I was the Queen of Persia

Page 44

Her ideal was the restoration of her homeland, not endless power struggles. She generally wouldn't indiscriminately kill anyone who obeyed the law and didn't threaten her interests.

Seeing that Shahzani had made his stance clear, Montahir breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes gradually closed, and his breathing became weaker and weaker.

Indeed, he once held prejudices against women in power, was wary of Shahzani's power, and considered passing the throne to someone from the Samanid royal family.

However, at the end of his life, his ideal of restoring the nation triumphed over prejudice and personal desires. He ultimately set aside his prejudices, prioritized the greater good, and abdicated the throne to Shahzani.

He knew that only Shahzani could lead the Saman dynasty out of its slump.

"I am willing to do everything in my power to lead the Iranian nation and people toward revival!" Shahzani solemnly pledged.

Montahir smiled with satisfaction, and in his final moments, he recited a poem he had written:

I often hear the question: 'Why are you turning your back on the gifts of life?'

“You could have lived in a luxurious palace with colorful carpets on the floor.”

"Am I to replace swords and horns with music and song?"

"Aren't the sweet words whispered at banquets and feasts more pleasing to the ear than the sound of horses' hooves?"

"No, I'm willing to let my passion forever boil on my armor,"

"This far surpasses the intoxicating intimacy of close advisors,"

"Far surpasses the mysterious atmosphere of a lively banquet."

"The battlefield and the sky, this is my best throne, my best abode."

"Arrows and bows are the tulips and lilies in my garden."

"The arrows and the bow are the tulips and lilies in my garden..."

After reciting the last line, Montahir closed his eyes, ending his short but legendary life.

"His Majesty... has gone to Allah's Paradise... The Iranian nation has lost a noble leader." Shahzani stood solemnly before the bed, bowing his head, and solemnly announced this unfortunate news.

"His Majesty--"

"His Majesty--"

"His Majesty--"

The officials and people of Bukhara cried out in grief.

According to Shahzani's orders, Montahir was buried in the Samanid Mausoleum in Bukhara, the same place where Samanid rulers were buried.

Chapter 97 The power is in hand

The funeral and memorial services in Montahir took place in the following days.

Montahir's body was washed clean, wrapped in white cloth, his feet were positioned towards the Kaaba, and his mouth was stuffed with water-soaked cotton. The priests standing by the bed loudly read from the Quran and Mansur Barish's version of the Shahnameh.

The mullahs and imams responsible for the prayers ascended the minarets and rooftops, reciting scriptures and eulogies in loud, clear voices to announce to the world that an Iranian monarch, a devout believer, had passed away.

The entire population of Bukhara dressed in black and spontaneously participated in the monarch's funeral, forming a procession that stretched as far as the eye could see.

As the funeral procession passed by, people knelt down to pay their respects. Some even sprinkled fresh flowers and rose water on the coffin to express their best wishes for the deceased's well-being. Many women, with their hair disheveled and barefoot, wept and wailed in deep sorrow.

The Samanid royal tombs on the outskirts of Bukhara.

The magnificent and beautiful Persian-style mausoleum has walls and a dome made of sturdy fired bricks, with bricks of different sizes arranged in symmetrical and intricate patterns.

The garden, neatly arranged on all sides, is in full bloom with various flowers. The crimson tulips represent the blood of martyrs, and the pure white lilies represent sacred blessings.

Montahir's remains were buried here, and like those of previous Samanid rulers, they are now being paid homage to by pilgrims from all over Iran.

……

After handling the aftermath, Shahzani treated the Saman family well and took measures to restore order and stability in the cities. By this time, the state power of the Saman dynasty was in her hands.

On August 26, 1001 AD, the 4th of Shahrivar in the Persian calendar, in an oasis outside Bukhara, on the banks of the Muryan River.

The vast oasis is teeming with life, with orchards everywhere, fertile fields stretching as far as the eye can see, abundant pastures, fragrant fruits, and tangerines dripping with nectar.

On the pasture, countless tents have sprung up, among which a huge tent supported by sixteen pillars is particularly spectacular, like a palace standing on the grassland.

Shahzani convened officials here to discuss and decide the future of the regime. The venue and facilities had been set up several days earlier, and garrison and guard forces had been deployed.

The reason for choosing the banks of the Muryan River is as follows.

First, this place is near Bukhara and under the jurisdiction of the capital region, which can demonstrate the authority of the central government.

Secondly, the location is easily accessible, allowing officials from the central government and various provinces and counties to arrive promptly.

Furthermore, the grasslands here are flat and vast, with ample supplies. The temperature is also relatively cool due to the regulation of dense orchards and canals, making it convenient for some nomadic tribal leaders to replenish their fodder.

In the days prior, dignitaries and nobles arrived in droves, presented their identification documents to the guards, and were granted entry. They were then led by guards and attendants to their temporary residences, where they were provided with food and lodging.

After a brief period of settling in and resting, Shahzani's executives came to read out the orders.

According to the order, all the courtiers, generals, provincial officials, prefects, nobles, high priests, and tribal chiefs attending the meeting were to dress properly at sunrise and head to the largest tent in the center of the camp—Shahzani's Golden-Domed Tent.

Shahzani appeared an hour later. She first joined the group in prayer and presided over the religious ceremony, then instructed the kitchen to bring breakfast to the attendees.

After the meal, the parliamentary proceedings officially commenced.

"Praise be to Allah, the Almighty, the Merciful and the Light. We have gathered you all here today to decide on a momentous event concerning the future and destiny of the Samanid dynasty."

Shahzani, dressed in a majestic Bukhara robe and wearing a magnificent Persian-style turban crown, surveyed the assembled officials and dignitaries with a solemn and dignified expression.

She then introduced events such as the recent revival of the Samanid dynasty, the rebellion and failure of the Arslan Yaru group, the unfortunate death of Montahir, and the recent developments in countries such as Karakhanid and Ghazni.

Finally, she emphasized Montahir's dying wish to abdicate.

"By the supreme Hu Da, I am a 'veiled woman' and very young. According to seniority, I am not qualified to sit on the lofty and majestic throne."

"However, the destiny ordained by God leaves me with no choice. The war is still raging, and foreign enemies are eyeing us covetously. The newly established Samanid dynasty faces a combined attack from both internal and external adversaries. Faced with this crisis, I can only accept the heavy responsibility entrusted to me by the nation and my faith, and take on the obligation to lead the people forward."

"Please rest assured, everyone, I am the daughter of the Iranian state, the daughter of the Iranian people. My destiny is the destiny of Iran! My breath is the breath of Iran!"

Shahzani's beautiful eyes were resolute, her expression was passionate, and her words were filled with determination and fighting spirit, making her radiate a powerful and great light, as if God had bestowed upon her a powerful light (farr), which no one dared to resist.

The officials present all expressed their opinions.

“By the Most High God, Lady Shahzani. God Hudda always bestows the light of the monarch upon the noble and dignified, and you possess these fine qualities,” said the elder Parviz of Saman, speaking first.

“Praise be to the great God! Lady Shahzani, your ascension to the throne is God’s arrangement and the choice of the Iranian people. We will support you to the death!” said the Khorami cleric in Samarkand.

“Praise be to Huddar. I believe that both men and women can serve the country. You have led the Iranian people to many victories and have received divine inspiration. We are willing to serve you!” the governor of Nakhshab added.

Other officials, nobles, priests, and leaders also expressed their opinions.

They all support Shahzani.

This is not surprising. In Iran, although women's voices have long been less powerful than men's, Iranian women who serve in the military or hold official positions and make outstanding contributions still receive relative respect.

Moreover, Shahzani's formidable martial arts skills and enlightened governance have deeply impressed the people and earned her the respect and admiration of the Iranian military and civilians.

Many Persian poets and writers have compared her to mythical kings, epic warriors, and wise emperors such as Jamshid, Faridon, Rustam, Ardashir, and Anushirvan.

Of course, another reason was the powerful military presence deployed at the venue, which intimidated everyone.

To demonstrate her military strength, Shahzani arranged her troops on the spot.

Five hundred disciplined military police officers patrolled the venue, maintaining perfect order.

Five hundred Nassachs in neat uniforms, armed with clubs, canes, and silver battle axes, were primarily responsible for executions and executions.

Five hundred Sogdian heavy infantrymen in full armor, their imposing figures exuding immense pressure, their long-handled steel axes gleaming with a chilling light.

Five hundred heavily armored Khorasan cavalrymen lined up for training in the camp's drill ground for the attending officials to observe and review. Their strict discipline and powerful presence impressed all the participants.

But what commanded the most awe were the palace guards directly under Shahzani's command. At this time, they were no longer called the "Khadhuda Guards," but the "Shahr Guards."

Chapter 98 Shaher's Female Guard

Rustam heard Guldaz sigh deeply.

"I also felt great sympathy and couldn't help but tremble all over."

He spurred his horse and rode up to Pradvand.

"This monster looked like a huge mountain."

"The four defeated generals were disheartened,"

"Their opponents are like lions, while they are like wild donkeys."

"At this time, the enemy troops were still attacking on the battlefield,"

"Our own men suffered heavy casualties, and their formation was no longer intact."

He thought to himself, "This is a major disaster."

"Even the generals were at a loss."

"This situation indicates that our army has suffered a serious setback,"

"The countless dead and wounded before my eyes truly show that Heaven is not on my side."

"With that thought in his mind, he spurred his horse on,"

"I spurred my horse forward, determined to fight my enemy."

He shouted, "You ignorant demon!"

"Evil will be punished, and I'll make you suffer the consequences right now!"

……

On the parade ground of the camp, the Shahr Guard, fully armored and armed, marched forward in neat formations, reciting the epic chapters of "The Battle of Rustam against Pradvand" aloud under the guidance of the commanding officer.

This is one of the chapters in Ferdowsi's version of the Book of Kings.

It is now 1001 AD. According to the historical timeline, the unprecedented epic masterpiece, Shahnameh, has not yet been fully written and published. However, some of its excellent chapters have already been circulating throughout Persia, especially the story of the warrior Rustam.

Shahzani was a great admirer of the Shahnameh and revered Rustam, a representative of Iranian national culture and spirit, as were the female warriors under her command.

The envoys from various countries who observed the military formation all wore expressions of awe.

Shahzani has been in control for a week.

In recent days, envoys from Ghaznavid, Ziyar, Bavind, Baikal, Ghur, Shirvan, Oghuz, Kipchak and other countries have come to pay their respects.

Even the Caliph in Baghdad sent a representative.

They certainly weren't there to express genuine friendship, but rather to take the opportunity to probe Saman's national situation and, incidentally, to see just what this upstart female protagonist was capable of.

Shahzani naturally responded to their idea by demonstrating force.

On the training ground, dust billowed, and the female cavalry wore face-covering pointed helmets, revealing only their stern and beautiful eyes. Their heavy armor reflected the dazzling sunlight, making them appear particularly majestic against the backdrop of their scarlet uniforms.

"All troops, listen to my command! Spread out your formation!"

At the officer's command, the heavy cavalry quickly and efficiently dispersed, the armor on their warhorses clanging loudly.

"All troops, listen to my command! Assemble and regroup!"

At the officer's next command, the heavy cavalry quickly assembled again, their lances flashing like a forest, the red flags at their muzzles forming a crimson sea.

This elite female cavalry force changed several battle formations: from a dense formation back to a sparse formation, from a sparse formation back to a dense formation, from a marching formation to a wedge formation for charging, from a wedge formation to a stepped assault formation, and from a stepped assault formation to a multi-row wave assault formation.

Their heroic and beautiful figures, their excellent and sturdy equipment, and their strict and orderly military discipline dazzled the foreign observers.

"What a formidable force! The great Emperors Ardashir and Anushirvan (may they rest in peace!) relied on such valiant heavy cavalry to conquer east and west and establish their great empires." The envoy from Bavind exclaimed in sincere admiration as he watched the iron cavalry gallop past.

The envoys from Ghazni and Bayeux wore complex expressions. On the one hand, they had to acknowledge the strength of Shahzani's army; on the other hand, they were deeply worried about the upcoming battles.

Seeing their praising expressions, Shahzani was secretly pleased, but she didn't show it.

Just then, a Nassak walked up to Shahzani and whispered something in her ear.

Upon hearing this, Shahzani stood up, smiled, and said to everyone, "Please continue watching, everyone. I have some matters to attend to, so please excuse me for a moment."

She then instructed the military officers present to entertain the foreign envoys and make all the necessary arrangements before heading to the government office.

Stepping out of the training ground and out of everyone's sight, her expression turned serious, and her pace quickened.

Return to the government office.

The Bukhara officials had been waiting there for some time.

"According to you, the Seljuks attacked towns and counties in the Bukhara region?" Shahzani asked.