Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 180 Foreign Aid
Said reported the news from Mexico to Nasser al-Din, their most important ally in the New World, believing that if they could change the political course of Mexico, this investment would yield the greatest return.

"Mexico is about to go into civil war, this is a golden opportunity!"

Upon learning of this situation, Nasser al-Din decided to help the Davis brothers become the rulers of Mexico. This was during the Caudillo era in various countries, and supporting a dictator was not a difficult task.

"Shah, what should we do?"

“Send them 100 million riyals; whether this investment will succeed depends on them.”

This is arguably Nasser al-Din's largest investment to date. After all, he needs to secure both economic and political benefits. The New World is a vast, untapped investment opportunity; if he doesn't invest now, he'll miss out later.

"Yes, Shah, we are looking for professionals to handle our stock holdings and other assets, and we plan to set up a bank to manage these funds. Then we will increase our overseas investments..."

The royal family's finances naturally need to be updated, and the current situation is quite good, so Nasser al-Din is relieved. On September 20, the Iranian Shah began his diplomatic visit.

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After bypassing Tonle Sali Lake, the Iranian army occupied Battambang and looted extensively. Many residents had their belongings stolen, and the local government's treasury of approximately 10 taels of silver was also looted.

Meanwhile, Iran sent a note to Bangkok, outlining demands for a new embassy residence, the opening of new ports, access to the interior, reparations for war expenses, and compensation for losses suffered by Iranian merchants. The note also demanded that the Siamese government send an envoy with full authority to negotiate with Iran within one month. Furthermore, it stated that if the King of Siam accepted their demands, they would immediately withdraw and cease their offensive; otherwise, they would escalate the war.

However, the demand to cede territory was unacceptable to Rama IV under any circumstances, and after making it clear that he would refuse, the Iranian army continued its advance towards Bangkok.

At the Grand Palace in Bangkok, His Majesty the King was not in a good mood, as the news brought by the Iranians had greatly angered him.

“These damned Iranians, I’ve already abandoned my noble status and bowed down to them to admit my mistakes, but they still want to cede land. Do they think I’m easy to bully?”

Rama IV's roar made everyone in the palace feel uneasy. His Majesty the Emperor had been in a bad mood lately, and several servants had been thrown out and beaten to death for offending him.

"Your Majesty, perhaps those Iranians are too greedy. Maybe we should ask for higher terms."

The prime minister beside him spoke, but his words immediately drew a rebuke from Rama IV. "If it weren't for your suggestion, how could I have been humiliated in front of the Iranians? These people have already invaded Battambang, and they completely disregard me."

The king's angry rebuke left the prime minister speechless. In Siam, the king held all power, while the prime minister was more like a steward.

Although he believed that Siam was no match for Iran on its own, the king, in his anger, was beyond reason to reason with.

After venting his anger, Rama IV had calmed down considerably. He glanced at the prime minister, who stood silently to the side, and then instructed a servant, "Send someone to call Pita back."

Pita is one of his youngest brothers. His father, Rama II, left behind 73 children, and Pita is only 30 years old now, which is very young.

"Brother, you called me."

Peeta looked travel-worn and immediately asked questions as soon as he entered.

"Yes. We're going to have to fight again."

Facing his brother, King Rama IV's first words were surprising: "Who are we going to fight this time?"

"Iranian."

King Rama IV then informed the other party of the news.

“These Iranians are so unreasonable. I can smell their ambition for our country from a distance.”

"By the way, have you stored away the weapons I asked you to stockpile?"

"It's all ready. Brother, you can send someone to receive it at any time."

Pita's answer to his brother's question.

The weapons they were referring to were shipped in by British merchants during this period. The prices were much cheaper than before, and Rama IV took this opportunity to make a large-scale purchase.

Even with a bargain, the 1000-plus muskets and two cannons had emptied most of his wallet. However, there was good news: the British merchants, considering his potential lack of funds, agreed to payment in kind. Siam primarily produces rice and other cash crops, as well as some primary processed products.

It was unrealistic to expect to defeat the Iranians on our own. So the prime minister had a role to play. He was tasked with drafting a document to call on the people to rise up and resist the Iranian invasion. In addition, local gentry leaders were also mobilized, and special envoys were sent to them to prepare troops to join the king in resisting the Iranian attack.

Rama IV's series of actions immediately stirred up the nation of Siam, with countless people enthusiastically joining the army. This caused Rama IV's army to expand rapidly, like a balloon, from 5000 to over 40000 men. However, their fighting strength was... lacking.

Moreover, with Siam taking action, Iran is no fool; how could it be unaware of this?

Don't assume the Siamese are all united; there are always those who want to use the Iranians to bring down the King. Therefore, Iran not only knows that Rama IV is mobilizing for war, but also that Britain is involved in underhanded dealings. The two countries only have a cooperative relationship; for a truly close relationship, the Shah would have to ally with Britain.

Iran, of course, will not be lenient and has its own countermeasures.

Luang Prabang has a history of over a thousand years. It was once part of the Nanzhao Kingdom and later belonged to the Khmer Empire. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was a state of the Lao Thein people. In 1353, the Lan Xang Kingdom was established, with its capital here. Subsequently, the Lan Xang Kingdom split, and the Luang Prabang Kingdom was formed.

As king, Chanta Kuman was extremely busy. His country was in dire need of rebuilding due to the exploitation by South Vietnam and Siam. Although he maintained relations with Vientiane and Champasak, their underdeveloped economies were a major weakness.

Today, the ruler of Luang Prabang is meeting with an envoy from Iran.

"Hello, Mr. Anwar."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Anwar's attitude pleased Chanthaburi, as it meant Luang Prabang could finally escape the oppression of Siam.

“We are very clear about the purpose of your visit, Your Excellency, but why should we help you? How can we trust that you won’t massacre us like Siam did?”

(End of this chapter)