I was the Queen of Persia

Page 74

This formation is inherited from the Vikings of the North, consisting of a defensive line made up of large grid shields, with soldiers hiding behind them or wielding spears or axes, or throwing axes to kill the attackers.

Their robust physiques and fierce fighting spirit compensated for their shortcomings in formal training. Based on this, the lines they formed remained highly lethal.

Several Khorasan heavy cavalry companies, overconfident in their armored men and strong equipment, rashly charged the Varyag lines. As a result, several were killed or wounded by flying axes and they quickly retreated back into their lines.

But Shahzani shook her head as she looked at the Varangian troops forming a line.

This kind of spontaneous military formation can only be effective for a short time. As long as their initial "three-pronged attack" is blocked, the situation can be turned around immediately.

However, she did not rush to eliminate these enemies, but instead led her army in pursuit and sent ranged units to harass them continuously.

Thus, the Varangians retreated in formation, but the Samanid army pursued them relentlessly until they reached the spot where they had initially abandoned ship.

But just as the Varyag people were about to board their ships and escape as usual, they were dumbfounded:

The more than one hundred boats that were moored had already sunk in the raging fire, and the troops left on the shore had also been completely wiped out.

All that could be seen on the shore was the heavily armed Samanid cavalry, ready for battle.

It turned out that the female guards sent earlier had already circled around to the place where the Varangians had docked their ships and wiped out the enemy left there.

The Varyag pirates were completely trapped.

Before they could recover from their shock and astonishment, Shahzani waved his command flag, and the Saman army launched a two-pronged attack.

The line of defense, formed by brute force, proved far from solid, as Khorasan cavalry and Shaher female guards broke through from both sides.

Saman's army launched a fierce offensive, and the Gorgon militia also charged forward bravely.

After a fierce battle, most of the Varyag pirates were annihilated, and all the leaders, including Václav, were captured.

After interrogation.

The prisoners confessed that they were based in the steppes and shallows of the Volga River basin, and that their community members included not only Varangians, but also Rus, Pechenegs, Finno-Ugrics, and others, and that they were under the protection of a steppe khan.

Shahzani remembered.

In the southern Russian steppes, Volga River, and Kuban River basin during the 10th and 11th centuries AD, there were indeed a large number of communities that made a living by raiding and acting as mercenaries, known as the "Ushkunik people." These communities were not a single ethnic group, but were often a mixture of multiple tribes, but they shared relatively similar interests and values.

By analogy, it is somewhat similar to the Cossack communities that appeared later in history.

Shahzani ordered that several of the most heinous leaders be taken to Gorgon and beheaded, their bodies and heads displayed publicly at the city gate.

The remaining prisoners of war were subjected to the punishment of gouging out eyes and cutting off fingers: one of their eyes was gouged out and their thumbs were cut off (intended to prevent them from holding weapons), and they were sent back to the northern shore of the Caspian Sea to spread the authority of the Samanid dynasty to the lair of those outlaws.

While the iron was hot, Shahzani concentrated her forces and launched a sweeping campaign against several islands along the Caspian Sea coast, eliminating the pirate strongholds on the islands and killing all the pirates hiding there, piling their heads into pyramids.

These measures earned Shahzani a fearsome reputation among outlaws, and for at least the next thirty years, Caspian pirates dared not raid the southern coast again.

After witnessing firsthand the formidable fighting power of the Queen's army, the Ziar regime had completely submitted to her rule.

Qaboos ordered all cities to relinquish power, and all documents, including maps, tax registers, and army rosters, were handed over to the Samanid dynasty.

In response, Shahzani was quite lenient; she only took over military and political power, but preserved the Qaboos family's land and property.

Just like annexing the Safar family, strip them of their ruling power, but do not exterminate them. Instead, turn them into ordinary wealthy people who live in luxury, powerless to resist the court, and unwilling to resist the court.

By mid-1004 AD, the Gorgon region along the Caspian Sea had been incorporated into the Samanid Empire, and Shahzani would use this as a starting point to begin his conquest of Tabaristan and Gilan.

Chapter 168 Strange Events in Tabaristan

After recapturing Gorgon, Shahzani led his army westward along the Caspian coast, passing through Ashraf and entering the Tabaristan region just south of the Caspian Sea.

Tabaristan, also known as Mazandran, has been occupied by various powerful clans of the old Sasanian dynasty since the fall of the Sasanian dynasty over three hundred years ago. The most prominent of these was the Bavind dynasty, followed by the Kalinvend dynasty, among others. These regimes still recognized the Sasanian dynasty as legitimate, and their rulers referred to themselves by Sasanian titles such as "Ispahibed" (or "Ispahibed").

Considering the inherent connection between this place and the ancient Persian heritage, Shahzani, a staunch advocate of the Iranian "Shubi movement," decided to turn hostility into friendship and sent envoys ahead to negotiate, persuading these Sasanian remnants to voluntarily submit and refrain from using force unless absolutely necessary.

The people who went to negotiate were also carefully selected.

Back when Shahzani was defending the Zanshahr fortress, she sheltered a large number of Zoroastrian Zoroastrians. Later, during the wars to restore the Samanid regime, these Zoroastrians enthusiastically joined the army and fought in various battles, with many rising through the ranks due to their merits.

For religious and cultural reasons, Shahzani dispatched two Zoroastrian generals from his army to Firrim, the center of the Bavind dynasty, to pay homage to the ruler of the Bavind dynasty, Shahriyar ibn Dallah, also known as Shahriyar III.

She herself set up camp outside Tamisha, awaiting the outcome of the talks.

The waiting period is always incredibly boring.

Fortunately, there are beautiful and pleasant views to enjoy.

At this moment, the continuous spring rain had just nourished this land, and a brand new world was presented to the officers and soldiers of Saman.

Indeed, the southern coast of the Caspian Sea receives abundant rainfall throughout the year due to its unique geographical characteristics. The climate is mild and humid, and the land is covered with lush green trees. The long and majestic Alborz Mountains stretch across the southern horizon. This verdant landscape is quite different from the arid and brownish landscape of most of Persia.

A messenger from the rear brought a battle report.

Hoslu and Tahmina raised an army in Khorasan, successfully crossed the trade route north of the Kavir Salt Desert, and captured the cities of Bistam, Damghan, and Qumis, annihilating the Bai Yi army stationed in these areas.

The Battle of Kumis was a brilliant encirclement and annihilation battle.

Bai Yi's army set up camp along the Kavir Salt Desert outside the city of Kumis, constructing numerous palisades, chevaux-de-frise, and trenches, attempting to delay the Saman army's advance by relying on the protection of the vast desert.

However, both Hoslu and Tahmina inherited Shahzani's cunning tactics: Tahmina led her troops in a feigned frontal attack, while Hoslu led her elite cavalry in a secret flanking maneuver through the salt desert. To ensure a smooth march and operation, all officers and soldiers in Hoslu's unit were equipped with two days' worth of rations and water, each fulfilling their duties and marching in strict discipline.

One of the main fighting forces of the Bayyq dynasty was the Deraman heavy infantry, a type of soldier common in various Iranian regimes. Clad in heavy Jabari-Fars lamellar armor and wielding powerful double-pointed spears, they often formed tight formations to engage the enemy. If discipline and morale could be consistently maintained, this force could be quite formidable.

In the main battle at Kumis, Tahmina's feint attack suffered heavy losses. They launched a fierce assault with cavalry as the vanguard, but were thwarted by the pre-laid barbed wire and trenches. Meanwhile, Bai Yi's heavy infantry took advantage of the situation and charged out in formation, repelling Tahmina.

Fortunately, Hoslu's elite cavalry outflanked and surrounded the White Army in time, and quickly implemented a tactic of dividing and encircling them, thus relieving Tahmina's predicament.

Bai Yijun never expected the Saman army to emerge from the desert. Due to weak flank defenses, they quickly fell into disintegration and were unable to defend themselves. Their morale and fighting spirit collapsed, and they were unable to form ranks and organize a defense. They had no choice but to retreat westward in succession to the city of Semnan for defense.

After the fall of Qumis, Hoslu, following Shahzani's orders, built a Khorami school there, and a large number of mendicant monks went there to preach, in order to weaken the influence of the Baiyish Shia sect.

While Shahzani was still savoring the victory reports, the special envoy sent to Ferim for talks returned to the marching camp outside Tamisha.

"Oh? So the Tabaristan people don't want to negotiate?" Shahzani asked with some surprise after hearing the news that the Bavind dynasty was unwilling to submit.

“No,” the messenger said. “They want you to go there in person…to persuade them with your wisdom and virtue. I swear in the name of Holmozd that what I am repeating is exactly what they said.”

After hearing the envoy's report, Shahzani finally understood that this Bavind monarch, Shahriyar III, wanted to hold a debate competition to "test wisdom." If Shahzani won, he would submit; but if Shahzani lost, he would remain independent and, at worst, resist reconquest by force, even at the cost of being destroyed.

The subtext is: Unless you win my heart, I won't easily let you take my power!

After so many years of fighting in the north and south, this was the first time I had ever encountered such a bizarre and outlandish political game.

"How dare you!" Before the Queen could respond, the female military officer Shaher beside her said disapprovingly, "How can Her Majesty tolerate such disrespect? These princes of Tabaristan are far too arrogant! We should immediately raise an army, destroy their fortresses, and raze their cities to the ground!"

“Yes, Your Majesty, I don’t think the Tabaristan people have any sincere intention to surrender. Their tricks are just to delay their demise. We should just annihilate them by force.” Another female military officer, Shaher, chimed in.

"Oh, there's no need for that."

Shahzani stopped them: "The Samanid army numbers in the millions, and there are countless brilliant minds in the army. Why would they be afraid of these small local kings and nobles? I want to see what tricks they are up to."

So, she led only a company of female guards, including Shaher, to the city of Firim to "participate in the competition".

The towns and villages along the way in Tabaristan, intimidated by the majesty of the Samanid king, and perhaps also having received orders from the Bavind regime, all greeted the queen and her entourage with utmost respect, daring not to harbor any improper thoughts.

The region of Tabaristan is small, and it took less than a day to reach the city of Firim.

This is a small city located on the gentle slopes of the northern side of the Alborz Mountains. Shahzani's first impression of the city was that it was rich in various kinds of citrus fruits, grapes and pistachios, and that the lush greenery gave it a fresh and fragrant feel.

As the queen of the Samanid dynasty, she naturally received an exceptionally grand reception. Shahriyal III personally led his courtiers out of the palace to welcome the ever-victorious Samanid Shahsha.

Chapter 169 The Struggle for Persian Legitimacy

"By the radiant Hormozd, Your Majesty the Great Queen Saman, your arrival brings glory to Tabaristan."

Shahriyal III was much older than Shahzani, but he did not act arrogantly due to his age. On the contrary, he was quite refined and courteous, and his brief greetings made people feel very comfortable.

As the self-proclaimed "Successor of the Sassanids," he wore a long robe embroidered with intricate symmetrical patterns of wild boars, seemingly symbolizing the valor of the war god Vahran (i.e., Bahram), and a crown befitting a Sassanid noble. The entire attire made him appear exceptionally spirited and upright.

Shahzani slowly stepped forward and said with polite courtesy, "May the glory of the Shah of Iran shine upon all Iranians, Your Excellency Sipahibed. We have come with goodwill, hoping to restore the greatness of our ancestors in a peaceful manner!"

“Oh.” Shahryar III nodded noncommittally. “I’m sure your envoy has already conveyed my wishes to you. But in any case, all who come are honored guests. Please! Great Queen Saman, please come to my palace to rest.”

Shahzani didn't mind at all, and nodded with a smile: "Please! Your Excellency Sipahibed."

The palace in Firim City doesn't appear large from the outside. It's not even as luxurious as the palace in Bukhara, and it's not much larger than the government offices of Nakhshab, Keshi, or Salahish. But stepping inside is like entering another world. The various decorations and furnishings are dazzling, yet they are highly ordered and regular, without any sense of chaos or disorder.

Guided by Shahriyar III, Shahzani and his entourage entered a large room in the palace, which was filled with countless books.

"Your Majesty, please look."

Shahriyal III pointed to the vast collection of books: "These are treasures left by our ancestors, some in Pahlavi, some in Sanskrit, and some in Unanstan (Greek)."

It should be noted that when Shahriar III communicated with Shahzani, he used a language that mixed Pahlavi and Tabaristan-Mazandran accents. Although he could communicate with Persian, the intonation and pronunciation were slightly different.

Of course, this was no challenge for Shahzani. She was fluent in Pahlavi and had a deep understanding of the dialects spoken throughout Iran, so she had no trouble listening to their conversations.

At the same time, she knew in her heart that the confrontation and game had quietly begun.

“Your Majesty, please look, these manuscripts are from the time of ‘Victorious King’ Paviz; these are from the time of Bahram Chubin; these are from the time of ‘Immortal Soul’ Anushirvan; these are from the time of Kavad…”

Shahrial introduced the library's collection with great familiarity, acting as if he were a guardian of the Sasanian dynasty's legacy.

But his next sentence was somewhat of a satire on the present: "It's a pity! Most Iranians today have forgotten these precious treasures left by their ancestors!"

Shahzani smiled knowingly and said, “I agree with you. The honor and courage of the Sasanian ancestors are a precious treasure for all Iranians, and no one should forget them.”

She suddenly felt that this leader seemed more suited to be a rigid old scholar than a ruler of a power.

"Ah! If only Iranians could follow the traditions of their ancestors, unchanged since time immemorial!"

Shahrial III said, "By Khormozd, Iranians are pure, sincere, and noble people, people who strictly adhere to the Zoroastrian concept of 'good thoughts, good deeds, and good words.' May Khormozd forever ensure our prosperity and abundance!"

He then recited passages from the heroic hymn "In Memory of Zarir," as if implying that their Tabaristan faction was the true "Persian orthodoxy."

To this, Shahzani simply smiled and retorted, "I cannot agree with Your Excellency's words."

She said, "From the first Iranian king, Keyumarz, to Yazdeged (may he rest in peace!) martyred in Merv, the gods worshipped by Iranians have changed considerably over time. How can tradition remain completely unchanged?"

She then cited the history of the polytheistic and diverse religions of ancient times, such as Vereshragna, Mitra, and Anahita, to the monotheistic dominance of the Khormozd (Ahula Mazda) during the Sasanian period, to demonstrate that Iranian traditions are not immutable, but rather constantly evolving with the times, taking the best and discarding the worst.

Shahriyal III was quite surprised by her answer, which was well-reasoned and eloquent. He never expected that this Muslim Persian queen would be so knowledgeable about so much ancient knowledge.

But then he found a "breakthrough".

"But no matter what, Iranians should not follow the religion of the Arabs! The Arabs invaded our land, destroyed our temples, and brought us endless disasters. How can we submit to their doctrines and willingly become their slaves?"

After saying this, Shahriyar III, and even the Bavind ministers present, were secretly pleased with themselves. They believed that, at least in principle, Shahzani and his group of Islamized Persians who had "abandoned their ancestral traditions" were powerless to defeat them.

But to their astonishment, Shahzani then launched into a series of witty remarks, leaving them speechless.

I saw.

Shahzani smiled and said, "You are right, but I also believe that it is the faith of Islam that helped Iranians break free from Arab enslavement and guided them toward a great revival."

Shahzani looked around at the crowd, noticing their astonished expressions, and continued:

"In my opinion, the Iranian way of governing is to be tolerant of other ethnic groups and non-believers, and to incorporate the advanced knowledge of other ethnic groups into their own country..."

"In the court of Darius the Great, not only were Iranians governing the country, but Assyrians, Chaldeans, Unanstan (Greeks), and Jews also served the nation. Akkadian was even the common language in Darius's court. Thanks to this policy of learning and tolerance, Iran rose to become a vast empire..."

"The Sasanian emperors were equally adept at managing foreigners and infidels. Shapur the Great captured the emperor and his army of Rum (Rome), turning them into 'Ansarik' (foreign slaves), and subsequently built countless magnificent castles and Zoroastrian temples, as well as the grand irrigation canals of Shushtar. Arabic was also the language of choice in the Sasanian court and capital region..."

"Later, the Sassanids weakened due to internal strife and intrigue, and the Arabs took advantage of the situation to seize our sacred land. Although the Arabs were wicked enemies, despicable thieves, shameful destroyers, and followers of the serpent king Zohaq, the Islam they brought, under the transformation of our Iranian sages, became a weapon of faith for the Iranians to overthrow Arab rule..."

"It was Islam that allowed the declining Iranian priests to rediscover the source of their faith; it was Islam that rekindled the powerful faith of the lost Iranian warriors; it was Islam that restored the resolve of the fragmented Iranian people to defend their homeland and resist foreign enemies. The kings of Safar and Saman both took it upon themselves to fight against the Arabs and revive Persian culture..."

He spoke eloquently and logically, with clear intonation and fluent delivery.

Shahzani looked at Shahrial III, her beautiful eyes radiating a visionary yet dignified light: "So, Your Majesty Sipahibed, do you agree?"

Chapter 170 Conquest of Tabaristan

With her extensive knowledge, Shahzani spoke eloquently, every word witty and well-reasoned.

For those who haven't experienced the information explosion, this is undoubtedly a game-changer.

Shahriyal III and his ministers in Bavind could not get a word in edgewise and could only listen silently, occasionally responding with phrases like "Yes, yes, yes" or "Your Majesty is absolutely right."

Even after Shahzani finished speaking, they were still reeling from her brilliant and eloquent speech.

"Your Excellency Sipahibed, do you agree with what I said?" Shahzani smiled and asked in return.

“Uh… Ah! Holmozd! Your Majesty the Great Queen, you are absolutely right!” Shahrial III quickly covered up his embarrassment.

Despite his somewhat "unconventional" ways, he was ultimately a man who accepted his losses. After losing to Shahzani in this "competition," he decided to keep his promise and submit.

"We submit to the Samanid dynasty, and may Her Majesty the Queen's glory protect Tabaristan!" The kings and ministers of the Bavind dynasty kowtowed and kissed the ground, praising in unison.

The Tabaristan region was thus incorporated into the Samanid Empire.