I was the Queen of Persia

Page 62

Through conversation, the two sides discovered that they shared the same beliefs, such as universal salvation, the restoration of Iran, the elimination of pride, and the pursuit of moderate pleasure.

More importantly, they have complementary interests:

Shahzani needed to leverage the advantages of the Sufi order's organized structure and its indispensable influence among the people; while the Sufis also needed the Queen's official protection to better preach and spread their faith.

Ultimately, Shahzani absorbed all the Sufi organizations and doctrines into her Horami organization to further expand her religious influence.

Chapter 138 Conquering Farah City

It has strengthened and improved the religious organization system.

Shahzani took the opportunity to unlock a system bonus.

【Delvich's Sacred Deeds】Effect: Increases the public's devotion to the mainstream religion by 30%.

After finishing his business in Balkh, Shahzani led his expanded army on his way. When he reached Herat, he joined forces with Nasida and Khorshid. He then passed through Asfuzar (or Isfizar), where he collected more food and supplies. After his strength continued to grow, he marched toward Sistan province.

Given the ample food supply capacity of Sistan province, Shahzani deployed approximately 10 troops.

In the 21st century, Sistan has become a land of frequent sandstorms due to historical wars (especially the Mongol invasion and Timur's war), soil erosion, and salinization. It is famous for the "120-day wind" that blows for months on end, and its economy is underdeveloped.

But a thousand years ago, Sistan was a land of abundant resources, with crisscrossing irrigation canals, fertile oases, and lush grasslands. The Rustam Dam and other irrigation systems at various levels rationally distributed water resources from the Farah River, the Helmand River, and Zara Lake (Lake Hamon and Lake Helmand) to the oasis farmland, nourishing the vast fertile fields.

"Ah! Sistan! The shining pearl of eastern Iran, the place where epic heroes like Zar and Rustam once stood guard!" Shahzani exclaimed as she gazed at the beautiful and magnificent oasis stretching for thousands of miles.

Seeing the Queen's high spirits, the Saman warriors also shouted "Long live the Queen!" In an instant, the endless marching ranks cheered, and their powerful and resounding slogans echoed across the land.

"Your Majesty Shah, the hypocrites of Ghazni have occupied this land, casting a shadow of betrayal over this precious territory. Now that our army is strong and well-equipped, it is time to reclaim our lost land. This guardian land of Rustam will finally submit to you," Holshid said in advance, offering his congratulations.

“Yes.” Shahzani nodded. “That’s right. According to intelligence from the outpost, Mahmoud’s troops are stationed here. He has sent Altuntash to guard Farah City.”

“Our first priority is to capture Farah and break their momentum,” Shahzani said.

Farah is also the northern gateway to Sistan Province; occupying it is tantamount to opening the door to the heart of Sistan.

Holshid and Nasita readily accepted the order and led the vanguard towards Farah.

……

Mahmoud, who was stationed in Sistan, was also working to strengthen his defenses upon hearing of the arrival of Saman's army, and he especially ordered Altuntash to guard the city of Farah.

Just then, a guard reported that a woman from Transoxiana named Ali Ahmad requested an audience. Mahmoud was somewhat puzzled, but still ordered the guard to bring her in.

"May God bless you, Sultan of great military achievements..." Ali Ahmad finished her greeting and began to introduce herself.

Originally, her family lived in Baikand and had produced many officials and clergy. They were a prominent family with a bright future, but unexpectedly, when the Karakhanids invaded the Samanid dynasty, they betrayed their country and became collaborators with the Karakhanids.

Later, when Shahzani reclaimed her homeland and purged the traitors, how could she tolerate such petty people? Her family's land and property were confiscated and turned over to the public, and several of the most heinous members of her clan were publicly executed.

Harboring this hatred, she went into exile in the Sistan region and, based on the principle that "the enemy of my enemy can be used against me," met with Sultan Ghazni in an attempt to forge such an "alliance of interests" as soon as possible.

"Hmm." Mahmoud listened to her words with a mixture of belief and doubt.

After a brief thought.

Mahmoud: "Are you capable of leading an army into battle?"

Ali Ahmadinejad: "No."

Mahmoud: "Then can you govern provinces and counties?"

Ali Ahmadinejad: "No, not either."

Mahmoud's face darkened with anger: "Then what right do you have to seek my protection?"

Ali Ahmad knelt on the ground: "I swear on my head that I can use my viperous tongue to incite the people to rebel against Shahzani, to make her run around and be exhausted."

After listening, Mahmoud pondered for a moment, still unable to fully believe it. Ali Ahmad asked to send away her attendants, drew the curtains, and slowly began to remove her clothes.

Mahmoud's eyes glazed over as he opened his strong arms and pulled the beauty into his embrace.

……

Meanwhile, in Farah City.

Under Shahzani's command, the Samanid army established a siege camp. Battering rams, catapults, rocket chariots, gravity catapults, and all sorts of other war machines were deployed, standing in stark contrast to the city walls.

"It's time to start."

At Shahzani's command, the siege began.

In an instant, fireballs traced countless arcs through the air, raining down on the city walls. The rocket chariots displayed their formidable power, their dense barrage of fire arrows sweeping across the city like swarms of locusts, suppressing the Ghazni defenders and preventing them from raising their heads.

The Samanid troops, led by Nasita, rushed to the foot of the city wall. Their siege ladders and siege engines, secured firmly to the wall, were made difficult to overturn by the leverage and mechanical force applied.

"Attack with me!"

Naxida roared and took the lead. The heavy armor did not hinder her movements. She nimbly stepped over the steps and leaped up to the city wall.

The Samanid army scaled the city walls, and after a fierce and bloody battle, the Ghaznavid defenders were unable to withstand the onslaught and retreated in disarray. Each time they captured a key stronghold, the Samanid army would raise a battle flag to signify their victory.

"Mobilize two regiments to support the battle on the western city wall!"

Shahzani observed the battlefield situation while making directives.

Saman's army was in high spirits, and Nasita was incredibly brave. Under this fierce offensive, the Ghaznavid defenders inside the city were finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their lines.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Altuntash tried to break out of the encirclement in the chaos, but unfortunately he was spotted by Nasida.

The valiant Khwarazmian woman charged forward, overwhelming even the elite Ghulam warriors. Altuntash was terrified and hastily drew his sword to defend himself, engaging Nasita in fierce combat.

The iron weapons clashed, their clanging resounding endlessly.

After twenty rounds of fighting, Nasita suddenly broke through her opponent's defenses, her double-pointed spear piercing through his armor and straight into his chest, causing bright red blood to spurt out and splatter onto the city wall.

This Ghaznavid general, who coveted Khwarazm, was eventually killed by a Khwarazmian female general, a descendant of the Afrika Khwarazmian nobility.

Farah, the northern gateway to Sistan province, has fallen into the hands of Shahzani.

……

Zaranj City, the palace of Sultan Mahmud.

The Sultan's strong arms embraced her beautiful body, and spots of camel hair were splashed on the carpet.

“Your Majesty the Great Sultan,” Rajana approached, her face etched with jealousy. “Bad news has arrived from the front: Farah has fallen, and General Altuntash… has died defending the city.”

"What?!" Mahmoud pushed the beauty aside and suddenly jumped up.

"The Samanid army swept through Farah. General Altuntash fought bravely, but was ultimately outnumbered and brutally murdered by Shahzani's harpy hounds. His blood was spilled on the land of Sistan," Rajana repeated, emphasizing her words in an attempt to incite the Sultan's anger towards the woman beside him.

"Ah!" Mahmoud grabbed Ali Ahmad, "It's all your fault, you devil's bastard! You villain who deserves to go to hell! You made me miss an important military opportunity!"

“If His Majesty the Sultan thinks that way, he is sorely mistaken.” But Ali Ahmad was not afraid; instead, she wore a cold smile.

Chapter 139 Incorporation of Ayar Party Members

It turns out that before meeting Mahmoud, Ali Ahmad secretly went to Asfzal and took advantage of the fact that the area had just been recaptured by Shahzani and the people were temporarily unstable to incite the local people to riot.

News of the riots quickly reached Saman's army. Shahzani felt the matter was serious and mobilized troops to focus on quelling the unrest and calming the people, thus temporarily halting the offensive.

Taking advantage of Shahzani's inability to advance, Mahmoud ordered Ayaz to lead the Ghulam Guard into battle. After several days of fierce fighting, they recaptured more than 10 villages and towns outside Farah.

Although the victory was insignificant, Mahmoud was overjoyed and praised Ayaz gold belt and many other valuables. At the same time, he also realized that Ali Ahmad was a person who could be used.

However, this was not enough to stop the Samanid army's offensive.

With its powerful military and mobilization system, Shahzani quickly quelled the chaos in the rear and executed the ringleaders. However, it continued to amass troops and advance into the heart of Sistan.

Depart from Farah City.

Shahzani fought several battles with the Ghazni general Ayaz, who was defeated and led his troops in a retreat to Juwayn.

Shahzani followed closely behind, gathering a large force to decisively defeat them. Ayaz escaped with only a hundred or so riders. The Saman army's strength intimidated Zaranji.

Mahmoud, who was stationed in Zaranj, was greatly alarmed and hastily led his troops to retreat eastward to Bust, leaving only Rajana to guard Zaranj. He also ordered Ali Ahmad to disguise herself and go to various rural areas to incite riots against Shahzani.

But then a problem arose.

Just as Saman's vanguard was preparing to enter Zhuwai City and take over the local government, he was met with strong obstruction from a local armed force.

Ayar Party.

When the Arab powers declined in the 8th and 9th centuries AD, sectarian localization and nationalist movements emerged in various parts of Iran. Various ideologies, such as the Kufahanafi, Twelver Imams, Ismailis, Khorami, Kharijites, and the New Mazdak Movement, all sought to localize Iran and nationalize Persia to varying degrees, thus completely destroying Arab rule.

Amidst this competitive landscape, an armed group emerged in the Sistan region known as the "Ayar Party." This group fought fiercely against powerful officials, rival sects, and Arab restorers to protect Sistan's security, playing a significant role in helping Iran break free from Arab constraints. The renowned Saffar dynasty had deep historical ties with the Ayar Party.

Due to the historical discord between Safar and the Saman regime, coupled with the efforts of Mahmoud, Ali Ahmad, and others to sow discord before their retreat, local forces in Sistan, including the Ayar armed forces, have become extremely wary and vigilant towards Shahzani.

Several regular infantry companies of the Saman army had just entered a town outside the city of Juwai when they were ambushed by a group of Ayars wearing turbans, helmets, and chainmail vests.

According to the recollections of Saman soldiers who experienced the battle: "They suddenly emerged from behind the mud-brick houses and date palm groves, their faces covered by thick turbans, making it impossible for the soldiers to see what they looked like. They fought with swords, bows and crossbows, and spears, with a clear division of labor and great tenacity."

Although the Saman forces formed a defense in time and repelled the attack, they failed to capture any survivors, as the Ayar militants "nimbly climbed onto the rooftops, darted through the rooftop alleyways, and eventually disappeared without a trace."

The frontline troops were frequently reporting this situation, and the situation became tense again.

Shahzani decided to order troops at all levels to withdraw from urban settlements and set up camps in the suburbs, taking the initiative to extend goodwill to the other side in order to gradually de-escalate the conflict.

Holshid was puzzled and asked, "These militants are lawless. Why don't you punish them with swords and warhammers?"

Shahzani said, "These warriors are not ordinary bandits; they have their own morals and principles. Moreover, they have considerable influence among the people of Sistan, and we must maintain good relations with them if we want to bring Sistan under our rule."

Then, taking this topic as an extension, they discussed the history of Sistan, the rise and fall of the Safar dynasty, the Ayar people's "righteous act" of robbing the rich to help the poor, and so on, which enlightened Khorshid.

Halshead said respectfully, "Yes. Sometimes, words and goodwill are more powerful weapons than swords, hammers, and axes. You are right."

Coincidentally, an unexpected event gave Shahzani the opportunity to make a friendly gesture.

A few days ago, a sandstorm swept through Sistan province, affecting Juwai and surrounding cities such as Sadahaj, Pazwan, Dostabad, and Haradand. These towns are now covered in thick layers of sand, with even the city mosques obscured by dust, making it difficult for local residents to cope.

Shahzani seized the opportunity to mobilize a large number of officers and soldiers to help local officials and civilians dredge roads and clear silt from under the city walls, while also providing the people with food and fresh water.

These acts of kindness quickly brought them closer to local officials and civilians, and also reduced the hostility of the Ayar armed forces.

Seizing the opportunity, Shahzani dispatched officers familiar with the situation in Sistan to secretly travel to the areas controlled by the Ayar armed forces to make contact with their leaders and further reduce their hostility.

This "united front" work was very effective, and a large number of Ayar party members announced their surrender and joined the Samanid army.

Shahzani made other arrangements to further strengthen ties.

For example, she instructed Ibn Sina to send skilled military doctors to cities such as Juwai and Sadahji to establish city hospitals (Bimaristan) to help local residents treat chronic diseases.

These acts of goodwill further dispelled the concerns of the Ayar Party.

The Ayar Party proactively opened the gates of Juwai to welcome the Saman army, and actively pointed out the route, assisting the Saman army in controlling the grassroots governments of more than 90 towns and villages in the vicinity.

Of course, not everyone genuinely submitted.

A small faction of Ayar was determined to fight the Saman army to the end. However, under the heavy blows of Shahzani's iron fist, they quickly lost their territory and were forced to flee into the wilderness. To solve their supply problems, they had no choice but to plunder nearby villages, becoming bandits and losing the honorary halo of "Defenders of Sistan".

The consequences were predictable: these people lost the support of the Sistan people and were frequently besieged by the Saman army, leading to their rapid collapse.

Through persuasion, efforts to win over, enticement, isolation, intimidation, and attacks, the few Ayar party members who refused to submit were eliminated. The majority of the Ayar party members were incorporated into Shahzani's Saman army.

The plot by Ahmadinejad and others to incite chaos and create disorder has been completely thwarted.

By this time, Shahzani had advanced deep into Sistan, controlling a large population and local government. Next, he would approach Zaranj, the core capital of Sistan.

Chapter 140 The Safar Family's Submission

Saman's army marched in a mighty procession through towns and countryside, with Shahzani's scarlet battle flag fluttering in the wind.

They headed towards the city of Zhalanj.

Seeing her plot thwarted, Ali Ahmad was furious.

"Damn it, that 'Khorasan witch' is so cunning! No, I can't betray Sultan Mahmud's trust; he promised me a generous reward after the deed is done!"

She hid in a corner of the city, pacing anxiously back and forth, searching for a solution.

"I've got it!" Suddenly, she stopped. "The Safar family still wields considerable influence in Sistan. We can use old grudges to sow discord between them and the Samans!"

Thinking of this, she pulled her headscarf tighter to cover her face and quietly left...

Indeed, the Saffar dynasty in the strict sense had long been destroyed by the Samanid dynasty, but the Saffar family's influence in Sistan persisted for a long time. In reality, this family regime was more like a regional power, maintaining a certain degree of autonomy over Sistan while acknowledging the central authority of the Samanid dynasty.

At this time, the ruler of the Safar family, Khalaf ibn Ahmad, was temporarily residing in the palace gardens of Zabul. Ali Ahmad changed her route and, before the arrival of the Saman army, contacted him through her servants.

The two sides met at the manor in Zabul. Upon seeing the head of the Safar family, Ali Nejad immediately knelt down, passionately kissing the ground. She first loudly praised King Safar, then urged him on:

"The hypocrites of Saman have seized the land of the former ruler Safar (may God protect their souls!) and desecrated the sacred honor of the Safar family. Why don't you take this opportunity to call on the people of Sistan to take up arms and strike the Saman army hard?"