Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 359 New Discussion
"The Yi Hing Company and the Hai Shan Company are now locked in a fierce battle for control of the mine. They have repeatedly sought mediation from the British, but the British have remained neutral, which seems strange. Given the nature of the British, who have already occupied port cities such as Singapore and Malacca, they would not be uninterested in inland areas."

Naserdin chuckled; he was waiting for the right opportunity to swallow Malaya whole.

"The British, they did change history, but that doesn't mean everyone has to revolve around them. Tens of thousands of our compatriots are waiting for a new life, and the Sultan of Malaya can no longer bear that responsibility."

Abdullah understood: the Shah was eyeing Malaya. The region was indeed attractive, situated at a crucial juncture between the Indian Ocean and the Far East, and its tin mines and land were important sources of tax revenue. Controlling it would secure a vital territory for Iran and also protect its Far East trade.

“Shah, we have no trade dealings in Malaya; most of our business is done through the Chinese in Chinestan. Entering without proper authorization could cause problems.”

"It's not too late now. Isn't Britain still discussing American territory? It's a huge country, and now it's become a piece of meat to be slaughtered. I really hope Iran won't end up like that."

Such words of blessing sounded rather unsettling to Abdullah. Being at the mercy of others, his neighbor was a prime example. Moreover, Iran was quite active in this endeavor; after annexing Ottoman Mesopotamia, it was now eyeing Syria and Jerusalem.

Moreover, Britain truly had no time. Because of the situation in the United States, Britain was embroiled in heated arguments with other countries. France occupied vast areas of the southwest, while Britain controlled the northwest, and New England had already declared its intention to join Canada. However, the Great Lakes region did not want to join; they still wanted to maintain the foundation of the United States. After all, their ancestors had fought alongside Washington to defeat the British, and they couldn't bear to surrender now.

Britain didn't want to get bogged down in a protracted war; all they needed to do was prevent the re-establishment of the federation. To this end, they offered a tempting incentive to the elite families of each state: British support for them to permanently gain power over that state—essentially turning those states into monarchies or grand duchies. This was a significant lure for families seeking permanent power.

The Stanley family of Michigan, the Buccrocker family of Minnesota, and other families saw this as a way to ensure their long-term rule. Discussions were underway with Britain, and other families were also eager to participate. This republic, ultimately, was destined to become history.

"You go first, I'll think about something else."

"Yes"

Abdullah withdrew, and Nasserdin sat alone in his study, pondering matters concerning Malaya. But the more he thought about it, the less clear things became; he decided to go elsewhere to investigate.

The Gulestan Palace has been renovated and is twice the size of its previous size. Most of the rooms are in the Persian style, and the cost was relatively low, only 1800 million riyals.

As Nasser al-Din passed by Muhammad's room, he heard a loud argument coming from inside. Curious, he wondered what the boy was up to, making such a racket. Leaning against the doorframe, he overheard quite a bit.

"What exactly are you talking about? We have now defeated Russia and the Ottomans, which is enough to prove that we are the only successors of the Prophet. Now we must press on, enter Mecca, and reclaim the Holy Land."

“You’re wrong. For our country, we still need to rebuild Najaf and see what the Ottomans have done to these places.”

Muhammad and several Islamic legal experts discussed the current situation in the country, particularly regarding religion. They largely agreed with the Shah's religious policies. Shia Islam needed reform, but the question was what to do next. Some believed it was necessary to reclaim the three holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem to solidify Shia status. Simultaneously, they argued for forcing Sunnis to convert, thus ensuring that Shia Islam would never be overthrown.

Others believe that Shiites should coexist peacefully with other religions, including the Armenian Church, Zoroastrians, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Protestants. They argue that all are part of Iran and that Shiites should not eliminate them but rather integrate them.

Muhammad produced a yellowed manuscript, a "Jihad Instruction" left from the Safavid dynasty.

“The Ottomans didn’t even spare the holy tomb of Imam Rida!” On the parchment he unfolded, there was a burned Shia holy map, the charred marks covering the location of Mecca.

"This is something I finally found. All I can say is that the Ottomans and our country have a history of hatred. But the war has only been over for a few years, and the reconstruction of Najaf is not yet complete. It's a bit premature to discuss marching on Mecca now."

A priest immediately said, “Your Highness, our country is currently strong enough to enter Mecca, no, we can even enter Jerusalem. Neither the Ottomans nor Egypt can protect the Holy Land; only we can undertake this task.”

“I understand the reasoning, but… Father!”

The argument abruptly ceased. Everyone suddenly noticed the Shah's figure reflected in the stained-glass window, like a silent statue of a judge. As Nasser al-Din slowly entered, the light from the crystal chandelier danced on his crown, illuminating the deep red diamond from Golconda, India—said to have once been set in the Peacock Throne of the Mughal Empire.

"Your discussion was very good, and I listened to quite a bit. Very good... You are all working hard so that Iran can become stronger."

As Nasser al-Din spoke, he casually flipped through the books beside him. Most of them were Ibn Battuta's travel logs, in which the famous traveler recorded the customs and traditions of many places.

The old jurist presented a copy of the Book of Kings: "Shah, do you remember Ferdowsi's prophecy?" On the open page, beside a portrait of the hero Rustam, was written: "A true king can make even the temples of enemy lands chant his name."

"Yes, I remember. Now is the era of communication for everyone. The Abbasid Caliphate reached its golden age through friendly exchanges. Iran is doing the same, but we should also highlight our own culture."

The world today is no longer a place where we can live behind closed doors. To avoid being bullied, we must open our doors, communicate, and learn from others. But if we learn too much, we lose sight of ourselves. Everything has a balance; maintaining that balance becomes the question.

Everyone listened to the Shah, but Nasser al-Din still asked them to leave, saying he had something to say to Muhammad.

(End of this chapter)