Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 290 Discussion After Returning (Part 2)

The basic matters are now settled; that's about it for domestic affairs. After all, things can't be happening every day. Oh, by the way, the Sultan of Oman has been waiting in Tehran for a month in advance to prepare for his audience with the Shah. It's just that his meager assets are almost depleted.

Upon meeting Nasser al-Din, the Sultan immediately pledged his loyalty, offering to cede the entirety of Oman to Iran.

This is the first time I've seen someone voluntarily request to be incorporated into Iran, but considering Oman's population and economy, incorporation seems to be the only option.

Naser al-Din was pleased with the Sultan's loyalty. He immediately bestowed upon the Sultan 5000 riyals and other gifts, and indicated that if a future unification occurred, he would be included in the nobility.

The Sultan left with a smile, having successfully secured a guarantee for himself and his descendants, so he no longer had to live in constant fear.

Abdullah lived not far from the Gulestan Palace. After his swift promotion, he was now one of the highest-ranking members of the royal family and one of the Shah's closest confidants. So much so that after his return, countless people came to visit him every day with gifts.

"Where did all these come from? Why did they bring things as soon as they heard I was back?"

“You don’t know? Shah promoted you to the government. These people have very flexible sources of information. Naturally, they would come to invite you for a position,” Abdullah’s wife said from the side.

If these people were the Shah, he would have killed them all. What the country needs now are capable people, not sycophants. This is also why Abdullah was promoted so quickly; he made significant contributions to Iranian diplomacy during his years in the Far East, which led to his transfer to the central Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although he was transferred, his job was still relatively easy, so Abdullah naturally had more time to think about other things, such as forming a group.

On the way back, Nasser al-Din inquired about Abdullah's thoughts on Iran's future political development. Currently, there are numerous petitions within the country requesting that Iran emulate the British constitutional system, though these are being used as pretexts to promote industrial development and nation-building; however, this is not a sustainable solution. The Progressive Association has not explicitly opposed constitutionalism, but they do favor the Prussian parliament.

The only voices of opposition came from members of the royal family and nobility, who believed that monarchical autocracy was the cornerstone of national and social stability, and that its destruction would likely lead to the country's disintegration.

After being exposed to new things, the nobles also formed several small groups, but they often broke out in internal strife, with none of them willing to submit to the others. This necessitated the presence of someone with sufficient prestige to unite them. Moreover, this person had to be knowledgeable about foreign affairs and be valued by the Shah. Only Abdullah met these criteria.

"Your Highness, they are coming."

The servant informed Abdullah of the arrival of the guests, and Abdullah went to the reception room to meet them.

Tehran Mayor Fahta, members of the Council of Experts Murad, Ibrahim, and Ohrid, and pearl merchant Kara Mustafa waited in the drawing room. They were all people familiar with Western affairs and belonged to the moderate reformist faction. They were also members of the royal family or close associates, and they hoped for a slow and gradual political renewal under the leadership of the royal family.

"I have met His Highness!"

Mustafa was the first to bow to Abdullah, followed by the others. Only after Abdullah took his seat did the others sit down.

“Iran has undergone tremendous changes since the Shah ascended to the throne. Mustafa, I remember you used to sell fruit in Tehran. How are things now? Is the pearl business doing well?”

"Thanks to the Shah's wisdom and might, pearls are now being sold to the United States and Austria, where people love them. The profits each year are enormous."

"Oh, this is a small token of my appreciation, Your Highness, please accept it." Mustafa took out various pearl ornaments, each one of considerable value.

"That's good, that's good. Since you're doing this, I'll accept it."

Abdullah accepted the gifts and then got straight to the point.

"I've called you all here today to consider our future standing. Have you noticed that there's been a recent increase in calls across the country for the establishment of a parliament?"

Hearing this, everyone understood. Last month, 400 people rallied in Tehran demanding the establishment of a parliament; more than 1500 people gathered in Tabriz; and even dozens gathered in Bahrain, across the Persian Gulf.

"That's true, everyone in Tehran's cafes is talking about it now. What's so great about Parliament anyway? If it weren't for the Shah, could they be here having coffee in peace?"

Ohrid was somewhat indignant. As a member of parliament for the Hormuz region, he wasn't against reform itself, but rather against reforms not led by the Shah. Since he was the monarch, let the monarch change the country; they, the ministers, only needed to offer advice.

But if a parliament is established, the Shah's power will fall into other hands, and the nobility's voice will certainly diminish, potentially leading to a repeat of the French Revolution where they all end up on the guillotine. This is absolutely unacceptable.

"Don't say that. Without them, Tehran would still be lifeless. Besides, they haven't made any other demands. If we can take things slowly, I think society can definitely function smoothly."

Murad offered a different opinion: since it's an inevitable trend, why not go with the flow and wait until the conflict intensifies so that they can't do anything about it anymore?

"This is why I have gathered you all here. While the Liberal Party and the Progressive Association are arguing, the royal family does not have its own unified group. As the people who support Shah the most, we must make our own voice heard."

I hope you can support me; we must now make up for what we've missed in the past.

Everyone was startled, but quickly realized that Abdullah's statement must have been authorized by the Shah, who wanted to have his own proxy in the newly established parliament, and Abdullah was acting on his behalf.

“That’s right, the Shah’s position must be maintained by us, his loyal supporters. We cannot allow the common people to completely seize power; if we do, it will be the end of the world.”

"Say no more, Your Highness, we will listen to you."

"Whatever you say, we'll do."

It seems everyone still wants to make progress. Abdullah has begun asking them to recruit some people to formally establish a large group during Nowruz, aiming to gain more influence in the current situation. Everyone agreed.

Mustafa also provided 2000 riyals as seed money to Abdullah and guaranteed to provide the group with 1.5 riyals in the future. Others also decided to use their influence to recruit more people.

Abdullah also had his own ideas. Currently, Iran's parliament is essentially like Prussia's, but as prime minister, he still wields some power. Since he's not the Shah, being prime minister is acceptable. He wants to be the Shah's most loyal minister.

(End of this chapter)