I was the Queen of Persia

Page 48

Chapter 105 Journey into the Heart of Asia

After careful selection, 50 female soldiers of the Shaher Guard, led by female officer Sahinian, were selected; and 50 Qin craftsmen, led by Zhu Jiande, were selected.

Besides Persians and Qin people, members also came from many other ethnic groups: various Turkic peoples, Sogdians, Khwarazmians, Armenians, Slavs, Bulgar Tatars, Ghurs, and so on.

Under Shahzani's orders, these warriors, who were half soldiers and half envoys, were incorporated into the Samanid court's eastward caravan, preparing to embark on a perilous journey to the mysterious and enchanting land of Machin in the East.

Zhu Jiande and the other Qin people were overjoyed to learn that they could return to their long-cherished homeland. They packed their bags and brought with them their self-invented long-range mechanical weapon—a crossbow capable of firing multiple arrows in succession—to compensate for their lack of combat ability.

Sahimian and other female guards, disguised as armed escorts of a caravan, were still fully armed and rode iron horses, but the insignia that indicated their military status on their armor had been removed.

The caravan's chief of staff was Bazargan's capable assistant, a man of considerable competence. Weeks before their arrival, he had already prepared the necessary supplies, especially dry rations and warm cotton and woolen clothing—the climate in the Western Regions was much colder than that in the Persian River Valley.

Shahzani then allocated 200 million dirhams from the imperial treasury as funding to smooth things over along the way and to cover the costs of subsequent lobbying efforts.

With everything in place, the caravan set off in early August in Azhar. Shahzani estimated that the journey from Bukhara to Dunhuang would take more than half a year or even a year.

……

Nearly 300 people, carrying 50 camels, 30 mules, and 70 spare pack horses, officially set off from Bukhara under the leadership of Sahini and the caravan's general secretary, embarking on their journey to the East.

While still within the territory of Samanid Iran, the post roads were unobstructed, with numerous post stations and regular military outposts and patrols along the route. This was the result of Shahzani's vigorous efforts in maintaining the trade routes and building infrastructure.

The towering watchtowers, the square brick walls, the spacious rooms for rest, and the ample supply of food and fresh water... the relatively complete security provided by the caravan inns gave traveling merchants a sense of security.

The large inns between Bukhara and Samarkand were equipped with bakeries, butcher shops, repair shops, bathhouses, and places for group prayer and cooling off to meet the busy needs of merchants and travelers.

Iranian caravansties were originally intended for military use during wartime, and were also patrolled and guarded by troops during peacetime. The caravansties also had other protective mechanisms: if goods were damaged due to theft or other reasons after a caravan checked in, the caravan leader, along with the local officials responsible for the caravan's security, were obligated to compensate for the damage.

Therefore, the entourage was relatively comfortable before leaving the country.

Whenever they stayed at an inn, everyone could rest in the sturdy brick and tile rooms, eat the dry food they brought with them, or buy food from the inn for backup.

With better privacy in the rooms, the Persian female guards could seize the opportunity to enjoy themselves with their Qin husbands, extracting their essence to increase their allure and fighting spirit.

If the room is spacious enough, livestock can also be allowed to stay overnight, provided that one can tolerate their unpleasant odor.

But once they left the Saman border crossing toward Iran, everything changed.

First, there was the Seven Rivers-Issyk-Kul region under the control of the Karakhanid dynasty. Although cities were also located here, the scale and sophistication of the trade routes were not as advanced as those of the Samanid dynasty.

Some restless Turkic tribes (belonging to the Karakhanid Khanate) coveted the passing merchants. However, due to the strong security of the caravans and the fact that the Karakhanid government, for the purpose of accumulating wealth, prohibited its subordinate tribes from plundering, no robberies occurred.

But even more dangerous were the searches and interrogations by the Karakhanid troops. At every city checkpoint, Karakhanid guards would block the way, order the production of travel documents, check the identities of the entourage, and take the opportunity to extort money and valuables.

At such times, the caravan's chief steward would demonstrate his smooth social skills, readily taking on all the tasks of relaying messages and cleverly slipping bribes into the hands of the Karakhanid officials.

After receiving substantial benefits, the Karakhanid tax collectors would often change their initial gloomy expressions and reveal warm, spring-like smiles, allowing the gates to be opened smoothly.

After traversing the Talas River Valley, the Chu River Valley, and the Issyk-Kul Basin, the most dangerous part of the journey truly begins when the vast Tian Shan Mountains stretch out before you.

The valley was covered in snow, a vast expanse of ice. The biting wind pierced through the thick coats like a sharp knife, bringing a chill to the bone. The mountain road was winding and treacherous; a moment's carelessness could send one plunging into an abyss.

The towering Khan Tengri Peak, piercing the clouds, stands like a giant draped in silver against the sky. The Persian merchants' soldiers, gazing at it from afar, felt it was even more majestic than the holy mountain Damavand, but their journey was urgent, and none of them had the leisure to stop and admire it.

The experienced caravan steward calmly guided the caravan forward. He knew every mountain peak, every pass, and every snow-covered mountain road that appeared in the distance.

Sahini, along with all the female guards, demonstrated unwavering willpower and a high degree of discipline. They assisted the caravan's general affairs in coordinating operations, always stepped forward to rescue their comrades in danger, and diligently protected their Qin husbands—all thanks to the rigorous training they received from Shahzani.

After traversing towering mountains, the caravan lost four mules and horses, and six members of the crew perished, but fortunately, the cargo was not significantly damaged.

Finally, the snow-capped mountains gradually turned into yellow-green lowlands.

The waters of the Yunhu River and the Toshkan River flow into the plain, meandering gently.

"God bless us, we have finally reached the Qin land in the East!" The Persian merchants who accompanied them immediately knelt down and praised and prayed.

As Sahinian gazed upon the vast Tarim Gobi Desert and oases, a surge of excitement welled up within her: "Rustam's courage bears witness, and I will certainly fulfill Her Majesty's mission!"

This was the most loyal and sincere thought of Shahini's personal guard officer, Shahinigan Guharshad.

The Samanid Persian caravan has now arrived in the Kucha region, traditionally known as "Kucha". Currently, this is the front line where the Karakhanid army and the Gaochang Uyghur army are locked in a stalemate, with neither side able to achieve complete and stable control.

This has led to a decline in public security in the Kucha region, with an increasing number of bandits in the surrounding area.

With her military background, Sahinnian immediately became the backbone of guiding the caravan forward. She decided to take a short rest near Kucha and remain on high alert.

Chapter 106 Mahmoud in Peshawar

While Shahzani was sending a merchant caravan to the East, the political and military situation in Central and South Asia was also undergoing tremendous changes.

……

In the winter of 1001 AD, during the Persian months of Aban and Azhar.

Hindustan, Peshawar.

On the plains irrigated by the Indus River, beside ancient temples and Buddha statues, two large armies, one from the Ghaznavid dynasty and the other from the Shahija dynasty of India, are facing off in a tense standoff, ready to launch an attack.

Shahia's army, wanting to strike first, launched an attack.

Light cavalry would lead the raids and harassment, followed by massive Indian infantry corps, then huge war elephants, while the core Indian heavy cavalry would be deployed in key locations.

A tidal wave of Indian soldiers surged toward Ghazni's army.

Under the banner of Ghazni's commander, a tall, robust middle-aged man sits in a sedan chair atop an elephant.

His appearance wasn't particularly handsome.

Beneath the pointed helmet adorned with peacock feathers lay a long, thin face, drooping like a horse's, with sparse whiskers scattered across the dry, sallow skin, and a high, prominent nose that seemed to jut out like the Hindu Kush Mountains.

However, his eyes gleamed with a sharp and intelligent light, concealing a strong sense of aggression.

Looking at the surging Indian army, he couldn't help but let out a contemptuous sneer.

"Hmph, a bunch of cowardly scoundrels with ulterior motives."

Immediately, he waved his command flag, ordering the Turkic light cavalry on both flanks to outflank the enemy and launch a preemptive attack.

The Turkic cavalry archers were highly mobile and efficient, unleashing a hail of arrows that quickly disrupted the Indians' flanks.

In the midst of a protracted and fierce battle, the tide of war is gradually turning.

"Order the Dalam people and the Kurds to press forward head-on!" Mahmoud continued to command.

The heavy infantry, composed of Dhiram and Kurds, immediately pressed forward from the center, heading straight for the Indian army's central force, in coordination with the Turkic horse archers' raid on both flanks.

Ghaznavid's army encircled and fiercely suppressed the Indians whose offensive had been thwarted.

A large number of demoralized low-caste Indian soldiers had lost their will to fight and were fleeing in disarray.

But the high-caste warriors of the Kshatriya caste were still desperately resisting the attacking Ghaznavid army with their skilled combat techniques. They even repelled several waves of attacks by the Ghaznavid infantry.

Indian heavy cavalry and elephant troops then moved in and fought back fiercely.

at this time.

"Ghulam Guard, attack!" Mahmoud gave the order again.

The fully armed and well-equipped Ghulam Imperial Guard immediately arrayed themselves and advanced, launching a deadly offensive against the Indian central army. Meanwhile, the Ghaznavid heavy cavalry deployed on both flanks also coordinated with the flanking maneuvers, attacking the Indians' weak flanks.

These Iranian-style heavily armored cavalry possessed considerable striking power.

Under the relentless charge of the heavily armored cavalry, even the elite Indian troops composed of the Kshatriya caste could not withstand the onslaught. Meanwhile, the Indians' fragile flanks had completely collapsed, and large numbers of soldiers deserted.

The volleys of arrows fired by Ghaznavid's army threw the Indian war elephants into chaos, causing them to turn around and disrupt the ranks of their own infantry and cavalry.

The Indian Shahia army suffered a complete rout, with soldiers throwing away their weapons and flags and fleeing in panic. Meanwhile, the Ghaznavid army advanced on multiple fronts, continuing to expand its gains.

Under the blood-red sunset, the battlefield of Peshawar was littered with corpses.

King Jaipal of Shahiya was bound hand and foot by Ghaznavid soldiers and brought before Mahmud, where he was forced to kneel on the ground in humiliation.

"I salute you, my 'Raja' (a title for an Indian monarch). Your defeat is not shameful, for you faced the most powerful defender and conqueror of Muslims!"

Mahmoud looked down at him, speaking with a mocking tone.

“Your Excellency Sultan, I am now like a caged bird, speechless. I only hope that you will treat my family kindly.”

Jaipal responded with utter despair, already prepared to die for his country.

Mahmoud gave another contemptuous sneer and ordered his soldiers to take the captured king away.

Seeing that all was lost, the city's garrison commander of Peshawar wisely opened the city gates to welcome the new conqueror.

Mahmud, the conqueror, was quite pleased with the abundant resources of Hindustan—the gold and silver jewels in the temples, the piles of rice, the dancers in veils, and the groups of strong slaves.

He ordered his men to pack up the captured treasure in preparation for transporting it back to Ghazni.

"The Great Sultan".

At this moment, Minister Utbi stepped forward and said respectfully, "Now, the authority of the Shahija monarch has been destroyed, and the gates of Hindustan are wide open to you."

“Yes, but now it’s not just Hindustan. Transoxiana will also become our battlefield,” Mahmoud said meaningfully, gazing northward.

“Your Majesty the Sultan, are you referring to the Samanid dynasty, Shahzani?” Utbi asked.

"Yes."

Mahmoud affirmed.

“In the past, we reached an agreement with the Karakhanid Dynasty that we would divide the Samanian territory south of the Amu Darya River, and the Karakhanids would divide the Samanian land north of the Amu Darya River. Unexpectedly, the Karakhanids were defeated too quickly, so that the authority of the Samanid Dynasty was re-established in Transoxiana.”

"According to the news brought back by our spies, this woman named Shahzani is a skilled warrior who is also trying to revive the former glory of the Samanid dynasty. She is a huge threat to us and must be eliminated as soon as possible."

Mahmoud said in a deep voice.

Al-Ptegin, the founder of the Ghaznavid dynasty, was originally a general in the Ghulam slave army of the Samanid dynasty. Later, he gained power and military strength, and established his own independent regime on the southeastern border of the Samanid dynasty, thus establishing the Ghaznavid dynasty.

Two regimes with irreconcilable contradictions are bound to go to war.

“Your Majesty, whose might shakes the world, your army is filled with brave warriors and valiant generals. So what kind of threat can Shahzani, a ‘veiled one,’ pose?” A court poet, unaware of the situation, hastily stepped forward and asked.

"Heh, how foolish!"

Mahmoud rebuked his rashness, and then said:

"Everyone must remember that this woman is no ordinary weak woman. She has repeatedly defeated the Karakhanid army in places such as Shihanna, Zharman, Jizzakh, and Tashkent. Jafar Tegin, who was once the governor of the Karakhanid River, also died under her warhammer."

"Moreover, this woman killed Muzaffar Khan, the usurper of Khwarazm, and conquered the rich Khwarazmian Empire. If she were to march south, she would be a formidable opponent, just like Gurdia, who once dominated the battlefield."

After hearing Mahmud's words, the generals and courtiers of Ghazni echoed his opinion and approved of His Majesty the Sultan's decision.

Mahmud then decided that after returning to the capital, he would issue an edict to mobilize the troops stationed in the north and order them to march in large numbers towards the Samanid Empire.

However, his main objective was not to start a war now, but to test the strength and weakness of the Samanid dynasty. If the Samanid court lacked the means to respond, it would indicate that they were internally weak and easy to deal with.

With such ambition, Mahmoud assembled his army, carrying spoils of war, and embarked on his return journey to Ghazni along the Peshawar-Kabul road.

Chapter 107 Frustrating Ghazni's Plot

Meanwhile, Shahzani, ever since sending envoys to the Western Regions, had been closely following the Ghaznavid dynasty's campaigns in Hindustan.

She already knew about Mahmud's victory over the Shahija dynasty in Peshawar.

“This is not good news.” Shahzani frowned slightly as she looked at the map on the paper in Samarkand. “The Khyber Pass-Peshawar is the gateway to North India-Punjab. If it is taken by the Ghaznavids, then the entire vast Hindustan plain will be completely exposed to the Ghaznavids’ military might.”

"Ghaznavid's army, which was at the height of its power, would expand its influence by frequently plundering India's wealth to sustain its war effort."

Historically, there have been numerous instances of Central Asian military powers moving south into India, from the ancient Aryans to the Saga, Kushans, Abdali (Yanda), and Gidara peoples of the classical era, and finally to the present-day Turkic-Persian Muslim Empire.

For military powers in Central and West Asia, India (especially northern India) is often a backup base for retreating to the rear and plotting a counterattack.

But there's even worse news.

After plundering India, Mahmud's power has grown even stronger, and he is currently preparing a three-pronged army to march north and threaten the southern border of the Samanid dynasty's Amu Darya region. One army will march from Kabul to threaten Hutaliang; another from Balkh to threaten Termez and Shihhanna; and the third from Herat to threaten Khwarazm.

After Shahzani figured out the Ghazni's plan, she immediately announced it at the court assembly and asked her ministers for countermeasures.

Some Samanid courtiers believed that Mahmud, with his large army and the title of "Sultan" bestowed upon him by the Caliph of Baghdad, was the "left and right arm of the nation" and was at the height of his power, making him unassailable. Therefore, they suggested sending envoys with generous gifts to "buy" a temporary peace.

However, this claim was quickly refuted by Grand Vazil Farzana and courtier Firuz.

Firuz said, "If we beg for peace with humiliating offerings, the Ghaznavids will think we are cowardly and weak, and will continue to invade our borders with even greater force."

Farzana added that they could first deploy troops to deter the Ghaznaeans' schemes.

Shahzani adopted the suggestions of Farzana and Firuz, and she herself thought so too.

With the plan already in place, she immediately began to formulate a deployment strategy in her mind.

First, his capable lieutenant, Bahramu, is currently stationed in the Tashkent-Baishuihu City war zone to prevent the Karakhanid army from invading westward, and therefore cannot participate in this military operation.

Currently, the main generals with the ability to command large-scale troops and who can be quickly deployed are Nasita, Hoslu, and Rustam Zaman, as well as two candidates, Tahmina and Khorshid.