Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 86

Luck and Twisted Plans (2)

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which had both attacked the Crimean Khanate, were far from being on good terms.

Moscow, having unified all the Russian principalities, shared a border with Lithuania, and the two grand duchies had been at war since 1492.

This protracted war favored Moscow, which benefited from a sense of kinship with fellow Rus’ people [historical term for East Slavs], and Lithuania had lost considerable territory.

It seemed absurd that these two enemies would join forces, but the Crimean Khanate inadvertently made this unlikely alliance possible.

“It’s those Tartars again!”

“How many times must we endure this! Has the Grand Duke still not given an answer!”

“Why hesitate against those weakened by the infidel empire [Ottoman Empire]?”

The Crimean Khanate provoked both countries to prepare gifts for Yusuf, acting as if it were entitled to plunder from their treasuries.

As complaints mounted from those who suffered losses, the two grand dukes grew increasingly displeased.

Sigismund I, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, had been on the throne for only three years, and Vasily III, Grand Duke of Moscow, for only five.

Such widespread discontent was enough to make them both uneasy.

‘If they’re weakened, it’s worth fighting them.’

‘The new Ottoman emperor received so many gifts and still had such a foul temper that he replaced the Khan. I don’t think we need to help them, do we?’

After careful consideration, they concluded that even if they couldn’t completely destroy the Crimean Khanate, it would be worthwhile to cripple them to the point where they wouldn’t dare to raid for a while.

A consensus was reached: temporarily cease hostilities and deal with this common threat first.

To achieve results before the Ottomans could intervene, the two countries swiftly moved south and achieved initial success.

“We have taken the head of the enemy Khan, Mehmed Giray!”

Mehmed, who had become Khan after Mengli Giray, was infamous.

Even before ascending to the throne, he had been at the forefront of numerous wars and raids as a co-ruler, and in this conflict, he had relentlessly harassed the two grand duchies with ambushes and night attacks.

Having prepared for significant losses, the two grand duchies were confident of victory upon taking Mehmed’s head.

That is, until Saadet Giray’s forces arrived.

“I must avenge my brother, who was Khan and has gone to Allah [Islamic phrase for ‘died’]! Kill them all!”

“Their graves will be the steppe [vast, treeless plains]! Charge!”

Saadet’s forces, well-rested thanks to their deliberate march to mourn Mehmed’s death, swept through the enemy ranks.

The Crimean Khanate’s cavalry, fueled by murderous intent, was terrifying, but they weren’t the only force on the battlefield.

Ta-da-da-dang!

“It’s, it’s the Janissaries [elite Ottoman infantry]! Soldiers of the infidel emperor!”

The appearance of the Janissaries, sporting only mustaches and wearing distinctive hats that looked like cut-off sleeves, struck terror into the hearts of the enemy.

Even if the allies weren’t falling left and right amidst the deafening noise, the Janissaries’ presence signaled the Sultan’s direct intervention in the war.

As the conflict threatened to escalate into a war with the Ottomans, the two grand duchies turned tail and fled.

“Retreat! Retreat!”

“They dared to trample on our steppe! Don’t let them escape alive!”

Following Saadet’s strict orders, they relentlessly pursued the retreating grand duchies, inflicting such heavy losses that the initial triumph of taking Khan Mehmed’s head was overshadowed.

Saadet, having secured the support of the soldiers he brought and avenged the former Khan, ascended to the Khan’s throne, but this was not the end of the matter.

“Brother, why did you harbor such foolish ambitions?”

Saadet looked at his brother Ahmed with an indifferent expression. Ahmed Giray, dragged before him and covered in animal dung and dirt, spat out blood-mixed saliva.

“Ptoo! You bastard fit only to be thrown to the dogs! Everyone knows you killed our brother!”

“You speak nonsense.”

“If you had hurried a little more, our brother wouldn’t have died!”

Saadet sneered at Ahmed’s accusation.

“If you had held out until I arrived, you would have lived. Isn’t that so?”

“What nonsense…”

“That’s not important. Since you were planning to betray me, you must face the consequences.”

Ahmed had been caught attempting to gather forces to assassinate Saadet, who was still young and lacked a firm power base, and seize the Khan’s throne.

Regardless of their fraternal bond, it was a crime punishable by death.

However, Ahmed glared at Saadet with murderous intent and shouted.

“Didn’t you send someone to tempt me into doing so!”

He had. Ahmed was a greedy brother.

Greedy enough to incite a rebellion even during the reign of Mehmed, who was now fertilizing the steppe.

“Don’t speak foolishly. No matter how delicious the bait, it’s the fish that bit it that’s at fault. Take him away.”

“You’ve become a monster! You came back from the imperial capital as a monster!”

Ahmed, being dragged away, shouted at the top of his lungs. Saadet then took out a silk cord from his pocket.

It was one of the silk cords that Yusuf had given him before he left Constantinople.

“Let him go comfortably.”

“Understood.”

The subordinate who respectfully received the cord departed, and Saadet addressed another subordinate.

“Bring Shirin Bek, my brother’s woman. I must take her.”

To secure the support of the Shirin clan, which wielded considerable influence within the Crimean Khanate, it was necessary to take her as his own.

As soldiers went to fetch her to his bedroom, Saadet leaned back in his chair.

“A monster, huh.”

Recalling Ahmed’s last words, Saadet smirked.

“What kind of monster am I?”

Remembering Yusuf’s face as he handed him the silk cord, instructing him to kill his brothers and nephews, Saadet tightly closed his eyes.

The real monster was in Constantinople.

***

Yusuf, upon receiving the news from the Crimean Khanate, clicked his tongue and said.

“What a truly unfortunate turn of events.”

Not only Mehmed, who became Khan after Mengli, but also Ahmed, who attempted to start a rebellion, had perished.

It was a true family tragedy.

“How is Mengli doing?”

“He was shocked and collapsed after receiving the news.”

Mengli had been forced to abdicate the Khan’s throne and had become like a frail old man confined to his chambers.

It was no surprise that he would be shocked and collapse after losing both of his sons in such a manner.

“Oh dear, I should send Sinan, at least.”

Sinan had been chosen by him and accompanied him to Trabzon, where he made significant contributions to spreading smallpox vaccination and became a renowned doctor.

Shemsi gave a wry smile at Yusuf’s cunning words.

“Do you remember that he is a surgeon?”

“Since it will be difficult for him to recover anyway, what does it matter whether he is a surgeon or not?”

Mengli wouldn’t have lived many more years even if he hadn’t collapsed from shock. His usefulness was already exhausted.

Shemsi sighed at Yusuf’s cold assessment.

“Do as you please.”

“I will. More importantly, is the introduction of the 4-field crop rotation progressing smoothly?”

“Yes, since it is the Padishah’s [Ottoman ruler’s] will, more regions than expected have embraced it actively.”

As Yusuf envisioned reforms across various sectors, the autonomy granted by the Ottomans proved somewhat restrictive.

The only saving grace was the lingering effect of his reputation as a prophet.

Many were willing to follow Yusuf’s instructions blindly, a perception that would persist until he made a significant error.

‘It feels like walking on a tightrope. I can’t afford to fail until I build a solid sanctuary.’

If he could establish a secure power base, he might even be able to control the Ottoman Empire.

He simply needed to navigate this precarious period successfully.

Unlike the rapid advancements in fields like cannon production, oil extraction, and iron refining technology, the reform of the sluggish administrative sector would also need to be accelerated.

“Padishah, I hope you have not forgotten my previous warnings.”

“You remind me constantly. I will not rush.”

Rushing is the way of Satan, while Allah favors gradual progress.

Shemsi had heard these words countless times.

‘Changing the framework of the empire is a long-term endeavor. Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’

Yusuf, suppressing his frustration, asked Shemsi.

“So, is the national anthem progressing well?”

“With the Janissary military band involved, they are sure to produce exceptional music.”

“They are trustworthy.”

If the conditions are favorable for mass-producing firearms, then conscripted soldiers can also play a significant role on the battlefield.

When manpower is needed for war, a conscription-based militia system is worth considering.

To effectively implement this militia system, it is essential to instill a sense of national identity, which can be achieved through a national name, flag, and national anthem.

“How is the education of orphans proceeding?”

“We are currently sorting out those who wish to be educated.”

Bayezid had left instructions, akin to a will, to show compassion for orphans.

Like the Hatun [title for a noblewoman] who accompanied the prince appointed as Sanjakbey [district governor] and opened a free soup kitchen for orphans, and the Kadi [judge] in charge of the castle’s administration who volunteered to be the guardian of orphans.

Orphans had been cared for as much as possible within the Ottoman Empire, and caring for orphans was considered a virtuous act.

‘It’s similar to politicians visiting orphanages only during elections.’

Unlike modern times, it’s not a fleeting gesture, but a consistent practice.

Yusuf also intended to care for orphans, and if possible, utilize them effectively.

‘It is necessary to move away from the Devshirme [system of conscripting Christian boys], and orphans can serve as a substitute.’

Of course, there was a reason why previous sultans had not utilized orphans and instead relied on the Devshirme, which involved forcibly recruiting Christian boys despite local opposition.

It was unacceptable to enslave orphans, but it was permissible to enslave Christian boys.

The Devshirme, who could be executed at any time under the guise of slavery, were more appealing to the Sultan.

‘But even if you recruit them through the Devshirme, they can still become uncontrollable when their power grows.’

In that case, it was better to abolish the Devshirme to gain favor with the Christian population and utilize orphans instead.

Utilizing orphans offered several advantages.

The soldiers’ loyalty could increase because they wouldn’t have to worry about the fate of their children if they died, and loyalty could be instilled from a young age.

Furthermore, there was no need to worry about relatives because they were orphans, and if orphans received education, ordinary commoners might also become interested in their children’s education.

“You will do well.”

“…It is a truly appreciated evaluation.”

Shemsi, who received another significant task after successfully implementing the 4-field crop rotation, expressed his gratitude with a slightly strained expression.

It was while Yusuf was chuckling at Shemsi’s reaction that Ali Pasha announced:

“Padishah, urgent news has arrived from Trabzon.”

“Bring it here.”

Yusuf, after receiving the paper handed over by Ali Pasha, frowned.

“The spies planted in Tabriz have been captured, and they report that they last saw a Western envoy entering the palace.”

The fact that the spies were eliminated so efficiently suggested that they had been suspected for some time and preparations were underway to eliminate them.

To have survived in the hands of someone like Ismail I [Shah of Persia], that Hassan was incredibly fortunate.

“Hassan, huh. He’s a useful fellow. I need to remember him.”

He wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting, given that he shared the same name as Hassan of Basra [famous Islamic scholar].

Yusuf, dismissing his unease with a lighthearted joke, tapped the chair lightly.

“Ismail, what are you plotting?”

***

Kvarqvare III Jaqeli, the puppet duke of Samtskhe in Georgia, greeted the secretly visiting guest with a trembling face.

“I greet the true owner of Samtskhe.”

The envoy of Shah Ismail raised his lowered head.