Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 311 The situation escalates

Murad learned about Herat's situation on the way, discovering it to be a system comprised of local powerful figures, smugglers, and collusion with foreign separatists. He estimated that no one in Herat, from top to bottom, was clean.

“Your Highness, Daoud has a very tight presence in Herat. It will be very difficult for us to find evidence of his crimes.”

“It’s difficult, but we have to do it, Uncle,” Murad said to his uncle Shahbaz, who had come with him. “This is a test from my father. He didn’t arrest him directly last year because he wanted to see if I could handle things. Iran needs a decisive monarch, like Abbas the Great.”

Murad's education modeled itself on Abbas the Great and Cyrus the Great. The former restored Iran's national strength, while the latter embraced openness and inclusiveness; both expanded their territories through military conquest. Murad followed their example, employing a combination of carrot and stick to make Iran strong.

He also learned about European history, how England, France, Russia, Austria, and Prussia all became powerful because of enlightened monarchs and technological advancements. He wanted to demonstrate his abilities to his father and the people that he was capable of any job.

Upon arriving outside Herat, Daoud and his officials had been waiting for a long time. When they saw His Highness the Prince, everyone immediately became extremely respectful and played music to welcome him.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Lord Daoud, you've had a long journey." Murad's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

Daoud bowed deeply, his face beaming with smiles. "It is an honor for Herat to have Your Highness travel from afar. We have prepared a welcoming banquet for you, and we humbly request that Your Highness grace us with your presence."

Murad glanced at Shabaz beside him; his uncle nodded slightly, signaling him to be careful. Murad knew in his heart that Daoud's attentiveness concealed a deeper scheme.

“I will naturally not refuse Lord Daoud’s hospitality,” Murad said calmly. “However, I have come here to learn about Herat’s situation, and I hope you will cooperate.”

A fleeting shadow crossed Daoud's eyes, but he quickly regained his smile. "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is fine in Herat. The people live in peace and prosperity, and trade routes are unimpeded. If Your Highness has any questions, I will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

At the welcoming banquet, Daoud arranged a lavish feast, with singing and dancing filling the air and creating a lively atmosphere. However, Murad remained calm throughout, carefully observing everyone present, trying to find a way to break through their defenses.

The guests were all local officials and wealthy merchants, and they treated His Highness the Prince with utmost respect, without uttering a single complaint. Furthermore, the local officers said Daoud was a good man, which suggests they had been deeply corrupted by the system.

After the banquet, Murad returned to his residence, and Shabaz immediately followed him in.

“Your Highness, Daoud’s behavior is too obsequious; there’s probably something fishy going on,” Shabaz said in a low voice.

Murad nodded. "I sensed that too. But that's our chance. The more he tries to cover it up, the easier it is for him to slip up."

After arriving in Herat, Murad appeared to be no different from the others. He spent two days there meeting with local officials, and then went on a lively spree for almost half a month before things calmed down.

Everyone wanted to see His Highness the Prince, and Murad welcomed all comers. The fact that he met with all sorts of people at his lodgings every day made the Daoud people wonder if the prince was on vacation.
But no one expected that Murad, who outwardly appeared to be a very nice person, greeting every visiting official with a smile, and even local gentry and merchants with the same affability, was actually secretly investigating the local situation. Besides Herat, he was also privately gathering information on other places.

As time went by, the truth about Herat gradually came to light, like the fog being lifted. When the truth was finally revealed, Murad couldn't help but feel angry.

"How audacious! Why didn't they cut off his head back then?" A fire burned within him, almost uncontrollable. Indeed, the investigation results shocked Murad; compared to what had been reported earlier, it was merely the tip of the iceberg. As the iceberg gradually revealed itself, the results were truly appalling.

Herat has always been a strategically important region, and due to its important geographical location, it has been contested by various forces for centuries until it was taken over by Iran and stabilized.

With the development of Iranian trade and Daoud's efforts, smuggling in Herat has become increasingly serious. Some businessmen have also joined in this smuggling, causing Iran to lose a lot of tax revenue and creating collusion between officials and businessmen to exploit the local people. In addition, some disillusioned individuals have turned to plundering others' property, engaging in risky businesses in the border region.

These individuals bribed local officials to endorse their schemes, and secretly targeted small and medium-sized businessmen, committing all sorts of heinous crimes. They were also incredibly audacious, attempting to win over any officials who became aware of their activities and were preparing to take action or report the matter. Many officials were lured into their corrupt practices with money, while others, when bribery failed, resorted to ruthless violence. Most outrageously, a newly appointed military officer in the Herat region last year drowned after falling into the moat while drunk.

“Your Highness, there is another person who has provided us with a lot of information. But he is not a local; he comes from Kabul.”

Shabaz's words alerted Murad; the arrival of the people from Kabul must mean something.

"Where is he?"

"Right outside the door."

"Let him come!"

Soon, the messenger arrived before Murad.

"Greetings, Your Highness! I have come to assist you on Emir's orders."

"Alright, enough with the nonsense, just tell me what you know."

The messenger blurted out everything he knew, including Daoud's use of Herat to smuggle goods and his authoritarian rule. Most importantly, he accused Daoud of defecting to the enemy.

"Britain has approached him and promised to send troops to help him if he declares independence. In addition, according to Emir's inquiries, Russia and Kokand in the north will also provide support."

An investigation into officials uncovering a treason case is no small matter. Murad immediately became alert and asked his uncle to check if anyone was around.

"This is going to be interesting. You sent this message, so there must be something else going on, right?"

"Your Highness is indeed astute. To be honest, the Emir wishes to join Iran and hopes Your Highness will support him."

The news came one after another tonight, but Murad immediately expressed his support. Whatever it was, the fact that they were able to provide such important intelligence was a great achievement, and his father would agree to their request.

(End of this chapter)