Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 538 Party
"Your Highness, Basra is just ahead. We can take a train from here to Baghdad."

The cruise ship enters the Persian Gulf, rounds the strait, and is about to reach Basra. Previously, this area was mostly frequented by British and Portuguese ships, but those have largely disappeared, replaced by Iranian merchant vessels.

"Is Father really going to move the capital?" Murad asked Abdullah.

"Now that the country's territory has expanded considerably, relocating the capital is inevitable in order to better govern the entire nation."

Murad didn't have any particular thoughts, he just wanted to know why. After all, whatever his father did was right, and all he had to do was follow him.

The ship docked at Basra Port, where the mayor and citizens lined the streets to welcome them. Everyone knew this delegation was heading east to explore more opportunities, and they were eager to get there before their chance to make a fortune slipped away.

Sadiq has also made considerable progress in the past few months. This time, he represented the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on an inspection tour of the East and the signing of contracts. In Shanghai, Iran and the Far East reached a trade agreement worth 1000 million, and Iran also invested in a textile factory that was in the process of being established.

In Saigon, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce approved a ten-year railway project and a development plan for the Iranian Bank. The colony was clearly not reaching its potential and needed further investment.

These all concern Iran's interests in the East, and Sadiq signed the agreement with utmost caution. According to a telegram from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Shah was very satisfied with these developments, believing his position was now secure.

His department instructed him to return to Baghdad, but he could stay in Basra for a few more days before that. He was needed for a meeting, so while His Highness was resting, he went to the largest restaurant in town, the Falz, where a waiter led him to the largest private room.

"Look, it's Sadiq, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. You've made it big now, and you've forgotten your old classmate."

“I’m telling you, Firus, you’re just jealous. You feel resentful seeing others get into the Ministry of Commerce and Industry while you’re still in Basra.”

"Don't talk nonsense. I don't have such lofty ambitions. As long as I don't make mistakes, I'm content to stay here."

These familiar faces reminded Sadiq of the time more than twenty years ago when they asked to go to Europe. In the blink of an eye, they had all achieved their goals; everyone had gone into business, politics, or journalism, while Firus, whom he had just joked about, was now working at the customs office in Basra.

All the students who had studied abroad were present, and Sadiq sat next to Suleiman. Everyone knew that Suleiman's business empire had expanded considerably, and Sadiq deserved much of the credit. It was said that Sadiq had provided Suleiman with many advantages when he was the governor of Sumatra, and in return, Suleiman had given him 10% of the original shares in his company. Now that his company was officially listed on the stock exchange, the profits were considerable.

"Speaking of which, Sadiq, what experiences have you had in the East? Tell us about them."

Sadiq took a sip of wine and began to speak. From the imperial palace of Beijing in the Far East to the prosperity of Shanghai, then to the undercurrents in Edo and Osaka in Japan, and then to cities like Naha and Saigon, which were already Iranian colonies. Each had its own unique character.

“I’m telling you, if you have any trade plans to go to Japan this year, don’t go. Even if you do go, you should go to Nagasaki and Hakodate, otherwise something big is going to happen.”

"What important matter is it?"

Sadiq glanced at the door to the private room. "Yes, it's closed." He lowered his voice and spoke.

"The King of Japan is now preparing to wrest power back from his general, who will not relinquish it easily. A great war will soon break out between the two sides, and it's unknown who will win." Several people who trade in the East had also heard of this, and they had never seen a dynasty without power for such a long time. Moreover, it wasn't just one person, but dozens of generations.

“It is indeed a major event. This kind of war is the most brutal. How many people died when the Shah ordered the attack on Qom? Those priests used to be arrogant, but now they tremble in front of the Shah.”

The crowd laughed. Having received their European education, they felt that it was unacceptable for religion to excessively control their lives. So when they learned that the Shah had cleared out the urma, they cheered with joy; a new life could finally begin.

“Those people just can’t see the situation clearly. Do they think they can defeat Shah? They just keep banging their heads against the iron wall, and this is how it ends up.”

There's nothing to regret. When classmates in industry and commerce asked where the best place to invest abroad was now, whether it was Austria or South America, Sadiq gave a different answer.

"Now, go to the Ottoman Empire and Egypt. I bet you two places will undergo tremendous changes in the future."

This left everyone puzzled. They were most afraid of drastic changes in business, so why would they want to invest?
“I’m telling you, our country now has access to the Black Sea and is just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean. The government is now discussing when to take back Syria and Jerusalem.”

"What? Syria and Jerusalem?"

One person exclaimed that if these two places were returned to Iran, it would be of great benefit to Iran.

First, let's talk about Syria. Aleppo and Damascus are both important commercial cities. It's rich in agricultural resources, and the highlands southwest of Damascus are the source of many water sources. If we take Syria, we won't have to worry about water or agriculture.

Furthermore, Jerusalem, the holy city of Christianity, the Divine Benevolent Church, and Judaism, has been a frequent battleground for Russia, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Great Britain. Taking Jerusalem would allow Iran to declare to all Divine Benevolent believers that it is the world leader and the Shah is the rightful heir.

"It's just a discussion now, and we don't know the specifics yet. What's certain is that we will definitely use force against the Ottomans in the future. The reason we're getting your investment is so that you can get subsidies and preferential treatment when that happens. Wouldn't that mean you'll get back all the money you've invested over the years?"

rational!

But some people have raised the question, "What if other countries provide support?" Putting aside everything else, Russia will definitely join in.

"Don't say that. You must believe in Shah. Believe that he can overcome all difficulties."

The Shah was practically worshipped by everyone; his image and the Iranian flag were ubiquitous in the city. There were also vendors selling royal souvenirs, and statues of the Shah were erected in various cities. Some Armenians and Georgians even experienced a fanatical conversion movement, displaying extreme hatred towards the Russian and Ottoman Empires.

"That's for sure, Shah will definitely solve all the problems. Cheers, everyone!"

Everyone raised their glasses to bless the Shah, believing that under his leadership the country's status would be elevated, and they would be able to be more confident and make those foreigners who looked down on them pay a greater price.

(End of this chapter)