of Singhapura, but surely this would have triggered another war with the Kingdom of Jenggala.

Therefore I want to apply a different way so that Singhapura does not protect Mpu Rikmajenar. I ask all of you to forbid the merchants to trade with Singhapura as the beginning of our bloodless war.

So far they rely on the Panjalu region to be where they sell the produce they produce. If the merchants of Panjalu did not take goods from them, the trading of the Duchy of Singhapura would be crippled.

Do Kanjeng Romo, Father Regent, Adhimas Arya Tangib and you Duke of Windupati understand what I want?", Panji Watugunung circulates his gaze towards everyone in that place.

"I understand what you want, Nakmas Prabu.

But how do we capture Mpu Rikmajenar if we do not attack Singhapura?", asked Duke Tejo Sumirat with a little confusion.

"That problem, I will deal with Kanjeng Romo Adipati myself.

I ask the help of Adhimas Arya Tangib and Kanjeng Romo to alert a large army on the border with the Duchy of Singhapura.

What can you?", asked Panji Watugunung again while looking at Arya Tangib and Duke Tejo Sumirat.

"For what reason did Kangmas prepare an army if not for war?", Prince Arya Tangib still did not understand the mind path of Panji Watugunung. The Panjalu King immediately smiled.

"Without merchants buying goods from their places, as well as thousands of soldiers standing guard at the border, it would be a terrifying bluff for Singhapura, Dhimas Prince.

They would think over and over if they wanted to protect Mpu Rikmajenar", hearing that remark everyone present at the place immediately smiled widely and nodded in understanding. Panji Watugunung gazed into the blue sky in the southeast while speaking loudly.

"I'll catch Mpu Rikmajenar with my own hands".

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War does not have to rely on muscles alone

Sometimes the brain needs to be used to get something

Stay motivated do not give up easily

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