I was the Queen of Persia

Page 99

In the following months.

The relationship between the Samanid Empire and the Fatimid Caliphate is becoming increasingly tense. The Hamdan dynasty, acting as an important buffer state in the middle, is likely to become the central battlefield in the power struggle between the two major powers, making its strategic value increasingly important.

The situation did indeed gradually deteriorate.

Caravans and spies returning from the Sharm and Egypt kept bringing news of the Fatimid Caliphate amassing troops in preparation for war.

According to the description returned:

"The Fatima dynasty has already stockpiled military equipment and provisions that can last for years in the major ports of the Sinai Peninsula; the sails of the warships moored on the Red Coast can almost block out the sun..."

"In the streets and alleys of Cairo and Iskandariya, songs insulting Queen Shahzani were being circulated everywhere, describing her as 'the devil's whore' and 'Satan's bastard daughter'..."

It can be concluded that the Fatima regime had already made preliminary preparations for a large-scale invasion.

"Heh heh, it seems the rulers of Mishael (Egypt) are already itching to start wars and conspiracies." Shahzani looked at the report on the Samarkand paper in her hand and gave a few meaningful snorts.

"Your Majesty Shah Shah, this is nothing short of arrogant and disrespectful contempt and provocation! We suggest that we immediately assemble a large army, march into the southwest, and teach these false believers of the Mishir a lesson!" The pro-war generals, led by Bahramu, were furious at the Fatima Dynasty's actions and made their firm request.

"Yes, the Fatima people deserve a harsh lesson."

Shahzani nodded slightly, then stood up and pondered for a moment before looking at his ministers: "However, if we rashly start a full-scale war with Fatima, the Eastern Romans will be overjoyed and then stab us in the back."

"so……"

Shahzani emphasized loudly: "I have decided to prepare for war in Fars, Khuzestan, and the southwestern provinces of Iraq, but will not initiate war with the Fatima."

"As long as they don't move, we won't move. But if they recklessly invade, our righteous army will naturally annihilate these invading enemies!" As she finished speaking, a hint of sternness flashed in the Empress's eyes.

After saying that, he quoted a popular proverb from the Middle East:

"Avoid getting angry rashly, because doing so will expose your weaknesses."

After hearing this, the courtiers also agreed that this was the best strategy available at the moment.

Shahzani then personally drafted an edict and sent it to Shiraz, the capital of Fars Province, instructing West Pahibed-Hoslu in the southwestern war zone to raise military supplies and provisions, train the troops and horses in the region, and be ready to respond to any possible war.

Thanks to the well-established postal system within the Samanid Empire, the secret edict reached Shiraz in just two weeks. Upon receiving the Empress's decree, Hoslu immediately mobilized her forces.

The entire southwestern provinces, with Fars province at its core, quickly sprang into action under the mobilization of the powerful state apparatus. Regular troops were deployed and assembled in major cities and strategic locations, the Basij militia intensified its mobilization and training efforts, and various militia groups in Iraqi provinces cooperated closely.

Everything was running smoothly under the guarantee of highly efficient and iron discipline. The only drawback was that, due to the relatively weak naval strength of the Saman Empire, most of the operations were concentrated on land.

The Persians are traditionally a land-based people, and the Samanid Empire of Iran was also a land-based empire. Iran can even be described as a semi-landlocked country: although it is located on the Persian Gulf, its connection with the sea is not particularly close due to the intermittent obstruction of the coastal mountains.

But Hosselou did not completely give up on the ocean.

The Strait of Hormuz, guarding the entrance to the Persian Gulf, is a strategically vital location. Whoever controls it has the advantage of being able to hold off ten thousand enemies. In her edict to Khosrow, Shahzani also advised her to take control of this crucial location.

Hosslo had long intended to do this, and upon receiving the Queen's decree, she immediately began preparations.

Using a combination of persuasion and coercion, she subdued the chiefs of several islands in the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequently established outposts and watchtowers on the islands. Several Chinese engineering battalions stationed in Fars Province also took advantage of the geographical location to erect massive iron chains to intercept warships in the straits between the islands, thus strengthening their defenses.

In this way, once the Fatimid navy appeared in the Persian Sea, the watchtowers on the island would immediately sound the alarm. Furthermore, the yoke of the ships would also serve as a barrier; even if the Fatimid fleet managed to destroy the yoke, by then the land defense forces would already be ready for battle.

The two countries, on the verge of war, not only openly mobilized their armies to demonstrate their strength, but also secretly gathered intelligence on each other.

Perhaps fearing the heavy cost of a full-scale war, Hakim Amur Ala, the ruler of the Fatimid dynasty, called a halt to his public provocations and actions that were about to provoke war, just as the war was about to begin.

The Nassak intelligence officers, who were lurking at the front lines, swiftly dispatched a secret messenger to report this crucial news to Queen Shahzani.

However, the dutiful intelligence officers also reported another secret they had discovered in their secret report.

……

Jahanshahr, the royal palace.

"So, although the Fatima have suspended their open war, they are still preparing for a covert war." Shahzani said, looking at the intelligence reports sent back by their spies.

"Exactly."

Minister Divan, Firuz, who was in charge of postal stations, roads, and the intelligence transmission system, nodded in agreement:

"The Fatimid dynasty has taken in many remnants of the Mustafa regime, including those notorious assassins from religious sects. They also intend to use their control of the holy city of Mecca to issue orders to many Arab-Bedouin tribes..."

"Recently, numerous assassinations have occurred in the territory of Hamdan's Alawite faction, with the victims all being officials and nobles loyal to the Hamdan dynasty. Some Syrian dignitaries, fearing retaliation, are already secretly planning to defect to the enemy..."

"By the way, the Karmat sect, which occupies the oases of Bahrain and Kazakhstan, has also been lobbied by the Fatima envoys, but the chiefs and sheikhs there are currently wavering and observing. However, I am worried that if this situation continues, they will eventually side with Fatima, for the reason you know, that the Karmat and Fatima sects are both Shia."

"And if Bahrain falls into Fatima's sphere of influence, then the front line will undoubtedly be even closer to our homeland..."

Firuz pointed to the map, a hint of worry on his face.

"Your summary makes a lot of sense."

Shahzani nodded solemnly: "This kind of covert struggle is like a venomous snake's attack, luring people into a deadly trap without their knowledge. It truly needs to be dealt with. We should send out capable individuals to counter it head-on, but who should we send?"

"Of course, none other than your humble servant can do it." A familiar and cheerful voice came from outside the palace gate.

Chapter 232 Sahinian Volunteers

"It seems our ever-victorious female warrior is about to volunteer again."

Shahzani smiled and looked in the direction of the sound.

Sahimian strode into the courtyard and respectfully performed the courtesies due to a subject.

"So eager to end your vacation early and return to the battlefield?" Shahzani asked with a smile.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Sahimian shrugged: "Having spent too long in the prosperous capital, indulging in the splendor, music, poetry, and the pleasures of men, I'm afraid my war skills have become rusty. Moreover, the country is newly established, and the borders are rife with struggles and armed conflicts, so it is only natural that I must shoulder this responsibility."

“And you know,” Sahinnian added, “I am not only proficient in spears and swords, but also in words and tongues, and in scriptures. I am an expert in this kind of covert, unseen warfare.”

After hearing her self-recommendation, Shahzani nodded in approval.

Yes, Sahimian is the most suitable candidate.

She is a skilled warrior, alluring, authoritative, courageous, shrewd, adaptable, and has an exceptional learning ability.

She was not only skilled in large-scale military warfare, but also adept at organization and planning, and adept at dealing with all sorts of unsavory characters.

She was not only adept at direct, open warfare, but also skilled at using lobbying, incentives, bribery, seduction, buying off, coercion, silencing, united front work, appeasement, subversion, missionary work, and incitement to win over neutral forces and undermine the enemy's regime.

……

These advantages were not possessed by most other civil and military officials of the Samanid Empire of Iran.

For example, Bahram, a descendant of the Sasanian military caste, considered these to be unorthodox methods despised by warriors; while Farzana, from a scholarly family, considered them to be low-class schemes.

However, the objective fact is that the power struggles and conflicts between national regimes inevitably involve a great deal of unsavory and underhanded dealings. This is even more evident in the West Asia region, which is highly complex in terms of religion, tribes, ethnicities, and languages.

Sahimian, on the other hand, was free from the burdens of social class and was willing to participate, making her the best candidate.

"it is good."

Shahzani nodded solemnly: "Then, I grant you the authority to act as you see fit. Go ahead and do it! Whether it's open warfare or covert warfare, as long as it brings the enemy to their knees, it is truth and virtue!"

“By Allah I swear, I will never fail your high expectations!” Sahini’s eyes shone brightly as well. “But…”

"Just what?"

"Does Your Majesty need to borrow someone from you?"

"Who?"

“This person is neither far nor near,” Sahimian said with a mysterious smile. “She is a person who walks in the darkness, and is currently confined in the prison fortress in the capital.”

"Hydia?" Shahzani had been so busy with domestic and foreign affairs that she had almost forgotten about the female assassin. She only remembered her after being reminded like this.

Shahzani nodded slightly: "Yes, she is indeed a suitable helper, although there is still much room for improvement in her martial arts skills. Very good, I approve!"

……

Sadej Pirouz Sadiq Castle, on the outskirts of Jahanshahr.

This was a place used by the Samanid Empire to detain certain special prisoners, under the control of the Nassak's torture and extermination organization.

The prisoners held here are mostly former enemies who surrendered to the Samanid Empire, provided important information, and were treated well. They can regain their freedom after serving their sentences. Compared with prisoners in other prison cities, the prisoners here have ample living space and better food and treatment.

Of course, being monitored is inevitable.

Passing through the square garden inside the prison, many prisoners were being released under Nassach's strict supervision. Stepping through the tall, arched Persian inner gate, one was greeted by a series of relatively independent rooms.

“Your Majesty, General Sahimian, Hydia is in room number fifteen in the corridor,” the warden said.

"Okay, you can continue with your work. Just give me the key. I'll go see her myself," Shahzani instructed.

After getting the key, I went to room number 15. Through the iron-framed door, I could hear faint moans coming from inside.

"Oh no, could something have happened?" Shahzani and Sahini exchanged a glance, a thought flashing through their minds, and then quickly opened the door.

At first glance, everything seemed normal, but then the two strong women's expressions turned into: black lines.jpg.

Inside the room, a small, firm, white body was sticking out its rear, its vulva wide open. When they pushed the door open and walked in, Hydia was still diligently masturbating with her hand.

"Your Majesty! Please...please forgive this humble servant's lapse in composure!"

Hydia was startled by the sudden opening of the door, a silver thread shot out from between her legs, and she stopped what she was doing in a panic, grabbing the curtain to cover her private parts.

"Pfft—hahahaha!" Shahzani and Sahini burst into laughter in unison.

"What's wrong, Ms. Hydia? Are you so unsatisfied? If you have any needs, you can always report them to the warden," Shahzani couldn't help but chuckle.

Hydia's cheeks flushed red as she fastened the cloth covering her crotch, muttering, "Your Majesty, you should understand my predicament. Your generosity is admirable, but I know I dare not disturb your warriors, so I can only console myself with this."

"Alright, hurry up and get dressed, let's get down to business." Shahzani waved his hand. "Now you have a chance to redeem yourself."

"I will follow your instructions." Hydia, not even bothering to put on her clothes, knelt down and kowtowed, half-naked.

“I am sending you, along with General Shahini, back to Iraq and Jajira to thwart the plots instigated by Fatima. If you achieve merit, you will be richly rewarded,” Shahzani said calmly, but no one knew that her scarlet panties were slightly damp.

"I am willing to serve the great Shah Shah like a dog or a horse!" Hydia accepted the order without hesitation.

During her imprisonment (or rather, vacation) in the Samanid Empire, she had largely shed the cold-blooded nature of an assassin, regained her human emotions and desires, and her admiration for Queen Shahzani had deepened.

Sahezani was satisfied with this and instructed Sahini to explain the specific mission plan. She also arranged several rounds of martial arts warm-up exercises and collected supplies. Once everything was ready, they could officially set off.

Several days later, with all preparations complete, the two female generals, tasked with a special mission, embarked on the westward journey along the Khorasan Road.

Jahan Shahr remained magnificent and splendid. The Shahr Guard, clad in blood-red armor and clad in full armor, stood in formation on the vast square. Shahzani stood atop the towering Persian archway, gazing at the dust rising on the horizon, anticipating the good news of their victorious return.

……

Between the two forms of open and covert struggle, Shahzani's ultimate choice (at this stage) of covert struggle also has other deeper considerations.

The wars that previously conquered Karakhanid Khanate, Ghazni, and Baikal, and marched into Baghdad, were basically fought within the "Greater Iran" region, and were essentially "Iranian civil wars."

Shahzani's team was well-versed in the basic situation and their troop deployment and strategic planning were quite adept.

Meanwhile, the vast majority of Iranian nobles, intellectuals, and the general public, influenced by the "Shubi" ideology, deeply cherished the glory of the Sasanian and Samanid dynasties and longed for the strength and unity of their nation-state. Therefore, they enthusiastically supported Shahzani's forces.

On this basis, Shahzani was able to organize many large-scale battles involving hundreds of thousands of troops, and with the armored heavy cavalry group that Persia-Iran was proud of, he won many battles and finally rebuilt the glory of the Samanid dynasty.

However, if a full-scale war were to break out with the Fatimid Caliphate, troops would inevitably have to be deployed to foreign lands. The cities and tribes along the way are mostly Bedouin-Arab cities, which not only have weak popular support and different religious beliefs, but also have difficulty accurately grasping the terrain and geography along the way. Even if the military is strong and has system bonuses, it is easy to get bogged down in a quagmire.

Therefore, given the current lack of absolute certainty, it is advisable to temporarily employ covert tactics to weaken the Fatima regime.

Chapter 233 The Movements of the Fatimid Dynasty

On the vast, boundless desert, caravans of merchants traveled back and forth between various oasis inns. These merchants were communicators between nations and civilizations, and it was thanks to the tireless efforts of these caravans that the Silk Road maintained its prosperity.

However, the role of post roads and trade routes was not limited to promoting the spread of goods and technology.

"De-de-de!"

The rapid hooves of horses pounded the road in Khorasan, and on horseback sat Nassak, a messenger dressed in official robes and with a scimitar at his waist.

"A document from the direction of Meshrep (Egypt)! Send it immediately to Jahanshahr!"

Upon arriving at the post station, with its imposing tower and square walls, the messenger, barely catching his breath, shouted at the top of his lungs to his colleague. His companion, not daring to delay, immediately took the document bag, mounted a fast horse, and galloped swiftly to the next post station…

Similar scenes were common along the post roads of the Samanid Empire.

In light of the recent tense situation with the Fatimid Caliphate, Shahzani ordered the Nassakh organization to intensify its intelligence gathering efforts. Through the nationwide network of postal stations and roads, coupled with the efforts of intelligence officers, postal officials, and messengers at all levels, more intelligence was successfully transmitted back.

By integrating this intelligence, Shahzani was able to gain a deeper understanding of the recent movements of the Fatimid dynasty.

"The ruler of Fatima, Hakim, has recently issued several decrees, including prohibiting women from leaving their homes at will, banning fishing and selling fish, banning music and banquets, banning chess and backgammon, and cracking down on hoarders..."

"Hakim is secretly supporting powerful Sunni landowners and nobles to counterbalance the unruly Maghreb army and the numerically superior Coptic Christians within the country..."

"Hakim recently ordered the demolition of two Coptic Christian churches and added a series of restrictive regulations for Jews..."