Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 316 Harvest
Amir finally arrived in Herat and, upon receiving the Shah's orders, proceeded without delay. His carriage was piled high with secret orders and documents brought from Tehran, each bearing the Shah's imperial seal, symbolizing supreme authority.

He had just stepped off the train when a squad of fully armed soldiers approached him. The leading officer saluted respectfully: "Grand Vizier, His Highness Murad is awaiting you at the Governor's Palace."

Amir nodded. On both sides of the street, people curiously observed the group from Tehran. Amir noticed that although traces of the battle still lingered on the streets, the shops had reopened and the market had returned to its former bustling state.

Murad was already waiting in front of the governor's mansion with a group of officials. This was, after all, the Shah's teacher and a man who had served as Grand Vizier for over ten years—something unbelievable before.

Amir's gaze lingered on Murad for a moment. He remembered that the last time he saw Murad, the man was just a boy studying in the Tehran court, but now he was already capable of standing on his own and quelling the Herat rebellion.

“Your Highness,” Amir bowed slightly, his tone filled with the loving kindness of an elder, “the Shah will be very pleased to see you safe and sound.”

Murad stepped forward and took Amir's arm: "No need for formalities. It's an honor for you to come to Herat in person."

The two walked side by side into the governor's mansion, the officials behind them discreetly keeping their distance. Amir noticed that Murad's steps were steady and powerful, unlike those of a young man who had just experienced a coup.

In the study, Murad personally poured Amir a cup of tea: "Grand Vizier has come from afar; what instructions does Father have?"

Amir took a secret letter from his pocket and presented it with both hands: "Your Highness, this is a letter from the Shah himself. He greatly admires your actions in Herat and warns you to be wary of the British."

Murad unfolded the letter and quickly scanned its contents. Amir noticed that the prince's brow furrowed slightly when he saw the word "British."

Murad closed the letter. "The British have indeed begun their operation. Just yesterday, their envoy Anchorage left."

A flicker of surprise crossed Amir's eyes: "They moved so quickly?"

Murad sneered, "The British are like vultures, swarming at the smell of blood. But I've already given them a taste of their own medicine."

Amir nodded approvingly: “Your Highness handled it well. However, we still need to prepare more. His Majesty the Shah has approved the plan to send reinforcements, and the first batch of troops will arrive in Herat next week.”

Murad was delighted. "Father seems to be paying more attention to this place. To be honest, we must increase our investment here. If Kabul aligns itself with Britain, it will have a significant impact on Herat."

Amir was well aware of Kabul's influence on Herat, but the fact that Britain now controlled Kandahar meant they could enter Afghanistan through the Bolan Pass.

If Kabul also falls under their control, Iran will be semi-encircled by Britain in the east. This would also put Transoxiana under British threat; Kabul must be held.

However, this case has caused a huge uproar in Iran, especially when news broke that Daoud was preparing to betray the country, which angered everyone.

Under the Shah's leadership, Iran is no longer the Iran of the past. Someone in such a high position who dares to betray us—killing you would be too lenient.

Such a person, naturally, didn't wait for a trial in Tehran; a court was set up directly in Herat. This was the fastest trial ever, with all the evidence irrefutable, resulting in Daoud and 18 of his associates being sentenced to death and immediately executed. "Hang the traitor!"

"Make him pay the price!"

"Long live the Shah! Long live Iran!"

Amidst the deafening shouts, Murad's gaze fell upon the gallows in the center of the square. Daoud, bound hand and foot, knelt there, his former imposing manner completely gone. His face was covered in bruises, clearly indicating the ordeal he had endured during interrogation.

Amid cheers from the crowd, Murad turned and nodded to Shabazz. Shabazz understood and loudly announced, "The execution begins!"

The ropes on the gallows tightened slowly, and Daoud's body began to convulse. Murad watched this scene coldly, without a trace of pleasure. He knew this was just the beginning. The British wouldn't give up easily; they would surely find new proxies.

Daoud's body convulsed on the gallows before finally coming to rest, but Murad felt no relief. He knew the real battle was yet to come.

Their assets were invested in local development. Of course, Shah also understood his son's difficulties and generously allocated a quarter of the confiscated assets to Murad.

Herat redistributed the land, dividing the land of these people into small plots for local farmers to cultivate, while a portion went to the royal family. All the gold and silver statues were melted down and became gold nuggets in the treasury.

Meanwhile, Amir also made corresponding arrangements based on the situation, appointing Shabaz as a high-ranking official in Herat Province and urgently opening Herat civil service examinations to fill the gaps.

“Your Highness,” Shabazz said in a low voice, “we have just received news that the British envoy Anchorage went directly to Kabul after leaving Herat.”

I suggest we send a diplomatic mission, carrying gifts and promises, to secretly visit the tribes surrounding Kabul. They can assist the Emir in organizing an effective defense force.

Murad pondered for a moment, then nodded: "That's what we'll do. But we must ensure that this mission has no official contact with Herat. If the British discover this, we'll be in a very difficult position."

Iran is also facing difficulties. Although they have become powerful, they still have to be mindful of the British. They maintain a large military presence in India and share a border with India to the southeast. Everything requires caution.

"Your Highness, rest assured."

The repercussions of this event continue. Evidence of collusion between Russia and Daoud has been released, igniting public anger in Iran. Iran announced the suspension of trilateral talks with Russia in the Far East. Previous preparations have been rendered futile. Instead, Iran has deployed 30,000 additional troops to the region, with their advance directed towards Kyzylorda.

The Russian Foreign Minister urgently traveled to Tehran to explain the situation and simultaneously deployed troops to Central Asia. Another consequence of this was that negotiations between the Far East and Russia's northwestern region stalled, as the Far East envoy was found dead the following day. Rumors circulated that he had been murdered by the Russians.

Even if the Far East is incompetent, the killing of an envoy on its own soil is intolerable. The Russians had no choice but to abandon their previous arrogance and prepare for a peaceful resolution. This wasn't due to a change of heart, but rather a fear that Iran might suddenly intervene militarily and sever their ties with Central Asia.

(End of this chapter)