Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon
| Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon | |
| |
| Original title | Xunpadshahannama |
| Language | Common Tongue |
| Author(s) | Gustaaf Vermeylen |
| Genre | Historical narratives |
| Location(s) | Çakaristan |
| (main) characters | list of characters |
| Timeframe | 1744 and onwards |
Xunpadshahannama: Blossoming of the Dragon is the thirdpart in the story series Xunpadshahannama. This Book of Xunpadshahan is the official chronicle of the reign of Xunpadshahan. It contains various stories surrounding the Shahanshah, the third ruler of Çakaristan. It is a sequel to Xunpadshahannama: Rajas of the Sandstorm.
End of the second
"For many years, our family has had a dormant imbalance with the Kaisership in Shirekeep. It is time for us to unite that if our family wants to play a role in Shireroth, we must conform to the rules and regulations of the Golden Mango Throne. Even if it goes against our feelings of sovereignty and self-determination. It makes no sense to want one and fail to do the other. So we have a choice to make. Though this matter has been generating discussions for some time, I want to resolve it in Justice and Peace. So I propose, we vote. One vote each on a note, we put it in a jar and then the votes will be counted." Aurangzeb thus addressed his family members. The entire family had gathered in Maulikpur. At the Cenfae Mahal, Aurangzeb had received everyone. Karel Kyle, Frederik Alfons and Yusuf, the respective heads of the House and junior branches.
The Nawab ka Mahal read out the ballot papers and the result was clear. The Secunda divisio des Vinandy was annulled. "How will inheritance rights be settled now, to avoid fighting among themselves?" asked Frederik Alfons. Karel Kyle looked at Aurangzeb, who nodded. "We did not want to overwhelm you, but Aurangzeb and I have prepared an arrangement. If you accept it, it will become the basic law for our House," Karel Kyle replied. Frederik Alfons responded, "Show us that arrangement so that we can assess it". Aurangzeb said, "Forgive us for anticipating this. We had hoped for this step, we are not forcing anyone". Frederik Alfons said, "Speaking for myself, in the game of chess you think a few steps ahead".
•••
Zahra had sent a new message to Şahin Faris. This time with the plan to release the Gold Dinar from circulation. That currency had remained in circulation even after the incorporation of Barikalus into the Çakar Empire. Although it was more convenient for trade to use the Muhar, the Dinar was still accepted in local markets. Ownership of the Barikalusian Mint had previously been transferred from the Emirate to the Çakaristan Mint, of which the Red Fortress Foundation is a shareholder. It was now decided that the Dinar would no longer be minted, while the Reserve Bank stopped circulating the Dinar.
•••
Mazyar Behdad had received the Sanpantul delegation in Agra. On the eastern sky, calls for independence were rising. Voices arose in the Çakari Congress that Sanpantul should be bound to a perpetual peace with the Çakar Empire to avoid a second Sanpo-Çakar War. A single vote wanted to keep Sanpantul as part of the Empire. But an overwhelming majority of the Congress agreed to secede from Sanpantul. Mazyar Behdad received a brief message from the Shahanshah to allow Sanpantul to secede with continued regional stability. The grand vizier found that message somewhat cryptic and assumed he had a free hand in the content of the secession agreement.
End of a term
"Viziers", Xunpadshahan said as he entered the hall, the grand vizier and the viziers quickly stood up and bowed their heads to the Shahanshah, "how is it that the most populous nation on Micras cannot build decent highways?" The viziers were surprised not only by the question but also the way Xunpadshahan posed it. The usual ceremonial of announcing, greeting, seating and opening of the meeting was all skipped by the Shahanshah. The Shahbanu, who followed the Shahanshah, had to chuckle a little as she noticed the confusion among the viziers. "Well, anyone have an answer?", Xunpadshahan asked impatiently.
The grand vizier started explaining that for a national highway network, congress consent is needed and there has majority to be found there for such a big investment. The Shahanshah interrupted the grand vizier and said, "Yes, I know that story. And my assessment that sporting events would contribute to investment for highway construction, that was also a bit optimistic. I'm just saying honestly. Only we are still stuck with the problem that highways are not being built. The states are not going to do it either." The viziers noticed that Shahanshah has already addressed all the arguments and that there is indeed an impasse.
"Well, I won't hurt you any longer", the Shahanshah said. "The biggest stumbling block for the Congress is a combination of investment and risk. I now have a solution to that. The Red Fortress Foundation has already found several investors to build highways. Then we can build highways, but there will be tolls. The risks for building will then still be for the state. This way, less will be paid from taxpayers' money." The Viziers were impressed.
Days later at a congressional meeting, although the plan was welcomed, there were some adjustments. States were given the option to buy off tolls. Along with this, a guideline was issued with rule how a highway should be built, such as gradients, bend radius and lane width.
•••
The grand vizier grumbled when he was again summoned to Maulikpur to appear before the Shahanshah. Receiving the message, he said exasperated, "It is as if Maulikpur is the capital of the Empire". Arriving at the Cenfae Mahal, he was surprised to see Şahin Faris. Şahin Faris approached and said, "Your Excellency, have you also been summoned by our Shahanshah?"' Mazyar Behdad nodded, still questioning why Şahin Faris turned up here. Both men were summoned to appear before the Shahanshah. With the usual ceremonial, they entered Xunpadshahan's office and took turns by rank to greet the Shahanshah.
Xunpadshahan waited impatiently for the courtesies, after which he immediately began the reason for summoning the two men. "Mazyar Behdad, your services to the Empire are countless and for that we are grateful. Only now it is time for your honourable dismissal." Mazyar Behdad was taken aback and did not know what to say. He bowed his head and finally said, "Your majesty, you know what is best for the Empire. Thank you for allowing me to serve this Empire". Xunpadshahan nodded and turned to Şahin Faris. "Şahin Faris, from now on you are the Grand Vizier. May your services serve the Empire". Şahin Faris, who had to hide the fact that he already knew about his appointment, played up his surprise and fell at the Shahanshah's feet. "Your majesty, that I am worthy in your eyes".
