I was the Queen of Persia

Page 176

Near the military demarcation line of the Samanid Empire, there is a buffer zone between the two sides.

Sky-blue banners fluttered in the wind, adorned with wolf head symbols. Guided by the battle flags, large numbers of steppe riders stealthily advanced, whips clenched in their mouths, making no sound of whispering among themselves.

This is a raiding force from the Khanate of Rantullah, ordered to maneuver behind Iranian-controlled territory to plunder weakly defended supply depots and military settlements in order to delay the Samanid army's offensive.

They were galloping and meandering across the tall grassy slopes.

"Stop!"

The leader, Yuzbash (a centurion), suddenly made a stop gesture. Relying on his keen senses, he noticed an unusual disturbance nearby.

An uneasy feeling spread instantly. The soldiers drew their bows and arrows, vigilantly surveying their surroundings. They knew the strength of the Samanid army and dared not be careless.

Suddenly, several arrows shot out from behind the tall grass, instantly felling several soldiers from their horses. Before the Turans could react, the Uzbek cavalry in their crimson armor had already surrounded and encircled them, unleashing several volleys of mounted archery on the trapped enemy.

The Turan soldiers were caught off guard. After putting up a brief resistance, they fled in haste, leaving behind numerous corpses, before the Uzbek cavalry could tighten their encirclement. They eventually disappeared into the depths of the grassland.

……

Thanks to prior precautions, the Turan army's surprise attack did not cause much damage.

When the Turan cavalry appeared on the outskirts of "Otto", the Uzbek corps' patrol forces had already spotted them, and what followed was a cavalry-on-cavalry steppe pursuit.

Similar battles have been repeatedly fought along the military demarcation line, and the Turan people always ended up breaking out and being defeated.

Having already been at a disadvantage in its military confrontation with Iran, Turan was now even more weakened by its fragmentation and infighting. How could it possibly contend with the increasingly powerful Samanid army?

……

By the late 1030s, the Samanid army had acquired the capability to penetrate further into the steppes.

Saman had no worries about his rear at this time. Apart from the wars with the various Turan regimes, the empire's borders were relatively stable. The only discordant news was that the Kanauj dynasty, which occupied the Indus River Valley, had recently made some small moves, but under the surveillance of the southeastern border garrison, it dared not make any rash moves.

The immediate priority is to eliminate the remaining forces of Turan; the Hindustan issue can be addressed later.

"Mother Queen, now that our troops are well-trained and our supplies are plentiful, we should continue our offensive and strive to destroy the Lanturan regime before the Yaleda Festival (Winter Solstice Night)." Farukzad's face was filled with longing for battle.

“Very good. What do you think should be done next in the war?” Shahzani did not answer immediately, leaving the princess with a question to ponder.

Planning before acting is a quality that a commander should possess.

Shahzani is now intent on strengthening her daughter's military command and warfare capabilities in order to pave a solid path for her future.

After a moment of careful consideration, Farukzad presented a well-reasoned and comprehensive plan, covering all aspects from troop deployment and marching routes to macro-strategy and logistical support.

“Hmm, that’s a good idea. But the territory of the Turan Khanate is quite large, and its ruler, Suleiman Bogra Baitash, occupies the power center of the former Turan Khanate, so he shouldn’t be underestimated. What are your thoughts on this?” Shahzani asked.

"We only need the eastern and western army groups to advance and encircle them, launching a rapid attack. By the time of the Yaleda Festival, we can annihilate and destroy them," Farukzad replied.

Then, the princess explained her point of view.

"Although the Khanate of Turan was large in area, most of it was sparsely populated desert steppe. Even within the Turan region, it could not be described as rich and fertile, which resulted in a rather scattered population distribution."

"Therefore, if our army launches a surprise attack, they will inevitably be caught off guard, unable to gather their scattered troops, and powerless to defend their Ordo Khanate. This is also the result and experience of the last raid on Afrasiyab City."

"At the same time, unlike the Turan Khanate in its heyday, the current Turan separatist regimes are quite weak. The tribes under its rule are scattered, the herders have moved away, and the number of soldiers and warriors that can be conscripted is getting smaller and smaller. As the Queen Mother has seen, the strength of the Turan army has been getting weaker and weaker recently."

"More importantly, the various regimes in Turan after the split were even less united and cooperative in politics. Aknuar launched frequent offensives against Suleiman Bogra Baytash in order to reclaim the lost territory and people."

"The two armies were locked in a tug-of-war between the Ishim and the Ir River, and according to the caravan spies who reported back, there were dozens of armed clashes of varying sizes between them over the course of several weeks. This undoubtedly weakened their already declining strength."

"In conclusion, this is the perfect opportunity to annihilate them."

Farukzad's views were formed after careful consideration and processing, based on military intelligence reports, which greatly pleased the Queen.

"Hmm, well said!" Shahzani showed an appreciative expression. "Then, I intend for you to be in full command of the campaign to conquer the Khanate of Lantulan. Are you confident in your ability to handle it?"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, your son is willing to inherit the will and courage of the sage Rustam and establish even more glorious achievements!" Farukzad replied with conviction.

Shahzani then handed over military power to her, while he himself only provided guidance and supervision.

Late November, 1030 AD, the month of Azhar in the Persian calendar.

Farukzad commanded the eastern and western army groups, launching a major offensive towards the Khanate of Rantulan. The fierce Uzbek legions served as the vanguard, with the main forces following closely behind.

Thanks to thorough intelligence, familiarity with the routes, close coordination, high morale, the princess's bravery and skill in battle, and the advice and guidance of Shahzani, Saman's army advanced with unstoppable momentum, encountering almost no resistance and easily penetrating the territory of the Khanate of Lantulan.

As expected, before the Yarda festival, the Saman army watered their horses in the Ishim River and destroyed the Khanate of Rantulan.

written request for leave

I have something to do today, so I'll be taking a break from updating.

Chapter 403 A desperate move

The Samanid army was invincible, even beyond Shahzani's expectations. The front-line troops encountered virtually no resistance and easily captured Afrasiyab, a steppe city built by the Turanians with the full strength of the nation.

Affected by the chaos, the city walls and houses have fallen into disrepair, and many residents have fled. The armed separatist regime in Bayitash clearly lacks reliable governance, further exacerbating the city's decline.

But all of this came to an end with the arrival of the Samanid army.

The crimson Samanian banners fluttered atop the city walls, and well-ordered armored cavalrymen marched into the city in orderly formation.

"It is indeed a magnificent city, but unfortunately, the Turan people do not know how to cherish it."

Farukzad, mounted on his armored warhorse, received the kneeling adoration of the people. With practiced ease, he ordered the Samanid army to take over the city's defenses and administration according to established procedures. Although they had besieged the city last time, they hadn't had time to consolidate their hold; this time, their plan could finally be realized.

As mentioned earlier, Afrasiyab is also an Iranian-style city, with tall arches and huge domes complementing each other. Although it is not as large as the cities of the Samanid Empire, it is still quite spectacular.

With their familiarity with the city's layout, the takeover mission was quickly completed. At this time, a scout on horseback reported: "The advance troops caught up with the remnants of the enemy army on the grassland outside the city and captured their Khan alive."

As expected, a group of Saman cavalry escorted more than ten prisoners of war. These were all relatives of Khan Rantulan, and the prisoner in the middle was none other than the Khan himself.

The war was lost, the regime collapsed, and the prisoners were captured. All the prisoners were dejected and remained silent, awaiting their fate.

"You started this war, and now it's time for an end to it!" Farukzad said sternly. "For this, you—the descendants of Afrasiab—must be punished as you deserve!"

The prisoners remained silent, their faces ashen, accepting their fate.

Farukzad ordered him to be escorted back to the capital, imprisoned first, and then tried and convicted by the court.

……

Shahzani ordered the establishment of a province on the ruins of the Ranturan regime, with its capital in Afrasiab. A large number of civil administrations entered this newly conquered land, accompanying the army's advance.

The Samanid bureaucracy undertook extensive work: renovating cities, building post roads, incorporating nomadic people scattered by war, measuring land, pastures and livestock herds of various tribes, and determining the standards for tax collection.

The local Turkic-speaking people were mainly the Kipchaks, a significant force on the Turan steppe.

Although a large number of Kipchak nobles once supported the Turan Khanate and formed an important part of the Turan army, they were eventually pushed to the opposite side by Aknuar's exorbitant taxes and militarism.

Therefore, when the Samanid Iranian army arrived, the Cuman-Kipchak and Kangri people immediately switched sides and became loyal subjects of Queen Shahzani. Many enthusiastically acted as "guides," helping the Samanid army to report and expose those stubborn resistance fighters and clear away obstacles to their rule.

It did not take long for the Samanid Empire to establish a relatively stable rule there.

Although the rule here was much more extensive compared to the provinces of central Iran, it still maintained basic order and its control was stronger than that of any nomadic khanate in history.

As the post roads extended and camel caravans came in droves, the forging of iron weapons and armaments by various armies and battalions was in full swing. The Saman auxiliary army, composed of Oghuz, Kipchak, Kangli, Argun, and Kimak people, continued to converge and assemble at the front line.

Shahzani decided to conserve his energy and finally resolve the Turan problem completely before Nowruz (March 21, 1031 AD).

……

On the banks of the Yershi River, the political center of the former Kimak Khanate was Imekia (also known as Pavlodar in Kazakhstan).

Aknuer sat in the tent, silent and melancholy.

"Khan," her trusted confidant reported with an equally worried expression, "the definite news has arrived: the Tajik (Persian) army has captured Afrasiyab, and the Ulugh of Baytash has been destroyed."

"It's over, it's all over!" Aknuer lamented bitterly. "Avrashiyab's cause is about to crumble under the iron heel of the Tat (Persians)!"

"Khan, what should we do?" the confidant asked anxiously.

"Fight and retreat! The Turans are masters of guerrilla warfare and raids. On this vast grassland, the Saman army won't be able to catch us. One day, we will come back!" Aknuer's eyes flashed with a desperate determination.

Yes, that's the truth.

Moreover, when the Karakhanid Dynasty collapsed, she relied on a small number of remnants of her army to maneuver among the various tribes of the steppe, using ruthlessness and decisiveness to establish a steppe order that submitted to her.

She firmly believes that she can turn things around again.

……

Aknuar abandoned a direct confrontation with Shahzani. She rallied her remaining troops and began to use their familiarity with the terrain and greater mobility to maneuver against the Samanid army.

Several of the Samanid army's transport units were thus caught off guard and attacked. After a fierce battle and heavy losses, they were still unable to wipe out Aknuar.

After his initial success, Aknuar launched a flanking maneuver, attacking several post roads under construction. Caught off guard by the sudden attack, the surrounding troops suffered considerable losses. By the time the Samanid army rallied to counterattack, Aknuar had already fled.

In the months that followed, similar battles occurred one after another.

Princess Farukzad was furious. She wished she could rush to the Stone River of Ye'er immediately and destroy Aknu'er's stronghold. Therefore, she ordered the army to speed up its assembly and rest so that it could launch an attack as soon as possible.

However, Shahzani, who had just arrived, comforted her daughter.

"The Turans' counterattack is nothing more than a desperate struggle. Focus on your duties as commander-in-chief and don't let these disturbances disrupt your mindset," Shahzani offered reassurance and encouragement.

Farukzad finally had an idea.

With the combined efforts of the mother and daughter, the Samanid army systematically constructed fortresses, outposts, and post roads to enhance its troop deployment capabilities and counter the incursions of the Turan remnants.

Farukzad transferred several units from the Uzbek Legion, which were dispersed and stationed near the border buffer zone, military demarcation line, supply depots, and postal routes to counter the infiltration and raids of the Turan remnants.

The Samanid army completed its counterattack deployment.

Aknu's opportunities to gain ground were dwindling, and the number of casualties among her troops was increasing daily. Often, in each raid, she would lose a considerable number of loyal subordinates.

With her forces stretched thin and every soldier a valuable asset, she gradually reduced the number of raids on the Saman army to be on the safe side, eventually resorting to "fleeing rather than attacking" and adopting an "escapist" approach.

Despite the disparity in mobility, Shahzani was unable to completely wipe out the remaining enemy forces, but the blockade and encirclement network was tightening.

Chapter 404 Ye'er's Great Victory at Shihe

Around Nowruz.

The grasslands of the Shihe River basin in Ye'er.

Local Kimac herders are celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Indeed, although Nowruz is a Persian festival, it has spread due to the strong influence of Persian culture, and many Turkic-speaking tribes also celebrate this festival.

As the festival approaches, chiefs and leaders gather together, exchanging blessings and praises from "Allah Hudda." Looking out, the grasslands are dotted with yurts and herds of cattle and sheep.

Suddenly, a series of tremors were heard, as if a large army was moving. This unexpected event made the herders quite uneasy, and they all came out of their yurts and strained to look in the direction from which the noise was coming.

suddenly.

The sandstorm obscured the sun, and the scarlet battle flags stood out prominently. The well-organized, crimson cavalry army surged forward like a torrent of steel.

"O God! It is the Tat (Persians)! Beware! Beware!"

The herders were thrown into a panic, and the entire camp was thrown into chaos in an instant.

Resistance was futile; the Samanid army attacked from four directions, completely surrounding the camp. Even the messengers on horseback were intercepted by the Samanid soldiers.

With no other option, the chiefs had no choice but to surrender.

Farukzad rode his armored horse through the camp amidst the worship of the Kimak people.

"People of Kimak! The rebellious chieftain Aknuar is doomed, and her demise is ordained by God! Surrender to the Samanid Empire, and you will prosper under the protection of Queen Shahzani!"

The princess launched a powerful propaganda campaign, eroding the already fragile psychological defenses of the people of Kimak.

With the outcome of the battle decided, the various tribes of the Kimak scattered across the nearby grasslands, perhaps also including some of the Telangut, the Western Uyghurs of the Pamir Mountains, and the Kyrgyz (Kyaks) tribes, were all powerless to resist the advance of the Samanid army and surrendered without resistance.

The Shihe River basin of Ye'er was thus brought under the rule of the Samanid Empire.

This is exactly Shahzani's strategy.

Taking advantage of the fact that Aknuer's main force was scattered and the defenses in the heartland were weak, a surprise attack was sent to strike at the heart of the enemy, and Aknuer's stronghold was destroyed in one fell swoop. The important city of Yimaqia in the Shihe River basin of Ye'er was also captured.

……

Of course, not everyone is willing to submit.

Upon hearing the news of the fall of her main camp, Aknuer was shocked and hastily gathered a small number of her supporters from the Kimak tribe. She assembled a portion of her forces on the upper reaches of the Yer Stone River—the grasslands near the Altai Mountains—to plan for a possible escape route.

"Those damned Persians! I never expected to be ambushed by them! The Altai Mountains are remote and secluded, and the Persians don't know the way, so they shouldn't be able to attack anytime soon."

Aknuar gazed at the nomadic camp that was being built, and thought to himself.

And the other side.