I sincerely thank each of you for supporting Osman II: Rebirth of a Dynasty! Your power stones and kind gestures inspire me to continue bringing Osman's journey to life. Knowing that my work resonates with you and seeing your encouragement motivates me to strive even harder to deliver a captivating story.
A special thanks to Daoist9d5Kbm, Falken19, Mustifa_89, Fitch, and Ayu123456 for your recent support. Your contributions mean so much to me.
Let's continue this journey together, and I hope Osman II: Rebirth of a Dynasty remains as enjoyable for you as it has been for me to create.
Thank you again!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Osman had planned to travel by carriage in the early morning, but upon learning that Mehri Banu Hatun would join the journey, he found an excuse to change his plans. He rode his horse instead, enjoying the thrill of galloping along the road. Internally, he thought, "These carriages need technological improvements someday; they're far too bumpy."
Meanwhile, Mehri Banu Hatun remembered asking Osman for permission to join the journey and felt a wave of embarrassment. Osman had altered his plans for her comfort, choosing not to ride in the carriage. Their marriage was nearly certain, yet this small gesture deeply touched Mehri Banu Hatun's heart. Osman's willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to avoid public gossip about her both surprised and impressed her.
Unaware of Mehri Banu's thoughts, Osman raced his horse as though competing with the wind. At one point, he slowed his horse, approached the carriage, knocked gently on its window, and called out:
"Mehri Banu Hatun, are you all right? It's not too late; you can still return to the palace if you wish."
Mehri Banu Hatun smiled softly and raised her head. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine," she replied.
An hour later, the first signs of the village appeared. Scattered at the foothills, mud-brick houses carried the weariness of time and fate, catching Osman's eye. Villagers, noticing the soldiers nearby, gathered in the square, thinking a governor had arrived. Osman observed the houses and turned to a tax official at his side, pointing at the village:
"Why is there such a disparity between the number of houses and households here?"
The tax official bowed his head and answered, "Your Highness, the Celali rebellions and the oppression of corrupt local officials have driven villagers away from these lands."
Osman had never deeply considered this before. He aimed to improve Ottoman agriculture, but he had overlooked a critical factor. "How can sufficient production be achieved if there are no villagers?" he thought to himself. Entering a period later called the "Little Ice Age," encouraging agricultural activity would be even more challenging. As Osman wrestled with these thoughts, an idea began to form: promoting potato cultivation. This divine gift, both nutritious and easy to grow, could help revive the countryside. Osman considered offering a few years of tax relief or amnesty in exchange for mandatory potato farming in Anatolia. The Ottoman treasury, recently boosted by arms trade with Turkmen tribes and firearms sales to rebellious Austrian princes, provided the economic leeway to support such reforms.
As they approached the village square, Osman greeted the people. The villagers knelt, exclaiming, "Peace be upon you, our glorious Sultan!" Osman raised his hand, signaling them to rise, and began to speak:
"O loyal villagers! The laborers of these fertile lands, the ones whose hearts and sweat nurture this beautiful realm… It is a great honor for me to be here with you today.
I know the past years have not been easy for you. Wars, taxes, raiders… each has added burdens to your shoulders. Yet you, the essence of this land, are the backbone of the Ottoman Empire. Your toil fills our tables with abundance, keeps our cities standing, and strengthens our armies.
Today, I come not just as a Sultan but as a fellow human who shares the same breath on these lands. My duty is to listen to your problems, understand your struggles, and find solutions. And know this: I am ready to walk this path with you.
Whatever is necessary for the order of our lands will be done. Those who commit injustices, those who misuse timar lands, those who demand more from you than they are due—whoever they may be—they will find me standing against them. Protecting your rights is my duty.
I vow to you today: I will do everything in my power to lighten your burden. Justice is my greatest guide. As you work hard, no one will be allowed to bend your backs.
Remember, these lands thrive because of your labor. Without you, I would not be a Sultan, and this state would not stand tall like a mighty plane tree. We will work together, and together we will rise. By God's will, everything will get better because you deserve nothing less. You are the heart, soul, and spirit of the Ottoman Empire. And my greatest duty is to ensure that this heart beats with justice."
When Osman finished, the crowd exclaimed with fervor, "May God bless you!" Their voices echoed like a wave cresting over mountains. Osman received their blessings with sincerity, feeling a deep connection with his people.
Mehri Banu Hatun could not help but notice Osman's warm approach to the villagers. His candid and heroic demeanor deepened her admiration for him. As Osman listened to the people's grievances, Mehri Banu saw the profound sense of responsibility he bore. This journey was slowly melting the distance between them, forming a bond.
While hearing the villagers, Osman gained more than just an understanding of their problems—he also found inspiration for his reforms. His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of a child in the distance:
"Are you the Sultan? Thank you for punishing the bad timar owner. When I grow up, I'll become a Janissary and fight for you."
Osman patted the child's head with a smile. "This country needs not only soldiers but also scholars. I hope you become a famous scholar one day, inventing things for the benefit of our people."
The child replied with determination, "I will!"
This brief exchange with the boy moved Osman deeply. This little villager might one day become the protagonist of a great story. Soon, the prayer of an elderly woman near Mehri Banu echoed:
"May God grant our noble Sultan so many children that each becomes a branch of the mighty plane tree. May they bring abundance to these lands, growing strong under his justice. May God protect you from oppressors and open your path."
Hearing this, Osman glanced at Mehri Banu and couldn't help but blush, as did she. Osman said, "Thank you, dear grandmother. May your life be long as well."
The elderly woman bowed slightly, pointing to the boy Osman had spoken to. "My Sultan, I hope my life is long enough to see Ali grow up. He has no one else. His entire family was killed by Celali rebels."
Sadness settled over Osman's face as he thought about how many families across the empire had been torn apart. A feeling of despair crept in: "What if I had ascended to the throne earlier? What if I had staged a coup?"
Sensing Osman's thoughts, Mehri Banu Hatun spoke gently: "My Sultan, not everything is your responsibility, especially events before your reign. Since you took the throne, people now hope for a brighter future. I've noticed it in the conversations both in the palace and here."
Osman thanked her, silently vowing, "Perhaps I cannot change the past, but I can shape the future. I will lift this nation out of the mire."
That day, Osman learned much about the countryside. The ice between Mehri Banu Hatun and Osman melted gradually, breaking down her prejudices one by one. Osman was particularly moved by Mehri Banu's consoling words. Perhaps, for the first time, he felt he wasn't entirely alone in the empire.