Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 141

Became the Sultan of Osman – Episode 141

Four years had passed.

The man, having removed his work clothes covered in mud and filth, let out a long sigh. The disgusting smell of manure and sweat stung his nose, and his body protested from the arduous farm work.

Born into the upper class and having worked as a diplomat, physical labor was difficult for the man, but he was grateful to have even a small piece of land to feed his family.

As he organized the theoretical content he had been pondering all day, he saw a man getting out of a carriage.

“Cosimo Rucellai, what brings you here? The meeting isn’t for a while yet.”

“Hahaha, wouldn’t I only come if I had something important to say?”

The Rucellai family was one of the prominent families of Florence, along with the Medici and Strozzi, and it was very rare for them to visit a smelly farm like this in person.

The man, after casually hanging up his discarded work clothes, led Cosimo to a seat, and Cosimo slowly examined the house. As expected of a farm, it was shabby and run-down.

He was a man who, after being implicated in the Medici family assassination plot, suffering severe torture, and having most of his property confiscated, was left with only a small farm and enormous debts.

Thanks to his reputation as a writer, he quickly repaid his debts, but one could say he had a bleak future.

“May I ask what brings you here? Is it perhaps something that shouldn’t be discussed at the Rucellai Garden meeting?”

“Don’t worry about being overheard. I didn’t come to tell you a difficult story, so there’s no need to worry.”

The Rucellai Garden meeting was a historic academic gathering hosted by the Rucellai family, and the current host was Cosimo Rucellai. It was thanks to Cosimo that he, who had incurred the displeasure of the Medici family, was able to attend this meeting two years ago.

“I came because I have something to say about the Ottoman Empire.”

“The Ottomans….”

It was a nation that had grown explosively since the monstrous Sultan had ascended the throne. The nations that had been busy tearing apart the Italian peninsula felt a sense of crisis due to the rapid growth and quickly entered a state of détente [easing of strained relations].

‘Many people dismiss the writings containing his biography as mere novels, but it shouldn’t be viewed so simply.’

Even though it was called a biography, it only covered his time as a prince, and apart from its popularity, there was a lot of absurd content, so many dismissed it as a novel. However, even if only half of it was true, he was definitely not an easy opponent.

“Why are you suddenly bringing up the Ottoman story?”

“While examining the Ottoman Emperor’s actions, I thought of you. Specifically, Machiavelli, your book *The Prince* that you dedicated to the Medici family.”

At those words, the man, Niccolò Machiavelli, let out a deep breath. Lorenzo de Medici, the Duke, hadn’t even glanced at the book he had dedicated to driving out the barbarians from the Italian peninsula and to return to politics.

“Don’t be too disappointed that the Duke didn’t even look at it. Thanks to me seeing that manuscript, you were able to attend the meeting, weren’t you?”

“I am always grateful for that.”

Machiavelli expressed his gratitude politely. The opportunity to exchange opinions with young aristocratic youths was precious to him.

“That’s enough. I didn’t say that to receive thanks. Anyway, looking at the Emperor’s actions, it seems he is following your *The Prince* to the letter.”

Machiavelli looked intrigued.

“He was known to be radical and committed acts close to evil. The most representative example is killing the Sultan of Egypt at the meeting place.”

“He claimed he was attacked first, but whether it’s true or false, it’s an amazing thing.”

To try to kill the opposing monarch at a meeting, and to have succeeded? When this fact was known, many pointed fingers, saying he was still a heretic.

Of course, most of it was just verbal criticism.

“The important thing is that thanks to what he did, bearing the criticism, the war could be ended quickly, and the country could grow that much faster.”

*The Prince* does not rationalize insidious schemes. It only stated that dirty political means must be used to prevent a national crisis. If the country is divided due to schemes, it was an action that goes against *The Prince*, and the previous example fully complied with *The Prince*.

“Besides that, all the excessive and cruel actions he showed were all based on the revival of the empire.”

“It’s interesting, but why are you telling me this story?”

“Do you have any thoughts of going over to the Ottoman Empire and researching the Emperor? So that you can predict what kind of person he is and what actions he will take in the future. Of course, I will provide the funds.”

The Ottoman Empire was a country that could show military movements at any time, not to mention Mediterranean trade, and understanding the Emperor who moved that country was a very important task. As he couldn’t readily answer because it wasn’t the same as a Christian country and he would have to stay in the Ottoman Empire, Cosimo subtly broached the subject.

“It will be a good opportunity for you too. If you can include the fact that the Emperor revived the empire by following *The Prince*, wouldn’t the Duke be interested?”

“The Duke…”

Although Machiavelli was an ardent republican, he believed that a charismatic monarch was important to overcome the crisis. He hoped that the Duke would step forward to liberate the Italian peninsula from the hands of barbarians such as France and Spain, so he looked interested.

“All that is good, but to learn about the Emperor, I need to be able to hear news from the palace. What should I do?”

“How about translating *The Prince* and dedicating it to the Emperor? Since it is a book that can explain the Emperor’s actions, there will be someone in office who will be interested, even if it is not the Emperor himself.”

“It seems like a worthwhile method to try.”

Machiavelli, sponsored by Rucellai, boarded a ship.

***

As the empire grew, the first place to develop noticeably was the capital. Various people visited Constantinople, including merchants leading merchant ships and travelers coming to see the relics of the prophet Muhammad.

However, recently, among those arriving in the capital, there were special people.

“Young master, we have arrived in the capital.”

“I know. There will be plenty of time to see the capital later, so be quiet.”

Those who don’t let go of their books even while walking down the street. Those who glare at each other intensely and pass by when their eyes meet by chance have emerged as a new source of interest in the capital.

Yusuf took a sip of coffee with a leisurely face.

“Good.”

The coffee, which was terrible at first, came to have the best taste thanks to numerous experiments. Of course, that experience was based on the sacrifices of his subjects.

“Your Majesty is the only one in the palace who enjoys it like that.”

“It’s an expensive drink, so you have to know how to enjoy it.”

The coffee price was very expensive because the supply was not yet sufficient. So much so that there was talk that the coffee he drank was more expensive than the salaries of his subjects.

Since he was exploiting them through labor that much, Yusuf didn’t think it was a loss at all.

“More than that, have all the test takers entered the city?”

“Yes, they have. They are the ones who achieved the best results in each city. They know how big this opportunity is, so there’s no need to worry.”

The city exam, which is the first part of the civil service exam, has already been held, and most of the successful candidates will become local junior officials. However, those who achieved the highest scores will take the second exam in the capital and take on positions in the capital that match their scores.

The second capital exam was an important exam that determined whether they could quickly become high-ranking officials or had to rise from the bottom.

“What are the reactions of the other subjects? I cannot tolerate them trying to dominate the newcomers.”

Bullying or toxic culture can easily arise wherever there are people. Even in Joseon [Korean kingdom from 1392 to 1897], there was something called *Myeonsinrye*, which was a harsh initiation ceremony for new officials, and there were several cases of death.

The Grand Vizier smiled gently at Yusuf’s concern.

“That’s what you don’t have to worry about. Everyone is welcoming the fact that they finally have people to share the work with.”

“Tell them to take it easy at first so they don’t run away in the middle.”

“I will let them know.”

By the time those who received the pass necklace become familiar with their work, they will bitterly feel why coffee is unlimited in the capital. The amount of work flying in from all over the vast Ottoman Empire was murderous.

Yusuf turned the pages of a book summarizing the Ottoman script completed by Suleiman.

“There are still many parts that need to be supplemented, but isn’t it usable enough? Still, it will be a new burden for the busy subjects.”

“Many people complain that it takes time to learn, but the pain that comes with the transition period is inevitable.”

Since the administrative language was being replaced with the newly created Ottoman language, they had no choice but to learn it while crying. When the administrative language changes around the capital, other cities below it will naturally have to change as well.

Yusuf got up from his seat and looked back at the large map.

“Language is just the beginning. In order to become one empire, we need to make human exchanges between cities more active than now.”

The Ottoman Empire is a mixture of various ethnic groups and cultures. It is not yet the time when ethnic issues are prominent, but regional conflicts are inevitable.

‘In modern times, regional conflicts even occur at the apartment complex level.’

In order to alleviate this even a little, it was necessary to increase traffic between other regions. Of course, since most of the commoners were farmers and livestock farmers, this kind of traffic was not easy, so officials had no choice but to rotate.

“If it is difficult for the commoners to experience various cultures, at least the officials should experience it. Like stagnant water rotting, it will also be enough to prevent corruption.”

“I will inform the subjects of Your Majesty’s will.”

Whether it’s religion, race, or culture, it’s nothing special when you live together. It’s just people living.

If those above show such an attitude, such an atmosphere will naturally flow below, and this was the best he could do right now.

Yusuf glanced at the sun.

“The exam will start soon. Tell the subjects not to worry.”

“What are you talking about?”

Toward the Grand Vizier, who was puzzled, Yusuf lightly shook his coffee cup.

“Tell them that no matter how many new recruits there are, there will be enough *kahve* [coffee] to drink. The scent of the beans we brought in this time is good.”

Hadim Ali Pasha, the Grand Vizier, was determined. He had to resign quickly and return as a eunuch.

***

“Why did you call me separately like this?”

“Don’t you have any intention of correcting that arrogant tone?”

“Hmph, why don’t you correct that old-fashioned tone first? It’s not like the tone of old high-ranking officials.”

At Murat’s words, who was scoffing, Mehmed closed the book he was looking at and turned his head to the child who was humming.

“Kasim.”

“Yes, brother. Why are you calling me?”

Kasim, who was eight years old, looked at Mehmed with innocent eyes. Mehmed frowned at Kasim, who resembled Yusuf the most in appearance among the four brothers.

“There’s no need to act in front of us. We know what’s inside you.”

At Mehmed’s remark, Kasim frowned, his sparkling eyes narrowing.

“That’s strange. My sister falls for it every time. It doesn’t work on you, brothers.”

Murat roughly chewed on his snacks and gestured dismissively with his hand.

“Where are you showing off your charm? Are you trying to get hit?”

“You’ll get scolded by Valide Hatun [Queen Mother] again if you do that. If you’re going to hit me, can you hit me in a place that hurts less and is more noticeable?”

The education of the princes is basically in charge of the Hatun [female attendant], but it is the Valide Hatun who manages that Hatun. She was one of the few people who could scold the prince, and Murat turned his head annoyedly.

Ignoring Murat, who was an adult in body but a child inside, Mehmed asked.

“Kasim, how is learning from Michelangelo?”

“It’s fun. Learning to draw is fun, and learning instruments from the musicians is also fun. People like it too.”

Since he had a personality that liked to receive attention from people, it was a very suitable hobby for Kasim.

“Was it a hobby that His Majesty actively encouraged?”

“That’s right.”

Mehmed was puzzled when Yusuf ordered Kasim’s education like that. No one knew he had a talent for art because he was too young. However, even after knowing that he had talent, he was still a little puzzled.

Because the father he knew was not someone who would be satisfied with raising his son as an outstanding artist. This question was resolved a while ago.

“I heard you’re learning the etiquette of other countries as well as the empire these days?”

“How difficult is that? It’s not fun, but I can’t not do it because His Majesty ordered it.”

Kasim, who is called a clever rascal, spoke as if he was depressed, and Mehmed nodded.

“You might be used as a diplomat by your father.”

“A diplomat?”

It was unprecedented to use a prince as a diplomat rather than a Sanjakbey [provincial governor], but Yusuf would do that. Mehmed, who did not answer Kasim, who was puzzled, took a sip of coffee.

Because it was still just a guess.

“Enough of these stories, why did you call me?”

“I thought it was necessary to arrange a meeting once before the two of us leave for Sanjakbey.”

At the word Sanjakbey, Murat contorted his face. Because the fate he had been postponing had suddenly arrived.

“There won’t be many opportunities to reunite once we scatter to Sanjakbeys.”

Although Mehmed was cold-hearted, he had a slight regret in one corner of his heart. Looking back on the history of the dynasty, it was quite special that they were at least placed within the fence of brothers, even though they were bickering.

‘Hasna’s role was big.’

The reason why he and Murat had great affection for Hasna was not only because she was a lovely sister. Hasna has been playing the role of an intermediary that makes them think of themselves as one family. The more affection they showed and the more they cherished her as a younger sister, the more indirectly they could feel that they were brothers.

However, the time to live like a child who doesn’t know the ways of the world has also come to an end.

“Murat, from now on, we are competitors.”

“I know that even if you don’t tell me.”

“I don’t think you know yet. I don’t know why you’re eating so well when I could have put poison in the snacks you’re eating.”

Murat spat out the snack he was chewing and looked at the half-chewed snack with an uncomfortable heart. There was no way he had really put poison in it, but he could clearly feel what the life of a prince he would have to live in the future would be like.

Mehmed, who got up from his seat, placed his hand on Murat’s head. It was the first time he had touched his head, except when he was very young.

“Listen carefully, because I’m saying this as a brother.”

Don’t die in vain.

With those words, Mehmed left the room.

***

“Brother!”

“What’s going on?”

Barbarossa Uruj frowned at his brother’s call. The two brothers assassinated Amir Salim of Algiers, who was wagging his tail at Spain, and occupied Algiers, a port city in North Africa.

They repelled the Spanish fleet that attacked to recapture Algiers two years ago, but the movements of the Spanish fleet have been unusual recently, as if they were trying to recapture it again. Uruj, who had been on edge because of this, turned his head annoyedly and could see his brother coming with a beggar.

“What is it again, bringing something strange?!”

“This guy says he used to wield a brush in Florence.”

“What, a painter?”

Uruj, who had handed over Michelangelo and received strong support, lit up his eyes, but his brother, Hayreddin, shook his head.

“He’s a writer. He was also taking a book to present to His Majesty.”

“To His Majesty?”

Uruj, who had an already fierce face, frowned and drew a sharp sword, aiming it at the man’s neck.

“If it’s nonsense, I’ll cut off your tongue and use you as a rower for the rest of your life, so you know.”

Machiavelli, who did not know Arabic, nodded frantically. He was forcibly boarding the express train to His Majesty.