Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 446 Trouble
The situation in Afghanistan is another power struggle between Iran and Britain. On any issue, Iran has shown greater aggression and tolerance than Russia. Whether in Afghanistan or Malaya, shared religions always resonate. Despite sectarian differences, Iran has acquired Mecca and Medina; with these holy sites in hand, they have no choice but to comply, especially since Iran has dedicated air routes to the holy sites.

Making a pilgrimage to the holy city when you have time is best for everyone. Everyone says sectarian conflict is paramount, but under Iranian rule, it doesn't seem to matter much. My income increase is real and tangible. To live a better life, maybe I should convert to a different faith.

The insurgents, centered in Farah and Bamiyan, established their own government. Abdul, a pro-Iranian Shiite tribal leader, declared himself Emir of Afghanistan and quickly sent envoys to Tehran seeking aid.

He knew that both Iran and Britain were eyeing Afghanistan covetously. Maintaining independence was impossible, and his faith and identity would certainly provoke opposition. Therefore, aligning himself with Iran was a necessary, albeit reluctant, choice. The only thing he could be reassured about was that Afghanistan lacked nationalist sentiment; it consisted of tribes, not a nation-state. He believed that appeasing the tribal leaders would be enough to pacify most of the region.

Economically, Abdullah decided to fully liberalize Iranian capital and goods. He was willing to do anything as long as he maintained his position.

In recent years, thanks to trade with Iran, the economic status of Shia merchants has improved significantly. They not only sell goods, but Iranian merchants have also replaced Jewish merchants in the financial lending sector. The establishment of banks has broken the restrictions of the Quran. Lending is no longer the exclusive domain of Jews, and through banks, Iran can also control the economies of other countries.

Despite these circumstances, Naser al-Din still proceeded with his planned inspection tour of the Transoxiana region. He passed through Ashgabat, Khiva, Samarkand, Tashkent, and other places where factories and mines of considerable size had already been established, and agriculture was also developing.

“This is a different river,” Naserdin exclaimed.

“Shah, over the years, River Valley has been committed to developing local industry. We have brought in a number of factories, including those in the textile, ammunition, and military industries.”

Yahya explained to Shah the situation in the river region over the years, noting the rapid development of cotton farming and the resulting establishment of numerous textile factories in Samarkand and Tashkent. Local residents were also drawn to these factories by the higher wages.

The people of Samarkand lined the streets to welcome the Shah, many even kneeling. They were originally slaves, but were freed after the Iranian occupation, and naturally felt immense gratitude towards the Shah.

The Shah interacted with the local people, asking them how they were doing. Previous rulers wouldn't have done this; they would have just kept demanding money from them. The current monarch is much better.

Nasser al-Din appears focused on economic development and construction, completely neglecting foreign policy. However, saying he's completely ignoring it isn't entirely accurate, as troops have begun to amassed in the Transoxiana region to the north of Afghanistan.

On the south bank of the Syr Darya River, Iran built 25 fortifications to defend against Russian attacks. Simultaneously, a dock was constructed on the south bank of the Aral Sea, and two small steamships operated there. This was all in defense against Russia.

British Ambassador Stafford was also at a loss; why couldn't he find the Shah whenever something happened? Fortunately, the Grand Vizier was still there, and he directly relayed the British Prime Minister's request for talks to him.

“Mr. Ambassador,” Amir said, “our country has made several proposals to Afghanistan, but they have all been rejected. I wonder if our talks with your country can resolve this matter.”

"Your Excellency Amir, please believe in our country's desire for peace, and we understand your country's desire for peace as well. However, the Afghan issue requires long-term cooperation to stabilize. Our country has always been committed to the development of peace, and only peace can be the foundation for promoting exchanges."

Amir didn't say anything, but simply handed a newspaper to the ambassador. "Take a look at this. Is everything in here true?"

Stafford knew at a glance that Britain was in deep trouble. The document stated that the Kingdom of Italy was preparing to mobilize troops to aid Argentina and Afghanistan. If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad. The problem was what followed: an Italian member of parliament claimed they had secured the support of a powerful nation, whose navy, combined with the Italian army, was invincible.

As everyone knows, only one country in the world possesses a powerful navy. Amir wanted to see what Stafford would say next.

"Grand Vizier, this is utter nonsense. Our country has always been committed to peace. Why would we assist Italy?"

"Your Excellency, there's no need for that. I never said your country was helping Italy. But judging from your expression, it seems you're telling the truth..."

"No, absolutely not."

Stafford quickly denied it; Italy was really… he didn't know what to say. They revealed it so easily, and they didn't even need to guess who this ally was. Were they pigs? No, at least pigs can eat meat; they can only hold us back.

"This matter has spread widely now; everyone knows that Italy is going to send troops to attack our country. They even have the audacity to call it 'liberation.'"

"Hmph, tell me, what right does a country that can even cede its own homeland have to use that word?"

Italy, that buffoon, is not a concern. But if Britain gets involved, Iran might have to face another war.

"Please convey to Prime Minister Russell that Iran has no intention of escalating the conflict, but if anyone deliberately undermines peace, Iran will fight back to the end."

The ambassador couldn't say anything. He could only send a telegram, hoping a representative would be sent as soon as possible. He also wrote a lengthy 4000-word scathing critique of Italy, hoping London would kick this idiot out; being around them made him feel mentally deflated.

Prime Minister Russell had no choice but to turn to Rothschild Bank again for help with the domestic financial crisis; they were the only ones who could save the financial system.

Thanks to their intervention, the situation in Britain stabilized. They could then consider other options, and news of the situation in Italy also reached Britain.

Reporters from several newspapers surrounded cabinet members, asking if the allies mentioned in the document were Britain. Everyone vehemently denied it and even summoned the Italian ambassador, giving him a severe dressing-down.

But the Italians didn't see it that way. They were all thinking about revenge against Iran and Austria. Government officials envisioned acquiring colonies, the return of Italian glory, and the restoration of the Roman Empire's glory. Perhaps Caesar, Octavian, and all the emperors would be proud of Italy's achievements, and a thousand years later, the glory of the Roman Empire would endure.

(End of this chapter)