Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 314 It’s a big deal

From Daoud's home and the people around him, Murad compiled a large list. This list included everyone from finance ministry officials to local clerks who had received bribes from him. The whole situation was appalling.

The mere search of their homes was a major undertaking, but the Shah had to be informed immediately. So Murad wrote down information about Daoud and his key associates and sent it to Tehran as quickly as possible.

Shah generally does not attend cabinet meetings; specific policies are discussed and implemented by the Grand Vizier and other ministers.

"Today we'll discuss the development of the Transoxiana region. The government has approved the Mashhad-Samarkand railway, but gold mining will take some time. Currently, it seems that issuing bonds is necessary to fill the current gap."

The finance minister had anticipated this, and fortunately the issuance size was not large; 600 million riyals was still manageable.

"This shouldn't be a problem..."

No sooner had the Chancellor of the Exchequer finished speaking than the meeting room door was suddenly pushed open, and a guard rushed in. He whispered something in Amir's ear, but his expression betrayed that it was nothing good.

"Something has happened in Herat."

Everyone's hearts jumped immediately. Had a mutiny or rebellion broken out in Herat? No! That couldn't be the case. If it were, the Shah would definitely summon them to the palace.

"This involves several high-ranking and local officials. The crimes of Daoud and his cronies are well-documented, so don't worry, let's wait for what the Shah has to say."

Amir left the meeting room, leaving the ministers looking at each other in bewilderment. They wondered how many people would fall from grace in this case.

Shah was clearly angry, his face extremely ugly, but his expression also carried an unprecedented solemnity and seriousness. Amir could feel the suppressed anger on his dark face, like the brief calm before a volcanic eruption, making him feel a little suffocated.

"Has the Grand Vizier been seen?"

“Shah, I’ve already seen it.”

The brief conversation contained a wealth of information. Even Amir hadn't expected that Daoud would dare to betray his country, especially with the involvement of Russia and Britain.

“Dawood actually agreed to hand over some of Herat’s mineral resources and trading rights to Britain and Russia in exchange for their support.” Naserdin’s voice was filled with suppressed anger. “He also plans to establish a foreign military presence in Herat and turn it into their colony.”

Amir nodded. "Not only that, Daoud also tried to bribe and threaten more officials to join his treasonous plot. Many of the people on the list were people we hadn't anticipated."

Nasserdin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew this wasn't the time to be angry. Fortunately, it was over, but some people remained hidden; they were a potential threat to Iran.

“Shah,” Amir spoke cautiously, breaking the suffocating silence, “Dawood’s plan has been thwarted, but we cannot let our guard down. According to Prince Murad’s investigation, some officials involved in the treason plot are still at large. They may possess important intelligence and may even continue to maintain contact with foreign powers.” Nasser al-Din slowly raised his head, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “You mean, these people might become the entry point for foreign powers to continue infiltrating Iran?”

“That’s right, Shah.” Amir nodded. “Although Daoud has been arrested, there are many cunning and treacherous individuals among his followers. They may use their resources to continue their covert operations, and even attempt to replicate Herat’s treasonous plans in other provinces.”

Nasser al-Din stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the distant streetscape of Tehran. The image of Herat flashed through his mind—that important border city that had almost become a springboard for foreign powers. A surge of indescribable anger and anxiety welled up within him.

“Grand Vizier,” Naser al-Din’s voice was low and cold, “we must completely eliminate these threats. You must immediately organize an elite intelligence team specifically to hunt down these fleeing traitors. Wherever they flee, bring them to justice.”

Amir bowed and accepted the order. "Yes, Shah. I will personally oversee this matter to ensure that no problems arise later."

There's one more thing. Kabul has sent people to assist His Highness the Prince, saying they're willing to join Iran. Should we agree?

"Three years ago they were begging the British for arms, and now they want to surrender the entire Hindu Kush mountain pass?" The Shah's voice, like a blade tempered with ice, gently grazed Amir's eardrums. A sudden gust of wind outside whipped sand against the stained glass windows, causing the gilded chandeliers hanging in the council chamber to shimmer with tiny specks of light.

Amir pulled out a roll of parchment, the dark red sealing wax gleaming like bloodstains in the candlelight. "The envoy brings a treaty personally signed by the Emir, promising to open the trade route from Kabul to Mashhad and allowing our troops to be stationed there." As he unfolded the document, he deliberately omitted the last few lines of smaller print—the supplementary clause regarding Iran's assistance in suppressing the Hazara tribe rebellion in the north.

"The fact that they are willing to assist shows their sincerity. However, our eastern border is somewhat vulnerable."

We must strengthen border defenses, especially in the Herat region. Daoud's treason has exposed weaknesses in our border management. We must re-evaluate our border garrisons and officers, ensuring their loyalty and reliability.

As for Kabul, send someone to discuss the situation with them. If possible, he could follow the example of the Sultan of Oman and come to Tehran.

Naserdin walked to his desk, picked up a pen, and quickly wrote a few lines on a piece of paper. "This is my commendation for Murad. His performance in Herat is commendable. You should personally deliver this letter to him and tell him that his efforts have not been in vain."

Amir accepted the letter and nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty. I will convey your decree to Prince Murad as soon as possible."

This case has had a significant impact on Nasser al-Din, as it involves corruption, smuggling, and treason. A severe sentence is necessary to deter those who might be tempted to commit similar crimes.

Moreover, Britain and Russia haven't given up on dividing the territory; rather than letting Iran act as a buffer, they'd rather take it themselves. Given this, Iran doesn't need to be so polite.

The Afghan region is currently partly occupied by Britain, and Kabul has been seeking a neutral path among the surrounding countries. However, both Britain and Russia want to bring it under their control, and Iran is the only country it can rely on, given that the two countries were once united, and reunification is not necessarily out of the question.

(End of this chapter)