I was the Queen of Persia

Page 73

However, the rulers of the Baikal dynasty are currently ruling independently, divided into the Fars faction, the Iraqi faction, and the Jabari faction, making it difficult to form a strong cohesive force. At least compared to the Ghaznavid dynasty ruled by Mahmud, they are relatively easy enemies to deal with.

Therefore, she ordered Bahramu to garrison troops temporarily in the city of Bam in the province of Kerman, to regroup and focus on confronting the Fars-affiliated Bai Yi king. She herself continued to garrison in Khorasan, planning to take the route through cities such as Semnan and Rai to crush the Jabari-affiliated Bai Yi forces.

Incidentally, we can also further focus on developing Khorasan.

For strategic reasons, she has planned to move the capital to Khorasan Province.

Chapter 165 The Plan to Move the Capital to Khorasan

Shahzani had long harbored the idea of ​​moving the capital.

As the Samanid empire expanded, Bukhara (and the entire Transoxiana province) became increasingly isolated, weakening its control over the western and southern frontier regions. Therefore, it was necessary to select another strategically important location to strengthen overall national coordination.

The Khorasan province perfectly met these needs. It was a place where Persian culture flourished, prosperity abounded, and it was a crossroads of four provinces, with numerous trade routes and post roads converging here, especially the renowned "Khorasan Road".

Most court officials supported the plan to move the capital, especially those officials in Khorasan Province.

"Khorasan Province is home to many famous cities. Nishapur, Merv, and Tus are all beautiful gardens like paradise. If Her Majesty wishes to move the capital here, it will surely make this land of blooming roses even more radiant."

“Indeed, Khorasan is a land of heroes, producing countless brave warriors since the time of Bishdadi and Kaiyan. If Your Majesty were to move the capital here, you would surely gain hundreds of thousands of new and valiant warriors.”

……

Officials in Khorasan Province offered their advice.

Of course, most of these were just complimentary words, but what truly made her decide was the analysis report submitted by the Grand Vizier (and her good friend) Farzana.

In fact, even before leading the troops into battle, Shahzani had proposed moving the capital. Farzana also convened relevant departments of the Diwan organization for several discussions, and the Grand Vizier himself ultimately drafted a comprehensive report.

In her report, Farzana argued that "although Transoxiana was the ancestral homeland of the Samanid kings, Khorasan is closer to the political center of the Shah of Iran, which is more conducive to consolidating the monarch's authority and can greatly reduce administrative costs and expenses..."

“Yes, that’s excellent.” Shahzani nodded. “Then, let’s begin the plan.”

At that very moment, the Saman Central Guard, commanded by Shahzani, was encamped in a small town called Isfahabad within the province.

Located about 5 Farsachs from Tus, this place boasts a vast plain, a mild climate, abundant fruits, and the fragrance of flowers in the air. In spring, hundreds of flowers bloom in vibrant colors, and countless irrigation ditches flow gently across the lush oasis.

The paradise sung in ancient epics is nothing more than this.

More importantly, it was strategically important and conveniently located. Several branches of the Silk Road (Khorasan Road) passed through the town, with well-equipped post stations along the way. Merchants, messengers, and pilgrims traveling east and west came and went in an endless stream, which greatly promoted the prosperity of the town's horse breeding industry.

The vast oasis plains can accommodate a large number of troops, fortresses, garrisons and other military and political institutions. Further afield, scattered mountain ranges can be used to build watchtowers and other military facilities to provide outer defense for the cities and villages in the hinterland.

When Shahzani first arrived at this place, he lingered there for a long time, and after looking around several times, he liked it even more. So he decided: "This place shall be my new capital."

In my mind, I envision the future of this new capital: it will combine the antiquity of Yazd, the nobility of Shiraz, the elegance of Bukhara, the grandeur of Samarkand, and the magnificence of Isfahan, with countless gleaming domes and magnificent, imposing squares...

She had already decided on a name for the new capital: Jahan Shahr (Persian: Jahan Shahr), which translates to "Royal City of the World."

Soon, this once peaceful town gradually became lively.

First, numerous Samanid armies built fortresses and barracks nearby, and settled down to cultivate land and defend the area.

Soon, the trade routes were widened and improved, and the number of post stations along the way increased. More merchants came to trade, and the trade gradually expanded, promoting the prosperity of the town. The royal merchant Bazargan also sent caravans to operate here.

Some government agencies were also relocated here...

All of this was part of Shahzani's management plan. Although she was eager to build a new capital, she knew in her heart that great cities are never built in a day; they require a long period of accumulation.

First, establish the framework and scale, and then gradually delve deeper into the business based on that.

……

Outside Isfahabad, Khorasan Province.

The Samanid army's camps were scattered across the plains, with strongholds and military camps rising up everywhere, and camel caravans moving about in clusters.

Construction of the capital city is just beginning.

The court painter Faruh Nakshbandi became the chief architect of the new city because she was not only skilled in painting but also in mechanics, geometry, and architectural layout. She made subtle modifications to the Persian-style vaulted building structure, thereby enhancing its stability.

Many skilled Chinese craftsmen were also mobilized for design and construction. The Chinese are masters of urban planning; their cities are generally well-planned, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing. It is said that when the Khorasan Legion launched its mutiny, it also brought some Chinese (captured during the Battle of Talas) to Iraq, and these Chinese participated in the construction of Baghdad.

Of course, with its reliable mobilization system, the Samanid dynasty could easily conscript a large number of Iranian soldiers, craftsmen, and laborers to participate in construction, and these laborers were the more important backbone.

At this moment, in Shahzani's military tent.

The Queen, draped in a cool, sheer veil, possessed an irresistible allure. Her thong was barely concealed, and her flat, firm belly was slightly protruding. Her jade-like feet rested lazily on the veil as she leaned against a cushion, taking a short nap with her eyes closed.

The Queen's pregnancy was a matter of great national importance, and no one in the court dared to be negligent. The court physician, Ibn Sina, specially dispatched his most outstanding female disciples to accompany the Queen on her campaign, so as to provide her with the most meticulous care.

The imperial physician accompanying the army advised her not to overwork herself and to rest when necessary. He suggested that redundant military duties could be assigned to the strategists and advisors.

However, things are relatively stable for now. As the pregnancy progresses, she will no longer be able to ride into battle, and she will not even be able to wear heavy armor anymore.

Half asleep, a voice came from outside the tent: "Is Her Majesty the Queen inside?"

Shahzani immediately recognized the voice as that of a Nassak intelligence messenger.

"Her Majesty the Queen is resting. Perhaps you should come back another time," the female guard, Shaher, replied regretfully.

Shahzani opened her beautiful eyes upon hearing the sound, and without even changing her clothes, said, "Let her in quickly." After all, the Nassak leaders often brought important military intelligence, and she could not allow any delays or negligence.

The tent flap was lifted, and sure enough, a Nassak entered, bowed his head and kissed the ground, saying:

"Your Majesty, the invincible Queen, news has arrived from the northwestern border that King Qaboos of Gorgan wishes to surrender to us. They have sent envoys, who have already arrived in Abiveld..."

It turned out that after vigorous development, the Samanid dynasty's prestige had spread far and wide. Seeing the Samanid dynasty's growing strength, the Ziyar dynasty had the idea of ​​voluntarily submitting to it.

At this time, the Ziyar dynasty was in a precarious situation, with the Turkic Ghulam slave army holding power internally and hostile regimes surrounding it externally. Under these dire circumstances, Qaboos believed that rather than waiting for the Samanid dynasty to destroy him, it would be better to surrender voluntarily.

After Shahzani decided to move the capital to Khorasan Province, the center of Samanid rule was closer to Gorgon, which made Qaboos even more uneasy.

Ultimately, Qaboos was the first to show his sincerity.

Chapter 166 The Submission of the Ziar Dynasty

In Sabzewar, Shahzani met with envoys from the Ziar dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the Queen, King of Kings, ruler of Iranians and non-Iranians, may the glory of Hudda protect you!" Ziar's envoy respectfully kowtowed and kissed the ground, presenting the document from Qaboos.

"Rise, loyal messenger." Shahzani gestured for him to rise. "Your king has chosen the right path, and under my rule, the glory of Iran will be restored once more."

Inside the military tent, the two sides had a very pleasant conversation. The Ziyar envoy gave a detailed introduction to the history, general situation, population, products, and so on of the Ziyar regime.

As is well known, Ziyar's founder was Mardavij, who had served in the army of the former Samanid dynasty. Although a staunch Iranian nationalist, he did not like the Persian-Islamic culture promoted by the Samanid dynasty. In terms of religious culture, he preferred the traditional Iranian Zoroastrianism, and thus took the opportunity to establish his own independent regime on the Samanid frontier.

However, even heroic deeds must come to an end. After decades of fighting and chaos, Ziyar's territory shrank dramatically, and he faced increasing internal and external troubles, eventually retreating to a small corner of Gorgon.

The newly formed Samanid dynasty, under the rule of Shahzani, grew stronger with each battle.

Ultimately, the Ziar princes, who had once resolutely refused to be independent, had no choice but to once again open the door to submission to the Samanid court, which could be considered "the twists of fate".

At least in this world timeline, it certainly qualifies.

"Your Majesty, our lord has another request..."

At this moment, Ziyar's envoy suddenly pleaded humbly, his voice trembling slightly, and with Shahzani's permission, he revealed the biggest predicament facing Ziyar's regime.

original.

In recent decades, large numbers of Varangian-Russian pirates from the north have been raiding the southern coastal regions of Gilan, Tabaristan, and Gorgon, moving south from the Ale (Volga) and the Khazar Sea (Caspian Sea). These pirates are exceptionally fierce and sometimes ally with the Pechenegs and Oghuz peoples who occupy the steppes to strengthen their own forces.

The lords on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea originally had the strength to defeat them, but in recent years these regimes have declined one after another, to the point that their mobilization capacity has become quite inefficient. In the face of the clever and cunning pirate groups, they can only passively take a beating.

Even if an armed force were organized to fight back, the pirates on the other side would have already looted the place and fled.

"I implore Your Majesty, the great Queen, to send troops to wipe out these villains and protect us, the unarmed believers!" Ziar's envoy knelt on the ground, pleading incessantly.

Shahzani thought to herself, "Isn't this a great opportunity to expand my territory?" She had long wanted to take over this mild and humid land on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, but she had been constantly postponing it because she had to deal with various powerful enemies.

Now that the Ziyar dynasty has taken the initiative to submit and even offered to send troops to enter the country to suppress bandits, when else should we not take decisive action?

She readily agreed to the envoy's request and said in a reassuring tone, "Rest assured, once the righteous army of Iran arrives, any criminals will perish!"

Therefore, it was decided to assemble 10,000 elite troops and personally lead an expedition to Gorgon.

……

After several days of trekking, Shahzani led her troops to the Gorgon border.

The Ziar monarch, Qaboos, had been waiting there with his ministers. Upon seeing the queen's army arrive, he immediately knelt down to show his submission.

Qaboos was not old, probably only two or three years older than Shahzani. He wore a tulip-shaped turban and a plain-colored robe with geometric patterns. He was tall and upright, and his beard was neatly groomed, giving him a refined and cultured appearance.

“I had long heard that this monarch revered culture and encouraged scholarship, and seeing it today confirms it. There was even a book named after him later in his life—the Teachings of Qaboos,” Shahzani thought to herself.

She told Ziyar and his ministers to rise, and repeatedly said with a smile: "You and I are both subjects of Iran, and it is our duty to restore the Shah of Iran and to take pride in the glorious military achievements of the Sasanian kings."

As the army marched to the major city of Gorgon, Astrabad, intelligence arrived that a large number of Varyag pirates had landed at the port of Abbaskun, looted extensively, and were now advancing inland.

Shahzani believed that a swift attack was necessary to blunt the enemy's momentum, so she mobilized the local military and civilians in Gorgon to prepare for war. At the same time, she dispatched a Shahzani Guard Corps to secretly outflank the Varangians and cut off their retreat.

In Kuy, a city between Abbaskun and Astrabad, Shahzani concealed elite troops, concentrating only ordinary militia to build fortifications and defend against the enemy. Scouts, lurking in the shadows, continuously relayed intelligence about the enemy.

Based on the reports from the scouts, Shahzani pieced together a general outline of the enemy force: about one hundred ships, raiding undefended cities and villages along the river. The Varangians were blond and blue-eyed, with strange appearances (like those of northeastern Europeans), but tall and robust, and many were equipped with Rus'-style weapons and armor.

Knowing both the enemy and oneself, Shahzani ordered the laborers to block the river with sunken boats, cutting off the enemy's path and forcing them to disembark and fight on foot, thus depriving them of the advantage of escaping downstream.

The following day, the Varyag pirates approached Kuy.

"What's going on? Why did you stop?!" A burly man clad in Ross scale armor and sporting a full golden beard shouted at the top of his lungs as he saw the ship ahead stop.

"Reporting to Lord Václav! The waterway ahead is blocked by sunken ships!" several Varyag sailors hurriedly reported.

"Damn it, I can't believe they actually tried to use cowardly tactics to hold us back!" Václav cursed.

Seeing this situation, several pirate leaders suggested, "In that case, why don't we retreat to Abbaskun Port?"

After a moment's thought, Wenceslaus shook his head and said, "No. We have taken a lot of ships and soldiers with us this time, which has been very costly. Meanwhile, Koi and Astrabad have plenty of food and spoils. We must plunder them, otherwise the way back will be extremely difficult!"

He then left some soldiers to guard the ships, while the rest went ashore and attacked the city of Koi on foot.

When the scouts reported this news to Shahzani, the Queen was overjoyed: "The enemy has taken the bait."

Outside the city of Koy, a large number of Eastern European pirates arrived in a fierce attack.

Under normal circumstances, Koi City probably wouldn't have lasted long, because it's a small city with few defenders, and its walls are low and rough adobe walls, making its defenses even weaker than many small outposts of regular armies.

But under Shahzani's command, the situation changed dramatically. The soldiers and civilians in the city were united in their hatred of the enemy, and a large number of elite troops were ambushed on both sides of the battlefield, ready to launch a fatal blow to the enemy at any time.

Chapter 167 Suppressing the Caspian Pirates

Eastern European pirates launched an attack on the city of Koy.

Shahzani was prepared. The Seljuk archers, who had been hiding behind the battlements, suddenly emerged from behind the city walls when the Eastern European pirates were off guard and unleashed several volleys of arrows at the enemy.

The heavy arrows, capable of piercing armor, pierced through the scaled lamellar armor of the Eastern European pirates, instantly felling a large number of enemies like wheat being harvested.

"Warriors! Fear not! Charge on! We will forge a glorious legacy like that of Grand Prince Igor!"

The Varyag-Russians were indeed quite brave; their initial fierce attack did not deter them.

Conversely, emboldened by the shouts of their leaders, their courage surged—a savage ferocity a blend of that of the Norse Varangian berserkers and the Slavic warriors of Eastern Europe. Inspired by this ferocity, they charged toward the city walls with shouts blaring.

The low city walls did not provide much protection, and the Varyag soldiers quickly climbed to the top of the walls and began fighting with axes in hand.

The warehouses of Koy City were filled with mountains of grain and treasure; whoever plundered these spoils could return home in glory. The dream of getting rich and becoming incredibly wealthy lingered in the hearts of every pirate warrior.

The pirates who scaled the city walls were incredibly brave, shattering shields and slicing flesh with their axes. Many Gorgon militiamen who surrounded them fell in pools of blood.

Meanwhile, the pirates on the city walls continued to crowd and surge toward the walls.

The Sogdian heavy infantry, upon receiving Shahzani's orders, formed a defensive line on the city wall, and the ironclad Great Wall quickly stretched out before the enemy.

The two types of heavy infantry clashed fiercely, axes against axes, iron shields against iron shields, the clanging of weapons echoing, and shouts of battle cries resounding throughout the air.

However, brute force is no match for discipline. Faced with the Sogdians' ironclad defense, the pirate group's attack was thwarted, and they gradually became exhausted and retreated.

at this time.

Two Khorasan cavalry regiments suddenly outflanked the enemy from both sides, charging directly at their flanks. Their steel warhorse armor gleamed in the sunlight, inspiring fear in the enemy.

The Khorasan cavalry charged fiercely at the Varangian pirates below the city, the immense force of the impact tearing through their lines and scattering them in disarray.

Even the most brute force cannot withstand such a well-trained, combined offensive. The Varyag pirates began to consider retreating.

"Damn it, retreat now!"

"The leader, Václav, shouted loudly. He was also puzzled as to why the once sluggish and inefficient Ziyar regime had suddenly become so swift and unstoppable in its military campaigns," he said.

Although the Varyag pirates were defeated, they did not yet collapse. Relying on their remaining brute strength, they formed a defensive formation with shields and fought their way back.