Iron Dynasty Chapter 1080

“Precisely because we desire Persia and the Ottoman Empire to carefully consider the consequences of provoking us, our diplomatic approach must be a strategic blend of firmness and conciliation. Mishandling this could lead to severe repercussions. All of you must be mentally prepared for this possibility.”

Tang Wenjie continued to voice his reservations.

Fang Ziheng responded with calm conviction, “When a courageous individual confronts another on a narrow path, the one with greater bravery prevails. Had our countless predecessors not spilled their blood on the battlefield, how could our Empire possess such vast territories today? If we harbor fear of death, why then choose the path of a diplomat!”

A look of admiration flickered across Tang Wenjie’s face. He then surveyed the other members of the delegation, noting a mixture of unwavering resolve, like Fang Ziheng’s, and palpable concern.

Without further comment, he simply nodded. He then stated, “The sea voyage from Singapore to Persia will likely cover approximately five thousand kilometers, requiring an estimated ten to fifteen days at sea. Utilize this time to thoroughly study the administrative systems of the Persian Empire.”

With that, he procured a small booklet and began to study it. The contemporary Persian Empire operated as a monarchy with a centralized government structure.

A governing body known as the Divan served as the core of its central authority, comparable to the former Great Yu Empire’s Privy Council. The leading official within this council held the title of Grand Vizier, akin to a prime minister.

This Divan was further subdivided into various departments, each tasked with specific responsibilities including military affairs, fiscal management, census and household registration, oversight of official conduct, religious matters, and foreign relations.

As the ancient adage wisely states, “If you know your enemy and know yourself, you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.” When matters of life and death were at stake, he could not afford the slightest negligence.

Never in their lives had they witnessed vessels of such magnitude.

The ensuing commotion within the port swiftly drew the attention of the Persian military stationed within the city. These Persian soldiers, armed with swords and sabers, swarmed the port area.

“Persia is truly underdeveloped. They still rely on cold weapons,” Fang Ziheng remarked.

Tang Wenjie, observing through his binoculars, commented, “This situation brings to mind the former Great Yu Empire. Back then, the Great Yu Empire was similarly lethargic and insular. The current Ottoman Empire and Persia find themselves in a comparable state, resistant to the world’s evolution and consequently falling behind.”

Fang Ziheng assented. He then declared, “It is time for us to make our intentions known. All of you, bring forth the goods we’ve transported from the Empire. They can be put to use now.”

While global nations may differ, human nature remains remarkably consistent. Consequently, the delegation had prepared a substantial quantity of manufactured goods intended to incentivize Persian merchants into serving as their guides.

The ideal scenario would involve encountering a Persian merchant who had previously visited the Chinese Empire.

As these thoughts occupied his mind, a small boat emerged from the harbor, heading towards the fleet. A man who appeared to be a military officer was aboard the vessel.

Upon closer proximity, the Persian officer inquired with a noticeable degree of nervousness, “Who are you, and from whence do you hail?”

Fang Ziheng responded in Arabic, “We are a delegation representing the Chinese Empire of the East, and we have journeyed here to seek an audience with your sovereign.”

“There is indeed a Great Yu Empire in the East, but I confess I have never heard of a Chinese Empire,” the officer expressed, a hint of surprise in his tone.

Fang Ziheng then proceeded to elaborate on the circumstances, which eventually led the Persian officer to comprehension. Nevertheless, he remained keenly apprehensive of Tang Wenjie and his entourage. After all, these warships, laden with cannons and encased in iron armor, were undeniably formidable and intimidating.

Observing the officer’s evident hesitation, Tang Wenjie produced a small cloth pouch, tossed it towards him, and stated, “We would be most grateful if you would convey a message for us.”

The officer caught the pouch and, upon opening it, his eyes widened in immediate astonishment. Nestled within the pouch were ten exquisite, flawlessly clear jewels.

The two Persian soldiers accompanying him also glimpsed the contents, their expressions registering a blend of awe and covetousness.

“Very well. I shall dispatch someone to Ctesiphon presently, though the round trip will require a full month,” the officer declared, his voice laced with excitement. The reception of such precious gems had clearly stirred him profoundly.

He had never before encountered jewels of such breathtaking beauty and was confident that he could acquire a substantial sum by selling them.

“We shall await your return aboard the ship throughout this period,” Tang Wenjie conveyed, a tone of resigned helplessness coloring his expression. The Persian capital, Ctesiphon, was situated inland, and this port represented the closest accessible point.

The officer’s apprehension towards Tang Wenjie and his group had now completely dissipated. He continued, “My name is Pamir, and my uncle serves as the provincial governor, residing in the city of Abbas. I am certain he would extend a welcoming reception to your delegation.”

“Thank you. If it is possible, you are welcome to board our vessels for a tour. A month is a considerable duration, after all, and we shall offer great hospitality,” Tang Wenjie and Fang Ziheng exchanged looks, their eyes alight with a shared, shrewd understanding. This was indeed a prime occasion to display the might of their Empire.

Pamir, finding himself even more pleased, nodded repeatedly, tucked the jewels into his pocket, and then disembarked.

“To think we achieved such a result with mere pieces of glass. The potency of industry is truly astonishing,” Tang Wenjie remarked with a chuckle. What they had presented to Pamir were not actual jewels, but rather decorative glass beads meticulously crafted by the Empire's glassworks.

Within the transparent glass, vibrant, colorful patterns were artfully arranged, resembling genuine gemstones.

“It’s conceivable we might even acquire an oil field in Persia using these glass spheres,” Fang Ziheng mused, a glint of mischief in his eye.

His confidence stemmed from the fact that no other place in the world possessed the capability to produce such finely wrought glass beads.

It was entirely plausible for these glass beads to be passed off as jewels elsewhere. The least likely outcome would be a future prohibition on selling these glass beads abroad, thereby preventing Persian merchants from acquiring them from the Empire.

Tang Wenjie found Fang Ziheng's words quite amusing. He, too, had entertained a similar notion. A substantial chest filled with glass beads and artistic glass creations awaited them on the warship, all prepared for this very diplomatic endeavor.

Should the negotiations prove successful, they were also tasked with fostering amicable relations with the Persian officials. Through this approach, if they could successfully secure an oil field, the critical issue of petroleum would be resolved.

This minor achievement had somewhat lifted his spirits. Standing on the deck, they engaged in conversation. Not long thereafter, a sudden stir arose from the harbor.

Pamir, who had departed earlier, was now observed with a retinue of soldiers surrounding a bearded official clad in white robes, who stood prominently at the harbor's edge.

The official then conveyed something to Pamir before boarding a smaller vessel and making his way towards their warships.

“Greetings, esteemed friends from the Eastern Empire. I am Bohemi, the provincial governor of Abbas. A relative of mine once journeyed to your esteemed country to procure silk and tea; he spoke highly of your people, and I have brought him along. I trust we shall establish a cordial relationship,” Bohemi stated with a welcoming smile.

Bohemi was utterly astonished by the jewels he had been gifted. At this moment, he recalled the fabled riches of the Eastern Empire, and his heart swelled with eager anticipation. He had always been receptive to wealthy visitors.