I was the Queen of Persia

Page 24

……

In the city of Shihanna, in front of an adobe brick house, a shed made of cloth by Mazandran, erected by wooden poles, shields the area from the scorching sun. Inside the shed, various medicine jars are neatly arranged on a colorful carpet.

A young doctor, around twenty years old, sat upright on the carpet. He wore a brown Persian felt hat and a white turban. His plain vest and shirt were also neatly arranged. Under the turban, his soft, black curly hair was neatly combed behind his ears, and his deep eyes shone with wisdom.

At this moment, he was carefully examining the patient in front of him, while a long line of people waited behind him for their turn. Two assistants were busy taking various medicines from the earthenware jar.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Ibn Sina?" A loud voice came from the side.

Ibn Sina looked up and saw a troop of female soldiers in red robes and heavy armor, each riding a heavily armored warhorse. The female soldier at the head of the troop was particularly striking, exuding a dignified and imposing presence. Moreover, unlike the other arrogant soldiers, although they were rather cold and serious, they possessed a strict sense of discipline.

“Yes, I am Ibn Sina of Bukhara, son of the tax collector.” Ibn Sina quickly stood up and bowed respectfully.

The female soldier Saman immediately dismounted and explained her purpose.

Upon hearing this, Ibn Sina glanced at Sergeant Saman, then at the long line of sick people waiting at the stall, and a dilemma struck him. He dared not offend the army, but hastily obeying the order meant that many sick people would not receive timely treatment. In his heart, all patients were equal.

“This is not difficult. Our leader, Shahzani, has already thought of this and has mobilized a sufficient number of military doctors.” Sergeant Saman saw the hesitation in Ibn Sina’s heart.

He then waved for the corps of military doctors to come forward and take over from Ibn Sina to provide free medical care to the people of Shihana.

This was Shahzani's prior arrangement. Because the event was sudden and it was difficult to consider everything perfectly, she decided to take this relatively compromise approach first and invite this medical genius to the army.

Chapter 50 Recruiting Ibn Sina

The military camp outside Shihanna City.

Ibn Sina followed the soldiers of the Saman Army to the tent where Hoslu was being treated.

The moment he saw Hossil's injuries, he immediately realized that her condition could not be delayed. After a simple but detailed diagnosis, he and his assistants immediately began treatment.

A carefully prepared anesthetic was applied to the wound torn open by the arrow; sterilized surgical instruments, under the skillful hands of the physician, removed any remaining dirt and metal fragments from the flesh, and the torn wound was sutured shut; herbal medicine made from malt extract was evenly applied to the arrow wound; and then it was wrapped with finely treated gauze...

Huo Silu is a strong female soldier. Throughout the entire operation, she did not utter a single groan of pain. Her pretty face remained calm and composed as always, with only beads of sweat rolling down her cheeks from time to time.

Ibn Sina was a renowned surgeon in Persia whose entire procedure was orderly, pleasing to the eye, and demonstrated unprecedented efficiency and professionalism.

At least in this era, his medical skills were unmatched by others.

The surgery is complete.

"Sadar, my fellow generals and sisters, my leg can stretch out freely and doesn't hurt at all! Mr. Ibn Sina, you are truly a great healer, may God grant you good fortune!" Hoslu laughed as she sat up and stretched her leg.

“You flatter me. It is thanks to your good health and the blessings of God that you are able to do this. If it were anyone else, they would probably be destined to be disabled.” Ibn Sina bowed respectfully.

All the soldiers present showed expressions of approval.

"Truly worthy of being a world-renowned great medical scientist in later generations!" Shahzani thought to herself, admiringly watching the entire process unfold.

She has decided to do everything she can to keep the physician in the army so that he can treat wounded soldiers.

After the surgery, Shahzani hosted a banquet for Ibn Sina, and soldiers quickly brought tea, pastries, and various delicacies. During the meal, she expressed her wishes to the physician.

“Mr. Ibn Sina, you grew up under the care of the Samanid dynasty, and you even cured the late King Nuh (may he rest in peace) of his chronic illness. Now that I am leading a large army to reclaim our lost lands, I hope you will stay in the army and contribute to the restoration of the Samanid dynasty,” Shahzani said sincerely.

“I am very grateful for the leader’s appreciation and praise, but I am not knowledgeable enough to shoulder such a heavy responsibility.” Ibn Sina humbly declined.

"Mr. Ibn Sina is too modest!"

At this moment, Bahram stepped up and provided an assist for Shahzani.

“I witnessed your talent several years ago. At the lecture in Bukhara Square that year, you could recite famous works such as the Quran, the Sasanian History, and Aristotle’s Metaphysics from memory. Even the most learned scholar in Bukhara was defeated by you. How can you say that you are ‘lacking in talent and knowledge’?”

Shahzani knew that Ibn Sina wanted to serve his country and benefit his people, but he was hesitant to accept the invitation because of the chaotic times and the difficulty in finding a wise ruler.

So she sought an angle from a macro-national perspective, continuing to persuade the doctor. Under her reasoned and persuasive arguments, Ibn Sina's stance gradually changed, and he finally agreed to join the Samanid army.

“Very good, Mr. Ibn Sina.” Shahzani was very satisfied with the result. “Trust me, the army I command is a brave, disciplined and just force that will allow you to fully display your ideals and talents.”

The most famous Persian-Islamic physician of the 11th century joined Shahzani's Samanid army.

Open the [Persian King's Chronicles System] to unlock more talent bonuses.

Four talent trees:

National Management (2/25)

Military Warfare (3/25)

Economic development (2/25)

Culture and Technology (0/25)

Experience points: Level 17 (86%/100%)

Current remaining talent points: 10

We've already explored the first three storylines, but the last one, [Culture & Technology], is still completely unexplored. Luckily, we've now recruited the renowned physician Ibn Sina, so we can try starting that one.

"Culture and Technology - [Iranian - Islamic Medicine], Effect: Wounded soldier cure rate +20%, military and civilian health +20%, youth and adult mortality rate -20%. Prerequisite: Recruit at least 1 historically documented physician (completed)."

Unlocked without hesitation.

The spread of knowledge and the advancement of technology have led to an increase in battlefield survival rates.

After Ibn Sina joined the army, more advanced medical knowledge became widespread in Shahzani's army. The army doctors gradually mastered Ibn Sina's medical theories, learned many complex surgeries they had never mastered before, and also learned to formulate more effective drugs.

As a result, soldiers who went into battle and charged into the fray could receive better medical treatment after being wounded, and weapon wounds that were originally fatal became no longer a threat.

As Ibn Sina practiced more extensively, he accumulated more clinical experience, and thus, his masterpiece, the Canon of Medicine, was written more quickly.

……

Shihanna is a large city with a large population and abundant resources, and it also controls the road to the north. Shahzani plans to rest and replenish his supplies in the city for a few days before advancing north across the Gissar mountain road to attack the next important city—Khish (Shahri Sabuz).

At this time, a messenger arrived with news that Montashir's northern Saman army had defeated 2 Karakhanid troops near Kerminie, killing over 3000 and achieving a victory. Meanwhile, Montashir's forces had completed the siege of Bukhara.

From this perspective, the situation in Transoxiana has basically turned in favor of the Samanid army. If they achieve a few more major victories, the Karakhanid dynasty's rule in Transoxiana will collapse.

But right now, Shahzani is most concerned about the situation in the rear.

"The Khwarazmian army is probably already at the gates of Zamshahr. Sister Farzana, now it's up to you! May God Hudda bless you to defeat the powerful enemy."

Shahzani gazed at the northwest sky, a resolute glint in her eyes.

……

Zanshahr City.

Farzana, relying on a powerful centralized and mobilization system, has already mobilized more than 3 troops and mobilized the people to strengthen the city's defenses and dig deep trenches, making final preparations to resist the Khwarazmian army.

At this moment, the Samanid army, stationed at various camps and outposts, was ready for battle, cooperating and supporting each other.

Scouts and reconnaissance agents on the front lines of the war zone relayed military intelligence back and forth in an endless stream.

"Reporting, 3 Khwarazmian soldiers have arrived at a point 3 Farsah away from the city!" the scout reported to Farzana.

“Very good, continue to gather intelligence and make sure to find out the enemy’s marching movements and troop deployment!” Farzana signaled.

She had received the secret letter from Shahzani, which outlined the strategy for repelling the enemy.

As the most trusted Chief Executive, she was well aware of the current situation and knew that she needed to win a few small victories to dampen the enemy's momentum in order to create room for maneuver for her next move.

Chapter 51 The Retreat of the Khwarazmian Army

The outpost of Zanshahr, the military fortress of Kehobad.

The Khwarazmian army arrayed itself below the city walls, with infantry, cavalry, elephant cavalry, and siege weapons lined up in formation, and hundreds of Khwarazmian military flags fluttering in the wind.

Farzana stood atop the city wall, cautiously observing the movements of the Khwarazmian army.

She discovered that the vanguard of the Khwarazmian army was also a female general. This female general was clad in heavy lamellar armor, wore a Persian-style pointed helmet with a mask covering her head, carried a double-pointed spear with steel blades at both ends (a weapon popular along the Caspian Sea coast), and rode a warhorse covered in scale armor. She was as tall as a cypress tree and was exceptionally brave and valiant.

“Nashida Afriki.” Farzana quickly recognized the female general. “She is the daughter of a former noble of the Afriq dynasty and one of the most valiant female warriors in Khwarazm. I never expected that she would be fighting for the Mamun dynasty now.”

In the blink of an eye, the Khwarazmian woman named Nasita also noticed her.

“So you’re Farzana? I heard you’re Shahzani’s sworn sister? Heh heh, if you’re truly a brave Iranian woman, come down from the city and have a contest with me!” Nasita shouted.

Duels between generals in battle were a form of combat occasionally seen in ancient warfare, and the victor could boost the morale of their own troops.

“In that case, I’ll play along!” Farzana raised an eyebrow and readily agreed.

Soon, she was fully armored, mounted her warhorse, and galloped to the city gate. In an instant, the two had spurred their horses and charged towards each other, engaging in a fierce battle on horseback.

Nasita wielded her double-pointed iron spear with incredible speed, thrusting left and right, repeatedly aiming for Falzana's vital points; Falzana countered with her spear, defending from above and below, blocking Nasita's fierce and merciless attacks.

Two steel spears clashed, sparks flying everywhere, two warhorses neighed, and the sounds of fierce battle echoed across the battlefield.

After a dozen or so rounds of fighting, Falzana gradually found herself at a disadvantage.

"She really is the most valiant female warrior in Khwarazm! I'm afraid I'm no match for her," Farzana thought to herself.

If either of the sisters, Shahzani or Bahramu, were present, Nasida wouldn't have had a chance to act so arrogantly. However, the current situation is special, and another plan must be devised.

Realizing she was at a disadvantage, Falzana deliberately exposed a weakness to her opponent.

"Haha, accept your fate of defeat!"

Nasita swung her spear with all her might, knocking the weapon from Falzana's hand. She then grabbed the tip of Falzana's helmet and ripped it off with force, before tearing off her headscarf as well.

Farzana's long, silky, wavy hair was exposed to everyone's gaze. In a panic, she urged her horse on and fled towards the city gate.

The generals had already dueled in single combat on the battlefield, and the victor was decided. Behind them, the Khwarazmian army roared with high-pitched shouts that echoed across the plains.

"Hahaha! Farzana, your headscarf is mine now! The headscarf is one of the dignitys of Iranian women. You have already lost your dignity, so what face do you have to resist here?!"

Nasita held up the confiscated headscarf and sniffed it provocatively. The fragrance of rose water wafted over, making her feel excited and her crotch slightly wet.

With the duels between the generals over, it was time for large-scale battles to begin. Emboldened by her initial victory, Nasita immediately organized her troops, preparing to seize the Kehobad outpost.

But that's it.

A scout from the Khwarazmian army rushed in to report that the rear had been attacked, the supply camp had been destroyed, and the army had been forced to retreat.

"What?! What's going on?!"

Nasita was shocked. She turned to look at Farzana and vaguely saw a smug look on her face. She immediately understood the reason for the situation.

It turned out that Farzana had already deployed a surprise force in concealed locations on the flanks of both armies. Nasita had been so focused on her bravery in the duel that she had overlooked the sudden flank attack from the ambush, thus putting herself in a passive position.

"Damn it, to use such despicable tactics! Falzana, you wait, you'll taste the bitterness of defeat later!" Nasita gritted her teeth and said, "Send the order down, have the cavalry and infantry follow me and return to reinforce immediately!"

The Khwarazmian vanguard immediately withdrew.

Farzana watched the enemy depart from the city wall and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the ambush was a great success, inflicting heavy losses on Nasita. However, after this initial victory and gaining the initiative, they still needed to continue their strategic maneuvering to force the Khwarazmian army to retreat completely.

After much deliberation, Farzana concluded that negotiation was the safest approach.

……

That evening, the Khwarazmian army camp retreated.

Farzana, accompanied by two female warriors, dismounted in front of the camp, explained her purpose to the guards, and after receiving permission, was led by the guards to King Mamun's command tent.

The tent was brightly lit, and all the generals were gathered there. Nasita, who had suffered a loss at the city gates during the day, was naturally among them. She glared angrily at Farzanna and her party, her eyes burning with fury.

“Your Majesty, our two lands have long maintained friendship and peace. I wonder what misunderstanding has caused you to be so furious that you have sent troops to invade our borders?” Farzana bowed to King Mamun on the throne.

“Alas, God is my witness! I had no intention of being your enemy. It was all my fault for being foolish and listening to the instigation of others!” King Mamun sighed.

It is clear that King Ma'mun's military campaign was entirely due to the coercion of the Karakhanid Dynasty; he himself had no desire to rashly start a war and invite trouble. In fact, this war was merely a show of force for the Karakhanids, not a full-scale commitment. Therefore, after being ambushed by Farzana's surprise attack, he conveniently chose to retreat.

Farzana saw through King Mamun's true intentions and continued her verbal offensive, explaining from the perspectives of strategic maneuvering, alliances, and geopolitical maneuvering that both sides should cease hostilities.

"Your Majesty, please consider this: Khwarazm is located in the west, and the Karakhanid Dynasty is in the east. Our territory lies precisely between the two, serving as a buffer zone between you and the Karakhanids. If we are destroyed, wouldn't your country be forced to confront the Karakhanids' military might directly? Only by ceasing hostilities and relying on each other can we resist the threats posed by powerful enemies such as the Karakhanids and the Ghaznavids..."

She was well-informed and eloquent, and she could readily articulate various reasons and arguments, quickly explaining the pros and cons of the whole matter.

Of course, this wasn't entirely her own knowledge; she also received guidance from Shahzani.

King Ma'mun was not keen on war to begin with, and after hearing the explanation, he felt that it made a lot of sense. After discussing it with his officials and generals, he finally decided to cease hostilities and end the war.

Therefore, the Khwarazmian army packed up supplies and assembled to withdraw overnight.

Having completed her mission, Falzana was preparing to return, but as soon as she mounted her horse, she heard a melodious and powerful voice behind her: "Please wait a moment."

Looking back, it was Nasita. She returned the headscarf she had captured during the day to Farzana, saying sullenly, "You defeated our army today, but I am not convinced. If there is another war, I will not show mercy."

"Whether you come as a friend or an enemy, I will be waiting for you at any time." Farzana smiled and rode away.

Chapter 52 Sogdian Armed Forces