I was the Queen of Persia

Page 83

Serem's direct command does have a small number of cavalrymen equipped with Eastern Roman-style lamellar armor, but their numbers are too small, and their horses are not armored. The tradition of heavily armored cavalry is rare in the Sham-Syria region (and even in most of the western Islamic world), and they certainly cannot compare to the heavy armor of the Iranian cavalry.

"Well, it's still better than our mobilized female militia, right? Our female militia can go to the battlefield barefoot." An Iranian female soldier shrugged humorously.

“What are you saying? We Shahr Guards have also taken off our heavy armor, put on light gauze, and fought the enemy barefoot and naked,” another Iranian female fighter jokingly objected.

"At least their courage and fighting spirit are commendable."

Sahimian said, "Mustafa's army will launch a major counterattack. We cannot expect to get strong external support soon. We can only try to teach these Sham warriors more martial arts and tactics."

He then ordered that the practice of battle formations continue.

Of course, what they taught was not the tactics and strategies of Iranian heavy cavalry groups, but rather tactical thinking based on the local conditions of Sham Jajira. The female officers and soldiers of the Sacred Flame Brigade were quite knowledgeable; they were not only well-versed in heavy cavalry charge tactics, but also had some understanding of infantry maneuver tactics.

Shahinian knew that Mustafa would not easily give up the rich Jagila region, and after his previous failed invasion, he would certainly regroup and return. The scouts at the outposts reported a lot about the movements within the Caliphate. Relying on the Caliphate's inflammatory political system, Mustafa could easily build a "jihadist army" to "eliminate heretics" and "crush heretics."

The facts were just as she expected.

……

Baghdad, the capital of the Caliphate.

Thousands upon thousands of black flags fluttered in the sandstorm, embroidered with radical Arabic declarative phrases. Beneath these flags stood rows and columns of soldiers, also dressed in black robes.

Although Mustafa overthrew the Abbasid Caliphate and abolished the Baghdad court's practices of embracing scholarship and indulging in drinking and pleasure, he continued the Abbasid regime's tradition of venerating black.

In order to annex Jajila in one fell swoop, Mustafa mobilized as many as 10 troops, a vast and imposing force that stretched as far as the eye could see. Even his courtiers exclaimed, "In all the years that the Caliph has ruled over the Muslims, he has never mobilized such a large army."

"Devout believers!"

Mustafa stood on the high palace platform, shouting impassioned slogans: "Currently, in the north of our land, there is still a group of 'apostates' and 'infidels'! Their existence is a blasphemy against the sacred faith! Believers! Rise up! Destroy this filthy 'blasphemer'!"

"Allah! Muhammad! Messenger!"

"Allah! Muhammad! Messenger!"

The Caliph's black army, stirred up by the fervor, erupted in a deafening roar.

Mustafa waved his hand, officially ordering the army to advance north. The commanders were all his confidants, including Muhaddaeb, who had suffered a major defeat last time.

The army marched in great numbers; by the time the vanguard reached Anbar, the defenders had probably only just left Baghdad.

Mustafa watched the dust billow as the army departed, then turned and returned to the palace.

"Gulai!" he called to his close advisors, "Choose a few female slaves from the harem; I want to have my fill of pleasure!"

Well, this Caliph, who outwardly despised "luxury and pleasure," had unknowingly fallen into the quagmire of "debauchery."

……

at the same time.

Outside Isfahan, Persia, in Shahzani's military tent.

Her Majesty has recently been reviewing and approving a wide range of official documents and reports, most of which were presented at the Falzanna and Divan meetings. These documents mainly cover recent domestic affairs, provincial finances and taxation, military affairs, and developments in neighboring countries, among other things.

This also includes the construction progress of the new capital, Jahanshahr.

According to the report submitted by Farzana, the outline of the city walls and the main layout of the new capital have been formed. At present, she is relocating the central bureaucrats and academic institutions to the new city in batches. It is estimated that by the month of Hordard next year (late May to late June of 1005 AD), it will be ready for Her Majesty the Great Queen to stay.

"Let me see how the surrounding irrigation facilities are laid out... Hmm, more than 50 karez wells form a dense karez system, transporting water from underground and the Kopetd Mountains to irrigate dozens of oasis fields in Farsah..."

"...more than 20 public water storage ponds were built in the urban area and surrounding communities and towns..."

"...various irrigation facilities, military defense facilities, government offices and residences, and academic institutions were all constructed using high-quality and sturdy Sanabad and Isfahan bricks..."

As Shahzani looked at the contents of the paper in Samarkand, her brows relaxed and her eyes filled with a smile.

At that moment, a Nassak came out of the tent with a messenger, took a scroll of secret letter from his belt, and handed it to Shahzani.

“Your Majesty, General Sahinnian has brought a battle report from Jagira. Please take a look.” Nassak handed over the letter and then bowed before leaving the tent.

When Shahzani unfolded it, she saw that it was Shahinian's brief description of the current situation and his judgment on the future trend. It was also signed with the signature of a female general.

"So, Hamdan has already established a foothold in Mosul, but the threat from the Caliph is still ever-present," Shahzani said calmly.

“In my opinion,” Bahram, who was standing nearby, spoke up, “we should take this opportunity to launch an attack on Iraq and destroy the Caliph’s regime!”

Bahram added, "Anyway, this Caliph usurped the throne. In other words, even if he is still the legitimate leader of the believers, if he dares to oppose us Iranians, the warriors of Iran will still drag him off his throne!"

“I share the same idea,” Shahzani said. “Shahini’s letter points out that Mustafa is concentrating a large force to invade Jajira, at which point his defenses in Iraq will be very weak and he will certainly be unable to withstand our army.”

"So, should we gather our troops and head straight for Mosul to aid Princess Selim and defeat these enemies?" Bahramu asked.

“That’s a good idea,” Shahzani nodded slightly, “but I think there is an even better route of advance.”

Say it.

Shahzani pulled out a map from the Samarkand paper, a map recently drawn by Biruni and his scholars, which was more accurate than the appendices in the Book of Lands, the Book of Worlds, and the Book of Kings.

"look."

Shahzani's finger moved southwest along Isfahan: "Starting from Isfahan province, passing through Fars province, Khuzestan province, and other areas, there is another route into Iraq. If we advance along this route, we can threaten Mustafa's southern flank, and then form a pincer movement against him from the north and south..."

Chapter 193 A pincer attack from the north and south

Black flags fluttered everywhere in Jajira and across Iraq, and the sound of the Caliph's army marching echoed everywhere.

Sahini and Selim, on the other hand, fortified their fortresses and defenses around Mosul.

Sahimian felt that the enemy army was large in number and coming with great force, and that holding the city to the death might not be successful. If necessary, they could temporarily abandon the city, preserve their strength, and retreat to the mountains and hills further north to fight the enemy.

This was also one of the military ideas that Shahzani taught her.

Selim requisitioned more camels from the villages and tribes under his command for use by his infantry battalions, which were among the best means of transportation in the desert regions of Jagira and Syria.

Based on this, most of the infantry of the "Arc of Resistance" were equipped with mounts for mobility, although they still fought on foot after arriving at the battlefield.

Outside Mosul, at the camp of the "Arc of Resistance" coalition.

“Please look,” Shahinian said, pointing to a densely drawn map. “Our spies have reported that Mustafa’s army has sailed up the Tigris River and reached the city of Samara. Its vanguard is even approaching the city of Tikrit.”

She pointed to a prominent transportation hub: several rivers branched out here, trade routes crisscrossed it, and, more importantly, it was a key military strategic location between Jajira and Iraq.

“This is terrible.” Zaydi shook his head and looked at the two female commanders. “Banu (Madam), Princess, we cannot stand by and watch Mustafa’s followers ravage Tikrit. There are still many… uh… innocent Kurds there!”

The indiscriminate massacre of the Yazidis by Mustafa's army during their previous invasion of the north in the Sinjar Mountains had already cast a shadow over the young chieftain's mind.

Although the Kurds near Tikrit are mostly Muslims, with a faith quite different from their Yazidis, there is still some kinship between the two groups. Moreover, his uncles often interacted with the Kurdish chieftains of Tikrit, and the two groups frequently shared pastures, maintaining a harmonious relationship.

“Yes! If Mustafa breaches Tikrit, we’ll be in a very difficult position. We must hold this fortress at all costs!” Idris nodded in agreement.

As a Christian, especially a minority and "heretic" within Christianity, he was naturally very concerned about the fate of his fellow believers and hoped that the war could be kept far away from their homeland.

Sahimian nodded slightly and glanced at Selim: "Princess, this war concerns the future of your country, and I intend for you to take command. What are your plans?"

She intended for Selim to take the main credit. After all, if the Syrian princess relied solely on Iranian assistance to command the fighting, she would ultimately struggle to control the people, let alone consolidate her power.

“I think,” Selim glanced at the Iranian female general, “that your thinking is correct. The enemy is coming on strong, and we definitely can’t hold the city by simply defending it. Only by fighting and retreating, preserving our forces, can we have a chance to launch a counterattack.”

“So,” Zaydi frowned, “you mean we should retreat before even engaging the enemy? No! Kurdish warriors will never back down! If no one is willing to act as the vanguard, then please, Princess, send us Yazidis!”

"I swear in the name of God (the peacock angel of Yazidi)," Zaydi said devoutly, gazing at the sky. "The Yazidis would rather die fighting than retreat a single step!"

Sahimian and Selim exchanged a glance, both reading a hint of surprise in each other's eyes, but then a smile appeared on their faces.

“Zayadi, you are indeed a hero, worthy of respect,” Sahinien encouraged with a smile. “But I still have to advise you, your courage is not just about yourself.”

“Lady Sahimian is right.” Selim nodded. “Since you acknowledge me as a princess, you must obey my orders. If we all put our own selfish interests above the common good, we will surely fail.”

By appealing to their emotions and reasoning with them, they finally persuaded Zayedi and Idris, among others.

Deployment then began.

Out of consideration for winning over and appeasing, Sahimian deployed his Holy Fire Brigade to the front line to lure the enemy deeper into his territory; Zayedi and Idris were deployed on the left flank, waiting for an opportunity to harass the enemy from the left; the Kurdish army in Amid was deployed on the right flank, waiting for an opportunity to harass the enemy from the right; and Selim's main force was deployed in the center, waiting for the left and right flanks to encircle the enemy before launching a full-scale attack.

……

at the same time.

Khuzestan Province, near Ahvaz.

Shahzani led the Iranian Saman army from Isfahan and temporarily stationed them here for rest and reorganization.

Considering the issues of supplies and financial and material resources required for this military intervention in Iraq (which involved crossing the Zagros Mountains and traversing the swamps of southern Iraq, and the fact that Iraq is not part of the Persian-influenced Iranian mainland), Shahzani did not deploy a large number of troops.

She led only one Shaher Guard Regiment, two Gilan-Tabaristan Infantry Regiments, two Fars Provincial Infantry Regiments, and supporting Chinese engineering battalions, totaling just over 6000 men. Most of the soldiers were lightly armed, and even the heavily armored Shaher Guard changed their steel horse armor for fabric vests to adapt to the hotter Iraqi weather.

It is only late April in Farwardin, and Khuzestan and Iraq are already quite warm. Just a few weeks ago, when she spent Nowruz New Year (March 21, 1005 AD) in Isfahan, she did not feel such intense heat.

Shahzani was sitting in her tent, heartily eating the naan bread and dried fruit brought by the cook. Her due date was drawing near, and her appetite was growing larger. These past few days, her appetite had been exceptional; even the simplest, most unrefined army rations tasted delicious to her.

What frustrates her most is that she can't wear armor in her current state.

At this moment, the tent flap was lifted, and Bahraim, fully armed, entered, bowing and saying, "As you command, the waterway of the Karun River has been dredged. Traveling upstream, we can reach Basra more quickly and capture this southern port of the Caliphate."

“The Caliph’s army has come out in full force and is expected to advance north to Jagila soon. Their southern defenses are currently extremely weak, making it the perfect opportunity to take Basra.” Shahzani chewed heartily and tossed her a few dried figs.

"Okay, thanks." Bahram accepted it gracefully and began to eat with relish. "Great Hu Da, I wish our victorious army a resounding victory and that we will take this most prosperous port."

"Well then, order the entire army to rest for one night and set off tomorrow morning. If all goes well, we should reach our destination in less than two days." Shahzani put a large piece of naan bread into her mouth and then sucked on her fingers.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Bahraim said. “However, for the sake of our greatest Queen’s health, I think you should take it easy and follow the rearguard.”

“What’s the harm?” Shahzani laughed heartily. “Afraid that I can’t lead troops into battle like this? Don’t worry! The spirits of Rustam and Qushasup can testify that the Queen of Shah of Iran is not so delicate.”

With that, she picked up her spear and thrust it at the armor captured from the enemy. With a clang, the sturdy armor was pierced through.

“Very well.” Bahraim was inspired by the Queen’s bravery and boldness. “Then I will immediately order the troops to rest fully and assemble and set off first thing tomorrow morning to take Basra!”

……

The palace in Baghdad, the capital of the Caliphate.

Surrounded by silk veils and fragrant aromas, female slaves of various skin tones, dressed in thin gauze, danced gracefully to melodious music.

Mustafa lay lazily on the comfortable couch, enjoying the delicacies and fine wines on the golden bronze platters, surrounded by eunuchs and guards.

Despite his initial determination to restore the "pure" doctrines and practices, Mustafa ultimately succumbed to the irresistible allure of a life of luxury. After ascending to the position of Caliph, he finally "compromised" and "made a decision that went against the teachings of his ancestors."

Of course, the extravagance was only for his personal enjoyment. As for his fanatical "holy war" army, they still adhered to the inflammatory doctrines he proclaimed, and each of them lived a simple, poor life filled with hostility and hatred.

“Great Caliph, the ‘guest’ you wished to summon has arrived,” a white eunuch said as he entered the inner court and bowed to kiss the ground.

Chapter 194 A Series of Assassinations

"Let him in." Mustafa waved for the dancers to step back and the servants to move aside.

Led by a white eunuch, a man dressed entirely in black entered the Caliph's palace. He wore a black Arabic robe, and half his face was hidden behind a black turban, leaving only a pair of sinister eyes that radiated a sharp, eagle-like light.

"Abu Muhammad Musa Haqqavi of Hejaz pays homage to the Supreme Lord of the Believers." The voice of the man in black was chilling, as if it came from the abyss.

"You are 'Hakawi of Hejaz,' the most capable assassin under Omar Jihadi in the past?" Mustafa sipped his fermented beverage without even lifting his eyelids.

“Indeed, great faithful commander,” said Haqqavi of Hejaz. “I escaped from the tyranny of Shahzani and have an irreconcilable hatred for this evil and depraved Persian queen.”

“Yes, the Holy Caliphate welcomes your service. We hope you will fight to uphold the ‘purity’ of doctrine and morality.” Mustafa gestured for the other man to stand up.

Hakkawishan of Hejaz rose and, guided by the eunuch, took his seat on the guest cushion.

“Now, the Persians are about to invade my southern lands, and those damned Alawite heretics, with the secret support of the Persians, have also established a separatist kingdom in the northern Jagira region. I think you are aware of this situation. What are your thoughts on it?” Mustafa asked.

“Your Majesty the Caliph, I am a man who walks in the shadows and know little about politics. But my hatred for these apostates is irreconcilable, and if you so desire, I can take their lives like the Grim Reaper.” Haqqavi of Hejaz had a sinister glint in his eyes.

“Ha, very good. It seems your abilities are trustworthy. Then go deeper into the north and hunt down more of those corrupt heretics,” Mustafa said.

“I will obey your command.” Hakkawi of Hejaz bowed in gratitude and then departed.

It turns out that many sects that promote extreme doctrines, including the former Jihadi sect, employ assassins. After Mustafa came to power, he immediately incorporated these assassins into his own armed force, thus forming an assassination group under his command as a tool to implement his will.

Faced with the growing strength of the Hamdan dynasty's coalition forces in the north, Mustafa racked his brains and employed various methods, and now he has chosen a strategy of "assassination + division".

……

Hamdan-controlled area, the small town of Baihasan.

This is a small supply base.

As night fell, a garrison officer of the city, with his sword hanging at the ready, stepped out of his barracks and, escorted by four soldiers dressed in Arabic-style cotton armor and carrying spears, prepared to conduct a night patrol.

Carrying torches, they walked into the streets and alleys. The daytime hustle and bustle had disappeared. The patrol team remained highly vigilant, cautiously moving forward in the winding and narrow alleys, constantly watching for any unusual situations. However, people eventually become complacent. Several hours passed, and since everything was peaceful, they gradually relaxed their guard.

At this moment, the town, market, bathhouse, and mosque were all shrouded in darkness, with only a few scattered lights illuminating the scene.