Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 95 Going to the East

"Is everything settled?"

"Yes, Shah, everything has been discussed. Here is the treaty text."

Naserdin took a look and thought it sounded good, but whether it could be implemented was another matter.

"Right now, Iran is pursuing a policy toward Russia, and all resources are being directed toward that."

Amir nodded. "Shah, the entire country is now starting its own military training, and the Royal Guard has been downsized to retain its elite forces. What we need now is time and funding."

“Funds…funds…” Naserdin sighed. Although he didn’t want to do this, he had no other choice. Other methods yielded too little funding and took too long. This was the only idea he had.

"Teacher, you can go now. Don't worry about the funding for now. Let's talk about it again in two years."

Since Shah had said so, Amir knew that the funds wouldn't just appear out of thin air, so he stepped down and bumped into Saeed as he left.

"Shah, I've found out everything."

"Since it's so profitable, let's get ready quickly and try to get to Qing China before the end of the year. We must get involved in this business."

Don't blame Nasserdin for thinking of this; the business is simply too lucrative. A single box could bring in at least £100, and the company could also buy tea and raw silk locally to sell elsewhere—a lucrative opportunity for Iran.

Since the opening of five treaty ports to foreign trade eight years ago, countries such as Britain and the United States have used the treaties they signed as a shield to extend their aggressive influence into surrounding areas and eventually into the heart of China. They have engaged in rampant smuggling and dumping of cheap, industrially produced goods, reaping huge profits in the process.

While dumping cheap goods such as its mechanized cotton fabrics on a massive scale, Britain, the United States, and other countries also engaged in predatory exports of local agricultural products such as silk and tea. Last year, tea production reached 7047.65 million pounds, and silk production reached 21604 bales.

Furthermore, Britain and the Qing government established an agreed tariff schedule, reducing the tax rate on major imported goods by more than half compared to the previous actual tax rate levied by the Guangdong Customs. This allowed them to pay very little in tariffs and earn more profits, and this substantial amount of silver was exactly what Nasser al-Din needed.

To gain profits, Iran needed to penetrate the Qing Dynasty, but this was no easy feat. Iranian merchants lacked connections in the East, and had no supply or sales channels. It's clear how difficult it was to establish a foothold.

“Shah, I have found a Parsi man whose family does business in Calcutta and Mumbai. I think he can help us open up trade routes to Qing China. Moreover, they are willing to serve you, Shah.”

“Very well, this business cannot be monopolized by Britain; Iran should also get a share,” Nasser al-Din said.

Don't blame him, the profits were just too tempting.

This time, Iran has formed a mutual protection alliance with three powers, with its sights set on Russia. Although its forces are small, they are still capable. Nasser al-Din knows he cannot rely on them to defeat Russia, so he can only rely on himself.

Tehran has undergone more changes than the rest of the country, and it is home to Iran's first coffee shop.

Most Iranians don't like coffee; only a small number of Iranians and foreigners enjoy it.

"It's quite unusual that the Shah wants to do business in Qing China. As far as I know, many people go to Qing China, but they all do so in a private capacity. The Shah is arguably the one with the highest status."

Khosrow Strabo never expected his family to be able to get in touch with the Shah of Iran. Although he could also trade directly with the Qing Dynasty, he was afraid that his religious beliefs would lead to him being ostracized by Christians.

Now that he has the Shah's support, things should be much better. He can also become the Shah's personal merchant, but of course, he also has to complete the tasks the Shah has given him.

Although he traveled back and forth between Calcutta and Mumbai, he could only earn the price difference. With taxes levied by the British and the local princely states, his life was really not good.

“Don’t say that, brother. With the Shah’s support, we can establish ourselves. Look at that Jew in Mumbai. Don’t you want your family to be like him?” his younger brother, Bahram, advised.

Despite the Parsis's seemingly privileged status in India, the British actually classified them as second-class citizens, only slightly better off than Indians.

Apart from a few wealthy merchants, most Parsis were engaged in industry and commerce, just like the Vaishya class in India. However, their business and financial sectors were challenged by the Jews, led by the Sassoon family. The unity of the Jews defeated the Parsis' control over the economy.

Now, with the Shah's support, they might be able to unite most of the Zoroastrians, giving them some security. Furthermore, some Parsis have already begun pilgrimages to Yazd, increasing their sense of community.

"Yes, let's try to find an opportunity now. Didn't we say we were going to Qing China? Let's not delay and leave in a few days."

"Alright, we'll set off immediately once the adults give us news."

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At this time, France had also completed its elections, and Louis-Napoleon was elected President of the Second French Republic with 78% of the vote.

His propaganda focused on restoring order, creating a strong government, establishing social security, reorganizing society, and rebuilding national honor. Monarchists such as Bourbon remnants, members of the Orléans dynasty, and the old nobility supported Louis-Napoleon because he was a "not bad" candidate who could restore order and stabilize the turbulent country. Some factory owners, attracted by his progressive economic proposals, also supported him. However, his supporters primarily came from the largest segment of the French population: the peasantry. The peasants believed he could, like his uncle Napoleon I, restore France's prestige.

His political maneuvering was quite impressive. On the one hand, he promised interest groups that he would return to Italy, and on the other hand, he introduced some positive reform policies, such as abolishing the surtax laws of the Republican government and reducing taxes for newspapers and publishing houses. At the same time, he did not forget to improve foreign relations. In addition to clinging to the British, he also sent the Marquess of Tremblay to visit various European countries to prepare for the restoration.

(End of this chapter)