Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 394 Sudan
Aceh, the northernmost city in Sumatra, was a frequent stop for merchant ships traveling north and south. It also served as a port for the Ottoman Empire's fleet, though this was 300 years ago.

The Netherlands had been infiltrating Sumatra for decades, and now only Aceh remains as a country resisting them. Seeking support, they traversed the entire Ottoman Empire, but with little success, only recovering after receiving aid from Iran.

"We must launch an uprising if we still want Iran's support."

Inside the Aceh royal palace, a minister, holding a message from Iran, addressed others: "We must now let Iran know that Aceh is a worthy ally."

At this time, within the Aceh Sultan's court, the pro-Iranian faction had completely purged the pro-Ottoman faction. A country of little use to them was to be swept into the dustbin of history. Iran, being quite generous, directly provided financial and military support. It was a miracle that they could even withstand the Dutch attack at this point.

"That's right, not only in military cooperation, but also in our trade, which is largely maintained by Iranian businessmen. They have promised that our interests will be protected."

The Sultan sat on his throne, silently considering the benefits Iran had offered him: a manor, land in Sumatra, a title, and marriage alliances between his children and the Persian royal family. He believed that exchanging these for Sumatra was a worthwhile deal.

"We must let the Dutch know that the Aceh people will not submit."

Aceh went on high alert, and the Dutch withdrew some soldiers from the front lines, thinking it was no big deal. Little did they know that what followed would be far beyond their expectations.

Even faster than Biazi is Songkhla in northern Malaya. The city lord, Wu Rang, has staked everything on this, a total of 4500 men—his entire fortune.

“Mr. Muhammad, please, we will abide by your conditions once the matter is settled.”

Wu Rang spoke to the bearded man next to him, who nodded. "I hope you can do it."

Then, he raised the knife in his hand and shouted, "Let's go!" Their target was the unruly Songkhla suburbs: Perlis, Pattani, Kelantan, and other areas.

According to previous Siamese documents, Songkhla was authorized to rule these areas. However, in exchange, Songkhla had to provide military service, taxes, food, and weapons to Siam. In addition, every three years, Songkhla had to pay tribute to Siam with "honeysuckle flowers," also known as "golden flowers," which were actually honeysuckle trees over a meter tall. The trees were not only exquisitely carved but also accompanied by various weapons, fabrics, and other gifts.

By paying money to buy peace, Songkhla, although a vassal state of Siam, did not interfere in Songkhla's internal affairs, meaning it remained independent.

As Siam reformed its local administration and strengthened its centralized rule, Songkhla was incorporated into its provinces. Songkhla's autonomy was restricted, and thus, relations between Songkhla and Siam began to fracture.

In order to completely unify Songkhla, it was deduced that Iran would transfer 6000 troops from Chinestan, with 2000 of them responsible for observing the situation in Siam to the north, and the remaining 4000 to rush to these places to capture or kill the local rulers, thus completely unifying Songkhla.

These places are quite close together; barring any unforeseen circumstances, they could occupy Peking University within a day and the entire area within a week. That's their estimate.

The morning of the new year at Peking University was torn apart by gunfire.

The Sultan of Pattani had just finished his morning prayers when Iranian infantrymen kicked down the palace gates. Before he could even grab his ancestral kris, he was pinned to the ground.

“In the name of God,” the Persian commander coldly proclaimed the verdict, “you have spread heresy and betrayed the true path.” A flash of light, and the head of Pattani’s last ruler rolled onto the Persian carpet in the palace.

The news spread like wildfire. The ruler of Perlis was so frightened that he immediately converted to Shia Islam and even offered his eldest son as a "loyal hostage." The Kelantan court went even further—ministers sewed flags for the Twelve Imams overnight and hung them all over the city walls before the Persian army arrived.

The same thing happened elsewhere, except that some of them converted to Shia Islam on the spot, which shows how quickly it happened.

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Muhammad had entered Laruddin, a city that was particularly lively today, filled with processions. Upon seeing Muhammad arrive, they all bowed to him.

However, Muhammad seemed unhappy, and he asked his attendant in a low voice, "Does it have to be this way?"

"Your Highness, this is your glorious moment. Soon, you will be the ruler of all Malaya."

Muhammad had no interest in the position; he only enjoyed traveling. But it seemed he was destined to become like his uncle and father, deliberating daily on court matters with ministers and guarding against being conquered by other nations.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, the Sultan of Perak, whose name was Muhammad, approached him holding a crown. After presenting this symbol of power, the Sultan and his family pledged their allegiance to Muhammad.

Muhammad donned his crown and rode on horseback to inspect Laruddin. He waved to the people.

The Sultan of Perak was able to become the Sultan not only because of Haisan's defection, but also because of the might of the Iranian soldiers. They had already taken control of the main strongholds in Perak, and no matter how hard the Sultan tried, it would be in vain. In addition, the other side agreed to retain all their assets, so the abdication seemed so smooth.

"Your Highness, smile," the Persian advisor whispered. "Your people are watching."

Muhammad forced a smile. He saw a Malay child by the roadside looking at him timidly, clutching half a piece of Persian candied fruit in his hand—a "gift" that his followers had scattered along the way.

“My father needs not only Malaya, but also Singapore!” Mohammed said to his advisor beside him. “I’m really worried about whether I can hold onto this Sultan position.”

"Your Highness, rest assured, you can definitely do it."

Mohammed's first act upon assuming power was to sign a defense treaty with Iran and simultaneously pursue economic cooperation with Qinistan, using tin mining and grain exports as the economic pillars to develop industry and commerce. He also needed to adjust relations with Britain.

This series of abrupt and bewildering moves disrupted the rhythm of the entire Southeast Asia, leaving Siam, Britain, and the Netherlands stunned. Britain, in particular, had assumed its opponent was a Chinese group backed by Iran, but the Chinese themselves had entered the fray, proving they were truly unafraid of the British navy.

But this is a bit of a problem. The other party has become Sudan, and we can't just deny it. If we hurt him, Iran will probably fight us to the death. We need a perfect solution.

(End of this chapter)