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“Approved.” Shahzani waved her hand. “Also, any new information from the Turan and Rum people?”
"The situation between the two countries remains tense. Turan cavalry recently raided the Po Valley again, taking away 3000 slaves and a large number of cattle and sheep," Farzana said.
“Great, this is a perfect opportunity to get involved in the situation in the Western world,” Shahzani thought to herself.
She had long wanted to expand into Europe, and sending her secret envoy Nisa Sahini to the west was just the tip of the iceberg of this grand strategic plan. With several months of keeping a low profile and further strengthening her overall national power, the time was now ripe.
He then issued an edict to Nisa Sahinnian, instructing her to proceed with the plan step by step.
……
Let's talk about the Turan Khanate itself.
The Chaglitzin's formidable military achievements in the west naturally greatly benefited Aknuar, the Great Khan of the Turan Khanate.
Afrasiab city.
The city walls were tall, the palaces magnificent, and the Khan's golden tent shone brightly. Countless slaves toiled under the whips and scoldings, moving like long dragons.
Through the western expeditions, greater wealth was gathered at the Khan's power center, enabling her to sponsor more academic and technological endeavors, support more close officials and bureaucrats, and establish more war and arms workshops.
Written materials in Turkic and Persian languages flowed continuously, accumulating into a mountain.
Because the various Turkic tribes were greatly influenced by Persian culture, even though they were politically hostile to the Iranian Samanid Empire, they could not completely sever their cultural ties.
Even though Aknuar created the "orthodox Turanese" used in writing and official documents based on the written language of the old Karakhanid Khaganate, a large number of loanwords came from Persian, and it did not completely replace the status of Persian as the "refined language".
But now, the Khanate's financial resources, military strength, and overall power are far greater. Aknuar also considers continuing to enrich the connotations of "Turandin" and "Turandin culture," continuing to promote the "de-Persianization" policy, and encouraging the full use of Turanin in religion, literature, and language.
"The Great Khan of Khans, scholar Mahmud Kashgari, presents to you his work—the Great Dictionary of Turkic Languages," reported the courtier of the Khan's tent.
“Hmm, a good name. Is it written in our language?” Aknuar asked in a low voice.
“Ah, yes, absolutely! By God’s grace, it was all in our language, not a single word of Persian or Arabic,” Tingchen replied.
He then ordered his attendant to present the book.
Aknuar flipped through the pages for a moment, and the Holy One was overjoyed: "Excellent! Excellent! This scholar shall be richly rewarded with one gold coin per page!"
Aknuar used the wealth plundered from war to promote scholarship and the arts.
Just then, Burke, who was in charge of military affairs, entered the tent to report:
"Khan of all Khans! In the east, there are large Christian tribes whose leader calls himself 'King John.' They have crossed the Altai Mountains and are plundering our eastern vassal tribes. Their forces have now reached Lake Balkhash! They claim..."
"What are you claiming?!"
"They claim... they claim they want to avenge their Western compatriots and flatten your Ordu..."
"What?! These horsemen who graze on the wasteland are so rebellious! Issue an order to assemble the Khan's guards and the elite troops of all tribes. I will personally lead an expedition against these bastards!"
Chapter 368 The "Peak" of the Turan Khanate
As it turns out, this was correct.
The Samanid Empire's caravan spies stationed in the Lake Balkhash-Irtysh River region had long been aware of the attack by the eastern nomadic peoples and recorded their characteristics and routes, sending them back to Jahanshahr urgently.
Soon, the report was presented to Shahzani's study.
After reading it, Shahzani immediately knew the answer in her heart.
This is a group of Zubu-Kerei tribes that roam the Mongolian Plateau, theoretically under the jurisdiction of the Northwest Route Pacification Commissioner's Office of the Great Khitan Kingdom. However, due to frequent blizzards on the Mongolian steppe in recent years, many livestock have frozen to death, and many tribes have attempted to expand outwards to hunt for pasture and harvest.
In response, the Khitan court incorporated these tribes into its army for the war against the Southern Song Dynasty. On the other hand, it tacitly allowed them to cross the Altai Mountains and the Junggar Basin and migrate westward to the slightly warmer and more fertile grasslands in search of a way to survive.
Christianity was already quite popular on the Mongolian steppe, and many tribes had converted to the faith. So after migrating westward, this group of Zub-Kreyers raised the banner of "Christian Holy War," and their military commander even called himself "King John," launching a war against the vassal tribes of the Turan Khanate.
"From this perspective, the historically prevalent legend of 'King John of the East' does indeed have a detailed prototype, huh?" Shahzani sneered.
at this time.
Another memorial from the border military region was presented.
Upon closer inspection, the signature is revealed to be Falukzad.
Without further ado, his beloved daughter also learned of the advance of "King John of the East" and believed that this was an excellent opportunity to send troops to the Turan Khanate. Therefore, she submitted a memorial to her mother, requesting that an army be assembled for a large-scale campaign.
"This girl is just too eager to prove her bravery," Shahzani said helplessly.
However, considering that Turan had just experienced a great victory, the army's morale was high, and the factions were more united than ever before, organizing an attack at this time would probably result in many unnecessary losses.
Moreover, from a comprehensive macro perspective, the Iranian army's combat capability on the steppe is still slightly inferior to that of the Turan cavalry.
Taking these considerations into account, Shahzani decisively wrote a letter ordering Farukzad to continue the settlement and construction, to promote and reward intelligent and brave officers and soldiers, to strengthen military training, and not to act rashly.
……
The Empress's edict was sent back to the war zone.
"Mother Queen is far too cautious. The Turan Khanate is now besieged on all sides. If we don't fight now, when will we?" Farukzad opened the letter, his disappointment evident in his words.
“The Empress’s actions must have a divine purpose. Moreover, our army still needs to strengthen its defenses, and the rear post stations, trade routes, military fortresses, water supply and irrigation, and oasis farmland also need to be continued. ‘The stove needs to be heated before you can bake naan!’” Prince Consort Iraji advised from the side.
"Tch, when did you become so biased towards the Queen Mother?" Falukzad playfully pinched his ear. "I wasn't satisfied with your performance last night, and I haven't settled the score yet."
"Oh, oh dear, madam, spare me!" Iraj quickly and cooperatively "begged for mercy."
Next, he recited a string of witty remarks, reciting many chapters of Persian poetry praising lovers, such as "my heart," "my love," "my soul," "the bright moon," and "the rose as beautiful as a jewel"... His sweet words finally made the princess's heart bloom again.
"Alright, alright, alright." Farukzad grinned wickedly. "I'll 'spare' you for now, since you're being sincere, but you have to compensate me with your 'Nightingale'."
Having said that, her delicate hand caressed and roamed over the young man's muscular chest with a seductive and powerful touch, the allure growing stronger. The couple, shrouded in ambiguity, embraced and entered the adjacent bedroom.
After handling the heavy military and political affairs, this became their life.
……
On the shores of Lake Balkhash, in the extended steppe region of the Seven Rivers Basin.
"Charge! Fire!"
Rockets filled the sky, instantly igniting the vast expanse of the grassland.
Arash! Arash!
The Turan army, which filled the plains, marched out in formation in an instant, their archers and armored cavalry charging straight towards the enemy's camp and livestock.
The Mongolian tribes who were resting by the lake were caught off guard: the sentries on the watchtowers were shot dead before they could sound the alarm, the fences were trampled by iron hooves, the yurts were overturned and destroyed, the tribespeople were massacred, and the carts were turned into burning ashes.
This was a fatal blow launched by the elite troops of the Turan Khanate.
Before launching the attack, Aknuer had already dispatched scouts to reconnoiter the area several times, identifying the temporary resting camps of the Mongolian steppe tribes and ascertaining the surrounding terrain and routes. With everything prepared and meticulously planned, he launched a surprise attack, achieving a result that caught everyone off guard.
Riding on the momentum of their great victory in the Western Expedition, the Turan soldiers were in high spirits and took the lead in battle. They also had a slight advantage in armor and horses, firmly maintaining the upper hand.
The Mongolian steppe tribes, having just won a small victory, became complacent and careless. They only woke up to reality when Turan's army launched a full-scale attack, but it was too late, and they could not organize an effective defense.
"My Lord! The enemy's offensive is too fierce, we cannot withstand it! Issue my order: all tribes, gather your forces and retreat to the Altai Mountains!"
On atop a warhorse on the grassland, a Khan wielding a desert spear and wearing a cross necklace, watched his retreating troops and, with no other choice, issued this order. He was none other than the so-called "King John of the East."
Left with no other choice, these tribes from the Mongolian grasslands had to abandon the cattle, sheep, people, and other property they had plundered and flee back to the east.
Aknu'er, riding his armored warhorse, watched this scene from afar, feeling quite pleased with himself.
"Continue the pursuit! With Afrasiab's courage as proof, I will make these nomads grovel at my feet!" she ordered again.
The valiant cavalry of the grasslands gallop across the land.
The Turan cavalry continued their eastward pursuit, their vanguard chasing them all the way to the mountainous grasslands of the Altai-Khangai Mountains before finally halting their advance. This area was already under the jurisdiction of the Northwest Route Pacification Commissioner's Office of the Great Khitan Kingdom.
One of the commanders accompanying the army, Turanmingbash (a commander of a thousand), fought bravely and achieved many merits, earning rich rewards from his lord. But one quiet night, he secretly wrote down these battle reports and quietly sent them to the Samanid Empire.
……
Jahanshahr.
Shahzani has already learned of the Turan Khanate's defeat of "King John of the East".
At present, a vast nomadic empire, which has absorbed the war technology of settled empires, stands tall across the Eurasian continent.
Tsagli Tegin made great contributions in the westward campaign, which brought him to the pinnacle of his political status; his Ulugh (territory) stretched from the Don River steppe all the way to the Atlantic coast.
The power of Turan Khan Aknuer extended from the Altai Mountains-Sayan Mountains-Khangai Mountains all the way to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
In the context of the previous historical timeline, this already exhibits a blend of characteristics of Genghis Khan's Mongol Empire and Timur's Empire.
“But then, her career will start to decline,” Shahzani thought to herself, a charming smile playing on her lips.
Chapter 369 The Princess Tastes Defeat
As it turned out, Shahzani's judgment was quite correct.
Nomadic empires, reaching their zenith, then declined.
With the rapid expansion of its territory and military power, the various internal contradictions of the Turan Khanate became increasingly prominent. First, there were contradictions within the ruling group due to the imbalance of the distribution of interests, and later there were contradictions between various ethnic groups and classes.
These messages were gradually relayed back to the Samanid Empire through spies from caravans planted in the Turan steppes.
However, Shahzani knew that although the opponent had internal rifts, it was still in a period of growth after a major expansion. The best strategy now was to continue to conserve strength and wait for the right opportunity. The best time to send troops would be when the internal contradictions of the opponent erupted.
However, in the Khorasan Military Region's border theater, where preparations for war were underway, the young and ambitious Princess Farukzad, eager to achieve even greater feats, did not think so.
……
April, 1028 AD. The month of Farvardin, Persian calendar year 397.
Since the beginning of the New Year in Nowruz, Farukzad has been actively planning a military offensive against Turan.
"The Turans' arrogance has reached its peak. Now that their main force is marching east to the Sayan Mountains, it is the best time for us to send troops!" Farukzad asserted forcefully.
“How can this be? By the grace of the Great Hu, our post road supply network is not yet fully established, and our soldiers have not yet mastered the skills of fighting on the Turan steppe,” Iraji advised.
However, this time the princess seemed determined, and no matter how the prince consort tried to persuade her, or even quoted the philosophical proverbs of wise men and sages, he could not change her mind.
“Very well, my dear lady. May Gushaspu’s courage bring you victory!” Iraji sighed. “Then we will petition the Queen Mother to allow us to go into battle.”
“No need,” Farukzad said calmly. “The journey to Jahanshahr is long, and by the time the decree is issued, the opportunity for battle will have been missed. Let’s fight first and report later.”
“Well… alright.” Ira’s tone was somewhat helpless, but he was still looking for a safe solution. “However! You still have to take some of my suggestions.”
Therefore, Iraj made a request.
According to the revised plan.
When Farukzad leads his army into battle, he must not penetrate more than 50 farsahs (about 300 kilometers) into the steppe, and he must maintain smooth communication, concentrate his forces, and support each other.
To be on the safe side, Iraq assembled 5 elite troops to provide support at the border crossings along the Xignahe-Otrar line, ready to assist Farukzad at any time.
"Don't worry, just wait for your wife's triumphant return!"
Farukzad mounted his strong and valiant armored warhorse, shouted the names of ancient Iranian heroines such as "Guldafarid" and "Gulshaspu," and led an army of 10 men from Otrar toward the Turan steppe.
……
News of the princess's unauthorized expedition quickly reached Jahanshahr.
"That girl!" Shahzani suppressed her anger, feeling a sense of disappointment. "Fine, the favorable circumstances and smooth sailing have made her a bit arrogant and complacent. Let her learn a lesson!"
Nassak's envoy also reported that the prince consort, Iraj, had taken numerous countermeasures to support the princess's offensive.
“This child has considered everything very thoroughly,” Shahzani said with an appreciative look.
Therefore, relying on the Empress's supreme authority, and based on the Iraqi plan, various support forces in the border war zone were mobilized to deal with unexpected situations in the war.
……
Late June 1027 AD.
The grasslands of Turan.
The land was vast and boundless, with only distant mountain ranges faintly connecting the horizon. Although it was early spring, the cold wind was still biting, and the empty grasslands were devoid of settlements and stable water sources.
The Samanid Empire's 10-strong army marched for several days without encountering any enemies. Their initial high morale and fighting spirit were slowly being worn down by the monotonous march and the harsh weather.
The Turan steppe is different from the Iranian world.
In the month of Farvardin, the weather in most Iranian provinces was quite mild, but the Turan steppe remained rather cold. The soldiers from the warmer provinces of the Samanid Empire—Isfahan, Fars, Kerman, and Sistan—were particularly uncomfortable with this.
On Iranian soil, officials would procure provisions, and the general public would transport supplies to support the army. A well-developed postal and road system ensured a sufficient and stable supply.
But none of these exist on the Tulan Grassland.
Those tribes unaware of the true situation had already hastily moved their herds away before the army arrived, leaving the Saman army with only empty wastelands; while the hostile Turan cavalry would deliberately speed away and maneuver around, waiting until the enemy was exhausted and weak before launching a fatal attack.