Upon reading the passionate plea of Sam, King Manuchehr set his royal pen to parchment, crafting a response overflowing with praise and auspicious blessings. He extolled Sam as an unmatched champion whose like the revolving heavens had never witnessed in battle, banquet, counsel, or presence—a victorious lion whose heroic lineage could produce none other than a fierce, panther-slaying lion like Zal. Manuchehr declared his full consent to the union, granting every desire of Zal and Sam. He then invested Zal with radiant royal cloaks, a golden crown, ceremonial torque and armlets, and a majestic ivory throne, sending him forth with a joyful heart and invoking the divine safeguard against all evil eyes.
Overwhelmed with joy, Zal dispatched a swift courier ahead to his father Sam, announcing that he had returned from the King of Kings victorious, laden with royal honors. When Sam received the tidings, the weight of old age vanished from his frame, and he felt rejuvenated with youthful vigor. Without delay, Sam sent a swift rider to Kabul to inform King Mehrab of the Shah's grand benevolence and to herald that he and Zal would soon arrive to complete the sacred rites of marriage.
The news struck Kabul like a wave of divine light. King Mehrab was so thrilled he seemed ready to pour out his very soul in celebration. He summoned minstrels from every corner of the realm and called forth his sagacious queen, Sindokht. With words of deep admiration, Mehrab praised Sindokht, acknowledging that her brilliant foresight from the beginning had illuminated their darkened fortunes and linked their lineage to a branch praised by kings. He threw open all his treasuries, ivory thrones, and royal riches, placing them completely at Sindokht's command.
Sindokht hurried to her daughter Rudabeh, bearing the glorious tidings that Zal was returning triumphant and approved. Overflowing with gratitude, Rudabeh bowed before her mother, pledging her eternal devotion and praying that evil eyes be barred from her life. Sindokht then set about transforming the royal palace into an earthly Paradise. The halls were saturated with rosewater, fine wine, musk, and ambergris. Carpets shot through with woven gold, chrysolites, and pearly drops like dew were laid down. A supreme throne of ivory and rich red rubies was erected, adorned with intricate carvings fit for ancient monarchs. Another magnificent hall was outfitted with instruments, fine wines, and robes brought from Pars, Ahvaz, and Ray. Rudabeh was dressed and beautified like a spring bloom, radiating splendor. The entire city of Kabul burst into brilliant color; gentle elephants were caparisoned, carrying crowned minstrels upon their backs, as all of Kabul prepared to shower musk and gold upon the approaching hero Zal.