I was the Queen of Persia

Page 61

Ultimately, the false prophet's head was severed, and his severed head and corpse were displayed publicly at the city gates for ten days. His other core henchmen and lackeys were also subjected to the same punishment.

Praise be to God! Her Majesty the Queen's justice will be known far and wide!

The people of Herat had clearly also suffered greatly from this unlawful sect, and they cheered and praised Shahzani after he publicly executed the false believers.

This undoubtedly increased Herat's affinity with the Samanid dynasty.

But just then, bad news arrived: the city's supplies were about to run out.

Herat was a prosperous city in the 10th century, with a mild climate, abundant resources, a constant flow of merchants, and fragrant fruits. When the Samanid monarch Nasr II visited Herat, he was so captivated that he lingered there, and it was only through a beautiful poem by the court poet Rudaki that he was persuaded to return to the capital, demonstrating the city's wealth.

This city was also a crucial supply center for military equipment and provisions; without the city's material support, it would have been difficult for the main force to continue its southward advance.

However, the Ghaznavid army's retreat was quite efficient. Mahmud had already swiftly moved most of the city's supplies as he fled. The remaining Ghaznavid defenders, knowing they couldn't hold out, transported their remaining supplies as well, and destroyed what they couldn't carry away.

Not only were supplies running out in the city, but the surrounding villages were also in dire straits. Scouts sent out returned to report that Ghaznavid troops had forcibly requisitioned all the villages' grain reserves, and those villages that resisted were burned down.

Currently, the remaining grain and supplies in the government granary, even if pieced together, are only enough for the entire city's needs for one week.

Mahmoud's move is quite troublesome, leaving Shahzani with the problems of stationing troops and governing them, and also slowing down Shahzani's continued offensive.

"Mahmoud wants to use this tactic to slow our offensive. But this cowardly act will only buy us a brief respite."

Shahzani sneered inwardly and then issued two orders.

"First, supplies were transferred from cities such as Tus, Nishapur, and Jam to alleviate the urgent need."

"Secondly, I will personally lead a small force north to cities such as Faryab. This will not only force these cities to surrender sooner, but also allow us to join forces with Hoslu as soon as possible to strengthen our military."

Halshid asked, "How many troops do you plan to bring?"

“One regiment of Shahr’s Guard is enough,” Shahzani said.

“But…” the female general expressed some concern, “a regiment with only a little over a thousand soldiers is far too few.”

"This is nothing to fear."

Shahzani said confidently, "The nobles and officials of these cities have always been neutral and observing this war. Now that Ghazni has suffered a major defeat and is being surrounded by our army, they will eventually submit to us."

Meanwhile, the Queen deployed her main army near Herat, under the command of Holshid and Nasita respectively.

It must be said that her strategy was relatively correct.

Ghazni's defeat and retreat, severely weakening his forces, made a comeback unlikely in the short term. However, Mahmud's military talent remained, so even after this crushing defeat, he was still capable of posing a certain degree of threat to Herat.

Only by deploying the main force here and forming a numerical advantage can we effectively suppress the ambitions of the Sultan of Ghazni and consolidate the gains already made.

In contrast to the tense standoff in the south, the counties and prefectures in the north, which were surrounded, had lost the will to fight to the death. A small but elite force was all that was needed to force them to surrender.

The plan has been finalized.

December 21, 1002 AD, the Yalda festival at the end of the month of Azhar in the Persian calendar.

The supplies allocated from various cities in Khorasan Province significantly alleviated Herat's shortage of resources. Meanwhile, the defensive lines set up by the Saman army units were also secured.

Shahzani dispatched a Shaher female guard regiment, which turned back and headed north.

Chapter 136 Meeting, New Military Deployment

Shahzani led a small but elite force northward.

The cities along the way, including Dihistan, Kaif, Bagshul, Maru-Rud, and Tarikhan, all surrendered without resistance.

In the political struggles at the end of the pre-Samanid dynasty, these counties were inherently opportunistic and their loyalty to Ghazni was not particularly high. Now that a more powerful master had arrived with his army, they readily surrendered.

As the Persian proverb says: A ripe fig falls with a single blow.

“Their choice was not wrong. Officials and people always choose the stronger ruler. When Fayq, Simghur, and Subuk were fighting each other, they had no choice. But now that they have surrendered to me, they will not go down the path of betrayal again,” Shahzani said.

To solidify her position, after recapturing the cities, she transferred officials, military officers, loyal Dervich dervishes, Khorami imams, and imams from Khorasan and Transoxiana provinces to consolidate her rule in all aspects.

As she walked through the ancient and prosperous city, the Queen felt a sense of melancholy.

In the 21st century, Herat, Badghis, and Faryab (all in Afghanistan) are frequent international news hotspots, often associated with bombings and suicide attacks, filled with violence, backwardness, and various negative news.

However, not long ago, they were all prosperous and civilized places, with fragrant fruits, endless merchants and travelers, flourishing scholarship, and magnificent domes.

“The objective reasons are complex, but to put it bluntly, they failed to seize the opportunities of historical development,” Shahzani sighed, then made up her mind, “but I will lead them to glory.”

Having received supplies, Shahr's guard continued northeastward along the inn road. Within a few days, they arrived in the Hushijian area.

Hu Shijian (Guzgan, Juzjan), also known as "Guzgan" or "Juzjan," is located southwest of Balkh and northeast of Herat. The local powerful family, the Farignon family, also attaches great importance to cultural development and actively encourages academic pursuits.

Hosilu's army had already entered the area ahead of time, persuaded the Farigon family to surrender, and accepted the hundreds of scholars, physicians, astrologers and other talents offered by the Farigon family.

When Shahzani arrived with his army, the vanguard sentry could see the scarlet battle flags of the Samanid army from afar.

When friendly forces met, the scene was naturally quite lively, and the soldiers' joy was palpable, turning the parade ground into a sea of ​​jubilation.

Hoslu reported the results to Shahzani: "Praising the majesty of the Shah of Iran, all the cities have surrendered and are voluntarily providing our army with weapons and provisions..."

“Yes, very good.” Shahzani nodded. “How is Rustam Zaman’s army doing?”

"The progress is also going very smoothly. Thanks to the overwhelming military might of the King of Kings, wherever General Rustam Zaman's army went, the officials, lords, and chieftains of Tokharistan all surrendered, all the way to the north of the grazing lands of the Kharaj Turks," Hoslu said.

This means that the plains south of the Amu Darya River and north of the Hindu Kush Mountains, from Andhui to Kunduz, had all come under the control of the Samanid dynasty.

“Yes, in the name of Allah Hud and the warrior Rustam, Hoslu, you are a hero of the nation’s revival.” Shahzani nodded again with satisfaction.

Subsequently, based on the changing war situation, she redeployed:

Hoslu and Rustam Zaman joined forces and took up residence in Balkh, preparing to gather superior forces to deter the strongholds and defenses established by Ghazni along the Hindu Kush Mountains.

In order to complete this battle deployment as soon as possible, she needs to go to Balkh City in person to briefly oversee and coordinate the operation.

Starting from the Hushijian area, the journey is not far, only about 20 miles (120 kilometers) from Farsach to Balkh.

Balkh truly lives up to its reputation as a pearl on the south bank of the Amu Darya River, with magnificent palaces, dazzling domes, man-made canals flowing gently, and countless fertile fields and orchards.

Shahzani set up camp outside the city to deploy relevant military affairs, mobilize troops, and prepare for the next phase of the battle.

Just as the deployment was completed, a Samanese merchant who had previously traveled to Guasha in Qin came to pay homage to the Great Queen and brought good news from the East.

It turns out that after Shahinian won over the Guiyi Army, Ganzhou Uyghurs, Gaochang Uyghurs, and the Kingdom of Khotan to establish the "Arch of Resistance" to jointly resist the Karakhanid Dynasty, he had achieved numerous victories.

At the same time as the Saman-Ghazni War, the allied forces of the "Arc of Resistance" resisted the eastward advance of the Karakhanid army in Yanqi, and finally thwarted the Karakhanid offensive, forcing the Karakhanid general Aknuar to flee to the grasslands north of the Tianshan Mountains.

Riding on the momentum of victory, with the help of her husband Zhu Jiande, Shaxinian defeated the Tangut (Dangxiang) invasion of Ganzhou and Shazhou in the east.

As the Karakhanid Dynasty suffered more defeats, the rifts within its military ruling class became increasingly apparent. Ilikh Naser Khan and Ahmad Togan Khan were at odds, almost to the point of irreconcilable conflict; Khan's sister Aknuar hoped to expand into the Kipchak Steppe; and Khan's brother Mansur wanted to use Tibet as a springboard to march into India.

Currently, the Karakhanid Dynasty has almost split into two opposing khanates:

The Western Khanate, headed by Ahmad Togan Khan, was centered around Balasagun.

The "Eastern Khanate," led by Ilik Naser Khan, was centered in Kashgar.

In terms of political power, the West is weak and the East is strong.

Shahzani immediately issued an order, commanding Bahramu, who was stationed in Tashkent, to send troops eastward to seize Balasagun and completely destroy the Karakhanid Khanate's "Western Khanate" regime.

This battle should be fought.

When the Karakhanid Dynasty demanded a ceasefire, Shahzani readily agreed. However, their provocations and raids on the border never ceased and even intensified.

Initially, Shahzani, considering the upcoming war against Ghazni, exercised a degree of restraint and tolerance towards these hostile actions, and frequently wrote letters to appease the hot-tempered Bahram, urging her to prioritize the overall situation for the time being.

Now that Ghazni has suffered heavy losses and the threat from the south has been temporarily weakened, it is the best time to take action to resolve the Karakhanid problem. If not now, when?

Shahzani then decided to go to war, and in her decree she clearly told Bahramu:

"Sisters, there is no need to endure any longer. Lead the army of justice and strike! Let the armored cavalry of the Saman army sweep across the yurts and felt tents of the Turan people; let the wrath of the Iranian warriors burn the steppes of the Seven Rivers! Just like more than a hundred years ago, when Emperor Ismail the Great (may he rest in peace) led his northern expedition against the Turan people."

The imperial edict was drafted and transmitted to Tashkent through the official post station and road system.

A new battlefield is about to open.

Chapter 137 The Fusion of Horami and Sufism

The corresponding military affairs were deployed.

During her rest in Balkh, Shahzani visited the former residence of the famous poet, Rabeil.

Rabey was a 10th-century Samanid poet, the daughter of the governor of Balkh. Renowned for her exceptional talent, she was fluent in both Persian and Arabic poetry. Her love poems are powerfully emotional, flowing, and delicate, comparable to those of her contemporary, the great writer Rudaki.

Unfortunately, beautiful women often have tragic fates. She fell in love with the treasurer Becqtasch, but this relationship, unequal in social standing, was met with strong opposition from her brother. Because the marriage did not go as planned, she was extremely distressed, fell ill with depression, and soon passed away.

This poignant love story, embellished by Persian poets throughout the ages, has been sung by people all over the world, and its influence on Iranian folklore is no less than that of "Layli and Majinon".

Shahzani greatly admired this outstanding Iranian woman, not only respecting her talent and appreciating her qualities of not being afraid of the constraints of social class and yearning for beautiful love, but also admiring her courage and will to bravely fight on the battlefield.

Indeed, Rabeë was not only a poet but also a warrior. When Balkh was attacked by rebels and insurgent tribes, she personally donned a Persian helmet and armor, rode into battle on horseback, and moved through the enemy lines as if they were empty, rescuing her beloved lover.

She was the epitome of Iranian female warriors of that era, a daughter of the Samanid dynasty who could both manage a household well and fight on the battlefield.

Shahzani, on the other hand, promoted the rapid development of the Iranian female warrior cause.

Stepping through the gate, a square courtyard comes into view, with a fountain in the center and neatly arranged flower beds around it. The ancient Persian sintered bricks are laid out in a neat and symmetrical pattern.

The once powerful families of Balcher have changed hands many times. This place is no longer the property of the Labé family, but has been transformed into a sacred site by the local government for people to worship.

It's very quiet here. After all, as a unique "holy site," the literati, pilgrims, and mendicant monks who come here all have a devout heart and do not make a fuss. They only occasionally chant verses and express their feelings.

Out of respect for her predecessors, Shahzani did not make a grand entrance, but only brought a few attendants in plain clothes. Upon seeing their supreme queen arrive, the people in the courtyard knelt and bowed. Shahzani then gestured for them to rise and continue with their duties.

As I was lost in thought and gazing at the scenery, I suddenly heard soft and beautiful Persian poetry coming from nearby.

While advocating faith in God, one should also moderately enjoy worldly pleasures to bring comfort to oneself and others.

"Even if you were to build a house like Khalil,"

“Keep prayers and worship in your heart all day long,”

“Free a thousand slaves every day,”

"It is better to make one's heart happy and content."

Another person expressed dissatisfaction with certain unjust social realities:

"If my hands could reach the heavens,"

I want to ask him why he's showing favoritism.

“Giving some people hundreds of discounts,”

"But it leaves others with grains of wheat soaked in blood."

……

The melodious tone, the parallel rhymes, the rhythmic pronunciation, and the simple and easy-to-understand philosophy all demonstrate the reciter's wisdom and literary talent.

"What beautiful words!" Shahzani was in high spirits and immediately instructed her attendant, "Go and see who created such a masterpiece."

The attendant obeyed and left. Before long, he brought in a group of alms-begging monks wearing Persian felt hats, white turbans, and woolen robes. The two monks who were in the lead had high-bridged noses, sharp brown eyes carved into their faces, thick beards hanging under their chins, and thick, black curly hair that stretched haphazardly out from under their felt hats, making them appear unconventional and unrestrained.

After bowing respectfully, the two introduced themselves. It turned out that one of them was named Abirhel and the other Babataher; both were elders of this group of Sufi mendicant monks, and they were currently leading their followers in their practice nearby.

Shahzani knew these two men; they were both representatives of the Persian Sufi poets.

The so-called Sufism, strictly speaking, is not an independent sect, but a collective term for all mystical sects within Islam that advocate asceticism. In simpler terms, there are Sufis within Sunni Islam, and Sufis within Shia Islam, and so on; they are intertwined and mutually influential.

More importantly, these two individuals also wield considerable influence among Iranian Sufi followers, which is exactly what Shahzani wanted.

“I never expected to encounter two elders with religious influence in such a secluded place. This is truly a wonderful opportunity bestowed by God,” Shahzani thought to herself.

She plans to recruit these Sufi followers into her fold, leveraging Sufism's close ties with the grassroots to integrate Sufism with her Horami sect's doctrines, thereby further strengthening and perfecting the Horami organizational structure and creed.

With this in mind, she warmly invited the Sufi believers to visit her home.

……

At Balcher's palace, a unique banquet is underway.

Shahzani understood that while Sufi ascetics advocated asceticism, frugality, and the rejection of extravagance, they weren't entirely inclined to live a life of hardship. Therefore, she respected Sufi traditions and made corresponding arrangements in the banquet menu.

The aroma of crispy naan bread is irresistible; fermented fruit juice exudes a subtle fruity fragrance; the vegetarian porridge made from dried fruit and vegetables is cleverly pieced together to form exquisite religious patterns... In short, it is delicious and simple, unlike the grand and magnificent imperial banquets of the past.

During the gathering, Shahzani and the two elders, Abirhel and Babataher, greeted each other and discussed various obscure and difficult doctrinal issues, such as God, truth, the universe, and the prophet.

The two elders praised God and sang praises to the Queen, saying, "As rulers of nations and faiths, we should be even more self-disciplined, tolerant, and free from pride, and do good for others."

Shahzani agreed with these claims, adding, "That's right. The state is the defender of faith, and faith is the force that leads the state to prosperity."

……