Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 391 New Potential Conflicts
Not long after, Stafford received a telegram from London: Britain recognized Iran’s interests in Argentina, but Iran had to recognize Britain’s commercial interests in Brazil.

Nasserdin and the government both agreed to this plan, but since the British were humiliated here, they will certainly seek revenge elsewhere.

Looking at the diplomatic documents, the official correspondence gave the impression that Britain had backed down. But Nasser al-Din knew they would definitely cause trouble for Iran elsewhere.

"Sardig, what do you think of the British announcement?"

Faced with the Shah's question, Sadiq's mind raced. Where could it be? Russia? No, the Polish uprising hadn't been suppressed yet.

The Ottomans? Their internal strife is still unresolved.

Egypt is even worse than the Ottoman Empire, and it's impossible.

Taking direct action from India? That would cost money, and it's even more impossible!

“Your Majesty,” he began slowly, “the British will not retaliate against us in an obvious way; they prefer to plot in the shadows.”

Naserdin nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

“Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Egypt, India… these places are either too sensitive or too costly, so they are unlikely.” Sadiq paused, then his eyes suddenly sharpened. “But there is one place we may have overlooked.”

"where?"

"Kandahar!"

Although Iran has reinforced its western defenses, the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan makes infiltration relatively easy.

“If the British want revenge, this is indeed the best choice,” Shah said in a deep voice. “They don’t need to send troops directly; just funding a few tribal chiefs will be enough to give us a headache.”

Sadiq immediately retrieved the files: "According to the latest intelligence, the British consulate in Quetta has been frequently meeting with the elders of the Durrani tribe recently. More suspiciously, three shipments labeled 'textiles' were transported from Karachi to Kandahar last month, but local merchants never received these goods."

Nasserdin listened to this news, and he understood the British desire to protect India. The struggle in Afghanistan had shifted from between Britain and Russia to between Britain and Iran.

"Kandahar is less than 300 kilometers from our border. If the British stir up trouble here..."

“It will not only threaten our eastern provinces,” Sadiq continued, “but also cut off our trade routes with India. Especially now, all our imports from Karachi pass through this region.”

Nasserdin smiled. It seemed that Britain was still prepared to support proxies to make them pay the price.

“In that case, we can give them a surprise!” Nasser al-Din smiled contemptuously, still holding the letter Muhammad had given him.

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Mohammed was preparing to return to Iran. He had seen many things in Southeast Asia and visited more than twenty cities. Everything he saw and heard was recorded in his notebook.

In Brunei, he talked extensively with his uncle and gathered local geographical information. In Saigon, the bustling port captivated him, and the scenery of Tonle Sap Lake was particularly enchanting. Next, he visited Hong Kong, Naha, and Kagoshima, essentially completing his notes on East Asia. He also documented his experiences in Manila and Batavia, filling several notebooks with his notes – the East truly is rich in cultural resources.

His next stop was Malacca, an important transit point before the rise of Singapore. It was also a region with a significant Shia population. Iranian and Armenian merchants established trading posts here, purchasing large quantities of local products, including tin.

Tin is considered the economic lifeline of Malaya. More than half of Malacca's exports come from tin mines in Larut, Perak. Malacca's production accounts for 40% of the global tin market.

The influx of laborers also created gang problems. Both Hai San and Yi Hing factions possessed armed forces, levied taxes, recruited miners, and even issued currency, effectively controlling the local economy.

In 1861, a bloody conflict erupted between the two factions. The Hai San faction gained the upper hand and began to control the entire region. However, the other side was not resigned to defeat and brought in mercenaries from Siam, beginning a long-term standoff.

“Your Highness, you must think of a solution. They are fighting to the death in Larrut, which is very disadvantageous for us!” a merchant pleaded with Muhammad.

Muhammad closed his notebook, the gilded pen leaving a last drop of ink on the parchment. Outside the window, the setting sun over the Strait of Malacca bathed the stained-glass windows of the Persian trading post in a crimson glow, while in the distance, tin ingots were being loaded onto ships, ready to be transported to Bushehr.

“You’re right, Haji.” He turned to the merchant whose forehead was beaded with sweat, “but Iran’s hand cannot be directly wadged into the mire of Thunderbolt. I don’t think Father would agree either.” At that moment, a servant presented a glass of rose liqueur, condensation forming on the outside of the chilled copper cup.

The merchant clutched his robes in desperation: "But our caravan was robbed in Penang last week! The Ghee Hing people seized three boatloads of tin ingots, saying they wanted to collect a 'transit tax'! Tell me, what's that called?"

Muhammad was aware of this situation, but what puzzled him was that the British hadn't intervened. Were they waiting for some opportunity?

Every time, my father would teach his sons one thing: the British are not to be trusted, the Americans are not to be trusted, and the Jews in Europe and America are even less to be trusted!
He walked towards the map of Southeast Asia hanging on the wall. "Hai Shan controls the tin transport routes in the north, while the Yi Hing faction controls the labor force in the south. Rather than letting them both suffer losses, it would be better to..."

Muhammad thought for a moment and then asked.

Do you know how much it costs to acquire a mine?

The merchant immediately replied, "There are many. There are at least twenty-four mines in Larru alone, and they vary in size. The smallest one would probably cost hundreds of thousands of rials. And even if you have the money, you can't buy them; the local power is a problem."

Muhammad wrote a letter, folded it, and handed it to the person next to him, asking him to send it out as soon as possible.

"Okay, you can leave now! Don't worry, things will be different here soon."

Seeing this situation, the merchant had no choice but to leave, hoping that things would truly improve.

“Zeit, why do you think I have encountered such a situation?” Muhammad asked his attendant.

"Perhaps this is a test that Allah has set for you!"

Muhammad chuckled. "I am not Ismail either; I don't have the ability to expand territory. This should be done by my second brother; he's the most interested."

Muhammad had never wanted to do this; he was only ten years old, not old enough to handle weapons. Now, however, he had to use his immature mind for the sake of the country, but the only thing he could do was bring in that powerful foreign aid.

(End of this chapter)