I was the Queen of Persia

Page 129

但就在公元1020年9月19日（波斯历389年沙赫里瓦尔月28日）这天，东北花拉子模省边疆的纳撒克持情报机构，却突然回传一个重大消息——

Aknuar, a remnant of the former Karakhanid dynasty, has conquered the Kipchak, Kimak, Kangli, Oghuz, and Pecheneg tribes on the Turan steppe, establishing a state called the "Turan Khanate" with its capital at "Afrasiyab". Its territory stretches from the Altai Mountains to the northern coast of the Black Sea.

Upon seeing this important news, Shahzani's heart tightened slightly.

That's right.

Iran and the Turkic-speaking nomadic regimes of the Central Asian steppes have historically maintained relatively close ties, sometimes engaging in peaceful trade and sometimes fighting each other.

Since the fall of the former Karakhanid dynasty, Iran and the Turkic nomadic khanates have maintained a generally peaceful relationship. For more than a decade, trade between the two sides has flourished, greatly promoting bilateral exchanges in goods, culture, religion and technology.

However, through her spies in the caravans of the Turkic-Turan region, Shahzani had long noticed that for many years, a rather influential force had been maneuvering among the various Khans, Yabghu, Ilik, and chieftains, gradually growing stronger.

As this force grew, the scale of mutual annexation among the various tribes of Turan increased significantly, and the frequency of individual Turan tribes' incursions into the Iranian border also increased markedly.

For example, in 1017 AD alone, Turan invaded Khwarazm province more than fifty times, plundering thousands of people and livestock. Although these invasions were ultimately thwarted by the Iranian border guards, it was still a very dangerous sign.

By 1018 AD, these figures had almost doubled.

It wasn't until early last year that Shahzani realized that the force that had dominated the Turan steppe for so many years was none other than the remnants of the Karakhanid army led by Aknuar. By then, they had already sidelined the Kipchak Alliance, conquered numerous nomadic regimes such as the Oghuz and Kangli peoples, and ultimately established a vast nomadic empire spanning the steppe.

"Damn it, we've been focusing on the West all these years and neglecting the situation in the North!"

Shahzani couldn't help but feel a little annoyed, wondering if this nomadic empire would have been formed if he had intervened decisively a few years earlier.

However, once a piece has been moved out of the game, it cannot be taken back.

For now, the only option is to play along and find a solution.

So, in the court assemblies of the following days, Shahzani raised this issue with her courtiers, seeking their opinions.

After discussion, the civil and military officials were clearly divided into two factions.

“Your Majesty, the Turans are a constant threat to the sacred land of Iran! We should immediately assemble our troops and cavalry, march into their pastures, destroy their tents, and teach these Turans a lesson as Rustam once defeated Afrasiyab, as our late King Ismail conquered the Seven Rivers, so that they may be punished and judged!” said Bahraim, the radical representative.

Shahzani nodded slightly.

"Your Majesty," said Farzana, the representative of the moderate faction, "I believe that we must fight, but we must not rush into it. We should first strengthen our troops and prepare carefully, waiting for the right opportunity and pretext to start the war. Once the enemy shows a weakness, we can then find a chance to launch a counterattack."

Shahzani nodded slightly again.

After a quick mental exercise, I put my mind to it.

She surveyed her officials and said, “What you all say makes sense. The Turans frequently cross the border illegally, plundering our villages and pastures. If we do not retaliate, it will only embolden them. However, now is not the time for a full-scale war.”

As she spoke, she analyzed the objective situation.

First, thanks to the unprecedented prosperity of trade routes, there are currently a large number of Iranian merchants, mendicant monks, and travelers stranded in Turkic territory. If the war were to escalate prematurely, the Turanians could very well take them hostage and carry out a massacre.

Secondly, we still know very little about the Turan Khanate, including its national strength, military system, tactics, political structure, and so on. We need to conduct more "probing" before a full-scale war.

She outlined three approaches to this.

First, mobilize state power, especially the Nassachusetts organization which is in charge of intelligence, to escort Iranians stranded abroad back to the country as soon as possible.

Second, mobilize highly mobile border defense forces to counterattack and drive away invading enemy cavalry.

Third, by relying on the tribes on the border who were close to Iran, they won over and divided the tribes under the enemy state, persuading them to break away from the "Turan Khanate" and submit to Iran.

After she finished speaking, all the civil and military officials agreed that these measures were appropriate, and they all set out to implement the policies promulgated by Her Majesty the Empress.

Just then, Ferdowsi's death reignited a wave of "Shubi" sentiment in Iran, with patriotism soaring among officials and citizens nationwide, and the army's cohesion exceptionally strong.

Chapter 304 The Female Heavenly Khan

Deep in the grasslands, on the banks of the Ishim River, lies the city of Afrasiab.

Towering brick walls surround the city, and a massive Persian archway stretches across the flat grassland, with yurts clustered all around.

It is clearly an Iranian-style city.

Iran and the Turkic-Turanid region have always maintained close ties, with bilateral relations remaining constant throughout both periods of war and peace. Even during times of hostility, the Turkic peoples needed to conduct trade with Iran. Based on this, Iranian material resources, technology, culture, and religion significantly influenced the various Turkic tribes, and vice versa.

But this was not the highest power center of the Turan Khanate.

On the grasslands outside the city, soldiers and horses stood in formation, cattle and sheep grazed in herds, and countless yurts moved slowly. The largest and most magnificent of them all was the Ordo golden-roofed tent adorned with jewels, placed on a huge platform and pulled forward by 20 oxen and 20 camels, its imposing presence and shimmering light dazzling.

The Great Khan, Aknuer, slowly walked out of the tent, surrounded by his servants.

She was already the supreme ruler of the Turan Khanate, wearing a pointed crown and a magnificent robe embroidered with Turkic-Scythian antler patterns. A majestic golden eagle perched on her arm. Gazing at the endless grasslands and pastures, the herds of cattle and sheep, and the mighty Turan army, she couldn't help but feel proud.

In the past, my brother Khan did not heed my advice, which led to the eventual downfall of the once-powerful Karakhanid Dynasty. Fortunately, I led a small number of remnants to migrate westward in time, thus preserving our strength (see Chapter 152).

After migrating westward, she used the strength she had honed in battles against the Samanid army to maneuver among various khans, yaks, iriks, and chieftains, fighting for more than ten years. In the end, she subjugated most of the tribes from the Altai Mountains to the Black Sea, establishing a powerful military nomadic empire.

At present, Turan has a strong army and many brave warriors, making it the perfect time to avenge itself against the Samanid Empire.

"The sword of God, the ruler of the Turan people, the great Heavenly Khan!"

A close advisor stepped forward and bowed in submission: "Your power surpasses that of any Khan throughout history! Countless tribes and peoples prostrate themselves at your feet; these are the tributes offered by each tribe."

At this point, the courtier, dressed in fine robes, unfolded a parchment from his sleeve, on which was written the “Turand script,” created by Akhenaten, who had gathered scholars and wise men, based on the Persian-Arabic script.

“Kipchaks, present 20000 sheep.”

"The Kimak people offer 10000 camels."

“The Arhun people have offered 15000 horses.”

“Kangli people, present 200 cartloads of gold dust.”

"The Oghuz people have presented 5000 sets of Khwarazmian armor."

"The Bashkir people have offered 3000 deerskins."

……

The close advisor took a long time to finish reading the entire document, then presented it to Aknuer, observing his expression.

"What's going on? Why haven't the Alan people in the Kuban River basin paid their quotas enough?!" Aknuer scanned the area several times, his face suddenly showing displeasure.

“Well… it’s like this, the Alans say they suffered a famine not long ago and are temporarily unable to provide so many supplies. The Alans’ king begs your forgiveness and to give them a little more time…” the close advisor said.

"I don't need to beg."

Aknu'er coldly interrupted, "I only need supplies! Without supplies, how can my army survive? He begged me for forgiveness? Hah, he should be grateful that I spared his life."

"Immediately send troops to attack the Alans, raze their five pastures in the Kuban River basin, and enslave all the prisoners as punishment!" Aknuer issued the order to the messenger.

The fully armed Turan cavalry immediately marched towards the Kuban River grassland. Skilled light cavalry led the way, while heavily armored men and horses followed behind. Wherever they went, all bowed in submission.

This is one of the guiding principles of action for Inner Asian steppe rulers.

Aknuar returned to his golden tent and feasted. Cups of fragrant mare's milk wine were filled to the brim, and roasted whole lamb was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Graceful Turkic girls performed dances and music, and the courtiers clinked glasses and ate heartily.

at this time.

"Your Majesty the Great Khan! The Samanid Emperor Shahzani has sent a letter of state!"

Shahzani?!

Upon hearing this name, Aknuar's face darkened, and the shame of her past defeats surged back into her mind. It was this Iranian female military strongman who had destroyed her homeland, captured her entire clan, and turned their proud victory into nothingness.

Filled with rage, Aknuar accepted the letter, only to find Shahzani advocating for reconciliation between the two countries. The wording and embellishment clearly demonstrated her sincerity.

"To the great Turan Khan."

I have heard that your troops have recently been raiding southwards repeatedly, which is undoubtedly regrettable and unfortunate news. For many years, Iran and Turan have maintained peaceful relations, which is undoubtedly a great blessing for the people of both countries.

As the King of Kings of Iran, the manifestation of God on earth, I truly do not wish to see our two countries embroiled in further conflict, repeating the bloodshed of Rustam and Afrasjab. I wish to maintain peace, and I urge you to reconsider your actions on this matter. If you insist on war, I am willing to fight to the bitter end.”

The brilliance of this letter lies in the fact that it expresses its attitude and stance without deliberately lowering its stance, while also embellishing it with a few classical allusions, making it even more persuasive.

But Aknuar was unwilling to maintain the fragile peace.

"Hmph! These Iranians are nothing but weak lambs. They only managed to restore their country by sheer luck. How could they possibly be a match for our steppe wolves? Now, our Turan army is strong and our cattle and sheep are plentiful. We are no longer afraid of them."

Aknuer rose, his eyes burning with a thirst for revenge.

"Yes! Great Khan! Most Iranians are incompetent rulers like Qaus, how many are warriors like Rustam? For thousands of years, it has been us Turans who have been unable to plunder them!"

"That's right! Our ancient Khan once soaked the head of their king in blood!"

"We must teach these Iranians a lesson they learned the same way we did with Afrasiyab!"

……

The chieftains and nobles of Turan present echoed this sentiment, their words revealing a strong fighting spirit.

This is understandable. With the rise of the state power, the burgeoning Turan nomadic empire urgently needed to expand into settled civilized regions. The military nobles and slaves of the various Turan tribes, driven by different interests and purposes, mostly advocated for war.

The upper-class military nobles aimed to expand their power and authority; the middle-class officers aimed to plunder more spoils and increase their wealth; and the lower-class poor herdsmen aimed to get a share of the remaining profits and improve their living conditions.

"Continue to call upon the brave warriors of Turan to venture deep into Iranian territory and plunder the spoils of war!" Aknuar smiled smugly.

Chapter 305 The Kingdom of Alan is a bit too urbanized.

Jahanshahr, the capital of the Samanid Empire.

The war to conquer Egypt has ended, but Shahzani remains concerned about the aftermath, such as the post-war economic reconstruction of Egypt, the movements of the remaining forces of the Blackblade sect, and the allegiance of the Maghreb and Ifrikiyya Berber tribes.

Firuz, who was in charge of postal and intelligence affairs, was explaining the situation to the Queen.

"Most of the Berber warlords of the former Qili Dynasty have already submitted to our country. They are willing to recite your name on the Hutubai and to have your illustrious name engraved on their coins."

“Hmm.” Shahzani expressed her satisfaction. “Instruct the post stations along the way to treat their envoys well.”

"The Blackblade Cult has fallen apart."

"One group, led by Haqawi, continued their hostile conflict with the Christian kingdom of Makuria, desperately seeking a place to settle; the other group, led by Muhaddaib, fled by sea and is believed to have escaped to the islands of Nanwuli (Sumatra) via the waters of the Chola Kingdom."

“Keep an eye on their movements,” Shahzani instructed.

Although this extremist armed group has lost its momentum, Shahzani remains vigilant. Her vivid memories from her past life make her extremely wary of the infiltration and expansion of terrorism. Even though these thugs cannot currently create a significant political upheaval, let alone seize power by force, "though small, they are still repulsive."

Fortunately, Firuz's Nassak intelligence agency was highly efficient, and the vast majority of Iranian officials and people firmly supported the Samanid court, thus effectively thwarting various planned coups, riots, and armed rebellions, nipping atrocities in the bud.

He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. This is a governing principle that Shahzani has deeply understood. If a regime like the Pahlavi dynasty of her previous life were to sell out the country for personal gain and lose the people's hearts, even if it had a secret service like Sawak, it would eventually collapse.

After the audience, Firuz returned to his residence to attend to official business.

However, several hours later, she rushed to the palace again to report to Shahzani the major events that had occurred in the Turan Khanate.

"Turan Khan Aknuer has assembled troops from all tribes to conquer the Alans in the Kuban River basin. The expeditionary force plans to assemble on the north bank of the Khazar Sea (Caspian Sea) before setting foot on Alan land."

She then explained the reasoning to Shahzani.

“I see.” Shahzani nodded meaningfully. “Then we’ll have to lend a hand.”

He then ordered that 2000 elite cavalrymen, led by Shahini (who had been recalled to his homeland), secretly assist the Alans in their retreat and relocation via Azerbaijan and Dagestan.

……

Kuban-Terek River Basin, Kingdom of Alan.

The Alans are also an Iranian-speaking people, and are distant relatives of the Persians of the Samanid Empire. Their kingdom was quite powerful in the Classical period, but was conquered by the Huns in the late fourth century AD.

Subsequently, the Alans split into two groups. One group mixed with the Goths and Vandals, and following the trend of the Great Migration, they fought and conquered on the ruins of the Western Roman Empire, eventually establishing the Vandal-Alan Kingdom in North Africa and gradually assimilating into the local peoples.

The other branch remained in southern Russia and the Caucasus, experiencing a resurgence around the 9th century AD. They converted to Christianity and gradually prospered through the Silk Road. However, due to the kingdom's strategic location at the crossroads of the Eurasian steppe, surrounded by powerful neighbors and constant threats from formidable enemies, even the fiercest and most warlike peoples were often forced to submit to its rule.

In this timeline, the Kingdom of Alan became a vassal state of the Turan Khanate.

Of course, they are vassals who are about to be punished and conquered by their overlord.

"Chief! Chief! Something terrible has happened!" A rider wearing a Kuban-style felt hat galloped in from the north, his eyes filled with fear.

"What's going on?" King Alan shouted.

"The Turan army has destroyed our northern pastures and removed several defensive fortresses, and is now heading south into our agricultural areas!" the rider said in a panic.

"So fast...it's incredible..." King Alan's face instantly fell.

In my mind, I seem to recall the terrifying memory of the Hunnic invasion seven centuries ago, a history that encapsulates the heroic deeds and tragic fate of the Alan ancestors, a history sung by bards throughout the ages.

"There is no way out." After a long silence, a helpless yet resolute expression appeared on King Alan's face. "Immediately issue the order to gather the entire nation's army to resist the foreign enemy!"

The battle horns once again resounded across the North Caucasus steppe, and young men and women from various cities and tribes, equipped with their own military gear, warhorses, and provisions, rushed to the battlefield.

The Alan army fought against the Turan army on the banks of the Kuban River.

Although the Alan army fought tenaciously, and their heavily armored horse archers, a legacy of the classical era, were quite valiant, the Turan army, equipped with far more powerful heavy armor and bows, and benefiting from increased productivity and technological advancements, possessed a much larger and more organized force than the Alan. Other surrounding tribes also joined the Turan overlord in the war.

As expected, the Alan army was defeated and retreated in the first round of combat.