Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 167

Became the Sultan of Osman – Episode 167

4 Princes (3)

A woman wearing a hijab [a head covering worn by Muslim women] and a veil over her face carefully stepped onto the pier.

Although the Janissaries [elite Ottoman soldiers] were fiercely controlling the area around the harbor, the woman didn’t even glance in their direction.

Gazing silently at the faint tip of Topkapi Palace [the Ottoman Sultan’s residence], the woman smiled faintly at the purple flag signifying the Padishah [Ottoman Sultan].

“I am glad to see you after so long. It’s a pity you couldn’t bring the grandchildren.”

Mehmet, now in his mid-20s with two sons and a daughter, matched his pace with Aisha.

Only princes and Hatuns [Ottoman royal title for women] were allowed to enter the capital this time.

“Please don’t be too disappointed. After all, the children will have to be educated in the capital anyway, won’t they? Then, Father will surely like my children too.”

Anyone belonging to the royal family had to be educated in the capital, and the evaluation of the royal grandchildren also affected the princes.

In that respect, Mehmet was confident in his own way.

He saw many shortcomings, but if he didn’t set the standard himself, they were qualified enough.

“Even if they are lacking compared to you, those children are not far behind.”

“Father might want them to grow up quickly and lend a hand.”

“A Padishah would think that way and have plenty left over.”

If he thinks of his son as labor rather than an heir, there’s no reason to treat his grandchildren differently.

As Aisha smiled softly, a booming voice was heard.

“Boasting about your children, have you changed a lot since I last saw you, brother? My children are also amazing, so it will be fun when we gather in the capital later.”

As a man with a head two heads taller than others broke through the Janissaries and approached, Mehmet frowned.

“Murat, you still have no manners.”

“How strict. It’s been a while, Hatun.”

Murat bowed politely to Aisha, and Aisha’s eyes lit up.

She realized that Murat, who was similar in size to now but acted like a boy, had changed a lot over the long years.

“It’s been a while, Murat. Is Hatice Hatun doing well?”

“My mother is also waiting for the Hatun to come. Please follow me.”

It was the moment when all the princes and Hatuns who had been appointed as Sanjakbeys [Ottoman district governors] and left the capital gathered in the capital.

***

With all the princes and Hatuns gathered in the capital, the vassals were on high alert.

They used Valide Hatun [the Sultan’s mother] as an excuse, but the vassals knew that something related to the succession was underway.

They could guess from the measures taken by Yusuf.

Yusuf set a deadline for the princes to arrive in the capital and prevented them from entering the capital before that.

It was a measure to prevent princes from nearby arriving first and being active in the capital.

In addition, not only the grown-up princes but also the Hatuns were forbidden from entering the harem [the private living quarters of the Sultan’s family], and they could not enter Topkapi Palace until permission was granted.

Considering that the First Courtyard, the Janissary Square, was a place where ordinary citizens also came and went, it was a strong measure.

It was not difficult to guess that the princes were not summoned for trivial reasons.

“Shemsi Pasha [high-ranking Ottoman official], have you heard anything separately?”

Shemsi, who had been working as the Beylerbey [governor-general] of Egypt in Cairo, was recently summoned to the capital, and with the previous Grand Vizier [chief minister] Dukakinzade having stepped down, he was the most likely candidate for the next Grand Vizier.

Since he was classified as one of the Padishah’s closest aides, they wondered if he knew anything, but Shemsi said firmly.

“I don’t think I need to say what you will find out soon.”

It had been three days since the princes had gathered, but it was the day Yusuf, who had been silent, allowed entry.

Seeing that all the vassals of the capital were gathered in the Second Courtyard, it seemed that something big was about to happen, but they were anxious because they didn’t know what it was.

At Shemsi’s firm silence, the vassals turned their eyes to others who might know, and the first to come into view was a man with a scar on his face.

‘Satan’s honey. That guy won’t open his mouth.’

He was not only someone who didn’t talk lightly but also the head of the Padishah’s direct intelligence agency, who was in charge of investigating the vassals’ corruption.

The vassals, knowing that if they were caught in corruption, they would have to be imprisoned and work on paperwork with coffee until they were forgiven by the Padishah, did not even approach Hasan.

The next person who might know was Hassan, who was expected to complete the bridge connecting the Golden Horn soon, but the vassals quickly gave up at his appearance, which looked like he would collapse if touched.

No matter how urgent they were, harassing tired people was a strict taboo among the vassals.

Time passed relentlessly, and the promised time came.

It was because a member of the royal family entered through the Gate of Salutation, which connects the First Courtyard and the Second Courtyard.

“Everyone, pay your respects!”

At the cry of the Janissary Agha [commander of the Janissaries], who was guarding the royal family, the vassals paid their respects and glanced sideways.

Mehmet, with emerald eyes resembling Yusuf, coldly scanning the vassals, and Murat, with a hearty smile on his lips, moving lightly.

Kasim, lightly greeting the familiar vassals, and Mustafa, looking at the vassals with curious eyes, and even the young Orhan, held in the arms of his mother, Hürrem.

Seeing the royal family all in one place like this was something that even high-ranking officials who had been active in the capital for a long time had only done a few times.

As the royal family stood in front of the Gate of Felicity, which led to the Third Courtyard, following the guidance of the Janissaries, the music of the Janissary military band rang out.

“The Padishah, the master of the great Ottoman Empire, is coming! Show all due respect!”

At the cry of the Silahdar Agha [sword-bearer of the Sultan], who was in charge of guarding the Padishah, everyone knelt down.

-We greet the great Padishah!

The loud cry scattered, and when a heavy silence flowed, a heavy voice was heard.

“Everyone, raise your heads.”

Those who raised their heads according to the order could feel their flesh trembling as they met Yusuf’s gaze.

If the position makes the person, Yusuf, who had spent nearly 20 years as the master of a vast empire, was incomparable to his days as a prince.

Even the slightest gesture was captivating, and his sharp eyes conveyed a sense of intimidation.

It was the authority that Yusuf as an individual possessed, and the vassals who dared to compare the princes with Yusuf could see how foolish they had been.

“Today is a happy day. All the members of the royal family have gathered in one place, so when will such a day come again?”

“That is so, Padishah.”

As Yusuf’s age approached 40, the behind-the-scenes competition for the next Padishah would intensify.

Gathering the princes in the capital would become increasingly burdensome for both Yusuf and the princes, so it would effectively be the last time.

“Even on such a happy day, there is a fate to be borne if you are born as a prince, so you cannot purely enjoy it. The fate of having to stain your hands with the blood of your brothers.”

At the mention of the fratricide law [the practice of a new Sultan killing his brothers to secure his rule], the vassals looked hopeful, and their thoughts became reality with Yusuf’s following words.

“I, too, have stained my hands with the blood of my brothers and have risen to this position. Therefore, I know better than anyone that this law is not pleasing to Allah [God]. Therefore, from this moment on, I intend to abolish the fratricide law.”

The law that the one who becomes Sultan must eliminate all his brothers was a law enacted by Mehmed II, and those gathered stirred at the mention of abolishing it.

The practice of brothers competing for the Sultan’s position in the Ottoman Empire, where there was no designated heir, had existed before, but it was a different story whether it was codified or not.

Although they were surprised by the sudden declaration, the vassals did not strongly oppose it.

“That is a reasonable decision. The vassals, as well as the people, have been saddened by the tragedy that has continued in the royal family.”

“Even a mere beast becomes a dangerous predator if there is no escape. I think we can reduce the losses to the empire caused by civil war.”

Due to the book that chronicled Yusuf’s life, public opinion on the fratricide law was not good.

This was because many people thought that the reason Yusuf, who was not a significant threat, was placed in danger from childhood, including poisoning, was because of this law.

Since they thought it was a measure that would be taken someday, the confusion seemed to subside quickly, but people were shocked by the following declaration.

“Also, in 15 years, I intend to step down from this position.”

“Padishah?!”

In 15 years, Yusuf would be 55 years old.

Although it would not be strange for other kings to die, Yusuf, who was now 40 and still looked like he was in his late 20s, was likely to be in his prime even then.

It was natural for the vassals to be shocked that Yusuf, who they jokingly and sincerely thought would rule the empire until he was 100 years old, would step down from his position himself.

“Padishah, please reconsider! The people of the empire will not welcome it either!”

“That’s right! We apologize to the princes, but there is no one who can replace the Padishah!”

“Please reconsider!”

The reason why the Ottoman Empire, which had expanded its territory so rapidly, was maintained without even a major rebellion was thanks to Yusuf’s ability and reputation.

Because Yusuf had defeated formidable enemies, the governors of the provinces were reluctant to revolt, and the people who felt that their lives were improving were the same.

Yusuf’s influence was absolute in maintaining the Ottoman Empire.

In a situation where opposition was pouring out, Yusuf struck the ground with the staff he was holding.

“Stop!”

At one word, the noisy palace was enveloped in silence, and Yusuf said coldly.

“I am telling you 15 years in advance because there will be confusion. This is a decided matter. I will not accept any objections.”

Since he declared that he would not accept any objections, the vassals had no choice but to shut their mouths.

Yusuf, taking his eyes off the vassals who were confused and rolling their eyes, gestured to their families and went inside.

After all the members of the royal family entered the Third Courtyard, the remaining vassals closed their eyes tightly.

“We’re doomed.”

Since there were more than a few people gathered here, they would not be able to keep it a secret, and this news would quickly spread beyond the capital to all of the Ottoman Empire.

Protest letters demanding that the Padishah change his mind would pour into the capital, and they would have to quell the chaos that would arise throughout the Ottoman Empire.

Naturally, their workload would increase, and Shemsi said to the vassals who were getting up slowly as if they had aged in an instant.

“I have the finest Kahwa [coffee] brought from Cairo, so let’s endure it well.”

Since he knew in advance, his voice was full of resignation.

***

“You are all still unchangingly beautiful.”

Yusuf looked back at the Hatuns.

They were beautifully adorned, but there were wrinkles around their eyes, and gray hairs were mixed in with their hair, which was uncovered by the hijab.

It meant that the days of their splendid bloom had passed, but in Yusuf’s eyes, the Hatuns did not feel lacking even when compared to the young and beautiful women of the harem.

Perhaps this feeling would not change even when the women became old women. This beauty comes not from appearance but from memories.

“The Padishah has not changed since he left. Time seems to kneel before the Padishah.”

Yusuf laughed at Aisha’s words, which subtly contained jealousy and envy.

“Where is there a person who does not age? If that were the case, I would not have said today’s words.”

In his youth, Yusuf could not have imagined abdication.

Of course, he never dreamed that he would utter abdication just because time had passed.

“Hürrem.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

“Orhan cannot effectively ascend to the Padishah position. Are you not disappointed?”

15 years was too short for Orhan, who was just walking.

Hürrem, holding Orhan in her arms at Yusuf’s words, bowed her head.

“It’s alright, Padishah. It is enough if you guarantee my life and the life of my son.”

“Yes, it will be kept if you do not become greedy.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

It was a definite answer and a warning, and Hürrem was not foolish enough to ignore it.

If the fratricide law was in place and Orhan’s life and her fate depended on the Padishah’s position, she would have struggled ugly, but since there was a way to survive, Hürrem let go of her greed.

Yusuf turned his gaze to Mehmet.

“Mehmet, do you know why I am abdicating in 15 years?”

“Is it because you are worried about the civil war that will be waged between the brothers?”

“That’s right.”

When the empire was small, even if a civil war broke out, it could be resolved relatively quickly, but the empire had grown so large that it took half a year just to get to the edge of the empire.

Unlike the past, it was not easy to resolve civil wars, so it was unreasonable to continue the customs of the Ottoman royal family.

This was something that all the princes agreed with.

“The time given to you from now on is 15 years, and what you have to do is two things. Prove that you are capable enough to be chosen by me. Of course, the evaluation is at my discretion.”

The princes did not object to the statement that he would judge subjectively.

This is because they believe that Yusuf, who puts the empire first, will select the prince who is most helpful to the empire rather than personal preference.

“If you are not confident in becoming the Padishah, you must build your own territory. The fratricide law has been abolished, but that will not save your lives.”

The princes’ faces hardened at the chilling words to prove their ability to survive.

“You can expand the territory of the empire with your abilities. You will become lords in the territory you have expanded.”

Yusuf looked at Kasim.

“Or you can become an irreplaceable figure with diplomatic skills. If you are someone who can help the empire, even a prince will be greatly used. However, my decision is absolute.”

Yusuf, looking over the princes, swept the gun he had placed next to him.

“I will personally take the life of anyone who rebels against the decision and causes a civil war.”

The princes bowed their heads at the ruthless declaration that they could not see as a father.

In the chilly atmosphere, Yusuf handed the gun to the eunuch next to him.

“I believe that such an unfortunate event will not happen. I am looking forward to your abilities and watching you.”

The four princes clenched their fists.

***

“Your Majesty! Something terrible has happened!”

As the official rushed in as if a rebellion had broken out, Jungjong asked.

“What’s going on! Have the Wokou [Japanese pirates] invaded!”

The Wokou, who had been rampaging recently using even gunpowder weapons, were a major headache, and the official lowered his body sharply at Jungjong’s question.

“A foreign ship has appeared in Ganghwa Island again!”

“Again?!”

Jungjong, reminded of the nightmare of Portugal, shouted in a fit of anger.

“How many ships this time?!”

“A, a whopping thirty ships!”

Jungjong felt dizzy.