Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 451 The Tabriz Uprising (Part Two)

Police had formed a human wall, intending to prevent any potential attack on government buildings. Seeing the government under heavy police protection, Khaf, chosen to convey their demands, stepped forward and spoke to the police: "We are petitioning peacefully. We sincerely hope for a better future for the country. Please understand our situation, Shah."

Upon receiving the petition, a city government employee said, "Sir, you should know that your march has not been approved by the government and is therefore illegal. However, out of consideration for the people, we understand your situation. We hope you can control them to prevent any disturbances, otherwise the government will not stand idly by."

Kraft felt he had achieved his goal, and both sides remained restrained. If the higher-ups still didn't listen, they would launch further protests, which wouldn't stop until they received definite information.

While Kraft was negotiating with government officials, several people inside the government building were watching them.

"Thank goodness, they didn't exhibit any stress response. We're safe for now."

Ahmed, the senior official, spoke to Chief Zubar, who entered through the back door, and asked him when these people would be allowed to leave.

"They'll naturally disband when they get tired. They also have things to do, they won't..."

Right after they started talking, several gunshots rang out. Blood splattered on Kraft, the government worker, and several other people around them.

"Someone is taking advantage of this to cause trouble."

Startled by the gunshots, the group immediately had this thought in their minds.

In the square, tens of thousands watched as blood splattered from Karl, the negotiator in charge. The gunshots also sparked a riot within the demonstration. Some, timid, wanted to back out; others' eyes blazed with anger. But most were completely bewildered, utterly unsure of what to do next.
Just then, a furious roar rang out. "The government shot and killed Chairman Kaf! We must avenge him!"

As a result, more people followed this voice and began to storm the government.

Faced with the surging crowd, the police officers on the front line couldn't care less about the consequences. At that moment, no one would reason with them; it was all about force. Fortunately, they had prepared firearms and other weapons to guard against potential dangers.

"Fire."

Although the police officer in charge did not know why the plan differed from what had been prepared, he still prioritized suppression.

"Pah, pah, pah"

Police gunfire erupted, and those at the front fell into pools of blood. The experience of those at the front calmed many of them, instilling fear and halting the crowd's advance.

"Send a telegram to the legions outside the city, instructing them to bring their troops into the city. Also... send a message to the capital: a riot has broken out in Tabriz."

Now that things had come to this, there was no way to hide it anymore. He had no choice but to honestly explain the situation to the Shah and that he was prepared to leave his post. It was truly tragic. Some people grabbed guns from the police, and the square descended into chaos. The army from outside the city began entering and declared martial law in Tabriz. All shops closed, and pedestrians were checked for identity and ordered to go home immediately. Under the army's supervision, the city instantly became deserted. Shops and doors were all closed on both sides of the street, and not a single pedestrian could be seen.

Led by their officers, soldiers ordered everyone to put their hands on their heads and crouch down. Anyone who disobeyed was immediately met with a rifle butt. Their actions greatly embarrassed the fleeing demonstrators, as their large numbers drew attention, and there was no one else on the streets. They were as conspicuous as fish stranded on a beach, making them easy targets for the army. Those who were locals weren't worried, as the march had been seen by many, and the city's district police had already memorized their faces on the streets. Once the outside demonstrators were dealt with, it would be their turn.

Inside the government building, an agent was reporting the investigation report that triggered the riot to senior officials, the police chief, and Major General Nasser, who had arrived quickly. "According to our investigation, the shooting came from an apartment building next to the square. Our personnel found abandoned firearms and spent shell casings at the scene, and interviews with nearby residents revealed that they went up to the building when the march was about to reach the square, and then left in horse-drawn carriages after the shooting."

Major General Nasser then interjected, "They shouldn't have left the city, because martial law was imposed after the shooting. Currently, entry is restricted, but exit is not; these people are likely still trapped in the city."

"So what do you mean?"

“Start a house-to-house search immediately, turn Tabriz upside down and find them. If they escape, we will all be at fault.”

The high-ranking official was also anxious at this point, and in order to make amends, he directly agreed to Nasser's words.

"Then we'll do it your way."

Now he has to wait for the results. If he's caught, it'll be a chance to redeem himself, and he might be able to go elsewhere. If he's not caught, then he's really finished. So incompetent, he's lucky he's not sent to jail.

With the order given, a more thorough search began. But searching Tabriz was no easy task. As one of the first cities to industrialize, Tabriz's population had grown to 50, and the city had even more streets and alleys. Furthermore, there were numerous hiding places. The only consolation was that there were no rivers, so those people wouldn't escape via waterways.

As they searched house by house, Dostoevsky and his men were trapped inside Tabriz and unable to leave. No one had expected the army to move so quickly, taking control of all the gates; they had almost escaped.

"How are things? Are we able to get out?"

"No, the military and police are on high alert right now. Every pedestrian on the road is being searched. And all kinds of vehicles are being stopped and thoroughly inspected. There's absolutely no way to get out right now."

Dostoevsky thought for a moment and then said, "In any case, the first priority now is to get us out of here. Just because we can't does it doesn't mean someone else can't. Do you know any underground merchants who smuggle goods privately? Maybe they have a way. If we stay here, we're very likely to be subjected to a large-scale search by the military and police. It's too dangerous."

The subordinate, having received the guidance, quickly recalled a person in his mind. This time, he decided to try contacting that person. "I know someone. This person is the biggest underground merchant in the city. He handles many smuggled goods. Perhaps he can find a way."

"Then go ahead, but be careful."

At his instruction, his subordinate went out again, this time specifically checking out remote roads, believing that results would come soon.

(End of this chapter)