Desert Eagle Suletan Khan

Throughout history, peace negotiations have rarely resulted in a win-win situation, with the beneficiary being satisfied and the loser complaining. However, the peace negotiations held in December of the thirty-first year of the Qianyuan era (1674) achieved this. Both emperors praised the heads of the missions, at least outwardly proclaiming a diplomatic victory for their respective sides.

On the Russian side, Alexei I's bottom line was a border along the Ural Mountains in the east and the recapture of Saratov and Kharkiv in the west. Rytishev and Kondrati were able to argue their case, achieving a border along the Ural Mountains in the east, and in the west, not only did the Vladivostok return Saratov and Kharkiv, but they also recovered Tsaritsyn. Furthermore, they established a border with the Vladivostok along the Novochelkassk-Azov center line, with each side sharing half the territory. In Tsar Alexei I's eyes, this was a remarkable achievement. Therefore, he richly rewarded the delegation, bestowed the title of Count upon Rytishev, and sent people to spread the story of the Russian delegation's composure under the Tatars' swords, ultimately forcing the Vladivostok to return part of its territory.

In the wake of its crushing defeat, Russia desperately needed a heroic figure to bolster public morale. Alexei I hoped to dilute the shadow of defeat and shift public attention by glorifying Rytishev's heroic act of defending Russian dignity against threats during his diplomatic mission. However, the fierce Russians were not easily fooled; the defeat was simply too devastating! Not only did they lose vast territories of Siberia, but they also lost large swathes of land along the northern shore of the Kaspi Sea (Caspian Sea). So many people died, yet the outcome was so tragic; someone had to be held accountable!
People took to the streets to protest, declaring they would no longer pledge allegiance to Alexei I and demanding his abdication. The enraged Tsar dispatched his guards to arrest wave after wave of people, but the protesters only grew larger, and the calls for his abdication grew louder.

Alexei I had experienced many major conflicts, having fought against Ukraine, Poland, Turkey, and other countries, as well as the salt merchants' rebellion, the copper coin uprising, and the Racine Rebellion. Having witnessed the power of the common people, he knew all too well how terrifying their forces could be if incited by those with ulterior motives. Rather than waiting to be defeated, he decided to retreat strategically.

He summoned his son Feodor, saying, "My son, your father's health is deteriorating. From now on, you must shoulder the responsibilities that a prince should bear."

"Father, what do you need me to do?" Thirteen-year-old Fedor asked somewhat innocently.

Alexei removed the crown from his head and placed it on his son's head, then patted his own throne, saying, "I need you to take my place and restore Russia's former glory."

“No, Father, I’m not ready yet,” Fedordo said anxiously, wringing his hands.

“It’s alright, my good boy, I will guide you to become a good Tsar! Cough...cough..." After saying this, Alexei I coughed violently, his pale cheeks flushed with a sickly red. The defeat in the war had severely damaged the Tsar’s health, but his attachment to power prevented him from resting.

In February of the thirty-second year of the Qian Yuan era (1675), Tsar Alexei I abdicated, and Fyodor became the third Tsar of the Romanov dynasty. This was a reluctant choice. Of Alexei I's three surviving sons, Fyodor had contracted an unknown disease in childhood (believed to be scurvy), which left him disabled. Fortunately, he was intelligent and received a good education from the monk Simeon Polodsky, and was polite and wise. Another son, Ivan, had severe physical and mental disabilities; and the youngest son, Peter, was simply too young!
Alexei I announced that he would abdicate the throne to Fyodor, while also citing Fyodor's youth and lack of experience as reasons for appointing himself as regent.

While acknowledging Rytshev's diplomatic achievements, the Tsar replaced their Great Emperor, and the Kingdom of David was also rewarding its members. The signing of the Tula Alliance increased David's territory by over ten million square kilometers and elevated the prestige of the fifty-nine-year-old Great Khan Lotus to new heights. The people affectionately called him "Invincible Khan Lotus," and the consensus among most was that following Khan Lotus would bring victory.

Sultan knew in his heart that his victory in this battle was largely due to luck. The war against Russia had cost a staggering 21 million taels of silver, far exceeding his initial estimate of 15 million taels. Worst of all, transporting supplies across such a vast distance was extremely difficult, and the army was frequently short of provisions. Towards the end of the battle, some warriors had run out of ammunition for their muskets, some had only a few arrows left in their quivers, and some had their swords dulled and beyond repair. Fortunately, the Imperial Guard was a battle-hardened elite force, and they overcame numerous difficulties to finally achieve victory. If Xiao Qi (Lobzang Heshuoqi) had failed to reach a peace agreement with Tsarist Russia in time, not only would the imperial treasury have gone bankrupt, but the army, lacking supplies, would also have faced a dire situation.

Regardless, Xiao Qi not only distinguished himself on the battlefield but also made significant contributions to the peace negotiations. He deserves a reward! Not only Xiao Qi, but also Lao San (King Bao Yin of Chu) and other soldiers who fought valiantly have rendered meritorious service and deserve rewards! The Lotus Great Khan, who champions the establishment of a nation through military might, is extremely generous in rewarding his meritorious officials, always making a grand gesture!
Soon, an imperial edict was issued: King Baoyin of Chu, King Luobuzang of Han, and Shuoqi were each bestowed with ten thousand fine horses, ten thousand acres of fertile land, and a considerable amount of gold, silver, jewels, silks, and satins; Pengchuke was enfeoffed as the Prince of Astrakhan; Narisong as the Prince of Kashgar; Saihan as the Duke of Tomsk (Third Class); Tuhuerchuoketu as the Marquis of Orenburg (Third Class); Mengkutmur as the Earl of Okhotsk (First Class); Ekchotbu as the Earl of Yakutsk (Second Class); Tuyebai as the Earl of Agunkhba (Third Class); Xidi Xilibatu as the Earl of Anader (Third Class); Xiergen as the Earl of Irkutsk (Third Class); Wangchuk, the Duke of Zasaktu (Second Class), was promoted to the Duke of Zasaktu (First Class); Enhebatu, the Duke of Qinghe (Third Class), was promoted to the Duke of Qinghe (Third Class). He was promoted to Second-Class Duke of Qinghe; Teguschaoketu was promoted to Second-Class Duke of Pulan; Orros was promoted to First-Class Duke of Hequ; Babu was promoted to First-Class Duke of Chechen; Sonom Tsering was promoted to Second-Class Duke of Xingji; Jambi was promoted to First-Class Earl of Shanyin; Tasshibu was promoted to First-Class Earl of Sainnoyan; Kenzhe Wule was promoted to First-Class Earl of Daur; Bayar was promoted to Second-Class Earl of Nanpi; Bileg was promoted to Second-Class Earl of Barhu; Timur was promoted to Second-Class Earl of Buryat; and other meritorious generals and soldiers were also rewarded.

Having conquered such a vast territory, it was natural to establish officials to govern it. With a stroke of his pen, the Great Khan added three more myriarchies to the Great Kingdom: the Tobolsk Myriarchy, with Gendun as the chief and Mamut as the chief; the Yeniseysk Myriarchy, with Bayar as the chief and Fu Yuanxiu as the chief; and the Yakutsk Myriarchy, with Qiwangzhal as the chief and Xu Huapu as the chief.

(End of this chapter)