Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One-Chapter 173: Persian diplomats

Pakistan sultanate, Lahore Fort, afternoon of 29th March 1557.

The grand hall of Lahore Fort was bright with sunlight streaming through the windows. It was the first official court session of the Pakistan Sultanate, and its young Badshah Afzal sat on his throne for the first time. Courtiers, ministers, and nobles had gathered, eagerly awaiting the start of this important meeting. Beside him Bairam khan stood as his wazir and regent.

The tension in the air was palpable: news of Afzal’s ascension to power had already spread across the Pakistan region, and now, foreign eyes were upon him as well. At the far end of the hall, a delegation from Persia stood in silence, awaiting their turn to enter.

Leading the Persian delegation was Mirza Shahrokh Sulemani, a tall and commanding figure. He wore dark robes decorated with the finest silks from Isfahan. Shahrokh was a noble of great importance in the Safavid court and a close supporter of Prince Ismail, a potential heir to the Safavid throne.

Mirza Shahrokh had long been loyal to the prince, having defended his interests against rival factions within the Safavid elite. He was a very important political figure, not because of his wealth, but due to his ability to maneuver within the rival factions and mend ties with other foreign officials of the Arab world. He was indeed a kingmaker, and by witnessing the rising potential of Prince Ismail, he became his devoted supporter.

However, Shahrokh’s arrival in Lahore was not as welcoming as he expected. He and his delegation had been made to wait for two days before being allowed to attend the court.

Being a cunning diplomat, he knew patience is a virtue and abided by the arrangements. However, he was caught off guard when he saw Nagma by the Badshah’s side during his visit. She was one of the playthings of Prince Ismail and was supposed to be discarded, but seeing her as the personal maid of the Badshah at such a young age. Shahrokh found this suspicious and troubling, but he knew he had to focus on the mission at hand.

Finally, the great doors of the court opened, and the Persian delegation was called forward. Shahrokh led his group into the hall with calm and grace. The room went silent as they approached the throne. He bowed deeply before addressing the young Badshah.

This moment was about more than just diplomacy; it was about securing Prince Ismail’s future and navigating the delicate relationship between the Safavids and Mughals.

"Great Badshah Afzal," Shahrokh began, raising his head slightly, his eyes meeting Afzal’s for the first time. "It is an honor to stand before you on behalf of His Majesty, Shah Tahmasp. For years, we have shared the Silk Road and the prosperity that comes with it. Persia and Mughals have long benefitted from the trade that flows through our lands."

The Mughal courtiers listened carefully, though their faces betrayed no emotion.

"However," Shahrokh continued, "I have come here on a matter of utmost urgency. Recently, our merchants and other trading partners have faced intolerable disruptions. Goods traveling through the northern routes have been halted, their caravans heavily taxed, and in some cases, attacked. These merchants, some of whom are under my own protection, report that local authorities on Mughal soil are to blame."

A murmur rose in the hall at the mention of the Mughal authorities, though Afzal remained calm, his eyes fixed on the Persian noble.

"We understand that these may be rogue elements," Shahrokh added diplomatically, "acting without your express command. Yet, their actions threaten the delicate balance of our economies. The trade between Persia and this new regime of Pakistan is too vital to be left in the hands of brigands and corrupt officials."

Afzal, seated high on his throne, gestured subtly to his wazir Bairam khan, who took a step forward. His voice carried across the hall.

"Mirza Shahrokh, the Mughal sultanate values the long-standing relationship between our two great nations. However, we must ask for specifics. Which routes have been affected, and by whom, according to your sources?"

Shahrokh glanced at one of his associates, who swiftly unrolled a map. The map highlighted key trade routes crossing the northern frontiers of Mughal territory, extending through Afghanistan and Balochistan, and into Persian lands. Shahrokh detailed the caravans that had been taxed and attacked, the frequency of these disruptions, and even named local Mughal governors suspected of being complicit.

"I do not accuse the sultanate itself, but rather individuals who, perhaps sensing instability, have taken the law into their own hands. Yet, these individuals, if left unchecked, tarnish the name of the Mughlai Huqumat (mughal rule)," Shahrokh said with measured tone.

The court fell silent again as Afzal considered his response. His eyes scanned the room, briefly locking onto his ministers. Then, with a steady voice, he spoke.

"Mirza Shahrokh, our regime does not condone such actions. Trade is the lifeblood of empires, and we shall not allow a few greedy hands to disrupt the peace and prosperity of our nations. I will personally see to it that these matters are investigated, and if any of my governors or their subordinates are found guilty, they shall face the consequences of their actions."

There was a collective sigh in the room. The promise of action from the Badshah was significant. Yet Shahrokh knew that words alone were not enough.

"The Shah," Shahrokh said, bowing again, "will be pleased with your swift decision, Your Majesty. However, to ensure these disruptions don’t happen again, I suggest a formal treaty between our empires. This treaty could include joint patrols to protect our trade routes."

At this, Bairam Khan spoke up, "I object, Your Majesty." Addressing the court, he continued, "We have a dispute over Khandahar with the Safavids. They captured this region during our chaotic times, and a joint patrol without clarifying the borders is unwise."

The crowd murmured in agreement, showing their displeasure toward the Safavids.

Shahrokh’s eyes narrowed. Everything had been going smoothly until this point. He hadn’t expected Bairam Khan to challenge the proposal. The region in question had been taken by the Safavids when the Mughals were engaged with the Sur Empire in Hindustan. Unfazed, Shahrokh responded, "Your Majesty, this is a matter from the past, and most of the region is inhabited by Pashtuns, who share our community."

Bairam Khan sneered, "Does that mean if our sultanate is populated by people of your faith, you believe you have the right to take it over?"

Shahrokh’s anger flared, but he maintained his composure. "We seek a peaceful resolution for trade and economic growth, not to reopen old wounds."

Bairam Khan turned to Afzal and advised, "My words may be misunderstood, Your Majesty. I am not opposed to peace but concerned about our borders. If the Safavids are truly peaceful, they should agree to give up Khandahar for any joint operation, or they can wait until we reclaim it."

Mirza Shahrokh, unable to hide his anger, replied, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I must remind you that Persians are not to be underestimated. I have presented two options and am awaiting your decision."

Afzal’s brow furrowed as he understood the gravity of the proposal. It was a move toward greater Safavid influence over shared trade routes, but he also needed to protect his borders. He looked around the court and asked, "Does anyone else have something to say? Despite my royal position, I lack experience and seek counsel before making a judgment."

The court was shocked by Afzal’s humble request, and their respect for him grew. Many favored the proposal, as it seemed more sensible to pursue economic benefits rather than fight over a small piece of land lost years ago. Yet, Bairam Khan held significant influence in the court, and no one dared to challenge him.

Unexpectedly, Nagma, who was present as the Badshah’s personal maid, stepped forward and bowed to Afzal. "Forgive my boldness, Your Majesty, but with my loyalty and love for the sultanate, I would like to offer my views."

Afzal nodded, encouraging her to speak. Nagma continued, "I may not understand all the politics, but if a region is disputed, we should heed the Wazir’s advice. However, refusing cooperation with a neighboring empire might damage our reputation. I propose that if the Safavids want joint patrols in our area, we should have the same rights in theirs. This way, if any troublemakers cross borders, they can be apprehended and brought to justice."

The court was pleased with Nagma’s suggestion. The murmurs of approval were heard, though all eyes were on Bairam Khan.

He turned to Afzal and said, "I have no objection, Your Majesty."

However, Shahrokh felt unsatisfied, as he wanted rights to enter Mughal territory to infiltrate their region, not to allow them into Persian territory. Directly objecting would put them in a bad light, so he avoided this diplomatically. "The opinion is indeed ideal, Your Majesty, but I don’t think it is something that a minor official like me can handle. I have an agreement prepared beforehand; now it’s up to you to choose or deny."

"You are bold, Mirza Shahrokh," Bairam said with a stern gaze. "But boldness has its place in diplomacy, as in war. By the Badshah’s command, we can arrange a written message outlining His Majesty’s conditions. Now, it’s up to you to choose or deny."

Afzal nodded as he gave his final verdict according to Bairam Khan.

With a final bow, Shahrokh and his delegation retreated, satisfied for now with the Mughal response. However, in his haste, he failed to notice the smirk on Bairam Khan’s face, who had orchestrated the whole scene to hit two targets with one stone:

Now, no one in the court would doubt his involvement in the matter or in future events to unfold, nor would anyone accuse the Badshah of being his puppet.