I was the Queen of Persia

Page 18

The post station in Zanshahr.

The floor was decorated with a colorful cashmere carpet. Several niches were neatly arranged on the earthen-yellow brick walls, containing pottery jars, bronze kettles, bronze incense burners, and other items. Near the latticed windows, where the light shone brightly, sat a bed covered with a rug.

The head of the Montahir delegation, Parviz, sat leisurely on the rug on his bed. To pass the time, he took down the barbat from the wall and played and sang a few tunes.

First, he played and sang "In Memory of Zarir," an epic poem from ancient Iran. Then he played and sang a collection of poems by Rudaki, a poet of the Samanid dynasty. Finally, he played and sang a poem written by his master, Montahir.

"General Parviz, do you think Shahzani will agree to our request for an alliance?" Ishk Berg paced back and forth on the carpet, seemingly still not holding much hope for this mission.

“A wise hunter does not go out alone to face a pride of lions,” Parviz simply replied with a proverb.

Chapter 36 The Reception Banquet

"I swear by Hu Da, this was a perfect performance. The poetry and music were perfectly matched, and the former glory of the Sassanid and Samanid court seemed to appear before my eyes!"

Just then, a pleasant sound came from outside the door.

It was Farzana, Shahzani's chief of staff.

Upon the arrival of Shahzani's high-ranking officials, Parviz, Ishk Berg, and a group of Montahir envoys all rose to pay their respects.

talking.

Farzanna took the barbat and, in front of the Montahir messengers, also played and sang a beautiful tune.

The poem being sung is also a hymn written by Rudaki, a poet from the Samanid dynasty:

……

He mounted his horse,

"Swiftly flying and galloping,"

Even Sam (an Iranian epic hero), who has now become a shining star,

"They would also be shocked."

"Whenever the flames of war are lit,"

He then resolutely went to war.

"Wearing armor and a helmet,"

"He exudes an air of grandeur."

"Compared to him, even an enraged elephant pales in comparison,"

"Even though it runs wildly and roars, its momentum is fierce."

"If Esfandhial (the Iranian epic hero) could see his fierce battle,"

"They would also tremble with fear before his spear and flee for their lives."

……

As Farzana's elegant voice and impassioned recitation filled the room, the entire room fell silent.

All the Montahir envoys held their breath, listening to the beautiful voice and the remembrance and praise of the hero contained in the poem. None of them had imagined that such a talented female official was hidden within Shahzani's military stronghold.

Combined with the orderly communities and well-trained army they had seen when they arrived, they couldn't help but secretly marvel: Shahzani's territory might really be a place teeming with talent.

The one most shocked and impacted was undoubtedly the mastermind, Parviz.

“Praise be to God! This is the most beautiful performance I have ever heard. Thank you, Commander Farzana, for giving this great work life with your nightingale-like voice,” Parviz praised sincerely.

“Thank you for your praise, esteemed messenger. However, I have only expressed my simple admiration for the history of our ancestors. Our leader, Shahzani, is the truly outstanding poet and warrior,” Farzana said modestly.

Her response was strategic, using humble words to highlight the power of the leader, Shahzani.

“Oh, by the way. Sadar Shahzani specifically sent me to inform you that a banquet will be held at his residence tonight. I urge all esteemed envoys to do us the honor of attending.” Farzana conveyed Shahzani’s intentions.

Clearly, this is one of the friendly signals of a willingness to form an alliance.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Chief. We will attend the banquet as promised." Parviz and the others, knowing that half of their purpose had been achieved, couldn't help but show their joy.

……

The sun is setting in the west.

The muezzins in the city have already climbed the minarets of the mosques to remind people to perform evening prayers.

Meanwhile, a bustling scene was also unfolding in the kitchen of Shahzani's residence.

After the imam finished chanting, the skilled butchers slaughtered the lambs, then expertly skinned, deboned, and cut the meat into pieces; the meat on the grill sizzled and dripped oil under the intense heat; the mutton soup in the large iron pot bubbled and boiled, emitting a fragrant aroma; and some chefs were busy preparing pastries and fruit syrups.

soon.

One delicacy after another was served: roasted lamb sprinkled with cumin; kebabs mixed with chopped vegetables and various spices; hand-grabbed rice garnished with chicken and saffron; lamb soup simmering in an earthenware pot; flaky pastries called "halva" and "suhan" sprinkled with various nuts; and fermented grape juice, rosehip syrup, honey syrup, and so on.

Colorful rugs were laid out around the tables and chairs. Several voluptuous dancers, barefoot and graceful, walked by lightly and elegantly, bringing out jewel-colored wines.

Pottery plates and tableware decorated with images of plants, flowers, and Persian warriors conquering and hunting were placed on a table covered with Tabaristan silk tablecloths.

"Distinguished envoys, please be seated and enjoy your meal." The waiters and maids standing at the door respectfully guided the envoys of Montahir.

"In the name of the Almighty and Merciful Great Hu, I thank you for your hospitality." Parviz, accompanied by his envoys, thanked Shahzani.

“Emissaries, please don’t stand on ceremony. It is a virtue that every Iranian should do to entertain guests from afar. Please come in,” Shahzani said with a smile and a gesture.

After returning the greeting, Parviz and the others sat down on their own mats, some cross-legged and some kneeling.

The time has come, and the banquet will officially begin.

Shahzani raised her cup to the messengers of Montahir, and drank the jewel-colored nectar as a welcoming ceremony. The messengers also raised their cups in return.

The waiters and maids stood up and used communal spoons to add new food to each guest's plate.

As the melodious and soothing music began, the balbat, nai flute, santur, tar, and daffodil came together to create a series of beautiful melodies.

Followed by.

Seven sexy and fit dancers gracefully entered the hall, dancing to a melodious and powerful rhythm on the patterned carpet in the center of the hall.

Their clothing was quite revealing and alluring:

A thin, light gauze shawl draped gracefully over her long, wavy, black hair, revealing a high, straight nose and jewel-like red lips beneath a veil adorned with delicate gold chains.

Her upper body was covered by a short, semi-transparent gauze dress, which revealed her pair of round and firm breasts without reservation, along with a touch of pink nipples. Her well-defined abdomen was also completely exposed, and her sexy and delicate navel was enough to make one's blood boil.

Her lower body was also dressed in a high-slit dance skirt as light as gauze, revealing her long and muscular thighs through the thin gauze. Under the candlelight of the copper lamp, her thighs shone brightly. Her thong, which partially covered her plump buttocks, was vaguely visible under the thin gauze skirt.

The dancers were all poised and graceful, swaying their pine-like waists and bare, jade-like feet nimbly spinning and moving across the carpet to the music that was sometimes melodious and sometimes lively.

As the rhythm swayed, the exquisite chains attached to the tulle skirt made a crisp sound, and the metal rings on the arms and ankles also made a pleasant sound. When the movements became more exaggerated, large patches of tanned, tense skin were revealed with the dance, and the briefs that barely covered the vital parts were exposed with alluring spring light.

Chapter 37 A Little Show of Muscles

There is no other reason.

The graceful and sexy dancers, though dressed in light gauze dresses, each held a short sword in their hands. They twirled and danced to Persian music, and the weapons in their hands gleamed with a cold light in unison, like well-trained warriors.

Her enchanting dance moves, her dashing actions, her muscular abdomen like a suit of armor, the sharp light emanating from her almond-shaped eyes, and the gleaming steel blade in her hands all inspire admiration and awe, making her seem like someone to be admired from afar but not to be trifled with.

The battle maiden wields her sword.

Many queens and concubines in the eastern Islamic world (Greater Iran) liked to create similar elaborate designs in their own secluded palaces and villas.

Life in the imperial harem could be incredibly boring at times. Then, the beautiful and skilled female guards would occasionally change into light gauze dresses, go barefoot and naked, and wield swords to perform a few passionate sword dances for the concubines.

Her beautiful and dashing figure often drew cheers of admiration from the princess and the palace maids.

Now, this culture from the inner palace has been brought to this military fortress on the front lines by these female warriors who once served in the court. With Shahzani's rigorous training and systematic enhancements, it has generated an even stronger visual impact and deterrent effect.

Seeing the shocked expressions on the envoys' faces, Shahzani calmly said, "They were all female guards in the former Bukhara court, and the bravest warriors under my command."

"A dance, yet it displays the might of warriors, as if the heroine Guldaffarid has been reincarnated. Chief Shahzani, your warriors are truly admirable."

The envoys, including Parviz, looked at the spirited and graceful dancers wielding knives and expressed their sincere admiration.

Shahzani simply smiled modestly and politely.

After all, for her most elite palace guards, this superficial display of skill did not demonstrate their true combat ability at all.

“Envoy Parviz, the martial skills these warriors are currently displaying are not yet worthy of praise.”

"On the battlefield, they are clad in heavy armor, riding iron horses, charging into battle, sweeping away the enemy, just like the wrath of the warrior Rustam sweeping across the land. That is true bravery and fearlessness."

"Or, after the morning prayers each day, the army drills in the square. If you want to see the female knights charging into battle, that's a good place to go."

Shahzani introduced it in a calm tone.

The envoys nodded in agreement.

Parviz then raised his glass and stood up.

"Yes, Chief Shahzani governs the army with the same rigor and efficiency as Bahram Chubin (a general during the Sasanian era) and the same orderliness as Shahbalez (a general during the Sasanian era). Please, let us raise a glass to our common victory!"

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the rich, jewel-colored beverage was continuously poured into the throats of each participant.

The dancers' graceful and dashing dances, and the musicians' melodious and pleasant singing, added a lot to the atmosphere of the banquet. After dozens of rounds of toasts, the envoys of Montahir were all drunk and still had a great time.

"Guards, escort the distinguished envoys back to the inn. Make sure they get a good rest," Shahzani commanded.

“Yes, Sadar!” the servants replied respectfully.

"In the name of God, we thank Chief Shahzani for his generosity!" The members of the mission bowed to Shahzani and then staggered away.

Shahzani watched their retreating figures and nodded in satisfaction.

……

The following morning, after morning prayers.

At Shahzani's warm invitation, Parviz and the other envoys came to the training square to observe the daily military drills.

This time, the envoys finally witnessed firsthand the fierce courage and well-trained nature of the female soldiers under Shahzani's command.

The valiant palace guards were no longer the scantily clad, barefoot, half-naked dancers wielding knives they had been the night before.

In the square plaza, they were clad in heavy armor, riding heavily armored warhorses, and holding cavalry lances more than three meters long. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight.

Accompanied by the sounds of suona horns and war drums, the female knights rode in formation, their hooves moving in perfect unison. Their formations shifted swiftly and smoothly, without any panic or surprise, fully demonstrating their strict military discipline and excellent war skills.

Next came the newly formed standing army, which marched with equally firm and powerful steps, in a disciplined and orderly manner. The troops quickly switched between open and dense formations, demonstrating close coordination and cooperation among the soldiers.

"Well-trained and disciplined, they are indeed a formidable force." Parviz nodded repeatedly as he looked at the heavily armed soldiers.

“These valiant female warriors are comparable to ancient male heroes like Rustam and Suhrab!” exclaimed a member of the Montahir delegation.

“With such a powerful force participating in the war, those Karakhanid Turks who have seized our land will probably be licking their wounds.” Several other members of the delegation were also muttering to themselves.

……

Shahzani listened silently to their praise, her face remaining calm, but she was quite proud inside.

After all, by demonstrating strength to potential allies, one can better expand one's advantages and gain more initiative.

She was well aware, of course, that the final trump card couldn't be easily revealed, not even to allies. Therefore, today's training wasn't particularly complex; essentially, it consisted of various formation changes and inter-unit coordination.

Even so, this show of force was enough to impress Montahir's envoys, leading them to believe that Shahzani was a valuable ally.

……

Parviz and the other messengers prepared to return to the camp in Montahir to report back.

Shahzani saw them off warmly, presented them with a batch of gifts in return, and promised that she would visit Montahir a few days later with even more generous gifts.

In front of the massive, protruding arched gate of Zanshahr.

"Reverend Shahzani, may Allah bless you with prosperity and strength. May our friendship be as vast as the Caspian Sea and as lofty as Mount Damavand!"

Before mounting their horses, the messengers respectfully bowed to Shahzani.

"May God bless you, brave warriors who defend our homeland and our faith. I look forward to our shared victory!"

Shahzani smiled as she watched the messengers mount their horses and depart.

The whip cracked, the horses neighed, and dust billowed up on the oasis road. The figures of the messengers moved through orchards and farmlands, through earthen-yellow villages and houses, gradually shrinking until they finally disappeared into the farthest desert oasis in sight.

“Falzana.” Shahzani looked at the tall female officer beside her. “The Qin people (Chinese) have a proverb, ‘It is impolite not to reciprocate.’ We should also prepare a gift and go to the Montahir army’s camp.”

Chapter 38 The Strategy of Joint Advance