I was the Queen of Persia

Page 67

The monks were very grateful for the Queen's fairness and tolerance. They not only offered the monastery's food and money, but also voluntarily presented dozens of precious Buddhist scriptures hidden in the cave.

Shahzani gladly accepted the books and instructed the scholars to transport the Kharosthi and Brahmi scriptures back to the libraries in Transoxiana and Khorasan to be translated into Persian as valuable academic research materials.

The Khorami sect of Islam has grown increasingly influential through its sophisticated organizational structure and doctrinal system.

Just days after the Battle of Bamiyan, several Sogdian male soldiers in the army wanted to convert to Khorami Islam. To do so, they had to undergo circumcision, a procedure common to all Muslim men.

The camp officers quickly made the necessary arrangements, and the army doctors were ready. Thanks to the great physician Ibn Sina, the army doctors were highly skilled, and the razors and sutures used in the surgery were all sterilized. The entire procedure was completed smoothly.

Finally, the imams accompanying the army recited the Quran (in Persian, with modifications by Shahzani), blessing them to become Muslims.

……

After staying in Bamiyan for more than ten days.

The scouts ahead reported that the Ghaznavids had brought reinforcements from Kabul and were heading towards Bamiyan, and had already taken control of several mountain passes along the way.

It seems that the Ghazni officials left behind in Kabul are deeply uneasy about the Samanid army's successive victories and are eager to reverse the tide with a battle, preferably by annihilating Shahzani's forces.

This was exactly what Shahzani wanted.

After all, the journey to the eastern part of the Hindu Kush was more treacherous, and the Ghaznavids, weary from their march and eager for victory, would inevitably have their fighting strength affected.

More importantly, through her brilliant military achievements and short-term development, she has initially established a relatively solid foundation of popular support in Afghanistan.

"Perfect timing! It saves us the trouble of attacking Kabul. Issue the order to prepare for battle!" Shahzani immediately gave the order, determined to win this battle.

Between Bamiyan and Kabul lies a valley called Jardan Dewan.

The Ghaznavid army was fully deployed and firmly guarded the key passes. At the valley pass, spears and lances stood like a forest, and thousands of flags fluttered in the wind. The Ghaznavid soldiers took advantage of the terrain to form their ranks.

"General, the army is already deployed and ready for battle," a Ghaznavid officer reported to the Ghaznavid general commanding the army.

“Yes, very good.” General Ghazni nodded. “We have controlled the main road to Kabul. As long as we hold it firmly, the Samanid army will not be able to break through. God will protect us!”

“But…” the officer hesitated for a moment before expressing his concern: “The Queen of the Samanid Dynasty is quite cunning and treacherous; we must not be careless or underestimate her.”

“What’s there to be afraid of?” General Ghazni smiled arrogantly. “Our army is positioned on high ground and supports each other. These surrounding mountains are so high that even the most agile falcons in His Majesty the Sultan’s palace cannot fly over them. No matter how skilled the women of the Samanid dynasty are in battle, they cannot break through this impregnable defense.”

The Ghaznean officer wanted to say something more, but seeing that his commander seemed confident of victory, he gave up the idea of ​​continuing to advise him, bowed, and took his leave to attend to other military affairs.

Soon after.

The Samanid army led by Shahzani also arrived at the battlefield.

From a distance, the enemy's formation was neat and their defenses were tight. It would be unwise to launch a direct attack, as that would inevitably result in heavy casualties.

But Shahzani had already devised a strategy.

Following the established procedure, the Samanid army first formed ranks and slowly and cautiously advanced towards the Ghaznavid army. Soon, the two armies clashed. For a moment, the sounds of clashing metal and shouts of battle echoed through the valley.

"Execute the tactics as planned," Shahzani ordered.

Upon receiving the order, the Samanid army immediately began a fighting retreat. Seeing this, the Ghaznavid army pursued relentlessly, causing their own lines to gradually lengthen and become more vulnerable.

Chapter 150 The Capture of Ghaznavid City

The Samanid army and the Ghazni army coming from the direction of Kabul are engaged in fierce fighting in the Jaldan-Dewan Valley.

Shahzani devised a plan to stretch the Ghazni's front line, making it difficult for them to attend to their retreat. He also sent his fierce Gurshan tribesmen to climb the towering and treacherous peaks and secretly outflank the Ghazni army from behind.

The sudden appearance of the Ghurids greatly surprised the Ghaznavid soldiers. In their hasty response, they quickly lost their composure, and the divisions within the army deepened.

Meanwhile, the Samanid forces, who were engaged in direct combat, took the opportunity to regroup and launch a counterattack against the Ghazni army.

Shahzani charged ahead, moving through the land as if it were empty. The Ghazni soldiers fought desperately but could not withstand the powerful charge of this war goddess.

Moreover, the Ghaznavids were already in disarray.

In the chaos of battle, a Gur warrior named Avjar cut off the banner of the Ghazni general and beheaded the Ghazni commander.

This directly led to a reversal of the battle situation.

Caught in a pincer movement, the Ghaznavid army was thrown into chaos. The soldiers lost their will to fight and fled the battlefield. Due to the treacherous mountain paths and the lack of order, many Ghaznavid soldiers fell to their deaths during their escape.

Ghazne's army retreated desperately for four farsachs before barely managing to reorganize its chaotic forces. Ghazne's lieutenant, regaining his composure, immediately ordered the mountain path blocked.

The method is simple—an avalanche. The Hindu Kush Mountains have many peaks over 3000 meters in altitude, with year-round severe cold and snow accumulation, and the terrain is quite steep. With such geographical conditions, creating an avalanche is a piece of cake.

The road to Kabul was cut off, but this did not deter the determined Saman army. Through reconnaissance by Ghurid guides, Shahzani quickly discovered another mountain road and, using it as a pretext, made a detour to reach Kabul.

This march was particularly arduous; many livestock and soldiers fell into abysses, or lost their ability to move due to the severe cold and lack of oxygen, and never got up again.

But under Shahzani's strong command and encouragement, the army finally overcame the harsh climate of the high-altitude mountains, unexpectedly crossed the mountain passes, and appeared in the plains and valleys of Kabul.

A large city of considerable size, situated in a vast basin, surrounded by oasis villages and crisscrossed by caravan routes.

Shahzani immediately ordered an attack.

The Kabul garrison had only recently fled back to the city in panic and had not yet regained its footing when it was suddenly attacked by the Samanid army, leaving it utterly powerless to defend itself.

The battle lasted two days and two nights. The Kabulans killed the garrison officers who were loyal to the Ghazni regime and surrendered the city.

Kabul and nearby towns fell into the hands of the Samanid army, and Shahzani received a large amount of food and military pay, allowing him to fully recover from the exhaustion of the long march through the mountains.

Good news then arrived: both the Hoslu and Rustam Zaman armies had successfully crossed the edge of the Hindu Kush Mountains and entered the Kabul Plain, where they victoriously joined forces with Shahzani.

Shahzani's power thus grew even stronger, and she became even more determined to annihilate Mahmoud's group.

Having captured Kabul, Shahzani gained a crucial base for further southward expansion. He then pressed on relentlessly, advancing day and night, with his sights set on Ghazni, the capital of the Ghaznavid dynasty.

At this time, Mahmoud's main forces were deployed along the Bust-Kandahar line, leaving Ghazni with few troops and very weak defenses. It would be difficult for them to fight for long against the massive Saman army.

Shahzani crossed a series of broken mountain ridges between Kabul and Ghazni, sweeping through the enemy lines and eliminating Ghazni strongholds, successfully entering the Ghazni plain valley.

She dispatched two separate forces, Hosslu and Rustam Zaman, to occupy the citadels on both sides, while she herself led her elite troops to the gates of Ghazni.

Standing on the high slope outside the city, one can see all the city’s tall domes and minarets, as well as countless bazaars and mosques, with the continuous city walls dividing the dense communities.

After more than forty years of painstaking efforts by the rulers of Ghaznavidy, and especially with the spoils of Mahmud's Indian campaigns, this once unremarkable frontier city has become increasingly radiant, even showing a trend of surpassing the major cities of Transoxiana and Khorasan.

Just like back then, this group of Ghulam slaves usurped power and seized control of the Samanid dynasty.

Now, it's time for the final reckoning of this history filled with betrayal and strife!

Keng——!

Shahzani drew his warhammer, pointing it at the rising sun in the east, then moving it south towards Ghazni, and loudly proclaimed: "On the land of Shahr, Iran, there is only one sovereign, and this sovereign is no longer 'Conqueror' Mahmoud!"

The extremely penetrating voice resounded throughout the entire army, echoing for a long time.

"Her Majesty the Queen is immortal!"

"Hu Da Zhi Da!"

"Ghazni's usurpers will suffer endless punishment in hellfire!"

The shouts immediately spread throughout the Samanid army, their overwhelming momentum shaking the Ghazni plains and terrifying the Ghazni soldiers defending the city.

The siege began immediately, and the Samanian siege force was ready. A massive array of war equipment—siege engines, siege ladders, catapults, and the like—stretched across the plains outside the city.

Rocket vehicles unleashed a barrage of rockets, countless fiery streaks piercing the sky and raising dazzling plumes of flame. Various new types of gunpowder weapons developed by Chinese engineering battalions were also deployed to the raging battlefield.

The Ghazni defenders were quite tenacious, desperately resisting the Samanid army's fierce attack despite increasing casualties.

It must even be said that many of the Ghazni guards who remained behind were also fearless warriors who went forward one after another, ready to die for their cause, and defended the holy city of His Majesty the Sultan with their lives.

However, war is a comprehensive contest involving all aspects. The Samanid army held the advantage in manpower, equipment, tactics, and training, and was in no way inferior in courage. Under these circumstances, the Ghaznavid defenders, possessing only courage and bravery, were naturally powerless to resist.

After three days and three nights of fierce fighting, several breaches were made in the city walls, and the outer city was completely controlled by the Samanid army; after another two days and two nights of fierce fighting, the inner fortified city was also in imminent danger.

At this time, a group of Ghaznavid courtiers and theologians who were dissatisfied with Mahmud voluntarily opened the gates of the Forbidden City, allowing the Samanid army to enter the inner palace.

The battle is over.

Samanid soldiers stormed into Mahmud's palace, capturing all the courtiers, court poets, concubines, female slaves, Bandagang slaves, and guards. The gold and silver treasures they seized, after being inventoried and calculated, were estimated to be too much to transport even with hundreds of camels.

Of course, no wave of looting and rioting occurred.

The Samanid army maintained strict discipline, reviewing all spoils before returning them to their original locations. Meanwhile, the officials and servants in the palace of Ghazni, after undergoing unified registration, received orders to resume their original duties.

This was not only due to the strict military discipline established by Shahzani, but also thanks to the advice of Liu Wenyuan, a strategist who accompanied the Qin army.

Liu Wenyuan offered advice to Shahzani, citing the example of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, who "established three laws" and "returned his army to Bashang," suggesting a strategy to win over the people and consolidate the gains of the battle.

So, after stabilizing the city, Shahzani took the initiative to lead his troops back to camp outside the city, without harming the people or taking even a single piece of cloth from the palace.

Chapter 151 Mahmoud's Treasure

Shahzani did not plunder Ghazni's treasury, but that does not mean she was not "greedy." On the contrary, she was an extremely greedy person, only the "treasure" she coveted was somewhat different from others.

What she needs are people with professional skills, such as skilled craftsmen, tax collectors who are good at accounting, scholars with general knowledge, and dancers, musicians, court poets, and so on who possess various skills.

After the city fell, she focused on conscripting these people into the army. However, it was not a forced conscription. The Saman army had a distinguished record of military achievements and offered generous treatment to those who joined the army. Those who were eager to enlist could obtain various forms of wealth, such as military pay, knowledge, fame, honor, titles, official positions, and spoils of war. This was very attractive to people of insight.

Therefore, the Ghazni people were initially wary of the Saman army, but they were soon moved by the Saman army's strict discipline and lofty faith, and they spontaneously joined the army to serve.

The Grand Bazaar in the city.

The bustling market has reopened after a brief closure. The bazaar is now teeming with activity, with stalls lining the rows of protruding archways, displaying a dazzling array of goods. Crowds and camel caravans move about, and loud hawkers' cries echo throughout the air.

On the walls of the bazaar were posted notices issued by the Samanid army, which exposed the extortion and social injustice of the Ghazni regime and called on young talents to serve the Samanid army.

“That’s right, Queen Shahzani is a noble monarch. The country and the faith should ultimately be under her control and protection.” An elderly man with a white turban and graying temples looked at the notice and talked with several other old men.

“But…” a young man who was listening in expressed his confusion: “We are subjects of Sultan Ghazni Mahmud. If we side with Shahzani, wouldn’t that be betraying our monarch?”

"Young man, you are very wrong to think that way."

The old man with the white turban turned around, stroked his long white beard, lowered his voice, and explained the relevant history to him:

"More than forty years ago, this was all Samanid territory. There were no Ghaznavid monarchs here. The founder of the Ghaznavid dynasty, Al-Ptegin, was originally a general in the Samanid Ghulam army. However, he became involved in court struggles during the reign of Mansur I (may God rest in peace!) and thus established his own independent regime."

"After Alptegin, Subuktegin ascended the throne of Ghazni. He continued to interfere in politics with his military, and even colluded with the Karakhanid Turks of Turanstein to divide the Samanid dynasty along the Amu Darya River. Mahmud, the current ruler, has continued this policy!"

"Fortunately, the exiled king Montahir, harboring the ideal of restoring the Samanid dynasty, recruited soldiers everywhere. Shahzani joined his army, immediately distinguished himself on the battlefield, and promptly crushed a long-planned rebellion. After Montahir's martyrdom, he passed the throne to Shahzani."

"Therefore, the Samanid dynasty is our homeland, and Shahzani is our queen. It is the inescapable duty of subjects to be loyal to the queen, both for the sake of the country and for the faith! Just as when the righteous Faridon overthrew the usurper Serpent King tyrant Zohak, all subjects should have risen up and fought together against Zohak's tyranny!"

"..."

"I see." The young man looked enlightened. "I didn't know about these past events before. I've learned something new."

“Young friend, you are in the prime of your life, the time to realize your ideals. As for me…” the old man stroked his beard and laughed, “Having experienced many hardships, I am old and frail, and no longer able to serve my country.”

The crowd chattered excitedly, and the wise men of Ghazni were inspired to join the Samanid army, dedicating their strength to honor and faith.

Outside Ghazni, at the Samanian military camp.

People flocked to enlist, as Ghazni was, after all, a city teeming with talent, boasting countless outstanding individuals in all walks of life. The influx of so many talented people into the Samanid dynasty undoubtedly provided immense support for the state.

This may be the most precious "treasure" left behind by Mahmoud.

Inside the Queen's tent in the center.

Shahzani sat on the main cushion, receiving an audience with three Ghazni court poets.

"your name?"

"Return to His Majesty the Shah, Angsari."

"What about you?"

“Your Majesty Shah, Farossi.”

"how about you?"

“Your Majesty Shah, Manuchehri.”

“Oh, I know your names.” Shahzani showed a knowing expression; of course she knew these three people. They were the most famous Persian poets in the Ghazni court, and were successively appointed as “Poet Kings” by Mahmud.

But seeing is believing, and despite the illustrious reputation of these three, Shahzani still needed to test their true abilities.

So she said to Onsari, “Use what you have learned to compose a poem.”

Onsari bowed respectfully, then composed a poem in Persian admonishing the monarch to be diligent and conscientious in governing:

"Even if your throne reaches the highest heavens,"

"It's inevitable that people will gossip about it."

"Even if you adorn your belt with seven Pleiades stars,"

"It is also difficult to silence public opinion."