I was the Queen of Persia

Page 131

By the latter half of the Iranian calendar year 390 (1021 AD), many tribes along the long border between the two countries had already driven their livestock across the border to seek refuge with the Samanid Empire.

Although most of them were small tribes with few people, weak strength, and opportunistic tendencies, they did not shake the basic structure of the Turan Khanate, but they were enough to make the Great Khan Turan lose face.

Shahzani used a combination of carrot and stick to manage these unruly nomadic people of the steppe. She had to use force to keep them in line and prevent them from plundering towns and villages, while also winning their hearts and minds so that they would assist in the defense of the frontier.

At this point, Shahzani liked to use the old Machin saying: "When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame."

As long as these nomads are fed, clothed, and have a relatively stable habitat, they will stop raiding. And thanks to years of accumulated productivity, the Samanid Empire also has sufficient material resources to satisfy the nomads.

Hmm? Productivity?

productive forces……

productive forces……

“That’s right!” Shahzani exclaimed, a flash of inspiration in her eyes. “We already have the production capacity, why not take this opportunity to wield the ‘sanctions stick’?”

In her past life, her homeland was sanctioned by a certain evil country for a long time. Despite developing many counter-sanction measures and even sanctioning high-ranking officials of the evil country, it still had to tighten its belt from time to time.

The high unemployment rate is precisely due to sanctions;

Because of the high unemployment rate, it is difficult for her to find employment back in her home country;

It was precisely because of the difficulty in finding employment that she racked her brains to "make a living on her own";

Because of a series of coincidences and unexpected events, she was transported to this parallel world...

“Well, now it’s my turn to use the ‘sanction’ technique! Hehe!” Shahzani couldn’t help but smirk.

A meeting was then convened in Divan to announce the plan.

High-ranking officials like Farzana may not know modern terms like "trade sanctions" or "embargoes," but they can understand as long as Shahzani uses similar terms.

In essence, this meant reducing the number of caravans and the volume of goods traveling to the Turan Khanate, and strictly screening the types of goods. Strategic resources such as steel, weapons, armor, grain, salt, and rhubarb were strictly prohibited from being traded during wartime.

Trade between Iran and Turan was under the strict control of the Samanid government. Merchants, missionaries, and travelers going to Turan needed to obtain a pass from the government.

This measure aims to curb the growth of Turan's power.

“In a few months, the Turans will be in trouble.” Shahzani said smugly as she looked at the drafted edict.

……

As it turned out, the trade restriction strategy did indeed deal a heavy blow to the economy of the Turan Khanate.

As a steppe khanate with a nomadic economy as its mainstay, the Turan Khanate's economic foundation was actually quite fragile. A large number of goods needed to be imported from outside, and thanks to its geographical advantage of being close to the Silk Road, it always regarded commerce as an important supplement.

Due to its geographical location, Turan has particularly close trade ties with Iran.

Several north-south trade routes (such as the Iranian Tabaristan Province-Caspian Sea-Volga River route and the Iranian Khorezm Province-Aral Sea-steppe route) connected Turan with Iran, maintaining their shared prosperity.

Samanid caravans brought various goods that were in short supply to the nomads through trade routes to Turan, and then extended the trade further north, trading with the Bulgar Khanate, Kievan Rus' and other countries in Eastern Europe.

Based on data from the Nassak government and the Diwan finance department, Shahzani estimated that 40% to 50% of the Turan Khanate's foreign trade came from the Samanid Empire.

The goods that the Turks have, the Iranians also have; but the goods that the Iranians have, the Turks may not have.

This demonstrates just how enormous the impact will be.

……

Afrashiyab City, Khan Ordos.

Many of the Khanate's nobles gathered in front of the tent and complained to Aknuer about the reduced "harvest".

"Khan! The Iranians have restricted the number of caravans allowed to trade. At this rate, it will be increasingly difficult for us to make a living!"

"The Iranian government has deliberately blocked trade in iron ingots, weapons, armor, and all kinds of armaments. If this continues, we won't even be able to equip our soldiers properly!"

"They also reduced the export of cloth, grain, salt, and various daily necessities!"

"Why not continue organizing raiding forces and head south to plunder their towns and villages!"

"Let's just gather our forces and wipe them out, just like when Avrasayab Khan swept through Iran in the past!"

The leaders and nobles of each tribe raised their arms and shouted in unison.

"Leaders, please be patient!"

A rough, loud female voice came from the Khan's throne, silencing the noise inside the golden-roofed tent.

Aknu'er sat on the Khan's throne, his eyes cold and sharp: "Shahzani tried to weaken us with this cowardly act, but she is sorely mistaken! I have many ways out!"

The leaders were wondering what the female Khan was trying to say.

Aknu'er then gestured to his guards to present his belongings: ten heavy two-handed curved swords, each exuding a robust and menacing warlike aura, while the craftsmanship of the scabbards and hilts also showcased the distinctive style of the Turan steppe.

"Heroic warriors of Turan, with this weapon, sever that iron chain!"

Aknuer pointed to the noose as thick as a child's arm beside him and gave a stern command.

A Khan's guard, clad in heavy lamellar armor, immediately brandished his blade and slashed with all his might. With a crisp, loud crack, the chain was cut in two.

Upon inspection, the blade was still intact and not dull.

The many Turan leaders who were watching were amazed by the powerful force of this weapon.

Aknuer smiled smugly.

This is one of the results of her management.

As a former nobleman of the Karakhanid Dynasty, Aknuar had come into contact with a relatively advanced agricultural settlement civilization and had clashed with the steel-armed cavalry of the Iranian Samanids many times. He had long recognized the powerful strength of settlement civilization's technology and culture.

Therefore, after conquering the various tribes of Turan, she immediately created a written language, formulated laws, and established a full-time standing army. While preserving the nomadic economy, she also built numerous permanent cities, captured slaves from various settled peoples to fill them, and developed agriculture and handicrafts, especially the arms manufacturing industry.

In particular, this idea became even more firmly established after Shahzani tightened the blockade and regulation of trade between the two places.

Even the female rulers of the grasslands have ambitions.

By drawing on and absorbing advanced Iranian technology and combining it with the traditional experience of the Turkic people, the weapon forging industry of the Turan Khanate flourished.

After all, the Turks entered the historical stage as "blacksmith slaves" of the Rouran, so their skills in this area would not be lacking.

No update today.

Something came up, no update today.

Chapter 309 The Iran-Turran Non-Aggression Pact

1022 AD, Persian year 391.

The Samanid Empire of Iran continued to strengthen its military.

The Turan Khanate, through its established agriculture, mining, and arms manufacturing industries, also strived to offset the trade restrictions imposed by the Samanid Empire.

Upon hearing of her opponent's actions, Shahzani couldn't help but curl her lips in disdain, showing no concern whatsoever.

The power struggle between empires ultimately boils down to a contest of productivity. And when it comes to productivity, the Samanid Empire was an extremely powerful force at that time. Looking at the world, it is estimated that only East Asian "giants" such as the Song Dynasty in China could surpass it in some areas.

Moreover, you still need iron to forge swords and armor, and you need advanced production tools such as iron picks, iron hoes, explosives, and conveyor systems to mine iron ore... and you can only be self-sufficient in at most half of these, and I have to sell the other half to you.

If this continues, how will you compete with me in terms of production efficiency?

As a result, six months after the start of the trade war, the Turan Khanate was already struggling to cope.

……

Afrashiyab City, the golden-roofed tent of Turan Khan.

"Damn it! I underestimated these Iranians!" Aknur paced back and forth, thinking about the current situation.

If the Samanid Empire's "trade war" continues, the Khanate that they have painstakingly built may disintegrate before they even officially engage in the war.

However, if they were to directly declare war and invade, although their own army was brave and skilled in battle, they would be at a disadvantage in terms of population, resources, and manpower, and they would probably not be able to compete with the powerful Saman Empire.

Suddenly, Aknuer had a flash of inspiration and came up with a strategic plan.

……

Jahanshahr, the royal palace.

Shahzani's life remained as "orderly" as ever: attending court and governing diligently and attentively; and indulging in "luxury and debauchery" after court.

Feasting, poetry recitation, and revelry were the hallmarks of a peaceful and prosperous empire. The Samanid Empire under Shahzani's rule was seemingly in the midst of an unprecedented golden age and glorious prosperity.

The luxurious harem was a veritable garden of pleasure, permeated with an atmosphere of sensuality and ambiguity. On magnificent Persian carpets, poets recited poems, musicians played music, dancers performed, and aphrodisiac fragrances wafted everywhere.

Drinking jewel-colored fermented grape juice and eating rich and delicious roasted lamb with big ears, the life of emperors in the Book of Kings and One Thousand and One Nights is nothing more than this!

The alluring and beautiful queen, her lust still "wielding a tiger that could swallow mountains and rivers," possessed not only her "sworn sisters" like Bahram and Farzana, but also a large number of young male and female servants. Such pleasurable indulgence surpassed even God's paradise!

At this moment, the minister in charge of post roads and intelligence gathering, Firuz, suddenly had an important matter to report.

"Your Majesty the Great King of Kings! The Turan Khanate has sent an envoy to sign a ceasefire treaty with our country. The envoy's team has already arrived at the northern border of Transoxiana Province."

"Oh? So that's what it is." Shahzani's hair was disheveled, and the flush on her cheeks hadn't faded yet.

Just moments ago, in the heat of battle, he was enjoying the pleasure that filled his entire body, as if his soul had left his body, riding the sacred celestial horse Brak, soaring straight up to the ninth heaven, his muscular body filled with heat, and his plump buttocks already overflowing with desire... Suddenly interrupted by urgent intelligence, anyone would feel quite displeased.

However, as a powerful and iron-fisted ruler, she always prioritized national affairs. Thus, despite being displeased that her pleasures had been interrupted, she composed herself and began to handle official business.

In the study of the palace, Diwan and his ministers gathered for an emergency court meeting.

“Shahsha, should we approve their entry? God above, the Turanites are always cunning!” said the minister in charge of foreign affairs beside Firuz.

"So what? Just let them in!"

Shahzani's expression was open-minded, yet tinged with a hint of shrewdness: "When guests come to 'visit,' the host has no reason to turn them away. Let them come! Their schemes will not escape our grasp."

……

Ten days later, the Turan mission arrived in Jahanshahr.

The leading Turan envoy prostrated himself before Shahzani's throne, presenting gifts from Khan Aknuar—fine lambskins, felt, rare birds and beasts, jeweled swords, and more. He earnestly declared, "The Turan Khanate is willing to conclude a peace treaty! We are willing to restrain all tribes that cross the border to plunder!"

Shahzani smiled slightly and said, "Peace is the desire of both peoples. We gladly accept your country's willingness to conclude an alliance. Please inform your Khan that her kingdom may forever be bathed in peace, and that her flocks may forever prosper under the light of peace!"

A ceasefire treaty was then signed atop the palace, stipulating that:

1. The two countries resumed normal trade relations;

2. The two countries established additional border markets along their borders;

3. Both countries shall cease sending nomadic armed groups to plunder across the border;

4. To jointly protect the order of trade routes and jointly combat bandits, outlaws, and other unknown nomadic raiders;

5. The validity period of the treaty shall be amended in accordance with changes in objective circumstances.

……

After the treaty was signed, Shahzani lavishly entertained the Turan delegation, presenting them with delicious food, beautiful poetry recitations, exquisite song and dance performances, and an epic drama, further showcasing the grandeur and magnificence of the Samanid Empire.

Subsequently, the delegation was arranged to view the Samanid army's grand military parade, as well as Jahan Shah's magnificent Persian architecture—libraries, squares, martial arts halls, irrigation canals, and various public facilities.

Ultimately, it took half a month of hosting the Turan delegation before they were allowed to return home.

Standing atop the magnificent Persian city gate, the departing delegation faded into shadows on the wide Khorasan Road, eventually disappearing beyond the horizon.

“Vazir, I believe that the reasons behind the Turan Khanate’s peace negotiations are not simple.” Shahzani looked at Farzana with a solemn expression.

“That’s right. The Turans have always coveted our sacred and noble land, ever since the time of Tur and Afrasiab. How could they easily seek peace? I’m afraid this alliance is just preparation for the next war!” Farzana said meaningfully.

“Well said. So we must also prepare for war—even though we would prefer peace,” Shahzani said.

Shahzani knew that it was impossible for a burgeoning and expanding nomadic military society, a Khan with deep hostility toward Iran, and two empires whose geopolitical interests had already intensified to achieve long-term peace in such a short period of time.

Aknuar was merely toying with peace negotiations. While sending a delegation to the region to sign the treaty, she may have already been secretly amassing troops and raising the spearhead of expansion in the shadows.

However, if the enemy doesn't move, neither will I. Before the other side formally reveals its intention to expand the war, Shahzani decided to remain silent for the time being.

Chapter 310 The Aftermath of the Westward Expedition: Sweeping Through North Africa

Of course, while engaging in back-and-forth battles of wits and courage with the Turan Khanate, Shahzani was also taking care of other matters.

In the Ifrikiye region, the newly allied Berber leaders of the old Chiri dynasty plotted a rebellion while the empress was away in the north, attempting to restore their rule.

The Empress didn't need to worry too much; the Central Diwan Agency had already handled the matter quite efficiently.

Liu Wenyuan, the Qin governor of Syria, was ordered to lead 12,000 soldiers to quell the rebellion.

Thanks to Syria's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the skill of Chinese craftsmen in building ships, Liu Wenyuan built a sizable navy with numerous warships and countless sailors, earning him the title of "model navy" from Shahzani.