I was the Queen of Persia

Page 132

The fleet departed from the port of Beirut and arrived at the North African coast within ten days.

The well-trained Imperial Syrian provincial troops swiftly landed, advanced in formation, and swept through the enemy ranks with a slow but rapid assault. The Berber tribal soldiers, despite their brute strength, were no match for them.

The Berber camel archers and javelin cavalry, who roamed freely across the Maghreb Desert, were no match for the armored Samanian infantry and horse archers and camel troops. More importantly, their formations were scattered and their organization loose, making them unable to contend with the well-coordinated Samanian army. After a brief and futile resistance, they scattered like birds and beasts.

Liu Wenyuan led his troops straight in.

The rebels retreated to Kairouan and attempted a desperate resistance.

……

Kairouan City.

The stone castle was high and sturdy, with many towers. The rebel warlords deployed a large number of conscripted soldiers on the city walls, set up many crossbows, and recruited 1000 crossbowmen from Sicily and Latin countries to strengthen the defenses.

After observing the enemy's city defenses, Liu Wenyuan decided to adopt the "feint to the east while attacking the west" tactic.

First, send 2000 Kurdish horse archers to quickly outflank the city's western flank, feign an attack, and continuously circle and shoot from horseback to attract the enemy's attention.

They also dispatched a commando team of 500 Sand Bathers (reorganized from the Sham Assassins) who, under the cover of night, opened a breach in the relatively weak southern wall, killed the sentries, and successfully infiltrated the area.

Then, 50 rocket vehicles were deployed on the eastern flank of the city, continuously firing arrows to suppress the 1000 mercenary crossbowmen who were the best archers in the enemy army.

Under the cover of multiple forces, a detachment composed of Chinese engineers seized the opportunity to dig trenches and tunnels, and successfully detonated explosives at the bottom of the city gate.

With a deafening roar, the seemingly impregnable city was breached.

The Berber rebels defending the city were shocked. Compared to the Saman army's close and swift tactics, this unprecedented and astonishing weapon was more likely to cause psychological shock and fear.

The Berber rebels at the front lines witnessed God unleash a devastating thunderbolt, tearing the city gates to shreds and killing the soldiers stationed around them.

An overwhelming sense of fear immediately spread among the defenders.

Those conscripted cannon fodder were originally ignorant and superstitious peasants and nomads. How could they have the courage to resist? After hearing the deafening roar that sounded like "God's wrath," they threw down their javelins and spears and fled in all directions without looking back.

The more knowledgeable rebel soldiers were still putting up a stubborn resistance. They might not know that it was called "gunpowder," but they certainly knew that it was just a more powerful weapon, not some kind of "divine power," so despite their fear, they still maintained some discipline.

However, heavy blows followed one after another.

The Samanid "Sand Bathers" troops that had previously infiltrated had by this time destroyed most of the defenders' crossbows, as well as the warehouses supplying crossbow bolts.

What terrified the defenders even more was that the rebel leader had been found dead in his mansion, with a sharp dart embedded in his throat.

The defending troops were leaderless, and order completely collapsed.

Taking advantage of the situation, Liu Wenyuan launched a full-scale attack. The Saman army launched a multi-pronged attack, advancing in a coordinated encirclement, and decisively defeated the enemy who were fighting amongst themselves. They then surrounded and annihilated the small remaining enemy forces that stubbornly resisted, and finally successfully captured the city.

The Battle of Kairouan resulted in the deaths of 4000 enemy soldiers and the capture of over 13000, a victory that significantly weakened the rebels' ability to resist.

……

They set off from Kairouan and continued westward.

The remaining Berber rebels are still putting up a last-ditch resistance, but their efforts are clearly becoming weaker and weaker.

Meanwhile, in the Samanid army, a large number of newly recruited young officers, inspired by their achievements and honors, bravely fought the enemy. Among them were Chinese, Rus' Slavs, Alans, Armenians, Georgians, and Circassians, all shouting inspiring slogans and striving to be the first to charge.

More importantly, those who deliberately rebelled were ultimately a minority. In comparison, the majority of the people were more supportive of the Samanid government.

After all, under the Queen's rule, these semi-civilized desert nomads had already begun to experience the prosperity brought about by trade.

So when the army marched to Makara, the local tribal chiefs rushed to defect and provide the Saman army with food, water and other supplies, and even pointed out the marching route.

With its powerful military and the support of the people, the Samanid army swept through the land with overwhelming force.

The remaining enemy troops retreated to Fez and held out for their lives.

But this was utterly ineffective against the unstoppable advance of the Samanid army.

Beneath the walls of Fez, Liu Wenyuan replicated the tactics used in the conquest of Kairouan, employing close coordination among multiple troop types. Powerful rocket chariots suppressed the archers on the city walls; elusive "Sand Bathers" assassins infiltrated and sabotaged; the main attacking force, following the established formation, launched a coordinated assault…

In the Battle of Fez, 2500 enemy soldiers were killed, more than 15000 were captured, and more than 40 rebel leaders were killed. This victory completely crushed the rebellion.

……

He quelled the rebellion and subdued the various tribes.

The Samanid government issued a decree to establish a province in Ifrikiy, with Kairouan as its capital, and to appoint an Armenian officer as Kadhuda; and to establish a province in the Maghreb, with Fez as its capital, and to appoint a Rus' officer as Kadhuda.

Liu Wenyuan, a man from Qin, was promoted for his meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion in the west.

Shahzani promoted him to deputy governor of the Northwest Azerbaijan Military District to assist Tahmina in commanding troops.

Shahzani discovered that, contrary to her previous stereotypes, the Maghreb and Ifrikiyya were quite advanced in civilization. For example, Kairouan had a magnificent military fortress, and Fez had the University of Karouin, which was known as the "world's oldest university."

Overall, Kairouan and Fez were densely populated and had a thriving population, with facilities such as libraries, markets, bathhouses, monasteries, and ports. However, due to the damage caused by war, famine, and raids by nomadic tribes in recent years, they are no longer as prosperous as they were in their heyday.

In any case, let's integrate it into the Saman Empire's territory first. I believe that under the influence of the empire's powerful productivity, this place will surely become more prosperous in the future.

Chapter 311 My Daughter's Sweetheart

The western expedition was progressing smoothly, and then another piece of great good news arrived.

A messenger reported that her daughter, Princess Kadhuda-Falukzad of the Samanid Empire and the governor of Transoxiana, had achieved great success in her struggle against Turan and was about to return to the capital to report to the emperor.

Upon receiving this news, Shahzani was so happy that she couldn't sleep for several days.

Over the years, with mothers and daughters separated by war and travel, they have seen each other almost never. Being able to see her beloved daughter in person at this time is undoubtedly the happiest thing for a mother.

……

The day of Farukzad's arrival in the capital was fast approaching. Since she was returning to the capital to meet the emperor as a meritorious official, her journey was meticulously prepared: a majestic guard escorted her; officials and commoners throughout the city welcomed her with open arms; fragrant naan bread and fresh flowers were offered; even the roads were swept clean with flowers and rose dew.

We arrived at the palace.

“My daughter! My little lion!” Shahzani stood at the door, seeing her daughter's figure in the distance.

She rushed forward impatiently, opening her arms to embrace her beloved daughter.

“Qadhuda of Transoxiana, pay homage to the Queen Mother—the Great Shah Shah, the center of the universe, the projection of God on earth!” Farukzad bowed in reverence.

"Get up quickly, come on, let's go inside and talk!"

The fierce and majestic empress transformed into a loving mother, gently helping her daughter up, affectionately taking her hand, and leading her into the palace.

The mother and daughter were naturally overjoyed to see each other.

The boudoir is decorated with Persian arch patterns, and the intricate niches display precious utensils. Gauze curtains and silk carpets create a magnificent and beautiful scene, while the copper lamps cast shadows and the copper censer emits a fragrant aroma.

After enjoying their meal and snacks, the mother and daughter sat down for a long talk, mostly about the military and political situation, military strategies, famous battles, weapons and armor, warhorses and fine steeds, and so on.

However, it is a woman's nature to love beauty and life, so it didn't take long for her to move on to topics such as love, poetry, dance and music, makeup, skincare, beautiful clothes, and the art of preserving youth.

"Do you have someone you like?"

"not yet."

Farukzad shrugged and sighed: “Those young men are all in awe of me. By God’s will, they are all too insecure and lack the courage to pursue the girls they love, like the warriors Bija and Isvandiyar.”

"The pursuit of love is an inherent right of everyone. Brave female warriors and daughters of the Iranian people can also pursue the men they love..."

Shahzani preached eloquently, breaking free from the shackles of feudal etiquette.

After all, the status of women in the Samanid Empire of Iran has been steadily rising, and their influence in national and social life has become increasingly important.

However, as the famous philosophical saying goes, "consciousness has relative independence." Although the system and productivity have made great progress, some deeply ingrained ideas and concepts still require long-term change.

Shahzani, on the other hand, worked tirelessly in the relevant direction.

The stories told were all incredibly erotic.

“I…uh…Mother Queen…actually…” Upon hearing her mother’s vivid description, Farukzad’s cheeks suddenly flushed red, “Daughter…does have a crush on a young man…”

"Is that so?" Shahzani suddenly grinned mischievously, her hand slowly caressing the princess's secret garden. "Have you ever tasted the wonderful flavor of love?"

"Oh...Mother Queen..." The princess nestled into Shahzani's arms, her face flushed.

……

Farukzad spoke eloquently, recounting how the two met and fell in love.

The process of them getting to know each other bears some resemblance to the epic story of Hoslu and Shireen.

That day, Farukzad was hunting in the park outside Bukhara. She rode ahead, galloping and shooting, killing many wild donkeys and lions and tigers. Before she knew it, she had arrived at the vast outskirts and was far away from the main group.

Just then, there was a green oasis pond nearby. To relieve her fatigue, she took off all her clothes and went to bathe naked in the pond. And it was at that moment that she encountered the male protagonist who happened to be passing by.

Seemingly sensing the burning gaze hidden in the shadows, Farukzad first casually caressed the boy with seductive charm, then suddenly emerged from the bath like a fierce woman, instantly pinning the boy hiding behind the bushes beneath her and demanding to know who he was.

The moment their eyes met, they were captivated by each other: one was radiant, like a new moon set in the sky; the other was imposing, as handsome and dazzling as the sun.

The young man, captivated by the alluring and fierce naked woman, showed no fear or panic. Instead, he recited with great emotion a beautiful lyric poem from Rudaki's poetry collection. His words were elegant and rhythmic. In a short time, he had stolen the princess's heart.

Farukzad took a liking to him and rewarded him with a horse, allowing him to travel with the hunting party, which also served as a test of his horsemanship and martial skills.

She discovered that this young man was not only exceptionally talented in literature, but also quite skilled in martial arts. His horsemanship, archery, and combat were all outstanding. Although he was far from being able to match her, he was by no means an ordinary person.

And so, a young boy and girl in the prime of their youth, through constant playful bickering and chasing, gradually took a place in each other's hearts. No difference in ethnicity, religion, social class, or social status could dispel the beauty of their first stirrings of love.

It wasn't until that parting and departure that Farukzad vaguely realized the reluctance in his heart...

The story is over.

Farukzad rested her head on her mother's lap, gazing into the distance, her beautiful eyes dimming slightly.

"You feel that you have fallen in love with him, and that even a short separation feels like torture?" Shahzani gently stroked the princess's hair, her tone soft.

“I think so,” Farukzad said firmly.

“My daughter, God has said…” Shahzani’s arms were filled with a mother’s tenderness, and her gaze toward her daughter was even gentler.

Her smiling lips seemed to say, "Go ahead, pursue your lover! Your mother supports your relationship."

After listening to her mother's "philosophy of emotions," Farukzad felt relieved. It was already late, and after giving some additional instructions, Shahzani got up and left, letting the princess get some rest.

……

She left the inner palace.

Shahzani set off for the Diwan archives department.

From her daughter's description, Shahzani noticed many scattered clues and realized that the boy her daughter loved was a registered official.

Based on her daughter's description, Shahzani had roughly figured out the government office the boy worked for and the official position he held... Now all that was left was to find out the boy's real name, because the name he gave to the princess was just an "alias".

Once this is understood, all the scattered clues can be pieced together to fully ascertain his identity.

"Reporting to Padishu, it has been found." The official in charge of the documents and archives of the provincial and county officials presented a book of documents to the Queen.

Shahzani opened it and her eyes lit up.

Chapter 312 Examining the Future Son-in-Law

By combining various records, Shahzani clarified the boy's identity—

Nasr Iraj Ahmad Kehobad Ismail Nuh Bahram Samani.

(hereinafter referred to as "Iraqi")

He was born on the 5th of the month of Khordad in the Persian calendar 374 (1005 AD). In the Persian calendar 389, he passed the selection examination and entered the Samanid government system. He currently works as a librarian in the library of Sabzewar, Khorasan province.

When he met Farukzad, he was on official business in Bukhara, and that beautiful encounter took place.

However, what truly caught Shahzani's eye was his other identity—

The nephew of the late King Montahir, and a member of the early Samanid royal family.

"So, my princess, the daughter of Iran, has fallen in love with a rather illustrious and important figure. What an interesting coincidence," Shahzani thought to herself.

She didn't care about it.

Through years of integration, the former Saman royal family has now been completely assimilated into the state and social system of the new Saman Empire, and its influence on the supreme power is now very weak, posing no threat to her authority.

Even if his daughter started dating him, it wouldn't cause much of a stir.

Furthermore, the archives show that Iraji entered the imperial bureaucracy through his own talent, not through a prominent family background. Based on this alone, the seasoned leaders could initially conclude that this young man was a promising talent.

……

However, it's impossible to force it; it's impossible in this lifetime.

The first step in recruiting a son-in-law is to conduct a preliminary assessment.

So, in the following days, after settling the princess in...