Her Choice (1)

Yusuf returned proudly to Trabzon with countless spoils of war, receiving a tremendous cheer.

The strength of the Sanjak troops was a matter of survival, not just pride. A weak army risks becoming a target for plunder at any moment.

Upon returning to Trabzon, Yusuf was briefed about the events that transpired during his absence, with the most noteworthy being the profit-loss differences among the princes.

“Mahmud’s death must be Selim’s handiwork.”

With most of Mahmud’s soldiers dead, Selim was the only one left capable of reporting the situation accurately.

Selim reported a successful ambush, but due to Mahmud’s shortcomings and the Qizilbash’s abilities, significant losses were incurred.

Everyone understood the circumstances were suspicious, but with Mahmud dead, there was no one to defend him.

“In the end, the only one who achieved military merit is Selim.”

Both sides had to retreat due to Bozkurt Bey’s significant defeat in Dulqadir.

Ahmed and Korkut preserved their troops but played supporting roles, while Selim’s forces were depleted, yet he achieved tangible results.

In the long term, which side benefits more remains to be seen.

“Most likely Selim. He can compensate for troop losses through the Crimean Khanate anyway.”

Interestingly, Yusuf’s great victory unexpectedly received a reevaluation.

In fact, Yusuf’s grand victory was often undervalued. Because it was such a significant win, doubts were cast on the Qizilbash’s competence.

However, the fact that their unprepared ambush caused substantial damage to the cavalry, and Bozkurt suffered near annihilation, led to recognition of the Qizilbash’s abilities.

“The greatest benefit is mine to see.”

A strange situation emerged where Yusuf, who hadn’t even fought in Dulqadir, was receiving the highest praise.

Additionally, he had successfully inflicted damage on the Safavid, making him the one who benefited the most.

He could grasp Ahmed’s nape and rise to the front.

“Your brothers won’t just sit idly by either.”

“Indeed. Prince Korkut is already on the move.”

As troops gathered under the Sultan’s summons, the princes’ war had essentially come to an end.

Even if a war breaks out with the Safavid, it would be difficult to achieve military merit with such large forces mobilizing.

In the end, this means Yusuf will lead the way while Selim shines for a while.

It was understandable for the two who created the unprecedented alliance among the princes to feel anxious.

“They say he has requested to return to Saruhan, where the deceased Mahmud was.”

“On what grounds?”

“To quickly stabilize the chaos of Saruhan, following the consecutive deaths of Sanjakbey.”

Two princes had died within a year, so it must have been quite chaotic.

Alemsah killed Korkut, and Selim was responsible for Mahmud’s death.

It was evident how much control different princes exerted over the city near the capital.

If Korkut, who had long been the master of Saruhan, could manage it well.

“The Padishah wouldn’t grant such a request. He hasn’t done anything noteworthy in the meantime.”

“As you expected, he will refuse.”

If he were to grant such a request, Korkut wouldn’t have been cast into the land of Chorum with naval influence.

Then would Korkut willingly accept refusal?

“He could forcibly seize Saruhan.”

“Would he go that far?”

Though it could easily spiral into rebellion, the possibility was certainly there.

“Have you forgotten the Dulqadir affair? Your brothers have already ignored the Padishah’s orders.”

That was true in history too.

Selim, who went to the Crimean Khanate, led troops to conquer the lands of the Balkan Peninsula, while Korkut, who fled to Egypt, pressured the Sultan to reclaim Saruhan.

With Selim, the greatest competitor, turning into a traitor, Ahmed defied his father’s orders and declared himself Sultan of Anatolia.

“If Korkut disregards the Padishah’s orders and attempts to seize Saruhan, that will be when everything begins.”

The life-and-death struggle for the princes’ positions.

Yusuf held up three fingers to Shamsi.

“In the long run, it’s three years. A full-fledged succession battle will unfold within that time.”

Shamsi nodded with a heavy expression at Yusuf’s words, which had never once been wrong.

Three years is certainly not a long period.

*

On a certain day while hastening the production of firearms and gunpowder for the future, Hatice’s labor pains began.

When the time for Hatice’s delivery drew near, Yusuf was not overly flustered.

Having experienced everything when Mehmet was born.

However, when he held the newborn, Yusuf couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of panic.

“Is this truly a newborn? He seems twice as big as Mehmet.”

Fatima nodded at Yusuf’s question.

“He’ll weigh twice as much. Hatice’s belly was bigger than during Aishe’s.”

It was nearly full term, having passed eight months of pregnancy.

Many had anticipated twins by looking at Hatice’s belly, but no one expected such a healthy baby to be born.

Yusuf looked down at the child he named Murad.

“Perhaps due to their traits and fortune. The newborns are anything but ordinary.”

Both Mehmet, recognized as a genius by many, including Kadi, and the just-born Murad were impressive.

Just by looking, one would exclaim he was general material.

As a father, he was excited to see how his two sons would grow, and there was but one way to witness their development.

“They must become Sultan.”

If he were to fail, it would be difficult for the two boys to survive as well.

Having handed the child over to Nene, Yusuf reaffirmed his resolve and turned away.

– Your Highness, the envoy has arrived in Bayburt.

It was time to act as a prince, not as a father.

*

Hodaband, visiting Trabzon Castle as an envoy, wore a solemn expression.

One can discern the city’s lord by simply looking at the city.

“He’s not just someone good at war.”

The repeatedly reinforced city walls were high and thick, the roads were paved with solid stones, and it was hard to find filthy waste on the ground.

The faces of the weary, bustling people showed no shadows, and the children ran about the streets without fear.

It was a scene easily understood for how well the city was governed.

The envoy from the hostile Safavid was only able to meet Yusuf after thorough inspection.

“Thank you for making the long journey. I am Yusuf.”

“It is an honor to meet you. I am Hodaband Caliph.”

Yusuf stroked his chin.

Though he didn’t remember him, being sent by Safavid, he must be someone important.

“I heard you had a celebration. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

The birth of his son was a momentous occasion, and Hodaband had hoped negotiations might proceed smoothly, but he sighed inwardly as he noted Yusuf’s mild reaction.

“It seems the reason you came all this way is concerning Tazlu Khanum?”

“…Yes. Is she well?”

“Of course, she is doing quite well.”

Yusuf smiled broadly and asked, “Judging by your hasty visit, she must be quite precious.”

“The Shah cherishes the women of the harem.”

Although Hodaband tried to downplay Tazlu Khanum’s significance, it didn’t resonate with Yusuf.

“Hmm, I didn’t know the bloodline of Yakub bin Ujun Hasan was so light.”

Seeing Hodaband’s face twitch slightly, Yusuf chuckled.

“Don’t worry; this information isn’t from her. She genuinely wishes to return to Ismail.”

Hodaband, knowing Tazlu wasn’t foolish enough to inform Yusuf of such details, sighed again.

Regardless of how he learned it, it was clear negotiations would be challenging.

“What do you want?”

“I believe that need not be stated. How much did you come prepared to pay for her?”

Hodaband, who was now agitated, spoke through clenched teeth, “I will pay you eight thousand Venetian gold coins.”

That was a hefty sum for one person.

Venice, having lost to the Ottomans in war, was obligated to pay thirty thousand gold coins annually.

However, Yusuf merely replied without blinking.

“Looks like her worth is lighter than I thought.”

“…How much do you want?”

They certainly hadn’t mentioned the highest amount they could offer from the start, but they would have a rough estimation based on the initial figure.

‘They probably thought they could offer around fifteen thousand at most.’

The Safavid, still engaged in the Conquest Wars and needing funds, found it a burden.

For Yusuf, who needed funds for the production of firearms and gunpowder, it wasn’t a bad condition.

Yet, wasn’t it regrettable to settle for it like this?

“I’ll require twenty thousand gold coins and a treaty stating you won’t attack my lands, including Georgia.”

“That’s outrageous!”

Twenty thousand gold coins? That was an excessively high amount.

If it became known that they paid this sum for Tazlu, numerous criticisms would pour in.

‘Moreover, an inviolable treaty including Georgia?’

Georgia, which betrayed the Shah and sided with the Ottomans, was one of the future targets for conquest.

“Please reconsider your terms.”

“I believe I’ve put forth a sufficiently generous offer.”

Considering the potential value of utilizing Tazlu, it was disappointing to just settle for money.

Had it not been for the succession battle and the assassins Ismail would send, he would have simply added her to his harem.

Hodaband, glaring at the grinning Yusuf, sighed once more.

“We would appreciate your granting us some time to think. And I would like to confirm that Tazlu is indeed healthy.”

“Of course.”

“If any harm befalls her, you will feel the Shah’s wrath.”

Hodaband found it strange that women were among the envoy.

Yusuf, who saw no issue whatsoever, nodded amiably.

*

Tazlu, welcomed by the envoy with joy, had to undergo a body search.

Although this wouldn’t perfectly prove her purity, it was something she had to endure to remove any semblance of suspicion.

As night fell, Yusuf opened Tazlu’s chamber door, and she shot him a fierce glare from her tired position on the bed.

“Why are you here again?!”

“Seems like today’s events were humiliating.”

“Whose fault do you think this is!”

Tazlu yelled angrily.

Having faced inquiries and a body search for her purity she hadn’t lost, she was filled with resentment, while Yusuf casually leaned against the wall.

“Am I truly that detestable?”

“Yes!”

From a favored woman of the Shah to finding herself in such a lowly state overnight.

She must be enveloped by fear that if she returned to Ismail like this, she would face cold treatment.

The architect of all this chaos, Yusuf, was understandably a target for her wrath.

“So, do you intend to accept the proposal to kill me?”

“How could you…?”

Yusuf smiled at the petrified Tazlu.

“There’s a reason I didn’t assign anyone to watch you. Did you think I assumed you’d be alone in this room?”

Yusuf questioned Tazlu, who had gone pale.

“Do you genuinely think you could find happiness in Ismail’s arms again? There might be a chance with my help, but…”