Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 206 Angel
Apart from Talal, the other sons of the founding kings were also tried by the "Committee of Loyalty".

In particular, the princes who previously supported the "conservatives" will inevitably face retribution after the new king ascends the throne.

Muhammad pardoned them from the death penalty, but most of the princes' property was confiscated, their government positions were stripped, and they were placed under house arrest for a long period.

Meanwhile, a small number of princes in the core conservative circle, such as Prince Yasser, governors and deputy governors of a region, and ministers from various regions, completely disappeared from the public eye.

They were taken to an unknown location, all news of them vanished, and they were completely untraceable.

Since these "protective umbrellas" were removed, a large number of officials under the prince's command have also fallen from power. Because the atmosphere in Shuangzhi's officialdom was relaxed and lazy before, a lot of evidence of their corruption and abuse of power was on the surface, and they were too lazy to even cover it up. It can be said that a lot of them were caught.

The final statistics left everyone speechless.

If all these people are dealt with according to the law, at least 60% of the officialdom in Shuangzhi will be vacant.

Faced with this situation, Muhammad's answer was also very direct—[Do it].

In response to the massive scale of the investigation, the royal family drew elite troops from the special operations forces and established a department called "Nazaha" (the "General Bureau for Controlling Corruption").

Thus, a nationwide anti-corruption campaign was launched.

However, a dramatic scene unfolded during this massive cleanup operation.

A large number of spies planted in Shuangzhi by various Arab countries were exposed, and the reason for their exposure was both laughable and absurd—they were "out of place" with their surroundings.

In order to establish a foothold in Shuangzhi, these spies worked hard day after day, not only with a conscientious attitude but also with outstanding abilities.

They are the "model workers" in each department who actually do the work.

However, it was precisely this unusual "untainted by the mud" that aroused Nazaha's suspicion.

These days, spies need not only identification documents, but also to fabricate an influential family background in Riyadh or Medina; otherwise, they simply cannot climb the ranks.

In Nazaha's view,
He has connections and a powerful background, yet he's not greedy?
You came here just to suffer?
After an investigation into their identities and backgrounds, the families that were traced to them stated that they had no such person at all.

All the spies were dumbfounded.

So it's wrong to work hard here?
These spies whose identities had been exposed were immediately sent to a department called the "Foreign Cultural Exchange Archives Compilation Office" for unified management.

"From now on, this will be your new office."

After saying these words, the official from the Corruption Bureau left without looking back, not even closing the door behind him.

Zain walked in carrying his cardboard box and found that there were quite a few people sitting in the office.

"newcomer?"

A man with a Hijaz accent and a full beard greeted him.

Zain nodded.

The man introduced himself familiarly: "My name is Qasim. The fact that we're all sitting in this room means we're all the same."

Zain stared at Qasim for a moment: "Are you a dual-human?"

"Yes, I originally came from Jeddah."

"Then what did you do?"

Qasim gave a self-deprecating smirk: "About seven or eight years ago, I went to Masr and ended up with a mountain of gambling debts. I was thrown in jail because I couldn't pay them off. Later, the Masr government contacted me and said they would release me on the condition that I pass on intelligence to them."

Although Zayin didn't say anything on the surface, he felt a little amused. Masil's criteria for selecting spies were too arbitrary.

"Didn't the Masr government provide you with any training or anything like that?"

Qasim waved his hand: "Don't mention it. All they did was give me a certificate and teach me how to pass on intelligence. They didn't care about anything else. I reckon there are plenty of pawns like me, and there will always be one or two that can be of use."

To be honest, I've wanted to quit this job for a long time.

Before the Six-Day War, Masr would send money every now and then, but for the past two years, I've been living entirely on Shuangzhi's salary. If it weren't for this investigation, I would have almost forgotten that I was a spy!

Zain fell silent.

The other person's words struck a chord with him.

Although he was a spy trained by Surria, he has been living off Shuangzhi's salary in recent years.

In addition, Surria would occasionally conduct "trust tests" on spies, and if it weren't for his faith in the country's protection, he would have given up long ago.

There was no other way; Surya was simply too poor.

After the Six-Day War, most Arab countries were on the verge of economic collapse, but Shuangzhi was the only one that thrived.

As a spy for another country, seeing such a scene also made Zain feel frustrated.

"You guys are alright."

A man next to him sighed: "When I was undercover, King Setis was still in power, but how much time has passed in the blink of an eye? Hashim has even had two kings. I don't even know if anyone received the intelligence I sent back."

To be honest, things are actually quite good as they are. Right now, the Arab coalition is united against a common enemy, Suriya considers Shuangzhi his most important ally, and Musk is just casually hoping His Highness Amir will help them retake the Sinai Peninsula—nobody will care.

The previously silent Al-Iraqi spy joined the conversation: "I've been undercover for twelve years, settled down here, and even received money from the royal family when they gave it to everyone. Thinking about it carefully, what was all this for?"

The security bureau is now promising that as long as we send back the fabricated intelligence they've prepared, we can start a new life. Besides, given the current situation, this false intelligence is harmless.

Zain also recalled the promise the Security Bureau had made to him before he came here—if he worked for them for ten years, he would obtain a real dual-civilian status, and after twenty years he would be completely free. Of course, this job would be kept secret forever.

Zain recalled the nationwide frenzy of receiving money, and the inexplicable thrill he felt when he received it;

He recalled the scenes of jubilation throughout the country as the country achieved victory after victory at the front.
He recalled how, while he was buried in his work in his office, those incompetent nobles were taken away one by one, and the evidence of their corruption and abuse of power was made public.
Despite being a monarchical country, it engages in the most secular practices; despite having the means to remain in a corner of the world, it insists on sending troops to Zion to seek justice for the entire Arab world.

They know what is wrong and dare to shout "No!"

How could anyone not want to follow such a country?

My only regret is that I am not a true dual-person.

But now, the opportunity is right in front of us.

Zain placed the cardboard box on his workstation and began to dream about his future on this land.

These spies from foreign lands did not show the despair of prisoners; instead, they seemed to have arrived at the beginning of a new life.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Have all the spies been arranged?"

"Please rest assured, all their external communications are under surveillance, and the intelligence these spies obtain is all provided by us."

The captain turned his gaze to his superior, who was sitting in a wheelchair. What caught the eye most was the empty trouser leg of the man's pants.

Rumors about this officer had already spread throughout the entire system.

It is said that he had an extraordinary relationship with Prince Amir, and even saved the prince's life in Nukhir, at the cost of losing both his legs.

And this is what earned it its current status.

In just two years, this former lieutenant was promoted to brigadier general, and despite his disability, he became the new director of the State Security Bureau.

Ahmed's thin upper body leaned against the back of his wheelchair, his temples were already gray, but his eyes were still as sharp as ever.

Although he is no longer the veteran who could tear jackals apart with his bare hands, he still earned the respect of his colleagues with his years of experience and wisdom.

"There are always some stubborn elements who refuse to cooperate, so we have to deal with them secretly."

The subordinate reported, "However, under our operation, these 'bad apples' will gradually squeeze the living space of other intelligence personnel, or directly lead to the exposure of the entire spy network. Although it will take time, our defense system will become increasingly robust."

The captain couldn't help but interject, "It's a pity we still didn't catch Mossad this time... Those guys in the special operations forces always brag about it."

Ahmed recalled the unforgettable scene in Nukhoshir when Khalid pulled down the pants of a Mossad spy in front of everyone.

A barely perceptible smile curved his serious lips as he murmured, "No, I've caught him."

"Uh, what did you say?"

That fleeting smile vanished in an instant, and Ahmed reverted to his usual cold demeanor: "Nothing much, our war has only just begun." ————

The Al-Safa Temple is the largest temple in Riyadh, and after today, it will probably remain the most legendary temple.

First, during Eid al-Fitr, the late King Shams was assassinated here, followed by his funeral. Not long after, the new King Muhammad was also enthroned here.

And now, this temple will bestow the title of a living angel.

In the long corridor outside the temple, Lu Lin and a group of princes and ministers waited outside. After the great purge, it seemed that the number of cabinet members had also been cut in half.

However, a subtle silence fell over the scene at this moment. In the past, the princes of the Sudri faction would have treated Lu Lin as a junior and would have been able to joke around with him freely.

But things are different now. When a person's status and prestige have transcended worldly boundaries, no one knows how to start a conversation.

Lu Lin didn't intend to say anything either; he was just too lazy.

But this caused trouble for the young royals behind him. Whenever his gaze inadvertently swept over them, these young people forced out smiles that were more like crying.

According to rumors, this cousin's favorite pastime was sending royal family members to the front lines, and he didn't even spare his own brothers.

At this moment, everyone was silently praying, "Please don't choose me."

Temple, inner room.

The Great Mufti sat opposite King Muhammad.

The Great Mufti sighed softly: "I had thought you would take a more gradual approach."

Prince Muhammad took a sip of water and put down his cup: "If the knife is too slow, people will feel pain. Once they feel pain, they will resist, and if they resist, more blood will be shed."

"But those are families who have always silently supported you behind the scenes. How could you bring yourself to do that?"

"That's why if we can't even treat our own people fairly, how can we win people's hearts?"

"So."

The Grand Mufti refilled the king's hot water: "How far are you prepared to push the Sheikh family?"

Muhammad held up three fingers.

"First, I want the church to disarm its religious groups, and for the religious police to retain only judicial functions."

The Great Mufti gave a wry smile. Was the first one really that difficult?

The Santiago has three major violent institutions: the military is currently under the control of the Sudri faction, the conservative National Guard is being dismantled, and it is estimated that it will be completely absorbed soon.

What remains is the church, which is the religious police of the Sheikh family.

It seems they're preparing to completely incorporate all of the country's military forces.

"What's the answer?"

Grand Mufti nodded: "Okay."

Then Muhammad held up a second finger: "Whether it is education or the judicial system, the Church must make concessions and follow the steps of the state."

As the ruling family of the Shuangzhi religion, the Yehe family monopolized the domestic education and judicial institutions, which made it easier for them to spread their ideas.

In the previous clashes between conservatives and progressives, it was precisely the church's deep-rooted influence among the people that made the struggle so difficult.

The Great Mufti was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Yes."

Muhammad seemed unsurprised by this, and then he made his third demand: "The Church must relax the restrictions of Islamic law and embrace modern reforms."

This was almost shaking the very foundations of Wahhabism. The Grand Mufti took a deep breath: "Though I hate to ask, what will the Church gain?"

Muhammad did not answer, but the answer was clear to both of them.

That is to be alive.

As the largest family in Shuangzhi besides the royal family, the Sheikh family has unknowingly seized too much power over the years.

What's even more terrifying is that everyone has become accustomed to all of this.

“I also have two conditions,” said the Great Mufti.

Muhammad: "Tell me."

The Mufti made his first condition: "The vacant cabinet should be filled by the Church."

Muhammad shook his head: "No."

"I have agreed to all three of your conditions."

"No means no. Find another one."

The Great Mufti appeared hesitant, but finally spoke up: "First, Amir must inherit the throne."

Muhammad: "Yes."

"Secondly, he can only marry a woman from the Sheikh family."

"I can agree to that on his behalf."

The Great Mufti seemed relieved; the two had reached an agreement. He rang the bell on the table, and then an imam walked in: "Call everyone in."

Upon hearing this, the imam bowed slightly and turned to leave.

A moment later, Lu Lin and a group of princes walked in.

At this moment, the Great Mufti also put on a kind smile, as if nothing had happened.

The ceremony of bestowing angelic titles has never been prepared before, but the presentation of the tablets is a must.

Twelve Ulamas, each holding a Quran, stood on either side of the assembly, while the observers were the powerful ministers of Shuangzhi and leaders of various Arab countries—who had previously been seated in another room.

“Amir bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud”.

The voice of the Great Mufti echoed under the dome: "Today we are not granting you a new identity, but rather confirming the mission that God has already bestowed upon you."

Ulima began to chant scriptures in a low voice.

"From this day forward, you are not only the sword of the kingdom, but also the guardian of the faith."

The Great Mufti's voice carried a sacred solemnity: "On the battlefield you are the commander, in the halls you are the witness, and among the people you will become the symbol."

clang--

The bell rings.

Just as Lu Lin was still wondering if he should do something...

The great Mufti in front of him suddenly appeared shorter.

Then came Ulima.

The prince and his ministers.

In the blink of an eye, everyone bowed down to him.

At this moment, he became the embodiment of faith, an angel walking on the earth.

Leaders of other countries are not usually required to bow, but they still choose to use the gesture of placing their hand on their chest to express their approval and heartfelt respect.

At this moment, military authority and religious sanctity achieved an unprecedented unity in him.

Muhammad spoke, "Angel of War and Judgment, may you lead us to final victory."

The responses from the others echoed in the temple: "God be with you."

(End of this chapter)