Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 452 Resignation
I had just returned to Tehran and received news from Tabriz, as the matter had already spread rapidly through the newspapers.

As Iran's largest privately owned newspaper, Persepolis reported on the incident: "A shocking incident occurred in Tabriz, where local citizens stormed government buildings, resulting in nearly a hundred deaths and thousands of injuries."

The following section provides detailed coverage of the riots, which had a significant impact on student and civic groups in Iran. Knowing of the death of Khaf, a member of the Freedom and Democracy Association, they believed the government was using him as a scapegoat to quell the unrest, particularly those who had been most vocal in demanding parliamentary proceedings.

This incident was like a bomb, instantly igniting the existing discontent. Students and citizens took to the streets, demanding two things.

First, determine the timeframe for convening parliament.

Second, remove the Grand Vizier from office.

Protests began in Yerevan and Baku, cities close to Tabriz, and then spread to other cities. Cities such as Qazvin, Isfahan, Baghdad, Bushehr, and Shiraz saw demonstrations ranging from 3 to 7 people.

The largest crowd gathered in Tehran, where 110,000 people rallied in squares and other locations, demanding that the Shah grant their request.

Amir's mansion was also surrounded by angry people, just as it had been for Bishop Mazarin in France. Many stones fell into his yard, even breaking windows and landing in front of Amir.

Amir picked up a stone, lamenting the impermanence of life. Seventeen years ago, he was appointed Grand Vizier in a time of crisis, assisting the Shah in transforming this backward country. Now…

"Be careful, sir!"

The butler pulled Amir aside to prevent him from being hit by the stones. Amir then spoke.

“Go through the back door to see Shah.”

At this time in Gulestan Palace, the Shah was already dizzy from all the talking by the various officials. The Interior Minister said that there were protesters in various places, the police were exhausted, and requested that the army be dispatched to suppress them.

“Shah, if we do nothing, France’s yesterday will be our tomorrow.”

The minister's words earned him a glare from the Shah.

"No, that won't happen."

“Shah…”

In Nasser al-Din's view, a parliament could be established, but it would take time. As for the second point, the removal of the Grand Vizier was absolutely impossible.

"The Grand Vizier ruled the country for 17 years, what mistakes did he make?"

No one spoke; everyone knew that the one suffering the most was the Grand Vizier. From diplomatic negotiations to domestic economic policies, he was essentially responsible for implementing them. He had resolved countless difficulties along the way, and it was truly heartbreaking to ask him to resign now.

But some still said, "Shah, the people's anger has erupted. If we don't give them an explanation, I'm afraid..."

"you shut up!!!"

Naserdin angrily retorted that if they were to compromise on this matter only once, they would demand even more if a parliament were to be established.

He sat in his chair and waved for them to leave. The ministers began arguing in the corridor, fearing that if the problem couldn't be resolved and was exploited by those with ulterior motives, everything they had accomplished over the past decade would be for naught.

"What's next? Russia will definitely gloat."

"We can only keep trying to persuade them; there's no other way."

Abdullah was about to say something when his gaze shifted to the side. Then, more and more people turned to look at Amir, who was walking towards them.

"Grand Vizier!"

"Grand Vizier!"

Amir shook hands with them, and although he didn't say anything, everyone understood.

"Thank you all for your hard work in government. You have made great contributions to our country's achievements today. I have nothing to give you but to say thank you."

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly spoke up.

“Grand Vizier, there’s no need for that. Serving the country is our duty. Besides, without you and the Shah, we probably wouldn’t be in these positions.”

"Yes, Grand Vizier, you are the number one contributor to the prosperity of the country."

Amir waved his hand. "I'm just doing what I should as a subject of the Shah. Now, the most difficult time has come." Amir gave a wry smile and then went into the Shah's office, leaving everyone looking at each other in bewilderment.

When Naserdin saw Amir arrive, he quickly went to him.

"Teacher, you've arrived."

"Shah."

Nasser al-Din pulled up a chair for Amir and then sat down beside him. Amir took an envelope from his pocket.

“Shah, please take a look at this.”

Naserdin took it, and it turned out to be another resignation letter.

"Teacher, don't worry, your position is still secure. No one will threaten you."

Naserdin promised to shut up the protesters, but Amir stopped him.

"Please, Shah, don't do that. It will plunge Iran into turmoil, and our country must not do that until Russia is defeated."

Not only Russia, but also Britain, the Ottomans, Prussia, and even France would rush in to carve up Iranian territory. I have visited France before, and their history shows that Iran must avoid this.”

At this point, Naserdin calmed down from his earlier anger. His teacher's words had been effective; they made him realize that he was rushing headlong down the path of Louis XVI. A single misstep could mean certain death.

"Therefore, Shah, please grant your permission."

Looking at the resignation letter in his hand, then at Amir, Nasser al-Din couldn't bring himself to make the decision.

"But, teacher, you've suffered so much injustice..."

"My grievances are insignificant. As long as the country becomes strong, that is enough."

Naserdin remained silent for a while before finally making up his mind.

He walked to the table and signed his name on it.

"Teacher, now that you're gone, who will succeed you as Grand Vizier?"

"The Foreign Secretary is best, followed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer."

Amir offered his recommendations: Abdullah, as a member of the royal family, could maximize the unity of the nobility; and Musharraf, as a technocrat, could ensure the smooth operation of the government. Therefore, these two were the candidates; the final decision was left to the Shah.

"Thank you for the Shah's approval. I will leave Tehran after the handover of duties."

Amir bowed to Shah, having been Shah's teacher for 26 years. His sudden resignation must have left Shah feeling somewhat saddened.

"Please rest assured, Shah, if you need me, I will return at any time."

Nasser al-Din nodded with difficulty, and Amir left the room. The ministers were still at the door, and Amir smiled and gestured to them.

"Grand Vizier!"

"Don't call me that anymore. From now on, I am just a subject of the Shah."

Everyone realized what had happened in the room and applauded to pay tribute to the Grand Vizier who had devoted himself to the cause for 17 years.

Amir walked out of the palace, where a large group of reporters were already gathered. Upon seeing Amir, they quickly stepped forward to ask questions.

"I have just met with the Shah and submitted my resignation. I will continue to handle government affairs until the handover is completed, pending the appointment of a new Grand Vizier."

I sincerely hope that everyone, regardless of their demands, will resolve these issues through peaceful dialogue, not violence. I regret the events in Tabriz, but please trust the government; this will not happen again.

After Amir finished speaking, he left in his carriage, and the reporters returned to their offices to make a front-page headline. Everything changed so quickly, like the weather, changing in an instant.

(End of this chapter)