The Sun and the Lion

He had been on the shore for nearly a month, and the year 873 of Hijri (i.e. 1495 of Western calendar) was about to pass. Looking at the fishing boats gradually approaching on the water not far away, he couldn't help but sigh at the impermanence of fate.

Yes, this team that escaped from death in Azerbaijan has changed a lot. This rebel army successfully completed its layoff and re-employment and became a glorious Caspian Sea pirates. Thanks to the frequent human activities along the Caspian Sea coast. It allows the poor Turkmen people in the surrounding areas to get rid of the economic difficulties in life through this new way of generating income, effectively alleviates the unemployment situation along the Caspian Sea, and cultivates a large number of qualified sailors for the society in the long term.

When the troops first entered Tabaristan, they had not yet regained their combat effectiveness. They lacked soldiers, weapons and equipment, and most importantly, they lacked food, grass, and baggage. The troops did not have enough dry food and water for ten days, and the horses had half as much wheat as the horse grain. No words...

Got involved.

In short, Lindenwan abandoned most of his family property and fled into the mountains. When he recently entered Tabaristan through rugged trails, his army was a super low-end version of the Carthage Army. The horses in Lindenwan's army were the same as those in Hannibal's army. There were as many elephants who survived after crossing the Alps, and the dry food each person carried was enough for the troops to consume for more than a week. Apart from the clothes they wore and these rations, the rebels had nothing, not even half a metal currency.

And they can't make a living by just and openly robbing on land. Although this is a paradise for exiles, it doesn't mean there is no order. The lord's private soldiers and mercenaries couldn't catch the small group of bandits who could always hide in the forest. How could they still control Linden's mob of nearly a thousand people?

As for those who engage in serious activities—such as being a mercenary—people still look down upon this gang of beggars.

Then they could only go to sea to make a living. The rebels went to the shore and grabbed a few fishing boats and fishermen to go to sea. They fished in their spare time and were busy when they encountered fat meat. In order to maintain the concealment of their identities as much as possible, the water bandits robbed the goods on the south coast and then took them to Astrakhan on the north coast to sell them. Anyway, the Tatars don't care whether you bought the goods or robbed them.

After living like this for almost a month, the rebels could at least keep their heads above water, not only to make ends meet.

However, with little information, they did not know that Tabaristan was about to change.

In Lahijan's palace, Ali Mirza Kakia was receiving guests in the hall, but because something was unexpected, there was no time to prepare for the banquet. There was no sumptuous food or entertainment on the table, just simple drinks and shisha.

This happened suddenly. I failed to prepare properly to entertain you all. Please forgive me from my allies. Ali Kakia said while smoking a hookah.

Sir Ali, we are ordered by the Shah and are not here to have fun with our allies, so we don't care about the specifications of the banquet. Turgut answered Ali Kakia with a formulaic smile.

So, dear allies, what do you want from me?

Master Ali, a group of bandits from Azerbaijan crossed the mountains and entered this fertile plain. What's worse is that they are hostile to us. Turgut paused for a moment, took a sip of yogurt, and gave Ali the digestion. time.

You mean... Ali continued to raise questions.

If we only had to deal with this gang of shameless bandits, I wouldn't bother you, sir. But those lords, the shameless lords, took them in, sheltered them, or at least acquiesced to their activities in the territory, and when Shah When we asked them to hand over the gangsters, they all pretended to be deaf and dumb, and used force to prevent us from taking the people in person. This is a naked act of hostility. Turgut was full of emotion when he spoke, as if he was speaking with emotion. The anger and dissatisfaction and the final sneer are genuine.

I understand, what kind of help do you need from me? Tell me. Ali took another sip of water pipe.

Gaolaberi, who was silent on the side, spoke: Sir, we not only need you to provide logistical support for our army, our Shah also hopes that you can also send troops to join our team to fight against those who do not deserve to live. hypocrites in the world.”

As soon as he heard that he was going to send troops in person, Ali's actions became a little hesitant, and the look on his face became a little unhappy.

Of course, Shah will not let Master Ali send his troops in vain. Tabaristan is so rich, but it has been artificially divided into several pieces. I think you are also very dissatisfied with this status quo and want to redraw the boundaries and change Map. Turgut threw out the benefits at the right time.

Ali Kakia remained silent.

If it comes to pass, the Shah promises that you will be the Shah of the entire Tabaristan and be able to rule the richest land along the entire Caspian Sea. The growth of the alliance's power is also beneficial to us, isn't it?

Can you get so many benefits just by sending troops to attack? Tell me the additional conditions of your Shah. Ali stared closely at Turgut's face that belonged to the old farmer, but from his eyes and words and deeds, What he felt was the philistine belonging to the citizens.

I always thought it wouldn't be that simple.

Okay, let me tell you the truth now. You can indeed become the Shah who rules the whole of Tabaristan, but the benefits and obligations are equal. Do you know the current title of our Shah?

Of course I know, it's the King of Kings... At this point, Ali Kakia suddenly stopped, apparently discovering something.

Seeing that Ali had come to his senses, Turgut took advantage of the victory and pursued the attack: Sir, I don't know if you have heard of a famous saying from Qinastan: vassalage is an advanced form of alliance. My Shah deeply believes in this famous saying. Of course, my lord, please put aside your worries. This is just a nominal change. Although we are still equal allies now, don't you still give us many gifts every year? Now it’s just a matter of changing the name of the money. How much can you provide us militarily? Shah, out of his obligation to protect his vassals, will definitely protect your safety. Which one pays more, Shah’s or yours? How much? It goes without saying.”

Ali thought about it and felt relieved. He had no ambitions. All he wanted was to keep his position and pass it on to future generations safely.

Okay, I agree.

Turgut handed the document and pen to Ali, who briefly browsed the terms. After confirming that no one could see the trap, he signed his name and left his monogram.

Turgut walked out of the palace with the still-written document and went to the military camp with Gaolaberi.

On the way, Gaolaberi suddenly thought of something and asked Turgut: Didn't your Majesty have another condition? Why didn't you say it?

I originally thought of discussing my plans with you after thinking about the big account. There's no rush.

After arriving at the big tent, Gaolaberi made sure that everyone around him was his own people, and then asked: Shah's Assassin, can you tell me your plan?

I don't expect Ali to agree to your majesty's condition easily. For ordinary people, it is not unacceptable to require a vassal to fulfill its obligations and pay taxes, but it is difficult for people to accept that your majesty requires both the vassal to pay taxes and to control the vassal's real estate. ”

If you fail to complete this task, your Majesty's anger will be unbearable for you.

I didn't say I wanted to give up on this mission. I just need your help to successfully complete it, General Goraberry.

Me? Do you want to use force to make Ali surrender?

Almost, but my plan won't be that rough...