I was the Queen of Persia

Page 5

Shahzani gazed quietly at the exquisite and enormous domed ceiling, appreciating the superb architectural skills of the Persian craftsmen and the crystallization of their wisdom and physical labor.

"That's right!" she exclaimed, sitting up abruptly. "I have new system talents that I can add."

Turn on the system.

Four talent trees:

National Management (0/25)

Military Warfare (1/25)

Economic development (0/25)

Culture and Technology (0/25)

Experience points: Level 2 (69%/100%)

Current remaining talent points: 1

Thinking of the artisans captured in the battle, Shahzani believed that they should take a moderate approach to "economic development," since war ultimately comes down to economics and productivity.

By organically integrating the advantages of the system with the skills of the artisans, productivity development will inevitably be improved.

The economic development path is also divided into 5 talents per level. After careful consideration, Shahzani chose one of these talents:

【Blacksmith Kavi's Encouragement】, the effect is that all craftsmen's production efficiency increases by 50%, and the durability of finished products increases by 25%.

This ability boost is quite practical, and it seems to live up to the resounding name of "Blacksmith Kavi".

Blacksmith Kavi is no ordinary man.

In Iranian epics, he was not only highly skilled but also dared to rebel against the tyranny of the snake king Zohak. The battle flag he used to lead the people's uprising was the leather apron he wore while blacksmithing, namely the Qavi battle flag.

From then on, the Qavi battle flag accompanied Iranian monarchs in their conquests, from the legendary Bishdadi and Keyan dynasties to the Parthian and Sassanid dynasties. Each time the Iranian army achieved a victory, a jewel would be added to the battle flag, and over time, the flag became densely covered with various precious stones.

Unfortunately, in the Battle of Qadisiyah in 637 AD, the Sassanid Persian army was defeated by the Arab army, and the jewel-adorned Qavian battle flag fell into the hands of the Arabs, and was eventually torn to pieces by these greedy desert bandits.

However, many Iranian scholars in later generations believe that the so-called "Kavi Banner" is just a beautiful imagination of Iranians about their ancestors' history, and that there was no physical object in history.

However, for Shahzani, these are precious sources of spiritual strength for the Iranian nation, carrying the infinite glory of her people. Whether they are true or false is no longer important.

Even if it doesn't actually exist, we can always build one ourselves later.

But this is all for later.

Right now, Shahzani's primary focus is on industrial development within the castle, especially the arms manufacturing industry, and this powerful production talent she has unlocked will undoubtedly accelerate this process significantly.

……

The following day, Shahzani officially put her plan into action.

The large number of discarded swords and blades captured on the battlefield can be melted down and reforged.

More importantly, there are still more than a dozen vacant workshops inside the castle, with furnaces, anvils and other facilities that are still in good condition. They also store military supplies such as coal and steel ingots, which are probably left behind by the Samanid army that was stationed here in the past.

For Shahzani, this was undoubtedly a valuable legacy. She then ordered the vacant workshops to be cleaned up and the newly acquired artisans to move in and work, so as to quickly generate productivity.

A few days later.

The long-dormant furnace was relit, and wisps of smoke rose from the chimney. The clanging of hammers and anvils once again echoed over the fortress.

Looking at the bustling production scene before her, Shahzani couldn't help but show a satisfied expression.

Chapter 8: Evaluation of New Weapons

Several weeks have passed, and the Karakhanid army has yet to launch a second invasion.

The captured general Hassan Tutun admitted that they were the only army ordered to attack Zanshahr Castle, and that there were no other Karakhanid forces besides them.

Based on the confessions of the enemy general and her own knowledge, Shahzani made a rough assessment of the current situation.

According to historical records, at this time, the Karakhanid Dynasty was engaged in a continuous war with the Eastern Kingdom of Khotan.

Perhaps, in the eyes of many Karakhanid nobles, fighting against the infidels in Khotan would bring far greater fame and wealth, making it a much more cost-effective option than dealing with this tough nut to crack that yielded so little profit.

That's why they temporarily postponed their attack on Zanshahr Castle after their initial setback.

But Shahzani knew in her heart that this peace would be quite short-lived. Khotan was weak and far from being a match for the Karakhanid Khan. Once the Karakhanid Khan's iron hooves crushed the Buddhist temples in Khotan, her castle would eventually become a target for them to slaughter.

Taking advantage of the fact that these enemies are too preoccupied to look westward, continuing to develop and grow stronger to form a force capable of self-defense is the best option at present.

at this time.

The artisans of Zanshahr had already completed the first batch of weapons and armor, and presented several samples to Shahzani.

"Wow, what a fine weapon!"

Shahzani examined the sample closely—a Persian war sword—and couldn't help but marvel at it.

The blade is slightly curved and covered with regular water ripple patterns. The edge is smooth and sharp, with a blood groove cleverly embedded in it. It appears angular and tough, yet smooth and elegant, giving the warrior who wields it the courage to charge into battle.

“This knife is of excellent quality. Brave Iranian warriors will wield it to cut off the heads of their enemies on the battlefield,” commented the adjutant, Bahram.

However, for Shahzani, appearances alone were far from enough. She was more concerned with the weapon's performance and wanted to test whether the talent bonuses she had unlocked could truly improve the weapon's quality and durability.

She smiled and looked at Bahramu: "You use your new sword, I'll use my old one, let's have a duel."

She and her female adjutant were evenly matched in martial arts. They used both old and new weapons to fight, which made it easy to determine who was better.

“That’s unnecessary,” Bahramu said. “If you really want to test their combat capabilities, you can take them outside the city to hunt lions, tigers, and other dangerous beasts. You can also enjoy the thrill of the hunt.”

"Sigh, let's talk about the hunting later." The female general gestured to her female adjutant and walked towards the arena. "Let's have a match first."

Seeing that the female general was determined, Bahraim replied generously, "In that case, please forgive my rudeness."

Having said that, he deftly picked up his sword and round shield, assuming a fighting stance.

Shahzani also picked up a regular sword and shield from the weapon rack, ready to fight back.

Inside the solemn arena, bricks of different sizes adorn the magnificent walls, arranged in a highly orderly pattern of arched corners, which interweave with tapestries depicting Iranian warriors, creating an overall layout that resembles a battlefield where warriors clash.

In the center, on an octagonal arena adorned with intricate patterns, two female warriors stand with their swords drawn, poised to strike.

"call--!"

With a muffled thud, the two men suddenly swung their swords, drawing an arc in the air as they charged straight at each other.

"clang--!"

With a loud crash, the two sharp swords collided violently, sending sparks flying.

Although Shahzani blocked the opponent's attack, she could clearly feel the powerful impact of the opponent's weapon slashes. She was slightly startled and thought that the improved weapon was indeed more powerful.

The competition is still ongoing.

Two dashing figures battled fiercely on the arena for over twenty rounds, exchanging blows with equal skill.

"clang--!"

Another crisp sound rang out, and the two of them simultaneously took half a step back, staring at each other.

"Alright, that's enough." Shahzani felt the outcome was clear, so she waved her hand to stop the fight.

Comparing the two weapons side by side, it was found that the ordinary old knife had a slightly worn edge, while the improved new knife remained intact.

The outcome is decided. The new weapon, enhanced by the system's talent bonuses, has achieved a balance between hardness and toughness, resulting in better quality.

"Praise be to the heroic spirits of the warriors, this is truly a fine sword!"

The other female officers present immediately praised the scene.

Shahzani was certainly pleased, understanding the importance of superior weaponry on the battlefield. However, she also knew that weaponry could only achieve combat effectiveness when it reached a certain scale.

Thinking of this, she looked at Falzana, who was also present: "How many pieces of equipment are there in this new batch?"

“50 swords, 20 spears, and 10 maces. These weapons and armor are already stored in the armory and are ready for use at any time,” Farzana replied one by one.

"Ah, very good."

Shahzani nodded slightly. Although this level of weaponry was not enough to arm the entire army, it was a good start nonetheless.

If we continue to invest enough time, add more manpower, and continue smelting and manufacturing, we will be able to build a completely new and powerful army in the future.

at this time.

A palace guard entered the combat chamber and reported to Shahzani that the village chiefs of several nearby villages had gathered at the castle gate and requested an audience with her.

“It seems there’s been an emergency?” Shahzani guessed for a moment, then told the female guard, “Bring them in and have them wait for me in the reception hall of the commander’s residence.”

After the soldiers left, Shahzani led the female officers and hurried to the designated location.

She felt something was amiss.

Besides military outposts, the oasis near Zanshahr Castle is dotted with a few scattered villages.

These villages were not part of the castle's military establishment, but were owned and used by the local Dehgan landowners.

During the period before the fall of the Samanid dynasty, castles and villages were naturally subordinate to the centralized system of the Samanid court, with clear administrative divisions.

However, with the fall of the Samanid dynasty and the collapse of the existing order, many local governments were in a state of chaos, with each acting independently and without any unified command.

Although she is now the mistress of the castle, she has not yet extended her influence to the surrounding oasis villages, so it is unclear why these neighbors are suddenly in such a hurry to visit.

“But that’s fine too.” Shahzani thought as she walked. “They’re in a hurry to see me, so they’ve probably encountered some difficult problems and are asking for my help. I can use this as an opportunity to bring them under my control.”

Soon, the group arrived at the magnificent and solemn reception hall.

The village chiefs had been waiting respectfully for a long time. Upon seeing the female city lord arrive, they all prostrated themselves on the ground and kissed the ground according to Persian etiquette.

"Please rise, everyone." Shahzani was a little confused and quickly gestured for everyone to stand up. "Uh... I wonder what has happened to make you all come so suddenly?"

Among the village chiefs, a frail old man stepped forward, wearing a dusty headscarf, a patched and worn-out shirt and vest, his white beard and wrinkled face showing the marks of time.

The old village chief bowed respectfully again, then sighed and said, "Respected and beautiful lady, we beg for your help! By God's grace, our village is facing disaster!"

Chapter 9 Request

In the square of Zanshahr city.

A polo match is underway.

Dozens of palace female guards, divided into two teams, were now wearing special protective gear, holding polo mallets, and riding warhorses, galloping across the field.

They spurred their horses and brandished their clubs, charging east and west, tirelessly chasing the red ball. Whenever someone struck the ball with their club, the field would erupt in enthusiastic cheers, while the opposing team would charge forward with all their might to grab it.

Dust filled the arena, the sound of horses' hooves echoed, and the shouts and cries of the female guards scrambling for the ball were mixed in.

"Nirufar, Yasmin, you two break through from the front!"

"Fatme, Samdukht, you two flank them from the side!"

"Faragh, pass me the ball!"

"Izati, go and intercept them on the left flank!"

……

This sport, known as chogān in Persian, was a favorite team sport among the palace guards.

Life in the imperial harem was monotonous and tedious, filled with intrigue and danger. In addition to protecting the concubines, the female guards also needed entertainment.

Polo, which has connections with military training, became their first choice. This sport, while entertaining, also greatly improved their strength, riding skills, and teamwork.

From a historical perspective, this ancient heroic sport had its beginnings as early as the Parthian and Sassanid periods. Although its origins are still debated (who knows, perhaps similar sports developed in different places at different times), it has been loved by Persian emperors and warriors for over a thousand years, becoming a precious and enduring cultural heritage of the Iranian people.

……

Meanwhile, in the castle's reception hall.

Shahzani had already listened to the village chiefs' complaints.

It turns out that due to years of war and instability, many rural areas in the Transoxiana region have experienced a general decline in population, economic devastation, frequent banditry, and the intractable problem of wild animal attacks.

The villages near Zamshahr are currently in danger of being attacked by lions. In the past few months, many people and livestock have been killed by lions, and if the situation continues, they may all be destroyed.

That's why they asked the female warriors to wipe out the lion pride.

Upon hearing this, Shahzani pondered to herself, "I originally thought the Karakhanids were attacking again, but it turns out it's just a bunch of wild beasts causing trouble. This matter is easy to resolve. However, why do their masters sit idly by and let the beasts run rampant?"

With this in mind, she voiced her question.

Upon hearing her words, the old village chief's face showed an even deeper sorrow: "Your Excellency, you may not know this. The master of our village is a Dehgan landowner who was obligated to serve in the military. Several years ago, during the Fayik rebellion, he was conscripted by the local government, brought his own weapons, and went to join the army, but he has been missing ever since..."

Judging from the context, it's highly likely they died in battle. Even if they were still alive, they probably wouldn't have escaped defeat, capture, and subsequent slavery, being sold to foreign lands.