I was the Queen of Persia

Page 21

Of course, Shahzani demanded that the purchase be made at the agreed price and strictly prohibited looting and plundering. Anyone who dared to disobey would be punished with whipping or caning, or even death.

At noon, a dozen heavily armored knights came from the southwest. The leader was a general in his thirties. They informed the sentries on the outskirts of their purpose and requested an audience with Shahzani.

"Let them in," Shahzani said to the soldier who came to report after learning of the situation.

The soldier agreed and withdrew, then a moment later led the group of people to the central tent.

Shahzani glanced around; there were nine men and six women, all fully armed and standing tall like cypress trees.

The leading general wore a pointed helmet with a red turban, a Persian-style heavy armor from Khorasan, and a mace with gleaming iron on its waist. With deep brown eyes and a thick beard, it looked tough, fierce, and imposing.

"Rustam Zaman, a soldier of the Khorasan province of Saman, pays his respects to the esteemed and beautiful leader Shahzani. May the Great Khan bless you with unstoppable might, like the heroine Guldia!" the general said respectfully, bowing.

“General Rustam Zaman, I accept your blessing. You share a name with a legendary hero of ancient Iran, so may Hu Da bless you with invincible victories!” Shahzani returned the greeting with a smile.

After some pleasantries, the two discovered they shared common ground in their desire to fight on the battlefield, serve their country, and their beliefs. Rustam Zaman also had a rather bold and forthright personality, and the conversation quickly became congenial.

"Chief Shahzani, to be honest, we warriors from Khorasan Province were once hailed as the 'Light of Iran,' shouldering the glorious mission of guarding this rich province. But... alas! Since warlords like Simgul, Bektuzu, and Faik have come to power, we have become tools for power struggles and infighting!" Rustam Zaman lamented.

“I understand your sadness. During that period, when the provinces were frequently plagued by war, we soldiers serving in the central court were constantly drawn into the dirty conspiracies of hypocrites.” Shahzani nodded with a sigh.

“But things are different now,” she continued. “Iran’s righteous army is marching back to its homeland, and the soldiers have regained the opportunity to make a name for themselves.”

“I have heard that your troops have achieved a glorious victory. My soldiers and I are willing to pledge our allegiance to you and fight for the restoration of the Samanid dynasty.” Rustam Zaman gave a sincere military salute.

“I admire your courage and loyalty.” Shahzani nodded approvingly. “Under my leadership, you will achieve even greater victories.”

To swear allegiance.

Rustam Zaman immediately dispatched his soldiers to a nearby village, ordering the troops stationed there to set off immediately to join Shahzani's army.

His troops numbered 2000, including 1000 heavily armored Khorasan cavalry, 700 skilled horse archers, and soldiers adept at constructing siege weapons and incendiary devices. They were all elite regular soldiers from the former Samanid Khorasan provincial legion, making their combat strength considerable.

Shahzani incorporated them into her standing army. By this time, her standing army had expanded to 3000 men, organized into three regiments of 3 each. With the addition of these 2000 soldiers, the total strength of her standing army exceeded 5000.

After continuous expansion and offsetting combat casualties, Shahzani's total force had reached over 6, giving him a numerical advantage over Termez's 3 Karakhanid defenders. Meanwhile, the trenches, siege weapons, siege equipment, fuel, and ammunition needed for the siege were all prepared.

……

May 1, 1000 AD, the month of Ordibehsht in the Persian calendar.

Shahzani officially began the siege of Termez.

The newly surrendered Samanid Khorasan warriors displayed extraordinary bravery. Dismounted and on foot, they used the trenches and shields for cover, working alongside their allies to unleash a fierce barrage of arrows upon the city walls. The Khorasan heavy cavalry were already "dual-purpose cavalry," and the Khorasan horse archers were exceptionally skilled marksmen. Their relentless assault pinned the enemy defenders down, preventing them from raising their heads.

Catapults continuously hurled Naftan incendiary bombs at the city walls, and the raging flames quickly engulfed many of the Karakhanid defenders.

The morale of the Saman Iranian army was extremely high. Encouraged by patriotism and religious fervor, they quickly crossed the moat and the palisade, rushed to the city walls, set up siege ladders, and then swarmed up the high walls.

Arrows rained down, obscuring the sun; stones rolled like hail; and the sounds of iron soldiers clashing and shouting filled the air.

The Karakhanid defenders on the city walls were also putting up a fierce counterattack, using their shields to block the incoming iron arrows and desperately hurling logs and stones down from the walls.

A deafening roar erupted, smoke and dust filled the air, brick fragments flew everywhere, and screams and wails echoed throughout the room.

Rustam Zaman led from the front. Although he was a cavalry officer, he was equally adept at fighting on foot, moving across the city walls as if they were flat ground. With each swing of his gleaming mace, several helmeted heads were smashed and deformed.

More Saman soldiers swarmed onto the city walls and engaged in a bloody hand-to-hand battle with the Karakhanid soldiers guarding the city.

Crimson and brown-black soldiers clashed and fought, blood splattering everywhere. War slogans such as "God is great!", "Immortal Iran!", "Glory of Rustam!", "Courage of Afrasiyab!", and "Glory of the Khan!" were mixed together.

Under Shahzani's command, the Saman Persian army was clearly superior in morale, formation, and combat effectiveness. Her generals, Bahraim and Rustam Zaman, were virtually unstoppable.

After several days of fierce fighting, the Karakhanid troops defending the city could not withstand the onslaught and were forced to break out and flee before the Samanid army could complete its encirclement. The remaining Karakhanid soldiers who could not retreat had no choice but to prostrate themselves before Shahzani's warhorse hooves and beg for surrender, in accordance with Persian etiquette.

Finally, the Samanid army's battle flag was planted on the massive, protruding archway of Termez.

Chapter 43 The Aftermath in Termez

The city of Termez, which has just experienced the ravages of war.

Under the watchful eyes of the residents lining the streets, a large cavalry force slowly drove into the city.

Leading the way were four female palace guards, carrying long spears with red triangular banners, clad in heavy armor, their horses also covered in thick horse armor. The chainmail on their pointed helmets concealed their beautiful and valiant faces, revealing only two deep, bright, and alert eyes, which only increased their intimidating and oppressive presence.

Surrounded by numerous soldiers was Shahzani, dressed in heavy Persian-style armor, her belt adorned with gold foil and rubies, and adorned with her most frequently used bull-headed warhammer, engraved with Persian inscriptions. She rode her most often armored warhorse.

Three palace guards followed closely behind her; one carried a large parasol, pressed close to Shahzani's back. The other two carried the battle flags of the Samanid army. Behind them were key generals and officers such as Bahraim, Khoslu, and Rustam Zaman.

Following them was a large cavalry force, heavily armed and well-trained, with neat formations and a forest of spears, demonstrating strong discipline and organization.

Upon seeing such a magnificent army, the people felt a deep sense of awe and spontaneously stepped aside to make way for a clean and spacious road.

The entrance to the Termez government building.

The city's officials, priests, and dikhans were already kneeling on the ground, awaiting this invincible army of justice. The Karakhanid generals defending the city had long since fled, and most of the bureaucratic nobles and mullahs who supported the Karakhanid regime had also escaped the city. The remaining officials and clergy were mostly supporters of the Samanid dynasty.

“Great Chief Shahzani, these are the household registration, land, well and mosque records of this city’s jurisdiction. Please accept them.” The leading official respectfully presented a stack of Samarkand documents.

Shahzani nodded in satisfaction, signaling his soldiers to take the files and instructing the troops to take over the Mahara communities and villages under their jurisdiction according to their organizational structure.

The victorious commanders dismounted and entered the government office.

“Governor Ibrahim Razawi Ashtari,” Shahzani said calmly to the leading official. “I believe you are all intelligent people and will steadfastly follow the right path.”

“Ah, by God’s grace, by Hussein’s beard! Of course, of course. We are the most loyal officials of the Samanid court, and we would never have any improper thoughts of betrayal.” Ibrahim Razawi Ashtar quickly declared, and his words resonated with the other officials.

Shahzani didn't speak, but simply smiled and nodded.

But she knew in her heart that trust and loyalty were guaranteed by force. If a country cannot protect its people, then even if its people are willing to be loyal, they will have no choice but to submit against their will when faced with the enemy's sword.

When the Karakhanid army invaded Saman territory last year, didn't many cities surrender without a fight?

But now, the problem is no longer intractable. Her battle-hardened army is far superior to the demoralized, power-hungry warlord forces of the past. The powerful military force she commands is sufficient to guarantee the safety of her subjects.

Shahzani planned to stay in Termez for three days to gather provisions and replenish troops. Thanks to her authority and the system's bonuses, Termez quickly returned to its former prosperity and order.

……

As the first rays of dawn shone upon the massive dome of Termez, the Muanjin atop the minaret began his morning prayers as usual.

Shahzani opened her still sleepy eyes, got up from the silk cushion, threw off the blanket covering her, stretched her limbs, and looked at the battle reports and files on the bookshelf in front of her that were not yet closed. She couldn't help but stretch.

"Chief, you're awake." Upon seeing her awake, the Armenian maidservant quickly brought her a thick, double-breasted robe to drape over her to ward off the lingering chill of the morning.

Shahzani gave a soft "hmm," changed her clothes, and prepared to inspect the troops' drills and preparations for war.

At this moment, Bahram entered the government residence, bringing with him two important pieces of military intelligence.

Shahzani took it and looked at it.

The first piece of military intelligence stated that Montahir's allies had captured towns such as Kerminye and Debussyye on the outskirts of the Bukhara Oasis and had gained the support of the Seljuk-Turkmen tribes nomadic in the Nulatau Mountains, greatly increasing their strength.

The second piece of military intelligence stated that the governor of the Karakhanid Dynasty had amassed 10 troops, preparing to cross the Surkhan River to the south in search of a decisive battle with her. Furthermore, the Karakhanids were forcibly conscripting soldiers along the way, causing their troop numbers to continue to grow.

"Wow, it's a mixed bag." Shahzani placed the intelligence report on the table, a smile playing on her lips. "Their response and deployment were quite swift. In that case, let them taste a crushing defeat."

“Hey, Sadar, let me tell you, they’ve already learned their lesson,” Bahramu couldn’t help but interject.

Immediately afterwards, Bahram gave a vivid account of the battle that had just taken place.

It turned out that the remnants of the Karakhanid forces who had escaped the city had, after a brief respite, regained some command and organization. In order to coordinate with the Karakhanid army's strategy, their commander decided to send out small groups of nomadic cavalry to plunder and burn the villages around Termez.

Its purpose and intention are obvious to anyone with discerning eyes: to clear out the grain and houses in the countryside so that the enemy cannot fight for long due to lack of food.

However, under the threat of Bahram, Hoslu, and the newly surrendered Rustam Zaman, this tactic of raiding and pillaging was destined to encounter setbacks.

The Samanid court guards, Khorasan cavalry, and the spontaneously assembled Dehgan cavalry quickly pursued the attackers. Thanks to the bravery and skill of their commanders, as well as the powerful combat and morale boosts provided by Shahzani, the Samanid cavalry almost wiped out the Karakhanid raiding party.

"Haha, well done!" Shahzani patted Bahraim on the shoulder with delight. "You truly are my most valiant general, a female warrior on par with the God of War."

She leaned closer and whispered, "Of course, she's also my best friend."

“Cough, what’s this?” Bahraam chuckled, adjusting his helmet. “If my sisters wanted, I would lead my army straight to the Surkhan River and let the blood of those enemies stain the river red.”

"Hahahaha!" The two laughed for a while, then Shahzani said seriously, "But we can't be greedy and reckless in war. Let's go and inspect the army's training first. With a strong and brave army, we will nail the heads of these enemies to spears sooner or later."

"Yes, ma'am," Bahramu replied, then accompanied the female chieftain out of the mansion.

Chapter 44: Complex Situation

Gurganj, the capital of Khwarazm.

This ancient city, steeped in history, also goes by names such as "Urgench," "Yulongjech," and "Zhuerzhang." The Amu Darya River, flowing through the area, brings abundant water, irrigating the vast oasis farmlands and pastures nearby; the crisscrossing trade routes bring endless wealth, making it a land of plenty.

Inside the city, the bazaar was bustling with activity, a constant stream of caravans and travelers, and goods lined the stalls. Merchants from the Bulgar Khanate, Kievan Rus', and even further north, from the Varangian kingdom, were also quite common here.

In the palace in the center of the city.

"So, your governor wants us to send troops to attack the territories of Muntahir and Shahzani?" Abu Hassan Ali Mamun, the king of the Mamun Dynasty of Khwarazm, said, looking at the Karakhanid envoy before him.

“That’s right.” The Karakhanid envoy, dressed in a magnificent silk robe, affirmed, “Our loyal governor is acting on the orders of our great Khan and is determined to wipe out the remnants of the Samanid dynasty.”

"God!" King Khwarazm sighed, "But our strength is very weak, comparable only to your ever-victorious army. We simply cannot withstand the chaos and disaster brought by war!"

He wanted to politely decline. After all, his Mamun dynasty was merely a small court occupying a corner of Khwarazm. Moreover, this small court was established five years earlier (995 AD) on the basis of overthrowing the Khwarazmian Afrika Khwarazmian dynasty. Overall, it was not strong and its foundation was unstable.

"Your Ma'mun, you should think carefully. If you refuse our Khan's goodwill and even displease him, then the door to friendship between our two countries will be closed forever." A dark cloud suddenly rose on the face of the Karakhanid envoy.

The Khwarazmian king fell silent, knowing the true meaning of their so-called "friendship." If two regimes became enemies for any reason, it would trigger a series of dire consequences.

“Your Ma'mun, do not forget. You previously allowed Montahir to recruit soldiers within your territory, and our Khan tolerated this action with great magnanimity. However, our Khan's patience is also limited.”

"Furthermore, you must not forget that Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in the south has long coveted your fertile land. Our Khan does not wish to see your territory divided and devoured. Therefore, please consider this carefully."

The Karakhanid envoy continued his verbal offensive.

The King of Khwarazm pondered for a moment, then looked at his courtiers with pleading eyes, only to find, to his dismay, that everyone from the Grand Vizier down to the ordinary court officials was shaking their heads and sighing.

Thinking of his small territory and his weak army, he finally sighed helplessly.

“Very well! We will send troops to attack Shahzani’s territory. Please send our praises and greetings back, Your Excellency.” The Khwarazmian king made the difficult decision.

“Very good. Then may Allah bless your troops with a resounding victory.” The Karakhan envoy nodded in satisfaction upon seeing that the other party agreed.

Subsequently, the Khwarazmian king and his court officials respectfully saw off the Karakhanid envoy.

However, their conversation had been overheard by an Alan-Ossetian female slave who was serving nearby. After the Karakhanid envoy left, the slave girl immediately put on a dark robe and hurriedly ran towards the bazaar market.

"Mr. Bazargan!" The Alan girl found the merchant chief in the market. "Our emperor is going to send troops to attack Lady Shahzani's territory!"

Then, she recounted everything she had heard in the palace to Bazargan. After conveying all the information, she slipped on her sandals, pulled her robe tighter, and quickly disappeared.

“Master, this matter should not be delayed. We must inform Lady Shahzani,” said Uruztik, a Bulgar caravan attendant, in a low voice.

“That’s right. Shahzani is a generous and benevolent leader. Under her rule, order is restored, and merchants travel in droves. We have made a lot of money because of her. We do not want her authority to be weakened.” Bazargan stroked his mustache, his brow furrowed.

“Master, please send me to the city of Zanshahr! The wind god Stryberg is my witness, I will complete the mission quickly!” said Polodina, a female attendant of the Slavic caravan.

“Very well, brave girl.” Bazargan nodded solemnly.

Bazargan found a piece of Samarkand paper and quickly wrote down the news that Khwarazm was about to send troops. After writing it down, Polodina sealed it and put it in her bag, mounted her fast horse, bypassed the guard posts and patrols, and quickly rode towards the city of Zanshahr.

……

at the same time.

After agreeing to the Karakhanid envoy's request, King Mamun of Khwarazm immediately began organizing his army.

Messengers and couriers from Khwarazm quickly traveled throughout the cities and towns of Khoti, Khiva, Hazarasp, Dargan, Tahirian, Nukfag, Ruzwan, and Zamakshar, delivering news of the troop assembly to the garrison commanders of each city.

Generals in various regions were gathering their troops and raising funds for provisions and weapons. Various armed militia groups from the civilian population also joined the war.

Within a few days, an army of 3 men had gathered outside the city of Gurganj. After a quick count of the troops, King Mamun of Khwarazm personally led the army southeast toward the territory of Shahzani.

……

Zanshahr City.

Farzana is managing the affairs of the territory in an orderly manner. Shahzani has specifically appointed her to stay behind and oversee the rear, so that she can utilize her leadership and governance skills to ensure stability in the rear.

Sudden.

"Commander Farzana, there's an urgent military situation!" A soldier rushed into the manor, holding a letter in his hand. "This was delivered by a Slavic guard under the caravan leader Bazargan. He says that the Mammon Dynasty of Khwarazm is going to send troops to attack us!"

Farzana put down the administrative files she was working on, took the secret letter handed to her by the soldier, read it carefully, and her expression turned serious.

"Where is the messenger?" she asked.

The soldier immediately ushered in the Rose girl who was waiting outside the door.

Farzana looked and saw that the girl had light chestnut hair and emerald green eyes, indeed different from the high-nosed, deep-set-eyed, black-haired Persians. Her eyes shone with loyalty and unwavering determination.

After questioning the girl, she admired her courage, but out of caution, she ordered the scouts stationed at the front line to continue their detailed investigations and gather useful intelligence.