Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 83

Intersecting Schemes (2)

After much deliberation, Mengli relinquished his position as Khan of the Crimean Khanate.

Outwardly, he declared that he was abdicating the throne due to failing health and would spend his remaining years in Kostantiniyye [Istanbul], Ottoman, but no one fully believed this. It had been a long time since a Crimean Khan had appointed a co-ruler to act as regent due to age or illness, making his sudden abdication seem quite strange.

To many, it appeared to be retaliation for siding with Selim in the past, a shocking outcome for the Crimean Khanate.

‘Even though we are part of the Ottoman Empire, how can the Khagan [Great Khan] step down so easily?’

‘And it’s none other than Mengli!’

From the Ottoman perspective, Mengli was a vassal who had sworn allegiance, but within the Crimean Khanate, he was revered as a great Khan.

He had achieved significant military victories, such as defeating the last Khan of the Golden Horde and occupying its capital, declaring himself Khagan (Emperor).

However, this great Khan was also subject to the Ottoman Empire, a fact he was now starkly reminded of.

In a way, the authority he had painstakingly built up over decades had collapsed in an instant.

He had to endure these humiliating circumstances, but that didn’t mean everything was resolved.

“Sa’adet, how much longer do we have to endure this?”

Their bodies were stained with dirt and dust, their clothes tattered.

Sa’adet offered a bitter smile as he looked at the complaining soldiers, their faces etched with fatigue.

The spirited warrior who once roamed the steppes on horseback, slaughtering enemies, was gone, replaced by the image of a slave being dragged away as spoils of war.

“Be patient. My father and I are constantly appealing to the Padishah [Ottoman Sultan].”

At Sa’adet’s words, the soldiers nodded, though their faces still reflected dissatisfaction.

There was no point in being impatient.

For them, battle and plunder were as natural as breathing, and many had been unable to shake off their old habits even within the capital’s walls, despite Selim’s warnings.

Selim, indebted for their help and lacking the means to control them, had initially condoned their behavior. However, Yusuf had no reason to let them off the hook.

He had declared that he would select and punish those who had committed crimes, a seemingly just action at first glance.

‘The problem is how to identify the culprits when so much time has passed. It’s virtually impossible.’

Sa’adet understood Yusuf’s motives for making this absurd declaration.

After their heart-stopping encounter, Sa’adet met with Yusuf several more times and learned the true reason.

‘Gain favor and wield the sword.’

Mengli was forbidden from visiting the prisoners, as it could provoke them, leaving Sa’adet as the sole channel of communication.

To escape hard labor, receive proper meals, and obtain treatment for injuries, they had to rely on Sa’adet’s help.

The soldiers showed favor to Sa’adet, who visited daily and fulfilled their requests. When they spoke to Yusuf’s appointed manager, a staunch supporter of Mehmed, the sword was wielded.

“Let go! Let go! What are you talking about, taking a woman!”

“Shut up!”

A Janissary [elite Ottoman soldier] pointed his sword at the resisting prisoner’s neck, and the soldiers quickly gagged and bound him before dragging him away.

Another commander disappeared in this manner, destined for forced labor like those before him.

As Sa’adet watched the scene with sunken eyes, a soldier rushed toward him.

“Sa’adet Giray! It is the Padishah’s order to enter the palace immediately.”

Sa’adet swallowed hard at the Padishah’s summons, which had never been so urgent.

The moment of choice was fast approaching.

***

Yusuf leaned back in his chair with a relaxed posture and asked Hadim Ali Pasha.

“How has Zenbilli been behaving lately?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. He has been meeting with Islamic figures such as Ulama [Islamic scholars] and Imams [prayer leaders].”

“Hmm, I see.”

The frequent contact between Zenbilli Ali Efendi, the Ottoman Islamic religious leader, and Islamic scholars like the Ulama, indicated widespread discontent.

Islam discourages even translating the Quran for fear of distorting its meaning, yet Yusuf was, in their eyes, distorting Islam with his very existence.

So much so that Zenbilli, during a visit, had asked, ‘Are you thinking of becoming a god?’

Of course, Yusuf had casually replied, ‘I have no intention of becoming such a cumbersome thing.’

‘Humans can fail, but gods must not fail.’

No matter how much luck one possesses, or how much future knowledge one holds, one cannot always achieve victory.

Unexpected variables arise, and life yields unforeseen outcomes.

‘Just like Ismail.’

He had thought of himself as a god, was worshiped as one, and then was crippled after a single defeat, making him a prime example.

Anyway, the fact that Zenbilli voiced such concerns directly meant he was closely monitoring the situation.

“Padishah, do not worry. No matter how high his position as Sheikh ul-Islam [Grand Mufti of the Ottoman Empire], he is an administrator of the empire and a man of the Padishah.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Just as people seek God in times of distress, countries value religious principles when they are shaken.

The rising sun, the Ottoman Empire, did not yet place excessive importance on Islam, and even if Zenbilli caused trouble, it would not pose a major threat.

“More importantly, how long do you intend to remain in the eunuch position? That role is too insignificant for you.”

There were many positions Ali could fill, even without returning to the role of Grand Vizier.

He could serve as Grand Vizier again, or he could take the position of Kapudan Pasha [Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Navy].

Even Hersekzade, the current Grand Vizier and also his father-in-law, had held the position of Grand Admiral after stepping down as Grand Vizier.

The eunuch position was a waste for a talented individual who had once served as Grand Vizier, and Ali offered a gentle smile at Yusuf’s remark.

“Thank you for thinking so highly of this old man, but I am content simply serving the Padishah closely.”

“You avoid it again. Fine. It’s just a matter of placing you in a necessary position later.”

“I am simply following orders.”

Looking at Hadim Ali Pasha, one could understand why eunuchs were kept close and favored throughout history.

How could one dislike someone who only says things that please their master?

As Yusuf chuckled, a guard’s voice echoed from outside the audience chamber.

-Padishah, Mengli Giray and Sa’adet Giray have arrived to see you by order.

“Let them in!”

At Yusuf’s gesture, Ali relayed the command, and the door opened as the two entered and paid their respects.

“We greet the great Padishah!”

“Rise. We don’t have much time.”

At Yusuf’s words, the two stood up, and he explained the reason for their summons.

“I have called you here because reports have arrived that Lithuania and Moscow have invaded the Crimean Khanate.”

Mengli was surprised by Yusuf’s words, while Sa’adet wore an expression of grim expectation.

Only 30 years prior, Mengli had formed an alliance with Ivan III, the Grand Duke of Moscow, to help Moscow gain independence from the Mongol states.

However, relations were now strained, to the point where he had invaded Moscow three years ago.

Not to mention Lithuania, which he had treated like a broken vending machine that dispenses drinks when struck.

“H-How many are the enemies?”

“Hmm, it’s not accurate, but judging from the urgent request for help, it must be over 40,000 combined.”

This was just the minimum estimate.

Neither country was in a position of strength, but if they had drawn their swords, they must be aiming to capture the Crimean Khanate for good this time.

They would have scraped together troops even if it was difficult, posing a major threat to the Crimean Khanate.

“Padishah! Please help us!”

“Yes, I intend to help. I will release the captured soldiers and support you with some Janissaries.”

“Thank you!”

Even a small number of Janissaries armed with gunpowder would be a significant force, and Yusuf raised a hand towards Mengli, who was kneeling and expressing his gratitude.

It was too early for thanks.

“However, you must remain in the capital. Sa’adet will lead the troops in your place.”

“Padishah!”

Mengli exclaimed in astonishment, and Yusuf glared at him coldly.

“Mengli Giray, do not forget your place. You are not here in the capital as a guest.”

“…I understand.”

Humiliating, but Mengli grimaced in despair at the words that highlighted his predicament.

Yusuf, indifferently turning his head despite the old man’s resentful expression, addressed Sa’adet.

“Sa’adet.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

“The fate of the Crimean Khanate rests in your hands. You understand that, don’t you?”

At first glance, it sounded like he was referring to the imminent danger facing the Crimean Khanate, but Sa’adet knew that wasn’t the full meaning.

The fate of a country changes with its ruler.

Sa’adet replied with a firm expression.

“I understand.”

“Then that’s enough. There’s no time, so go now.”

At Yusuf’s dismissal, the two left the audience chamber, and Sa’adet moved with purpose.

Re-arming the prisoners and working to restore the capital was not something that could be accomplished in a day or two.

Sa’adet, who had been busy until late at night sorting out the wounded and recovering the confiscated equipment, returned to his lodgings exhausted and found his father waiting for him.

“Sa’adet.”

“Yes, Father.”

An uncomfortable silence enveloped Sa’adet, and when the moonlight, briefly obscured by clouds, shone again, Mengli spoke, breaking the tension.

“The wolves of the steppe do not engage in dominance fights. You know that, don’t you?”

Contrary to common misconceptions, wild wolves rarely engage in fights to establish dominance.

Usually, older individuals or parents who have become independent and raised offspring naturally form a group and become leaders.

“…I know.”

Mengli’s words implied that it was natural for the eldest brother to become the leader, and served as a warning not to covet his brother’s position.

Mengli, hearing the answer, lightly patted his son’s shoulder.

“It’s good that you know.”

Sa’adet, who had been staring at Mengli’s retreating figure as he slowly disappeared, let out a hot breath.

“Father has aged a lot too.”

His shoulders, which had seemed so broad before coming here, now appeared utterly pathetic.

Sa’adet, with the image of his father’s bent shoulders like a crooked moon etched in his eyes, opened his door and sneered.

“Father, don’t be mistaken. We are not wolves of the steppe.”

He didn’t know when he was running around the steppe, but he realized it for sure when he came here.

They were just wolves trapped in a cage called the Ottoman Empire.

And a wolf on a leash does not hesitate to bare its teeth, even to its own family.

After that, the progress of everything slowed down in a strange way, and there were many instances where Ottoman officials were uncooperative.

Yusuf, who was watching the departing troops from afar after a long wait, spoke.

“Ali Pasha.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

“Do you know what happens when a wolf licks a person’s hand and shows its belly?”

“I do not know.”

Yusuf turned without hesitation and replied.

“From then on, it becomes a dog.”

It seemed that he would be able to acquire a useful fighting dog from this incident.