Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 310 The Prince's Mission

The harem and the court were always connected, so Naser al-Din's idea quickly reached Queen Fatima.

Her son was going to Herat, which should have been a happy occasion. It meant he was beginning to handle political affairs and laying the foundation for his succession. But she still had a feeling that something was going to happen.

Compared to the other two consorts, Fatima's background wasn't particularly high. She came from a powerful clan in the Abadan region and was the first to declare her allegiance after the tribal reforms carried out by the Shah. To reward their loyalty, the Shah bestowed upon them numerous noble titles, and some were even given important positions. For example, Fatima's brother, Hussein, was a newly appointed high-ranking official in Muscat.

They are also the tribe that has transformed the fastest, starting to focus on industry, commerce, and education. They also have the most members studying abroad, with 30 already sent to Prussia to study military and industrial sciences. Upon their return, they will directly become Iranian military officers.

At this time, the Iranian harem was not as strictly controlled as before, allowing the harem to establish more connections with their maternal families. Fatima received numerous gifts, including perfumes from France, jewelry from the Far East, and pearls from the Persian Gulf. Supporting Murad became their most important method for maintaining their family's power.

The mission to Herat was both an opportunity and a huge risk for Murad. The cunning of Governor Daoud and the complex situation in Herat made her uneasy. She secretly contacted the family elders, requesting them to send a group of loyal warriors and students to accompany Murad to Herat. This was all she could do for her son.

Nasser al-Din quickly announced the news, and everyone knew it was an effort to train his successor. However, the changing times made this otherwise ordinary matter more fraught with uncertainty. After all, until the very last moment, no one knew who would inherit the throne.

Before Murad set off, Fatima summoned him to the palace and personally placed a protective amulet around his neck. "This is something I brought back from Qom. I hope it will protect you and ensure your safe return," she whispered, a tear glistening in her eyes.

Murad's father, Naser al-Din, personally saw him off, bestowing upon him a jewel-encrusted scimitar, symbolizing the succession of the throne. Murad knew the weight of his responsibility; even if it meant facing an abyss, he would overcome it.

Herat remains largely unchanged, its importance as a crucial hub for exchange between Central Asia, Southwest Asia, and South Asia undeniable. However, it is still the only region in Iran with a hereditary monarchy, which inevitably raises questions.

Daoud held constant banquets in his castle. In his view, what was guaranteed for the monarch and what was left for the higher-ups was all his own. Moreover, ordinary taxation was no longer enough for him. Fortunately, Herat's geographical location offered another avenue for making money—smuggling.

Daoud leveraged Herat's geographical advantages to establish a vast smuggling network. From Persian silk to Afghan gems, almost any lucrative commodity was under his control. He ensured the smooth flow of smuggling routes by bribing border officials and military commanders.

Thirty feet beneath the city of Herat, Daoud built the largest smuggling hub in Persia: Afghan lapis lazuli was cut and polished here, mixed into the cargo manifests of legitimate caravans; gold vaults held piles of currencies from various countries, and in the corner, a Persian cat's collar was inlaid with a gold coin bearing the portrait of the Queen of England.

He also secured his position by bribing central government officials. Several important officials received "gifts" from him.

Daoud might still have a chance to keep his property, but his biggest mistake was getting involved with foreigners. The Russians and the British approached him one after the other, claiming to have business dealings. Initially, they only bought goods, but then they tried to persuade him to secede from Iran and become independent.

Once people are well-fed, they naturally start thinking about unrealistic things. Is independence really that easy? In Daoud's view, it is. He is the highest-ranking official in Herat, wielding local power. Moreover, he has money to win over the surrounding officials; with a single call, success is assured. Then, it's just a matter of conquering east and west, and dominating the world.

To demonstrate its support, Britain had its long-time vassal Kandahar send a shipment of arms. It also stated that Britain was willing to provide diplomatic support if possible.

With Britain's promise, Daoud was indeed secretly accumulating power. When Nasser al-Din inspected Herat, he considered launching a coup to kill the Shah, believing it would plunge Iran into chaos, allowing him to seize power and succeed. However, upon seeing the Iranian army, he felt his forces were too small and thus refrained from action.

But things are different now. With the support of the British and Russians, even if Iran is powerful, it won't risk offending two world powers. Besides, it wasn't the Shah who arrived this time, but his son—essentially sending hostages.

However, while they basked in the glory of their plans, one country was overlooked: the Emirate of Kabul. Its leader, Omar Mohammed Rassem, was panicking. The British and Russians were attempting to seize the entire Afghan region, and he had no support. His geographical advantage could only temporarily hold them off; to escape this predicament completely, there was only one path: to ally with Iran.

"Chief, we are ready. They have already headed to Herat to prepare for contact with Iran."

"Tell them to be careful. Herat is full of Daoud's people. At this time, no one can be trusted. We can only wait for Prince Murad to come."

Also, hold Peshawar, and report immediately if the British arrive.

Rassem directed with all his might that in a world of great power rivalry, small countries either waver or take sides completely. Kandahar belonged to the latter, reaping great benefits after siding with the British.

Kabul, however, could only choose the latter option. While oscillating between the two countries was possible, the challenge lay in how to navigate this balancing act among the three nations. Furthermore, the British had been ruthless towards Sikhs, heavily promoting them and filling their former territories with Sikh and Hindu influence. Kabul feared it would be next, and Iran was their last hope.

“Allah! Bless your followers. We have protected Peshawar for you, but many still live under the rule of infidels. Bless Iran and grant them success. I will offer land as a reward.”

Rassem could only seek psychological comfort in this way; the generational gap between the British and himself was too great, and only Iran could rival them. If he could truly succeed, even being a powerless nobleman would be acceptable.

(End of this chapter)