I was the Queen of Persia

Page 143

You started the war, so you have no say in when it ends.

……

Aknuar was furious and cursed loudly the “disciples of Rustam,” especially Empress Shahzani.

"Persians, just you wait! The descendants of Avrashiyab will raze your palaces to the ground sooner or later!" The female Khan's anger had reached its peak.

"Khan, why not send envoys to contact Rumm (Eastern Roman Empire) and attack Persia from both sides?" Just then, a Yuga strategist in the golden tent suggested.

"The Kingdom of Rum? Hmm..."

When Akhenur heard the name of this pagan country, his face initially showed disdain and contempt, but after thinking about it more deeply, he realized that, setting aside prejudices such as religious opposition, this plan was not without its merits.

The Eastern Roman Empire was located in western Iran, while Turan was located in northeastern Iran, allowing for a pincer movement from both east and west. Moreover, although the Eastern Roman Empire adhered to a different religion, it was quite powerful and capable of confronting Iran.

Of course, the most important thing is the issue of interests.

The two countries have long been locked in a standoff in the Caucasus, vying for control of Christian kingdoms such as Georgia and Armenia. Coupled with religious antagonism and the long-standing grudges between the ancient Roman Empire and the Sassanid Empire of Iran, tensions have been running high for some time.

Think of this.

Aknuar vaguely remembered that more than four hundred years ago, during the reign of the former Khan (referring to the Western Turkic Khan Ishmael), Turan had formed an alliance with the Eastern Roman Empire to fight against Anushirwan (Khosru I) of Sasanian Iran.

He then sent an envoy to Constantinople to discuss a joint effort against Shahzani.

……

Through the collection of information by caravan spies.

Shahzani soon learned of the news.

Unfolding a map and tracing the Silk Road route across Asia and Europe, the Empress began to ponder.

The alliance between Turan and the Eastern Roman Empire would indeed cause trouble for the Iranian Samanid Empire. But upon closer reflection, this "trouble" would be as fleeting as the dry season in a reservoir.

At least, the threat is not as great as imagined.

Caravans traveling through Armenia to Constantinople frequently brought back news from the Eastern Roman Empire.

The long-reigning emperor, Basil II, had just passed away, and the entire nation was preoccupied with mourning, having no intention of waging war. His successor, Constantine (Constantine VIII), was also indifferent to politics and unwilling to get involved in a major military conflict with the Samanid Empire of Iran.

However, since Turan has been mobilized, the Samanid Empire cannot remain inactive.

"Falzana, draft a decree ordering the military governors of the Azerbaijan Military District—Tahmina, the Fars Military District—Khoslu, and the Malzbans of the relevant border districts to immediately train their troops to guard against the Loum army," Shahzani said.

“I will obey your decree. However, in my opinion, we should send a capable imperial envoy to oversee the military affairs of the western provinces, especially those provinces where Arabs are the majority, so that we may be prepared for any eventuality,” Farzana said.

"Yes, you're absolutely right. Who do you think would be suitable?"

"Your Majesty, I'm sure you already have the answer in your heart."

"Oh?" The image of that alluring figure immediately flashed into Shahzani's mind, and she smiled knowingly, "Looks like we'll have to send a 'succubus' again."

That's right. As the warlord of the Samanid Holy Fire Brigade, a veteran who had handled various complex affairs for many years, was good at dealing with different countries and tribes, and was extremely eager for struggle and adventure, Sahimian (and perhaps her children could be added now) was the right person to send to the western provinces to confront and compete with the Eastern Roman Empire.

……

A caravan inn between Rai and Tehran.

Night had fallen, and the bright moonlight shone on the earthen-yellow sintered brick walls of the courtyard, making the pine-green ceramic tiles on the dome shine brilliantly.

Inside the post station, the lights were bright, and the sounds of joyful singing and feasting could be heard continuously.

This is a fairly large post station. A fountain gurgles in the spacious central courtyard, and nearly a hundred spacious and clean rooms are arranged in a neat and symmetrical manner, enough to accommodate a large number of officials, merchants, pilgrims (and their accompanying livestock) to rest here.

In front of the most magnificent house, through the huge Persian Iwan Gate, and through the intricately decorated room doors, a seductive fragrance wafts out, and the faint sounds of intoxication drift in.

Sahimian, his muscular body bare, his slightly damp triangular trousers barely concealing his magnificent and voluptuous figure, leaned against the rug, holding a bronze cup in his hand.

Beside her, her five equally alluring and seductive daughters were dancing gracefully, their bewitching faces like flowers, their red lips like fire, their honey-colored bodies moving rhythmically, and occasionally emitting soul-stirring moans, extremely sensual.

"Well, friends of the Christian world? Such a beautiful day, do you not wish to immerse yourselves in this tender love?" Sahimian took a sip of her jewel-colored wine and looked at the three men in front of her.

Three brown-haired, brown-eyed, tall men dressed in Caucasian-style fitted robes and studded leather boots.

“Your Excellency, General of the Saman Empire,” the middle-aged man in black robes at the head of the group replied. Although he feigned composure, he could not hide his inner turmoil: “We are willing to spend a wonderful night together, but…”

"But what?"

Her shapely, powerful feet hooked around the man's chin, and she caressed them playfully. The bright red nail polish on her toes accentuated her sexy beauty. "Tell me," she said. "I love hearing stories, especially stories from the Christian world."

"Ah!" The man was immediately covered in sweat, breathing heavily. His knees buckled and he knelt on the ground. From inside the door, he could be heard muttering words of repentance such as "Lord" and "Amen".

But how could Sahinnian let go of the fun she had already gotten her hands on?

In an instant, the succubus clan moved at the command, stripping the three men of their clothes and forcibly pressing them onto the mat, indulging in unrestrained riding and pleasure. With captivating techniques, they roamed and teased them, causing them to succumb to the lingering afterglow of pleasure, unable to extricate themselves…

The "battle" lasted a long time and naturally ended in victory for Sahinian and her daughters. The three of them were already panting heavily and drenched in sweat, and even their bodies seemed to have shrunk in size.

Sahimian looked at her exhausted "opponent" beneath her, her smile becoming even more alluring: "Now, are you willing to cooperate?"

"Ah! Your Excellency General, please have mercy! We are willing!" the leader cried out in a panic.

Chapter 332 The Turks in Constantinople

Constantinople, Eastern Roman Empire.

The Mediterranean-style marble buildings stand side by side, their white walls and orange tiles creating a magnificent sight. The classical atmosphere is palpable, exuding nobility and elegance. Lush trees dot the landscape, and the massive stadium, racecourse, and Hagia Sophia Cathedral, among other public buildings, are majestic and awe-inspiring.

Ships come and go in an endless stream along the Golden Horn Bay.

The Turan Mission, consisting of twenty-nine envoys, set sail from the Crimean Peninsula, passed through the Black Sea, and after several days, finally arrived at this magnificent city.

Of course, when these "unbelievers," "warlike," and "barbaric" envoys of the steppe empire appeared in the Roman capital, the local nobles and citizens first showed their disgust and aversion.

"God! It's those shepherd Turks! What are these infidels doing in our country?"

"It is said that they are going to make a pilgrimage to Basilius and to conclude an alliance with our country."

"An alliance? Ha! In the face of these faithless heretics, it's nothing but a piece of waste paper to be torn up at will!"

"Who cares? As long as they don't attack our land, everything is fine."

"Heh, is it possible to make peace with wolves? They have already annexed the northern coast of the Black Sea, and even the once barbaric and dangerous Pechenegs and Polovtschs have submitted and paid tribute! Just wait and see, our borders will not be peaceful."

Unfriendly whispers in Greek, mixed with wary glances, rose and fell on both sides of the road.

No wonder.

For centuries, the Eastern Roman Empire had also been struggling against various nomadic forces: the Huns, Avars, Bulgars, Magyars, the Khazars, the Pechenegs, the Polovtsians, and now the unprecedentedly vast Turan Khanate.

Hatred and vigilance towards these barbaric nomadic peoples had seeped into the very marrow of the Eastern Roman Christian Church and the military aristocracy.

And in contrast.

The Turanian envoy also had some reservations about this group of imperial nobles who were immersed in extravagance.

"God above! The Rum Empire is truly wealthy. The size of its capital is comparable to that of Jahan Shah in Persia. It's just a pity that the wealth is in the hands of these weak and insignificant inhabitants. It's really unfair."

“You’re right. These ‘Ya Tak’ are decadent and cowardly. Their fighting spirit has been corrupted by wealth and luxury. They don’t deserve these mountains of gold and silver. Only the warriors of the grasslands deserve to enjoy fine wine and riches!”

“That’s right! By God’s grace, the mighty and fierce Turanian cavalry will plunder their wealth, raze their cities, abduct their artisans, and enslave them!”

Taking advantage of the absence of the Eastern Roman guide, the Turanian envoys who accompanied them quietly chatted with each other in Turanian (which evolved from the Haqqaniyya language of the former Karakhanid Dynasty).

……

soon.

The Turanian delegation, led by Eastern Roman officials, entered the palace.

The Roman-Mediterranean palace was magnificent and imposing, with nobles and courtiers in their finest robes coming and going, and the tall, imposing Varangian guards with blond hair and blue eyes standing proudly in attendance.

Surprisingly, the person sitting on the throne in the main hall of the palace was not Basilius—Constantine VIII, but a noblewoman wearing a golden crown and a purple robe.

"Emissaries of the Turan Khanate!"

The woman spoke first: "I am Queen Zoe, Regent of the Roman Empire, temporarily acting as the protector of the nation and the faith in Basilius. I have heard that you have come from faraway Afrasiab; may God bless you! Have you come to conclude a treaty with our country?"

The Turan people were initially filled with speculation, but were quickly impressed by the other party's swift and decisive action, and hurriedly replied: "Ah! Indeed, Your Majesty the Regent Queen. On behalf of Great Khan Aknuer, I extend my highest respect to you! May the door of friendship remain open between our two nations!"

“Well, in that case, I’ll be frank. Your country’s desire to form an alliance with ours is to counter the Samanid Empire of Persia, isn’t it?” Zoe said bluntly.

After all, she had visited the Samanid Empire in her youth and even met Shahzani herself. She knew quite a bit about the Samanid people and religion, as well as the diplomatic situation around the Samanid Empire, if not everything.

Moreover, the Silk Road was unimpeded, and the Eastern Roman caravans traveling to Iran and Turan were constantly sending back intelligence.

"Ah..." The Turan delegation was slightly taken aback again, seemingly not yet comfortable with Zoe's decisiveness and quick reaction.

Going with the flow, they explained the purpose of their visit.

……

After listening to what the Turan envoy had to say.

After some discussion, the nobles and officials of the Eastern Roman Empire frequently dispatched court servants...

finally.

Zoe spoke up: "Very well, I will take your country's suggestion. The Samanid Empire is not only your country's enemy, but also ours. From this day forward, may our two countries open the door to friendship, jointly resist the Persians, and may the trade route from the Black Sea to the steppes be unobstructed!"

The Turanian envoys were overjoyed upon hearing this. They never imagined that the outcome, which they had thought would require arduous negotiations, would be achieved so easily.

Then came the exchange of gifts, the signing of the alliance, and a celebratory banquet.

When the banquet arrived, the previously unseen Basilius—Constantine VIII—finally appeared before everyone. After a brief address, he raised his glass in celebration and began to feast.

The entire banquet was joyous and peaceful. The Turan envoys were also happy to enjoy the Byzantine cuisine, because for the steppe people who had long lived on the cold, dry steppe and whose diet was coarse, the court cuisine of the Eastern Roman Empire was undoubtedly an extremely precious delicacy.

However, beneath this jubilation, undercurrents were also surging.

……

The banquet ended, and night had fallen.

The flickering lights illuminated the purple imperial banner, adding a touch of tranquility and grandeur. Byzantine night patrols, torches in hand, stood vigilantly on guard.

A man cloaked over his shoulders, his face hidden in a dark hood, arrived at Zoe's secret room. After looking around to make sure no one was there, he quietly entered.

This man was none other than Romanus, a powerful minister of the Eastern Roman Empire.

He found Zoe and questioned her about the decisions made in court that day.

"My God! You actually allied yourself with those Turks! Don't you know they are a group of treacherous, ferocious, and savage infidels? Look at the eastern border of the empire! They frequently flood into our country, herding flocks of sheep and roaming the countryside. Their numbers are still increasing, and they have already posed a threat to many villages in the military districts!"

Romanus spoke in a serious tone.

“Of course I know how despicable and vulgar they are,” Zoe sneered. “But I’m using a delaying tactic, using the Turks to deal with the Persians, while we wait and see and profit from the situation.”

"Are you sure you won't get yourself into trouble?" Romanus asked worriedly.

Zoe scoffed, "I know what I'm doing! I won't let our holy empire be dragged into this before the Turks and Persians are both weakened. And, as you said..."

"What did I say?"

"You just said that the eastern military regions of the empire have long been plagued by scattered Turkic nomads. And these Turks came from the east. Where is the east? That's the Samanid Empire of Persia! It was the Persians who deliberately sent the Turks to our land!"

"Therefore, we need to devise a plan to make them kill each other in order to seize profits."

Chapter 333 No War on the Western Front

The nights in the imperial capital are always strangely similar.

The imperial majesty, orderliness, and grandeur of the daytime gradually fade away, replaced by various forms of debauchery and unrestrained pleasure.

However, amidst the many similarities, there are also various unique features and differences.

If.

The nights in Jahanshahr, the capital of Iran, are a vibrant and alluring red—magnificent carpets, enchanting dancers, and the shimmering pine green and cobalt blue tiles of the dome, all accompanied by the melodious sounds of the napalm and santur, adorning the earthen city.

Then.

The nights in Constantinople, the Roman capital, are a noble and elegant purple—the ancient bells echo for a long time, the deep chants resound from time to time, and the white marble is as bright as the moon. Classical beauty lingers in the white stone city.

……

Near the palace, Zoe's secret room.

Purple silk curtains hung at their feet, and soft bedding enveloped a man and a woman who had just finished their passionate lovemaking.

"So, our next target is still the West, the Valar people of the Danube, and the wealthy Italian city-states. The actual war with the Samanid Empire is not within your consideration?" Romanus sat up in bed and asked in surprise.

“That’s right. Let them fight each other to the death! I will not provide any real help to the ‘Scythians’ or send a single soldier to Persian territory until both sides are exhausted.” Zoe’s cold voice revealed a hint of political maneuvering.