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One of her principles was to treat the virtuous and talented with respect.
After everything was prepared, Shahzani personally led two companies and officially set off.
After traversing the strongholds and camps in the war zone, we finally arrived at the front line of the confrontation between the two armies.
Coincidentally, this Samanid stronghold also had a sturdy watchtower built of fired bricks, which was probably used to guide caravans and pilgrims in peacetime, but was converted for military use during wartime.
Shahzani stood on the watchtower, with a panoramic view of the surroundings. Holding Biruni's "observation tube," she scanned the Karakhan army camp opposite.
"The deployment of the Karakhanid army is almost identical to the intelligence."
Following the "observation tube," all objects on the opposite side were magnified many times over. The Karakhanid army's sentry posts, fences, trenches, barracks, and stables were all clearly visible under the magnification effect.
What surprised her most were the Qin soldiers in the enemy camp.
There were about a hundred Qin people in the camp. Their appearance and clothing were different from those of the Turks. They generally did not wear armor or weapons, and most of them carried earth and wood construction tools. At most, they only carried short knives for protection.
On the river, a sluice gate is taking shape. Although it is only temporary, it is still very orderly and well-organized, which shows that the Qin people's construction skills were indeed quite high.
Shahzani couldn't help but make the worst-case scenario plan: the Karakhanid army's goal was very likely not just to cut off the water source, but to first build dams to store water, and then release the water when the time was right, in order to achieve the intention of flooding Samarkand.
After all, the terrain here is high in the east and low in the west. The eastern part is a transitional zone of higher hills, while the western part is the Samarkand Plain. Floods rush in from east to west, making it entirely possible to achieve the tactic of flooding the city.
"A good plan! But I won't let you carry it out," Shahzani thought to herself with a cold smile.
Under Shahzani's instructions, the Saman army continued to observe the deployment of the Karakhan army. The height of the watchtowers and the viewing distance of the observation tubes provided many conveniences for the female warriors who were about to attack. Before long, they had a complete understanding of the situation of the Karakhan camp.
Shahzani continued to educate the female warriors involved in the operation:
"Remember, although the Qin people and the Turks look similar, there are still differences upon closer inspection: the Qin people's features are softer, their clothing and mannerisms are also significantly different from those of the Turks, and more importantly, their languages are completely different..."
After pre-battle planning and conserving of energy, everything is ready.
……
At dawn, the light mingled with the darkness.
At Shahzani's command, the armored Samanian female soldiers leaped over the fences and trenches and rushed rapidly toward the enemy camp on the opposite side.
In the dawn light, thick yellow sand swirled across the vast desert, and the iron cavalry, like raging fire, crossed the buffer zone between the two armies and plunged into the Karakhanid army's defensive zone.
The Karakhanid garrison was at its most exhausted at dawn, and their defenses were slightly lax. They had no idea that Shahzani would lead an elite force in a surprise attack, and that she would dare to storm the heavily fortified camp with only a company. Such courage truly shocked them.
However, the Karakhanid army's momentary stunned silence was short-lived. In the blink of an eye, warning cries rose and fell, and a dense rain of arrows rained down on the charging cavalry, the arrows whizzing past helmets and armor with a clanging sound.
Shahzani remained calm. She and her warriors were all clad in the finest heavy armor, which, with its robust defense, could completely neutralize the arrows at this distance.
"Fire! Kill them!" Shahzani roared fiercely. Her hoarse roar sent chills down the spine, yet it seemed to infuse the courage of the warrior Rustam into their bodies, making the female warriors' blood boil.
With a crisp, clear volley of arrows, a hail of arrows, like locusts, pierced the air and rained down on the Karakhanid army's camp. The Karakhanid soldiers who had just emerged from their ranks were thrown into disarray by the sudden barrage, suffering heavy casualties.
Taking advantage of the lull, the Saman cavalry crossed the trenches, broke through the weak edges of the palisades, and suddenly plunged into the Karakhan army's camp. They then charged forward, attacking the Karakhan soldiers who had not yet assembled.
"Keep formation! Capture those Qin people!" Shahzani took the lead and rushed towards the area where the Qin craftsmen were encamped.
But before she could make a move, a group of Samanian female soldiers on the side accelerated and rushed to the front. In a flash, the lassos in their hands flew out and bound the craftsmen who were scattering and fleeing. The valiant female soldiers then rushed over and, like lionesses hunting antelopes, extended their powerful arms like iron pincers and tied the prisoners to the back of their horses.
"Well done, warriors! Now we're retreating. Follow me and charge out of the enemy camp!"
Shahzani gave the female officer leading the group an approving look, then brandished her hammer and charged back the way she came.
Chapter 87 Fierce Older Woman and Weak Young Man
By the time the Karakhanid army reorganized its counterattack, Shahzani's elite cavalry, carrying the captured artisans, had already returned to the Samanid army's defensive camp amidst billowing dust.
In this surprise attack, no one in the Samanid army was killed, and only five female warriors were grazed by arrows. The Karakhanid army, on the other hand, suffered heavy losses: not only were many killed, but the order of the outpost camp was also disrupted, and many valuable skilled craftsmen who accompanied the army were lost.
When Shahzani returned to the camp, his first concern was for the female officer who had performed the extraordinary feat. He ordered his soldiers to summon her and inquire about her background.
“Reporting to Kadhuda, my name is Shahinian Guharshad, and I am a squad leader (commanding 50 soldiers) in the 5th Company of the Guard. It is a great honor for me to fight alongside you on the battlefield,” the female officer replied.
“Very good, Shahini, you have inherited the courage of Iranian female warriors and have made great contributions.” Shahzani nodded approvingly again, then rewarded her with money and fine clothes, and promoted her to personal attendant.
This position was previously held by Bahram, but he was later promoted to command troops and often needed to lead troops independently in the field, so the position was vacant for a period of time until a suitable candidate was found today.
Sahimian kowtowed again, deeply thanking the female governor for her appreciation.
Next, Shahzani began to assess the value of the prisoners. After counting, there were 25 prisoners in total, all of whom were Qin artisans serving in the Karakhanid army.
Using what she had learned in her previous life, she spoke fluent Chinese, quickly breaking down the psychological defenses of most of the prisoners. Apart from slight differences in pronunciation, communication was not a problem between the two eras of Chinese.
The captured Qin people were also very surprised. They never expected that a Persian Hui noblewoman could speak such fluent native language. For these foreigners who were far from their homeland, this was undoubtedly a rare feeling of warmth and familiarity.
Shahzani's gaze swept across the crowd, settling on a young, handsome scholar in a turban and robe, judging him to be a leader-level figure.
"What's your name?" she asked as she walked over.
"My name is Zhu Xuan, courtesy name Jiande. I never change my name or surname. Now that I have fallen into your hands, Madam, you may kill me or torture me as you see fit!" the scholar said righteously.
That's right, he was none other than Zhu Jiande, the strategist of the Karakhanid Dynasty.
He was also very frustrated at the moment.
After leaving Il-i-Naser's tent, he set off for the front lines of Ponjikent, intending to lead his fellow villagers to escape in the chaos after serving the Karakhanids this time, far away from the Samanid-Karakhan War.
Unexpectedly, while inspecting the fortifications at the forward outpost, he was ambushed by Shahzani's elite troops and became a prisoner by mistake.
For the self-righteous scholars of the Central Plains, falling into the hands of "foreign races" several times within a few years was undoubtedly a heavy humiliation. Thus, the scholars wished to emulate the remnants of the Western Regions army at the end of the Han and Tang dynasties, preparing to sacrifice themselves in this distant foreign land.
"Hahahaha." Shahzani laughed loudly upon hearing this. "As the old saying goes: Everyone must die, but some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, while others are lighter than a feather. If I execute you like this, wouldn't that make your death lighter than a feather?"
“This…you…” Zhu Jiande was speechless.
He was prepared to die a heroic death, but he didn't expect to encounter a "strange" enemy. Moreover, this Persian Hui woman was quite knowledgeable about Chinese etiquette and culture, which surprised him.
Shahzani then began a grand narrative.
"Qin and Iran were originally friendly nations, and the two countries have maintained trade relations for thousands of years. Our monarch Pirouz (may he rest in peace!) once sought refuge in your Qin country."
"Now, the Samanid dynasty is at war with the Karakhanid dynasty. This is a continuation of the millennia-long conflict between Iran and Turan, and it should have nothing to do with you Qin people. I know very well that you have been dragged into this without any reason."
"but……"
Shahzani suddenly changed the subject: "Since you serve the Karakhanid army, you have to pay the price. I'm not killing you for now, but that doesn't mean I won't impose other punishments, so you'd better obediently confess and cooperate."
"Hmph, I've already said, kill me or torture me, it's all up to you. Don't even think about getting any information out of me, Madam!" Zhu Jiande still gritted his teeth and insisted, refusing to budge.
“Hehe, it seems I need to reconsider the ‘treatment’ I’m giving you.” Shahzani shook her head with a smile.
“If you insist on doing this, please do it! A Chinese man will never beg for mercy!” Zhu Jiande straightened his back, his eyes resolute.
"Quite stubborn," Shahzani said with a charming smile, then asked leisurely, "Do you have a wife?"
"No, what's wrong?" the scholar asked, puzzled.
“Now you have it. Shahizani!” Shahzani smiled and gestured to the female guard standing beside her.
The valiant and robust female guards arrived at the sound of the call.
“From this moment forward, this Qin man is your husband. During the marriage, he is at your disposal. Go.” Shahzani waved her hand, signaling the female warrior to take Zhu Jiande away.
"Praise be to God, and thank you, Qadhuda, for your gift!" Sahini's rose-like face became even more alluring with joy. She then hoisted the thin boy onto her shoulder and headed towards the barracks.
"Madam! A scholar can be killed but not humiliated! Please put me down!" Zhu Jiande struggled and shouted, his voice fading into the distance.
Shahzani watched them leave, then turned back and glared at the remaining people. This time, the captured Qin artisans dared not resist any longer and readily revealed the military intelligence they knew.
Shahzani signaled the Nasak leaders to come forward and record the prisoners' confessions.
Among them was a man named Mo Yuxuan, a craftsman in Zhu Jiande's "Peach Blossom Stone Camp," a skilled foreman who oversaw a small number of artisans. Although this young man was also handsome and refined, he was clearly much more pragmatic.
He revealed a lot of crucial military intelligence and expressed great admiration for Shahzani's bravery and courage, comparing her to heroines in Chinese culture such as Hua Mulan, Princess Pingyang, and Empress Wu Zetian.
Shahzani certainly appreciated this attitude. After the process was completed, she ordered the establishment of a special camp for the captured Qin people and assigned soldiers to protect them closely. She also announced a policy of religious tolerance, allowing the Qin people to retain their own Confucian or Taoist beliefs and prohibiting Islamic Khorami clerics from forcibly proselytizing.
But the most crucial part of the plan still rests in Zhu Jiande's hands; its success or failure depends entirely on whether Shahimian can "persuade" this young Confucian scholar.
“However, generally speaking, young men are often powerless against mature and powerful women. I bet that with her beauty and strength, Sahini could easily conquer him,” Shahzani thought with a smile.
Chapter 88 Stop! I surrender!
Shahzani then rewarded the officers and soldiers, and the female soldiers who participated in the battle received their respective rewards according to their merits.
After awarding the prizes, Shahzani summoned Biruni, bestowed upon him some rewards, and encouraged him to continue his academic pursuits and achieve innovation.
The use of the "observation tube" allowed Shahzani to personally experience the enhancement that technological advancements bring to combat. If this tool were further improved and deployed to the army on a larger scale, it would undoubtedly have an even more positive impact.
If the process goes smoothly, military telescopes may be developed centuries earlier than the normal historical milestones.
……
Meanwhile, female officers and captured boys, witnessed by Khorami clerics accompanying the army, completed a Sigheh marriage ceremony. This is a temporary marriage system in Iranian Islam, undoubtedly more prevalent in times of frequent war and uncertainty.
Zhu Jiande was stripped clean and sent into the bridal chamber. The luxurious carpet inside the chamber was covered with fragrant rose petals, reflecting the dim light of the copper lamps and shimmering with an ambiguous hue.
A tall, strong, and beautiful figure lifted the curtain.
Sahimian slowly stepped in, her beautiful eyes flashing with a hint of coquettishness as she looked at the frail young man kneeling upright.
She stepped forward, reached out and lifted his delicate chin, and said in slightly broken Chinese, "Raise your head and look at me."
The boy looked up nervously, and a handsome, refined face came into view.
“What a handsome boy…” Sahini’s lips curled up as she began to remove her clothes. “You are mine now. Come and enjoy unparalleled pleasure.”
A sexy and mature body was suddenly exposed, with light brown, firm skin, smooth and strong muscle lines, and a curvaceous figure. The triangle panties below the navel, glistening with moisture, all exuded an irresistible allure.
"No... wait! Ah, don't look, don't look..." Zhu Jiande's cheeks were flushed and burning. In his panic, he quickly closed his eyes, but he still couldn't help but steal a few glances.
"Pfft, hahaha! You little brat, what's wrong? Never seen a woman before?" Sahinian burst into laughter, flirtatiously tossing her long hair and teasing the young man's sensitive areas with her fingertips, causing him to groan softly.
"Ah...please don't..." Zhu Jiande quickly declined.
"Please what?! Being shy is not a manly quality. Let me see your 'battle spear'!" Sahimian's red lips parted slightly, her voice full of allure, yet carrying an irresistible, forceful command.
At the same time, her face and body pressed against it overwhelmingly.
Zhu Jiande struggled to his feet, but as a weak scholar, he was no match for the strong female officer.
Soon, he felt a chill in his groin; his manhood had been stripped of its covering and was completely exposed to the ambiguous air. Immediately afterward, a burning, moist, and tight sensation enveloped him.
"Young man, you're quite sturdy... Get moving! A real man dares to face his opponent!" Shahzani swayed her plump, upturned buttocks, her panties, which had been pulled apart, were completely soaked.
As the shaking intensified, she could clearly feel the fullness gradually expanding, and she couldn't help but think with delight, "It seems this guy is getting into the swing of things, I need to intensify my offensive."
The waves surged even more violently, and the lascivious sounds of the water grew clearer and louder, accompanied by heavy breathing.
Finally, Sahimian felt a scalding surge of heat within her body, striking right to her core, causing her to involuntarily moan and tremble slightly.
"Do you like this wonderful taste?" She leaned close to the young man's face, her long, black hair cascading down his face.
Zhu Jiande was drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, nodding slightly in agreement.
“So, are you willing to reveal the military situation to our Saman army?” Sahinien gave a meaningful smile.
“Madam… I really don’t know… and what you’re doing is indecent… as our ancient Chinese saying goes…” Zhu Jiande replied breathlessly.
"Oh? Tsk tsk tsk, it seems the 'punishment' I gave you wasn't severe enough." Sahimian's beautiful eyes suddenly narrowed as she parted the fabric of her briefs and began to grind her limp spear.
At the same time, she bent down with her plump and strong body, her tongue exploring back and forth on the young man's body, gathering strength to attack the two protruding points on his breasts.
Zhu Jiande cried out in agony and begged for mercy, but the robust Iranian female warrior refused to give up. She continued to thrust her cypress-like waist forcefully, relentlessly launching her attack. The young scholar, having already been thoroughly drained, was powerless to resist and could only helplessly submit to the Persian female warrior's control.
Of course, while Sahinian was insatiable, she knew how to control herself. In the fierce battle just now, she had only extracted a portion of Zhu Jiande's essence, using it as leverage. If she had completely unleashed her desires, the young man would have been drained to death.
Soon, the limp spear regained its erection. Sahinian smiled seductively, plopped down on him, and began to thrust violently. She felt her flower core being teased repeatedly, and nectar gushed out from her stamens.
"Madam... Madam..." Zhu Jiande begged for mercy repeatedly, only to be met with a seductive and provocative smile from the other party.
After another fierce battle filled with intense sounds, Sahinian felt her core being struck by a surge of heat once more, and couldn't help but groan a few times. Her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly with pleasure, and the pent-up desire in her abdomen burst forth.
“Handsome young man from Qin, do you still want to defy the orders of the Saman army?” Sahinien lifted his chin, smiling slyly.
"Madam...please stop...I...surrender!" Zhu Jiande was already exhausted and could no longer endure this pleasurable yet painful punishment, so he lowered his proud head.
“That’s right.” Sahimian smiled and patted his burning cheeks.
She didn't continue to tormenting him. Instead, she got up, put on her clothes, and went outside the tent. She had the cook bring her hot naan bread and mutton porridge to replenish her groom's strength. She also sent someone to inform Shahzani that the plan had been accomplished.
……
the next morning.
Shahimian carried the weak-legged Zhu Jiande into the commander's tent.
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