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Yusuf looked down at Cairo from the palace within the citadel.

It was a magnificent structure built on a hill under the orders of Saladin, who reclaimed Jerusalem from the Crusaders, allowing a sweeping view of the mud-colored Cairo.

“Grand Vizier, what do you think of Salah al-Din Yusuf?”

“Are you talking about the founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty? I think he was not a bad leader.”

“A king who shares my name, but your assessment is rather harsh. Do you have a grudge against me?”

“Your Majesty?!”

Anyone named Yusuf could easily wrap the citadel in one go, as it was an extremely common name, meaning ‘Joseph’. Picking one Yusuf as a target could hardly be in short supply, so the Grand Vizier wore an innocent expression when called out.

“It’s just a joke. Isn’t it a way of showing how important your future tasks are?”

Though casually said, it wasn’t a question said lightly.

Jerusalem was not only a holy site for Christians but also one of the three holy places of Islam along with Mecca and Medina.

For a hero who led a crusade to reclaim such a sacred site, the assessment was quite poor, which reflected the prevailing opinions among Muslims of the time.

In contrast, the European enemies rated Saladin much higher, and the reason was simple.

“He was too generous.”

“More like he was weak.”

“That’s one way to look at it.”

While his kind and generous nature was admirable as a human, it wasn’t suited for a ruler.

He was known to release captives, despite the knowledge that they might return to the Crusaders, and even fulfilling requests from enemy commanders while breaking his promise not to turn against them.

Such generosity that results in damage to one’s own forces is merely a heinous act and a reason for low appraisal in Islam.

Though sharing the same name, Yusuf had no intention of showing meaningless mercy like Saladin.

“Grand Vizier, has the disarmament of the Mamluks been thoroughly completed?”

“As per your orders, we are monitoring them closely after disarmament.”

“If you see any signs of rebellion, execute them immediately. I plan to send the Mamluks into the annals of history.”

The Mamluks, a slave bodyguard, historically continued their lineage under the Ottoman Empire.

No, in fact, they grew even larger.

Previously, to become a Mamluk descendant, one had to enter as a slave, but after the Ottoman conquest, they could simply enlist.

‘Though it was a policy to win over the armed group of Mamluks, it wasn’t a wise choice.’

Having transformed into a noble class, the Mamluks had revolted or devoured their own land.

Worried about Yusuf’s assessment, the Grand Vizier asked cautiously.

“Will it be alright? Among those who surrendered to maintain their status, there will be many who express dissatisfaction with such decisions.”

For instance, there were the amirs, the governors of surrendered cities who arrived in Cairo.

Many of them were of Mamluk origin and may feel anxious about the thought of their support being dismantled.

Yusuf, fiddling with his weathered gun, coldly stated.

“There’s always pain in change. If you hesitate for fear of this pain, you will only miss the opportunity.”

“Does that mean you’re okay with rebellion?”

“What’s there to fear about one or two rebellions? The major external threats are already eliminated.”

The news that the remaining Safavid lands were conquered by Babur, the first emperor of the Mughals, was unexpected but not immediately threatening.

The West was busy dancing on the hot plate of the Italian peninsula, with no space to divert their attention.

The most concerning was the Portuguese, who were drooling over India, but as a small nation just tasting wealth, they weren’t a cause for concern either.

Therefore, even if a few rebellions flipped some cities, there was plenty of room to suppress them.

“If a rebellion arises, it would create a justification for cleanse. Indigenous forces that do not assimilate into the empire are merely threats.”

There were those in the vicinity of Baghdad, which would be captured next year.

Those who would stab in the back whenever given the opportunity.

“Hassan.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Therefore, your role is significant. Can you see the state of the people here?”

In this place and this era, no matter how well a nation was doing, the ordinary subjects remained poor and struggling.

Conversely, when a nation falters, it’s the subjects who suffer first.

From the sight of people lined up to receive a pale porridge, one could indirectly gauge how poorly the Mamluks were doing.

“We must be a source of hope for them, becoming liberators rather than invaders. Does that seem difficult?”

“It does not.”

It wasn’t unnecessary confidence; it was the result of receiving Yusuf’s orders and closely observing the Mamluk situation.

It seemed better for the princes to engage in deadly battles and civil wars than fight amongst themselves, as the power struggle among the Mamluks was draining the blood of the subjects.

Indulging in tremendous luxuries while imposing excessive taxes to seize lands had reached unprecedented levels of atrocities.

Having learned the bitter taste of negativity through experience, Hassan found them to be simply good prey.

“I have already let people loose to widely spread the atrocities of the fallen Mamluk dynasty. In contrast, I am informing them of the tax reductions ordered by the Padishah.”

“Well learned.”

Yusuf nodded in satisfaction.

To suppress the indigenous forces, it was essential for the subjects to grow, akin to how citizens in Europe gained wealth, weakening feudalism and establishing absolute monarchy.

‘Of course, grown citizens would ultimately overthrow the monarchy, ending absolute rule themselves.’

That future would take at least 200 to 300 years, and if there were a wise king, he wouldn’t end up with his head on the chopping block.

Sadly, if it came to having incompetent descendants in a noble lineage, there was nothing to be done.

‘Then he must die.’

An incompetent person on the throne would only tarnish both their name and the nation.

“Entrusting the hearts of the subjects here to instill the empire is up to you, Hassan.”

“I will do my utmost to ensure you are not disappointed.”

Nodding in agreement, behind Yusuf, the Silahtar Aga knelt and spoke.

“All escorts to the canal are fully prepared, Your Majesty.”

More than the change of the Ottoman Sultan, more than Ismail’s death or the fall of the Safavid—

The construction of the canal will become an irreplaceable turning point in history.

“Let us go to where the future of the empire lies.”

*

On a Sumerian clay tablet written around 1700 BC, there were complaints from a father about his son needing to study and get his act together.

Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Medieval times, Han Feizi’s works, and even the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty all contained sayings about current issues.

Regardless of the time that passed, it was a case that showed how people’s thoughts remained relatively the same, and similarly, ideas about the Suez Canal echoed that sentiment.

“I think it would be great if we could connect the Mediterranean and Red Seas.”

This idea had persisted since the 19th century BC, continually failing until Darius I finalized the canal in the 5th century BC.

For a thousand years after, it served as a major transport route for Egyptian produce to Arabia, but later became blocked during attempts to quell rebellions.

After many years, it was the Mamluks, supported by Venice, who bravely pushed forward the construction of the canal again.

“They probably deserved it.”

Feeling like the Mamluks barely avoided financial collapse.

Perhaps due to the war, construction had halted, and much of the filled land had been lost, but the scale was still immense.

The ground carved out in a semicircular shape nearly made one feel dizzy just looking down at it, feeling like one would die if they fell.

“Grand Vizier, what do you think would’ve happened if I had said I wanted to dig this much land?”

“While I would not dare to refuse the Padishah’s command, I would have tried to persuade you.”

Who could forget the great people who built those massive pyramids? The fact that they had done such a job without heavy machinery astonished him.

“No wonder they say the Mamluks, who accumulated tremendous wealth, are still poor.”

The Sultan’s wealth and the royal treasury were considerable, and even the amirs, the powerful rulers, didn’t hold as much wealth as one might imagine.

Of course, even their ‘little’ wealth was still significant, but compared to rumors that surfaced, it surely fell short.

“I’ve heard they received support under the premise of sharing profits.”

It wasn’t a canal dug through straight lines like the modern Suez Canal.

It was a canal connecting the lower Nile and the Great Bitter Lake, and this lake had been seen as a cost-saving stopover even connecting to the Suez in modern times.

In any case, it might have reduced the distance compared to the Suez Canal, but since it was a construction that incurred massive costs, seeking investments was a wise choice.

“If you mention connecting the canal, the amirs will definitely come asking for profit sharing.”

“Indeed, such conversations have surfaced even before Your Majesty’s visit to the canal.”

“Showing mercy has made them lose their wits. Perhaps I should’ve executed ten as a warning back then.”

Thinking about where they would place their straw.

They became so bold after being granted a swift opportunity to continue.

“Keep a close eye on those who raise objections. When the excuse arises, they’ll be among the first to have their heads cut off.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Though behaving cautiously with fear, it was clear they would revert to their old ways upon returning to the capital.

Yusuf slowly steered his horse along the canal.

Just after becoming Yusuf and meeting Bayezid II, the impulsive words exchanged had become reality after all these years, which felt nostalgic.

“Grand Vizier, how much more time do you think it would take to construct the canal if reinforced to allow two large vessels to cross?”

“It would depend on the manpower allocated, wouldn’t it?”

“If we utilize the prisoners captured from the war as the main workforce.”

Due to the ongoing war, there were a tremendous number of prisoners.

Especially after the assassination of Tuman Bey, who failed in his attempt, most of the remaining enemy forces were taken captive, and even just those who could be employed in the canal numbered nearly 50,000.

“Wouldn’t it take a good five years?”

“Five years, you say.”

“If we don’t set large vessels as the standard, we might be able to shorten that time.”

“That’s something I cannot concede.”

Once the canal was connected and water filled it, it would be difficult to widen afterward, so considering the long term, enduring the hardships now was a hundred times better.

To Yusuf’s orders, the Grand Vizier lightly shook his head.

“I do not know who you will assign this to, but it will be quite a demanding task.”

They needed to manage the existing indigenous forces—the Mamluks and amirs—and revive the impoverished Mamluk lands while also linking the canal.

The workload would be insane, and if mistakes were made, their lives could be at risk.

Seeing the Grand Vizier’s concerns, Yusuf smiled.

“There’s no need for worry. I have the right talent.”

*

“And so, I’m appointing Şemsi Pasha as the Beylerbey of the newly established Egypt, following in the footsteps of existing Rumeli and Anatolia.”

“…It is an honor, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to ensure your will reaches this place.”

“Truly reliable.”

Yusuf, smiling brightly, patted the shoulder of Şemsi, who bore not a single smile nor a proud expression.

Ignoring his subtly distorted face, Yusuf looked around at his attendants and asked.

“Şemsi Pasha has stabilized the region of Georgia and demonstrated his capabilities. He is sufficient to take charge of Cairo, which will become the second city of the empire. Does anyone object?”

“No, Your Majesty!”

Unlike the other attendants, Şemsi, who wanted to raise an objection, spoke in a voice low enough not to be heard.

“Are you perhaps seeking revenge from your childhood?”

Though he spoke with a surly voice, recalling that he’d said Yusuf appeared both clever and foolish, Yusuf grinned cheekily.

“Revenge from childhood? I know not what you mean. I merely employ talent where it’s most appropriate.”

Though there were suspicions, there was no evidence.

“…Then please attach Hassan again this time.”

“Sadly, that will not do. Isn’t Nene recovering from childbirth?”

Though she had given birth, the news came that Nene had safely brought forth a son.

With Hassan swearing vengeance against Nene, had she died, he might have become a shell of himself.

In any case, she had delivered safely but had become weakened and needed thorough care.

“She requested that his name be Al-Hassan so he could spend time with her.”

In Arabic, the prefix ‘Al’ effectively means “the”, so it implied naming the child Hassan.

Hearing news that Hassan had sold his child just to be with his wife, Şemsi lowered his head.

“If so, would it be alright to bring someone from the capital?”

“If they are capable, that would be entirely permissible. I’ll allow it without hesitation.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

*

Suleiman, with a blank face, was in heated discussions with those present.

“I don’t understand what’s wrong with adopting words that nomads used in the language of the Rum!”

The Turks were nomadic, so there were no terms related to the sea or fish in the Turkish language, and any deficiencies were borrowed from Greek.

For other absent expressions, it was often from Greek, Persian, or Arabic.

“Creating something new isn’t a bad idea in itself!”

“Then why would you go out of your way to create something when there’s nothing uncomfortable!”

Both sides had valid points, making the discussion intense, and as they continued, Suleiman thumped the table.

“Silence!”

As the former prince and Pasha, Suleiman was the most powerful figure and the one responsible for this matter, causing everyone to stop speaking and look at him.

“What matters isn’t a few words. Aya.”

“Yes, Pasha.”

Pointing to himself and his foster-brother Aya, Suleiman highlighted the most critical issue.

“We must remember the letter from the Padishah. We do not have luxury on time.”

Recalling Yusuf’s recently arrived letter, Suleiman’s brow twitched slightly.

-Within four years, I plan to hold a nationwide examination to elect officials.

Yusuf’s plan to select talent through examination had been in motion since he ascended to the position of Padishah.

As the territory expanded, the need for competent individuals increased, which wasn’t inherently problematic.

-However, I wish to include the newly created script within these exams. Of course, if preparation isn’t sufficient, there’s little that can be done, but it would be very regrettable.

The underlying message was regretful; it was a tremendous pressure.

Organizing the language into a book, distributing it, and granting time for study meant that they were literally running out of time.

It indicated that they couldn’t afford to bicker over a few words any longer.

As the sound of scratching quills echoed once more, a man entered after knocking.

“Mr. Ilhan, a letter has arrived from your master.”

“From my father?”

Still wearing a stoic expression despite receiving a letter that arrived annually, the man opened it.

-My beloved son, I need your assistance.

It was a letter of love composed under Yusuf’s advice.