blogombal Page 17
Page 17
“Yes, sir,” Bahraim and Farzana replied in unison.
The three female soldiers quickly got up and tidied themselves. They went into the Persian bathroom, washed themselves quickly, and applied more rose perfume to their bodies. After returning to their quarters, Shahzani handed them their panties and then pulled her own panties up to her waist.
Then, they each put on the military uniform of Iranian soldiers: a "Pirahan" shirt on the upper body, loose-fitting lantern pants on the lower body, cotton leather combat boots made in Bukhara on their feet, and a "Kaftan" double-breasted armed jacket (short version) made of high-quality Zandan fabric on the outside, tied with a gold-trimmed leather armed belt, and then tied their long hair up and wrapped it in a "Turban" headscarf.
The maids brought breakfast: thin lava naan bread, skewers of grilled meat on sticks, a fragrant stew of meat simmering in an earthenware pot, yogurt seasoned with thyme and mint, and fruit syrup and dried fruit desserts.
After a night of intense fighting, the three of them were starving and quickly devoured all the food in front of them.
Shahzani licked her fingers, savoring the delicious food and the lingering "taste" of her sisters, before reluctantly washing her hands in the copper basin brought by the maid. Before leaving, she reminded the maid to wash the blankets and curtains on the bed several times.
Alas! It's tough on the maids; they'll have to expend a lot of effort again.
……
After morning prayers.
Shahzani and the other two arrived at the square in front of the castle on time to watch the soldiers drill.
The salaried regular soldiers under Shahzani's command, including the palace guards and the newly formed standing army, undergo daily drills and tactical training to enhance their combat effectiveness.
The Basij militia is a non-professional force that typically assembles for armed training only during their spare time from production.
The square plaza, surrounded by a strict array of protruding archways, showcases the awe-inspiring centralized authority of the Persian Empire through its highly ordered architectural layout.
The war drums thundered and the suonas blared.
Accompanied by marching chants, the palace guards, dressed in heavy Persian-style lamellar armor and riding chariots adorned with armor, moved in neat formations, advancing and encircling each other on the training ground, occasionally letting out loud war cries in unison.
Following the palace guards were the newly formed standing army.
"Warriors! Enter the field in formation!" Officer Hosslu shouted, directing the troops.
She was flattered and overwhelmed by the appointment to lead the new army. In order not to disappoint Chief Shahzani's expectations, she devoted herself to training and arranging troops.
One thousand regular troops, organized into companies of one hundred men each, entered the drill ground filled with guns and spears in an orderly manner. The officers and soldiers were all in high spirits, with firm and resolute eyes, exuding a fierce and murderous aura.
"First Company Centurion, Ali Jam Qasani, take your positions!"
"Second Company Centurion, Ahmad Bizan Kayanpur, take your positions!"
"Centurion of the Third Company, Abdul Faramazd Debussyani, take your positions!"
……
The regular army officers and soldiers roared their battle cries just as loudly, and their ranks were just as disciplined. Then, under the banner and commands of Officer Hosslu, the men and women soldiers brandished their guns and shields, attacking and defending in an orderly fashion, their battle cries shaking the heavens.
Shahzani looked at the spirited army and nodded in satisfaction.
She turned to look at Bahraim and Farzana, and sure enough, the two female officers had already perfectly switched into military mode and were now observing the army's drills with seriousness and focus.
His dignified demeanor was completely different from that of last night.
Shahzani nodded in satisfaction again. This was the rule she set for all the female soldiers: in private, they could joke and play around and call each other sisters; but as soon as the war drums and suonas sounded, they had to immediately regain the iron will and solemnity that soldiers should have.
Only in this way can the combat capability of the troops be guaranteed.
At this moment, a soldier ran from outside the training ground. He bypassed the military formations that were marching and practicing in the square, as well as the many officers who were commanding and observing, and quietly came to Shahzani's side.
“Sadar, there are several envoys from foreign armies outside the city who request an audience with you.”
Chapter 34 The Messenger of Montahir
“Oh? Who sent these messengers?” Shahzani asked.
"The messenger of 'The Ever-Victorious'—General Montahir," the soldier replied.
“Okay, I understand.” Shahzani felt a surge of emotion upon hearing the title. “Have them wait for me in the castle’s reception hall, and serve me tea and refreshments. I will be there shortly.”
The soldiers immediately went to carry out her orders.
Shahzani couldn't help but think of Montahir and his deeds in history.
Montahir, whose real name was Abu Ibrahim al-Ismail Samani, was the sole heir of the Samanid family after the fall of Bukhara and the demise of the Samanid dynasty.
In the official historical timeline, when the Samanid dynasty fell, Montahir disguised himself and fled Bukhara. He first hid in the home of an old woman for several days before secretly escaping and going into exile in Khwarazm and other places. In various places, he raised the banner of restoring the Samanid dynasty, recruited soldiers everywhere, organized several counterattacks against his homeland, and achieved many victories.
Unfortunately, his tireless efforts were merely a last gasp of the remaining Samanid forces. After being defeated by the Karakhanid army, he was forced into exile once more and was eventually assassinated by a nomadic tribal chief, ending his legendary and illustrious life. His sudden death also marked the complete failure of the Samanid dynasty's efforts to restore its kingdom.
Thinking of this, Shahzani couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions: "If I hadn't transmigrated here and forcibly intervened in historical events with my knowledge and the system's enhancements, then the original owner of this body and the court warriors under her command would have been swept away by the torrent of history, just like the twilight of the Samanid dynasty."
She even vividly imagined how much worse things would have gone without her "intervention":
Let's say we go back a few months, to the end of October in 999 AD.
Zanshahr, several days after the fall of Bukhara.
Shahzani, the original owner of this body, was severely injured and fell into a coma, and never woke up.
In their grief, Bahraim and Farzana resolved to lead the remaining palace guards in a desperate resistance.
Unfortunately, the disparity in strength was too great, and the palace warriors died one after another on the battlefield. The remaining sisters, after fighting bravely and exhausting themselves, were forced to become prisoners of the Karakhanid army.
The Karakhanid soldiers would brutally strip the Samanian female guards of their heavy armor, uniforms, trousers, and boots. The female warriors, fearless in the face of death, fiercely denounced the enemy's actions, desperately protecting their remaining undergarments, as if vowing to defend the last vestiges of the Samanid dynasty and the dignity of Persian female warriors.
Unfortunately, the Karakhanid soldiers did not stop there. They would laugh lewdly, tightly gripping the female warriors' lithe thighs and rosy bare feet. With a "rip-rip" sound, the triangular panties that symbolized the chastity and dignity of Iranian female warriors were all reduced to shreds.
Then, the Karakhanid soldiers whipped the naked Saman female warriors, bound their wrists and ankles with iron chains, shoved them into the tents, and wantonly played with and abused them until they fainted from exhaustion.
The Persian female warriors shed tears of despair and humiliation, but they remained steadfast in their faith until their resolute sacrifice and martyrdom.
……
End of imagination.
In the early stages of her journey, Shahzani had never imagined such a scene.
On the one hand, she was new to this era and not entirely familiar with the palace guards around her; on the other hand, she was busy with war and construction for a long time and had no time to think much about it.
However, as she developed deep feelings and friendships with the female soldiers around her, and gradually integrated herself into her role and saw herself as a part of this historical era, the memory of these potential tragedies inevitably added to her grief and anger.
Thinking of the brave and loyal Bahram, the learned and wise Falzana, and then recalling the sweet sisterly affection they shared last night, the unexpected and endearing contrast is truly delightful.
With these thoughts in mind, Shahzani became even more determined to defend the remaining glory of the Samanid dynasty.
"Hmph! I swear by the steel sword and warhammer of the Persian warriors, I will never allow the tragedy of history to fall again on the land of Iran, on the heads of my sisters!" Shahzani clenched her fist and silently made another vow.
……
The castle's reception hall.
Several fully armed soldiers took their seats under the guidance of waiters.
Armenian and Georgian maids served them tea, almond and pistachio pastries, for them to enjoy.
"Honorable envoys, please wait a moment. Our Sadar is inspecting the troops and will be here shortly," the attendant said politely.
"Well, please don't be anxious, Sadar. Everything should be focused on military and political matters. We can wait patiently," said the leading envoy—a soldier who looked like a general, wearing a turbaned helmet and heavy lamellar armor.
After exchanging pleasantries, the waiter asked the guests to be patient before leaving.
Only the few envoys remained, drinking tea and chatting in the reception hall.
"General Parviz, what kind of military commander do you think this Shahzani will be?"
At this moment, an officer who looked like a Turkic ghulam tentatively asked the leading general a question. Judging from his appearance, he should be a Turkic person from the Karluk or Chaqi tribe.
Parviz said meaningfully, "Ishke Berg, you saw it all on our way here. In this chieftain's territory, the farmland and pastures are fertile, the towns are orderly, and merchants come and go in an endless stream. Her castle is like a wealthy and prosperous metropolis, and the residents seem to have great awe and love for her."
He paused, then changed the subject: "Judging from these signs, what kind of leader do you think she will be?"
Ishk Beg pondered for a moment, then shook his head: “I’m not sure either. Because she’s a woman, and most of her soldiers seem to be women as well. I still have doubts about whether women can achieve brilliant feats on the battlefield. But overall, she commands a formidable armed force, which is undoubtedly of great benefit to our fight against the Karakhanid army.”
“Well said.” Parviz nodded approvingly. “Chief Montahir sent us here with the same goal in mind. In the next few days, we need to examine their strength more thoroughly.”
At this time.
"Sadar Shahzani has arrived!" a loud announcement came from outside the door.
Then, a smart and capable female leader, accompanied by several female officers, stepped into the hall.
Upon seeing this, Parviz, Ishk Berg, and other envoys immediately rose and respectfully performed the proper etiquette.
Chapter 35 The Alliance's Initiative
"Abu Mansur Jawad Parviz, a subject of Montahir, with his messengers pays homage to the beautiful and noble Sadar Shahzani. May God bless you with abundance, prosperity, and eternal youth."
Parviz, who was in charge of the delegation, spoke words of praise with utmost respect.
"May God bless you, distinguished guests of Montahir. Your arrival has added immeasurable glory and honor to my dilapidated and humble fortress. Please take your seats."
Shahzani naturally returned the greeting politely.
Both parties, in order of host and guest, found their respective cushions and took their seats.
“Emissary Parviz, what important matter has the valiant leader Montahir sent you with?” Shahzani had already guessed their purpose, but as the host, she still had to ask as a formality.
“Oh, is that so?” Parviz smiled and presented a Samarkand document.
The document was handed to Shahzani by a servant.
Meanwhile, Parviz briefly explained the purpose of his trip:
Montahir hoped to form a military alliance with her to jointly fight against the Karakhanid dynasty, which occupied Transoxiana, in order to reclaim the former territory of the Samanid dynasty.
However, the more detailed and specific information was written in the Samarkand Paper Documents. In addition, the documents also listed a gift list, not only as a gesture of goodwill in the Montahir alliance, but also as a congratulatory gift in advance of Nowruz.
Shahzani carefully read the document, which stated that Montahir had recruited an army of 4 to 5 men. His troops included not only former Samanid soldiers but also a large contingent of volunteers from Khwarazmian, Oghuz, and Seljuk-Turkmen groups. Currently, his forces were stationed at Dasht Qom, 20 farsahs north, and were preparing to march east.
She then reviewed the gift list provided by Montahir: 200 camels, 500 horses, 700 strong bows from Khwarazm, and a considerable amount of military supplies such as iron and salt, which showed great sincerity.
Shahzani already had a plan in mind.
However, she was also very clear that such a major matter concerning the future and destiny of the military and government could not be hastily agreed to on the spot. Otherwise, it would not only make the other party feel that she was not acting prudently, but also that she had overlooked some key aspects.
Then she smiled and said to the messengers of Montahir, “Respected messengers, you have come from afar and must have had a tiring journey. Please rest well in the inn in the city. As for your request, I will give you a clear answer soon.”
"Alright, then we'll await good news." Parviz and the others stood up, bowed, and took their leave.
Shahzani instructed her servants to lead them to the city's inn and arrange proper hospitality.
……
After seeing off Montahir's envoy.
Shahzani then summoned Bahraim, Farzana, and other decision-making officers to discuss how to respond to Montahir's request for an alliance.
"Gentlemen, the exiled Samanid prince Montahir has sent us friendly envoys, bringing with him the sincerity to open the door to friendship. However, it must be noted that if we form an alliance with him, we may be drawn into direct conflict with the Karakhanid Dynasty much sooner. I would like to ask your opinion on this."
Shahzani looked around at his officers and spoke slowly.
“Sadar, I think we should form an alliance with Montahir!” Bahraim was the first to stand up.
Bahraim said, "We and Montahir are both remnants of the Samanid dynasty, and we are all like-minded defenders of our country and faith. We should form a strong alliance to jointly reclaim our homeland and drive those Turanians (Turks) back to the steppes of Talas!"
“Well said,” Shahzani agreed, then looked at Farzana, “What do you think?”
“I agree with what Bahram said,” Farzana immediately added.
Farzana continued, “Firstly, a large-scale war between us and the Karakhanid Dynasty is inevitable sooner or later. Our current undertaking is just beginning, and our strength is relatively weak, insufficient to confront the Karakhanid army alone. Therefore, we need reliable allies. Secondly, we know Montashir well from our time serving in the court of Bukhara. This prince is visionary, putting the country, faith, and people first, and is a trustworthy ally.”
“Hmm, that makes a lot of sense.” Shahzani gave Falzana an approving look.
She then asked several other officers for their opinions, and they generally agreed to form a military alliance with Montahir.
“Sardar, I also agree with the move to form an alliance with Montahir, but there is one thing we must carefully consider.”
At this moment, Officer Firuz stood up and spoke.
Shahzani nodded, signaling her to continue.
Firuz then said, “Montahir is undoubtedly a trustworthy ally, but as the wise have said, ‘You cannot shepherd your flock by relying on someone else’s sheepfold.’ I think that while we are forging an alliance, we must also continue to strengthen our own power.”
“This is something we must consider.” Shahzani cast an admiring glance at her senior sister. “We cannot hastily entrust our future and destiny to our allies.”
This line of thinking is absolutely correct. As the saying goes, there are no permanent allies, only permanent interests. If one's own strength is insufficient, even with additional support from external forces, one will ultimately be swallowed up and eliminated by the tides of history.
In fact, long before the arrival of Montahir's envoys, Shahzani had already begun to envision a development path of launching attacks abroad, expanding his influence, and gradually growing stronger.
With the support of Montahir's alliance and the sharing of strategic pressure, she will undoubtedly be able to act more freely and put her plans into practice.
The alliance with Montahir is now a done deal.
……