Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 64

The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire – 64 (64/213)

Rebellion and Opportunity (2)

Those who directed the course of the Ottoman Empire were closely watching the unfolding rebellion.

It wasn’t solely due to the rebellion’s large scale and the prince’s involvement, who had declared himself the Sultan of Anatolia.

For those who sensed the Bayezid era drawing to a close, it presented a valuable opportunity to gauge whether the current Sultan intended to abdicate and whom he favored as his successor.

‘Directly inquiring about abdication is akin to asking when one plans to die. I’m left with no choice but to assess the situation based on available cues.’

It’s not without reason that Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] stages elaborate displays of remorseful protest whenever the king abdicates the throne.

Abdication was such a sensitive matter that even passively allowing it could trigger purges.

Of course, while Joseon, with its Confucian values, cannot be directly equated with the Ottoman Empire, the strength of royal authority meant it was not a topic to be discussed lightly.

The answers to these questions also reached Trabzon.

-Taang

Yusuf, observing the soldiers startled by the gunshot, turned to Shemsi.

“It appears that Padishah [Ottoman Sultan] was deeply affected by this incident, judging by his decision to abdicate.”

While it’s not unusual for a prince to participate in suppressing a rebellion or war, the situation differs when the Sultan’s throne is being handed over, as is happening now.

The central army’s military strength can be transferred to the prince as is, giving the impression that he is the designated successor.

If he hadn’t intended to abdicate, he would have summoned Ahmed and Yusuf together to quell the rebellion, keeping them both in check.

“It seems he was greatly shocked by Prince Shehinshah’s rebellion.”

The rebellion implied that Shehinshah was willing to seize the Sultan’s throne, even if it meant killing his father, which was shocking enough.

‘I would have been shocked if Mehmed and Murat had done that to me.’

I haven’t experienced that firsthand, so it’s hard to fully empathize, but I understand the sentiment.

Yusuf offered a wry smile, and Shemsi shifted the mood.

“Aren’t you pleased, though? Padishah has named you as his successor.”

“I am happy.”

It’s been a full decade.

It feels like only yesterday that I was struggling to survive as Yusuf, the neglected youngest prince, but now I’ve become the Sultan’s recognized heir.

I can’t help but feel a sense of novelty, and Yusuf turned to look back.

Shemsi, Hassan, Arda, and the others who followed him wore excited expressions.

Realizing that he probably looked no different, Yusuf composed himself.

‘In the original history, Bayezid designated Ahmed as his successor. But Selim still became the Sultan.’

It means it’s too early to celebrate prematurely.

“Don’t let your guard down until everything is settled. Pasha, my brothers will make their moves as well, won’t they?”

“They have no time to waste. They will definitely act.”

The central army tasked with suppressing the rebellion had to return to the Sultan, and Yusuf’s intention to head to the capital with them was predictable.

Upon Yusuf’s arrival in the capital, a succession ceremony would be held, prompting the princes to make their final attempts.

“Yes, when I and the central army clash with Shehinshah and Shakulu, they will move. Towards the capital.”

The Ottoman succession war is ultimately a game of musical chairs.

Regardless of a prince’s merits, losing control of the capital means losing the game, and this presents the other princes with their only chance to turn the tables.

‘It might have been easier if I had been ordered to suppress the rebellion alongside Ahmed.’

Because that would have created an opportunity to eliminate Ahmed.

There’s no point in regretting a missed opportunity. Ahmed’s side has already taken action.

The biggest concern is Selim.

“The question is whether Padishah can hold out until I reach the capital.”

The letter mentions 4,000 Janissaries [elite infantry] and 4,000 Kapikulu Sipahi [royal guard cavalry].

While 8,000 may seem like a small number, it’s significant considering they are a fully armed elite force.

Rather, I had to worry about the power vacuum in the capital as this many troops departed.

“Now there are only about 6,000 troops left in the capital.”

Approximately 4,000 Janissaries and 2,000 artillerymen will be all that remains.

Of course, there are also Janissary trainees, but high expectations for recruits are unrealistic.

Shemsi spoke softly, addressing Yusuf’s concerns.

“You needn’t worry excessively. Even if Prince Selim borrows troops from the Crimean Khanate, it will only amount to 20,000 to 30,000. That’s fewer than the Sipahi who will gather in Rumelia [region in Southeastern Europe] at Padishah’s command.”

“I know. Even without reinforcements, breaching the walls of Constantinople with that force would be difficult.”

Even though Constantinople was captured by Mehmed II, it was by no means an easy feat.

The defending army numbered only 7,000, but the Ottoman siege army mobilized at least 80,000 or more.

Despite this disparity in strength, the siege was so arduous that it nearly failed, and the walls that were eventually overcome were the capital’s defenses.

“Yes, my father will hold out well.”

Of course, Bayezid would have anticipated the situation that would unfold.

Now I had no choice but to trust him, and Yusuf looked at the soldiers undergoing training.

“It’s a shame we can only afford to give them one chance to fire due to our limited gunpowder supply.”

“Even that single shot is a luxury for us.”

“Still, there is a significant difference between those who have fired a weapon and those who haven’t.”

Even seasoned soldiers make mistakes on the battlefield, such as loading gunpowder and bullets into the muzzle and firing with the ramrod still inside.

The loading sequence, the deafening sound of gunfire, the pungent smell of gunpowder, and the arm-shaking vibration.

You have to experience all of this firsthand to be effective.

“Arda, instruct the soldiers to vividly imagine the war situation based on today’s experience. It will be quite beneficial.”

If you don’t have teeth, you have to use your gums [make the best of a bad situation].

If we couldn’t conduct live-fire training, we had to resort to mental simulations.

The loud gunfire, impossible to conceal, had already reached the ears of spies lurking in Trabzon, so it was time to showcase the weapon known as a gun to the enemy.

Inhaling the lingering scent of gunpowder, Yusuf declared with a resolute expression.

“Let’s all prepare, I will be in Constantinople before the year concludes.”

It’s like a pledge.

***

The meeting point with the central army was set for Ankara.

It took considerable time for the summons to join the rebellion’s suppression to arrive, so the troops in the capital must have already departed.

To avoid being too late, we must move swiftly, and the troops that Yusuf will lead will be his main force of approximately 10,000 soldiers.

The soldiers, already prepared for departure, were assembled on the Trabzon Plain, and Yusuf addressed Shemsi.

“Pasha, I entrust the troops from Circassia and Georgia to your command.”

“Trust me and leave it to me.”

The 25,000 troops arriving from those regions were intended to advance towards the capital, seizing territory while Ahmed led his forces elsewhere.

Yusuf’s grand strategy was to swiftly quell the rebellion, join the fray, defeat Ahmed, and then proceed to the capital.

“Prince, don’t forget what I said in the past.”

“Are you referring to how haste is the work of Satan, and Allah favors deliberation? I have no intention of jeopardizing things by rushing.”

“I have faith in you. Please continue to trust in me until the very end, Prince.”

Yusuf, lightly patting Shemsi’s ever-reliable shoulder, turned to face his family, and Fatima grasped Yusuf’s hand tightly.

“Yusuf, Allah will always be with you.”

Yusuf smiled faintly at the warmth of her touch.

When Yusuf first became Yusuf, she was the only person he could trust in a situation where he couldn’t trust anyone.

Perhaps if she hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have been able to endure it mentally and would have broken down.

“I hope to see you in the capital next time. Stay healthy until then.”

“Yes, I believe in you.”

Yusuf, after a brief but heartfelt farewell with Fatima, turned his attention to Aisha and Hatice.

Mehmet, holding Aisha’s hand, gazed up at him with bright eyes, while Murat, half the size of an average child his age, reached out from Hatice’s arms.

Yusuf embraced both women lightly.

“I’ll be back.”

The two women wore slightly surprised expressions.

Because Yusuf hadn’t readily expressed his emotions until now.

The two women, their grievances momentarily forgotten, concealed their welling tears and silently nodded.

Yusuf also hugged Murat and Mehmet briefly and surveyed the entirety of Trabzon.

“This marks the end of my time here.”

Whether alive or dead, I will likely never return to this place.

Yusuf, filling his gaze with Trabzon, a place he had touched countless times over the past decade, shook off the rising emotions.

I mustn’t be swayed by unnecessary sentiments, because he is facing the final act as an Ottoman prince.

Yusuf, transforming into a cold-hearted Ottoman prince, skillfully mounted his horse.

“Let’s go.”

To eliminate all his brothers and claim mastery of the empire.

Yusuf’s army departed from Trabzon.

Fatima turned to Aisha, who was still watching the road he had taken.

“Won’t you regret not saying it?”

“I don’t want to burden the prince, who has a significant task ahead of him.”

Aisha gently stroked her belly.

***

The Grand Vizier [chief minister], Hadim Ali Pasha, leading the 8,000-strong central army, marched towards Ankara, the designated meeting point.

Behind the Kapikulu Sipahi, heavy cavalry clad in chain mail, wielding round shields, composite bows, and swords, marched the Janissaries, armed with hand cannons, halberds, swords, and axes.

The Mehter [military band] of the Janissaries, considered the world’s first military band, played Turkish-style melodies, injecting vitality into the march.

It was a march that later gained considerable popularity in the West and served as the inspiration for compositions such as Mozart’s Turkish March.

A visitor approached the Grand Vizier, who was overseeing the army, as they passed Bolu, where Ahmed’s eldest son, Murad, held the position of Sanjakbey [district governor].

“Grand Vizier, it’s a pleasure to encounter you here.”

The Grand Vizier responded to Ahmed’s arrival.

“The pleasure is mine. I remember you as a young boy, but so much time has passed.”

“Haha, I’m no longer young enough to be considered a child.”

The Grand Vizier simply smiled gently at Ahmed’s words, who subtly emphasized his age, and steered the conversation in another direction.

“By the way, what brings you all the way here?”

“I was staying in Bolu for a while to tutor Murad, but upon hearing that the Grand Vizier was passing through, how could I not come and pay my respects?”

It was an excuse that wouldn’t convince even an Enderun [Ottoman palace school] student who hadn’t yet entered a government post, and the Grand Vizier issued a mild warning.

“I see. Still, I’m relieved you didn’t bring an army with you. Unauthorized access by armed forces is strictly prohibited.”

“…That’s right. Well, I understand, given what happened with Shehinshah.”

Ahmed’s face tightened, despite his claim of understanding.

Because it implied that he was being viewed in the same light as Shehinshah, who had initiated a rebellion.

“I’m glad you understand. Our soldiers are also on edge due to the Karagoz Beylerbey’s [governor of Karagoz] incident. There’s no need for any misunderstandings.”

The Grand Vizier, subtly turning and reiterating the warning that approaching with an army would result in an attack, spoke casually.

“So, did you come all this way simply to offer your greetings?”

Ahmed inquired coldly, sensing the Grand Vizier’s heightened wariness.

“Then I’ll ask directly, without holding back. What are your thoughts on Yusuf?”

“That’s a peculiar question. I regard him as a prince.”

“…I mean, do you also support Yusuf?”

This question held little significance for the Grand Vizier.

Given his title of Hadim, a eunuch, his response was predictable.

“I solely adhere to the will of Padishah. My personal opinions are irrelevant.”

It was an answer that could be interpreted as reflecting Padishah’s inner thoughts, but it wasn’t the answer Ahmed sought.

Ahmed, concluding that there was no further reason to remain, rose from his seat and stated coldly.

“I have heard your response.”