Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 9 Collection and Reinvestment

The operation lasted for a month, and the whole of Azerbaijan was in chaos.

"Your Highness, we have already confiscated the property of 38 tribes, and the assets of several other tribes are still being calculated due to their excessive wealth. In addition, those tribes that had hidden their populations have obediently paid a considerable amount of taxes."

Amir reported the progress to Naserdin, but the governor only wanted to know how much property had been acquired.

"Preliminary calculations indicate a total of 1000 million tomans."

"How much?" Naserdin was also taken aback; even though he was mentally prepared, he hadn't expected so much.

"Your Highness, most of this consists of land, pastures, cattle, and sheep. Converting all of it into cash would yield 400 million Tuman."

Hearing this, Nasserdin chuckled. "If we had gotten it sooner, we might not have needed to take out a loan from Britain. I've heard there are still quite a few slaves?"

"Yes, there are about 40,000 people. They were all bought from Bukhara and other slave traders, and they usually do manual labor."

Tribes and nobles are the best at hiding their population, and this sweep has freed up a lot of labor.

“Go ask them. If they are willing to farm, give them the farmland. If they are not, let them join the new army or factories. Weapon production cannot be neglected.”

These people greatly supplemented the labor force. Although they were illiterate, workers could be trained. They had no land, and the factories paid them wages to support their families, so they naturally chose to sell their labor for income, and they wouldn't quit their jobs. Otherwise, they would only be able to become beggars.

It's often said that finding skilled workers is more difficult, but even workers need experience. Even factories need to train a workforce to handle tasks, otherwise they'll just be doing manual labor. Guiding businesspeople to establish new factories should be the government's top priority.

With the confiscated funds, the Governor-General's office addressed its shortcomings in promoting reforms. Moreover, those officials who had outwardly complied but inwardly resisted all became obedient after witnessing the Governor-General's swift and decisive actions, and even handed over the ill-gotten gains they had previously extracted from the people. It's no joke; now that the army was in the enemy's hands, they knew perfectly well whether it was money or lives at stake.

Subsequently, Nasser al-Din, in his capacity as governor, began a wider range of reforms. His first order was to abolish checkpoints, where tribes had illegally established them to extort taxes from passing caravans, amounting to approximately 2% to 10% of the goods' value. This had caused immense hardship for the caravans. Under the guise of eliminating the tribes, he abolished all checkpoints in Azerbaijan and declared that no one other than the governor and the king was permitted to establish their own tax checkpoints to force others to pay taxes.

Foreign customs duties were also handled centrally, and tax officials no longer dared to embezzle funds; all tax revenue was turned over to the central government. Although it was uncertain how long this would last, it did provide a supplementary source of tax revenue.

Secondly, the Governor's Office announced a five-year tax exemption for factories using advanced Western machinery. It also changed the ownership of government-run glass factories to private contracting, with the government refraining from interference and only requiring them to remit a certain amount of profits annually. This was intended to set an example and encourage merchants to establish modern enterprises.

The printing presses were running at full capacity, producing numerous leaflets outlining the new policies and posting them throughout the streets and alleys of Tabriz. Literate citizens read the articles aloud to others. Merchants, upon seeing them, all supported the governor's policies.

Wallace also arrived in Tabriz and learned of the events in Azerbaijan. He felt even more strongly that the governor was no ordinary man. "Mr. Wallace, do you really believe the governor was the mastermind behind this?" Hammond asked suspiciously from inside the carriage.

“I’m not entirely sure either, but if what you’re saying is true, this was prepared by the governor’s teacher. He wouldn’t have killed dozens of chieftains in one go without the governor’s permission. Either the governor is already under his control, or the governor is the mastermind behind it all.”

Wallace took a sip of water and continued, "Moreover, this is also our opportunity. London has received news that Russia is preparing to support a prince to enter Tehran, so we can also support this governor to become the king of Persia. I believe he will give us a generous reward."

Britain and Russia were fiercely competing for control of the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Central Asia. Britain had helped the Ottomans escape Ali Pasha of Egypt and brought control of this cotton-producing region under its own grasp. However, Russia's release of Greece from Ottoman control weakened the Ottoman Empire to some extent.

Currently, the two countries are evenly matched in the Ottoman conflict, while in Persia and Central Asia, they are evenly matched in offense and defense. However, the conflict hasn't reached a fever pitch. If Britain could secure control of Persia, it could not only contain Russia but also protect its colony of India. He had also reviewed the loan and purchase contracts the governor had previously submitted to Britain; they were reasonable, and far too meager, considering the Ottoman Sultan's spending of millions of pounds sterling. Of course, a governor couldn't be so extravagant, and as the minister, he expressed his understanding.

"The news from London will take several months, but I think the machines in Istanbul can meet some of their needs. I expect the gentlemen in London will approve it very soon."

In fact, the Lord of London was not sure whether he would approve it, because at this time Britain's policy toward Persia was characterized as "prudent inaction," focusing on consolidating India, paying little attention to Persia, but always being vigilant about Russia's actions.

But business is business, so why not do it? He'll go see the governor first and discuss the study abroad arrangements; maybe he can get even more business that way.

The carriage soon arrived at the Governor's Palace. Unlike the consul's previous visit, Amir personally greeted the Minister at the gate. Upon meeting, Amir warmly embraced him and spoke to him in English.

Upon hearing Amir's authentic London accent, Wallace's impression of him improved dramatically. He hadn't expected the Persian to speak English, which increased his respect for Persia. As for Amir, English was nothing; he could speak Russian too.

"Your Excellency, you have had a long and arduous journey. The Governor-General is eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Hearing Amir's words, Wallace was ready to meet the governor. Led by Amir, Wallace met Governor Nasser al-Din in the reception room.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Excellency."

“It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Minister. I believe there will be a lot of cooperation between our two countries, and you are the bridge builder in this process.”

The governor's words made Wallace realize that this business wouldn't be a one-off event, but a long-term commitment. Of all the foreign ministers, Persia didn't provide Britain with crucial intelligence like the French or Russian ministers, nor did it offer Britain any benefits like the minister to Qing China, and it certainly didn't have the political influence of the Ottomans. But as long as it provided business for its domestic population, its importance became apparent. Moreover, everyone knew the Ottomans' character; if they couldn't stop Russia's southward expansion, why not choose another country? And Persia was precisely that alternative.

(End of this chapter)