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The Shah's fury echoed through the palace walls. Crimson-feathered carpets, gilded vases, and pearl-embroidered chests were thrown about in a rage, shattered into pieces. Intricately carved wooden furniture lay splintered on the floor, transforming what was once a symbol of grandeur into a scene of utter chaos. Servants cowered in the corners, their wide eyes trembling with fear no one wanted to become the next victim of the Shah's wrath.
With a voice as sharp as a blade, the Shah shouted:
"How dare these treacherous Türkmen beys even think of betraying me? I was right from the beginning! Crushing them was never unjustified. Are they eyeing my throne now? I'll make them pay for this treachery!"
The vizier beside him bowed his head, trying to calm the Shah.
"My Shah, please, maintain your composure. Your anger will not solve this."
But the Shah wasn't listening. He erupted like a volcano, each word spilling forth like streams of molten lava.
"Those cursed Christian merchants! I offered them a trade deal to sideline the Ottomans, and this is how they repay me? By selling weapons to the local beys? By spreading chaos? Ban these foreign merchants from trading on our lands immediately!"
The vizier hesitated momentarily, then spoke in a gentle tone:
"My Shah, if we do that, what will become of our revenue streams? We might struggle to fill the treasury."
The Shah shot him a fierce glare.
"Then rekindle the silk trade with the Ottomans!"
The vizier flinched at the suggestion.
"But my Shah, wouldn't that undermine our plans to weaken the Ottoman economy? Strengthening our enemy could work against us."
The Shah slammed his hand on the table, the sound reverberating off the wood.
"Fool! If there is no Safavid state left, what difference does it make if the Ottomans are strong or weak? My first priority is to secure my throne. At least I sent my daughter to that man. Perhaps our plan with her might bear fruit."
He paused for a moment, lost in thought, then gave a firm command:
"Send her a letter. Let her whisper something into Osman's ear on behalf of her father. We'll draw this out, and in the end, we will emerge victorious!"
Outside the palace, the cold wind could not quell the chaos within. The Shah was fighting not only his enemies but also his own fears and fury.
When Osman entered the grand meeting hall through its heavy, intricately carved doors, the state officials were already in their seats. The room's soaring domes were adorned with massive chandeliers of gold and silver, whose radiance symbolized the strength of the Ottoman Empire. Osman, his voice commanding attention, began to speak:
"I've been hearing some interesting news lately," he said, his gaze sweeping across each vizier. "It has come to my attention that the Safavid State has been collaborating with foreign merchants to harm our economy. Ironically, this plan has backfired on them. These merchants are now selling weapons to Türkmen beys, turning the very foundation of the Shah's trust into a threat against his throne."
Osman lightly tapped the gilded armrest of his throne and continued:
"The Shah's attempts to diminish Ottoman influence in the silk trade are well known. He opened new ports and granted extensive privileges to foreign merchants. Yet these efforts have caused internal unrest within the Safavid realm. The tension between the Türkmen beys and the Shah is escalating. This situation offers us a slight increase in security along our eastern borders. The greater their internal discord, the less capacity they have to challenge us directly."
A vizier interjected:
"Your Majesty, while the situation in the east appears favorable, there is still silence along our western borders following our recent conflict with Poland. Can we expect this peace to last, or should we prepare for new threats?"
Osman turned to his vizier and answered calmly:
"Our minor conflict with Poland, on the contrary, has resolved many issues. Obstacles along our trade routes have diminished, and our influence over the Polish market is steadily growing. Their salt shortage, in particular, has become a significant opportunity for us. Salt trade continues to bolster our treasury. However, we must remain vigilant. While peace appears to have been restored, Poland will always remain a potential threat."
Osman then shifted his gaze westward, contemplating developments in Europe.
"The Habsburg dynasty appears to be in great turmoil. Europe is increasingly divided between Catholics and Protestants, and I foresee this escalating into a significant conflict. We can capitalize on this chaos. Our arms sales to local Protestant principalities have emboldened them. The stronger they grow, the weaker the Habsburg resistance becomes, and this opens new opportunities for the Ottoman Empire."
Osman studied the map spread out on the table, his finger gliding slowly from east to west as he concluded:
"This is a period for us to strengthen our balance of power both in the east and the west. But success never comes through complacency. We must closely monitor the Türkmen beys' rebellion and intervene if an opportunity arises. As for Poland and the Habsburgs in the west, we'll keep a close watch. This is a time for the Ottoman Empire to demonstrate its strategic strength."
The room was filled with a profound silence. Osman's composed and decisive words instilled confidence in the state officials. In this atmosphere, the perception of Osman as not just a ruler but a leader shaping the Ottoman Empire's future was solidified.
As the meeting neared its end, Osman leaned back in his throne, his posture relaxed but focused. The state officials had thoroughly discussed the Shah's schemes and the empire's position along its eastern and western borders, devising strategic solutions. The room's atmosphere had shifted to one of intense but satisfying deliberation. Osman gestured subtly toward the Treasurer at the head of the table.
"Let us return to the matter of the treasury," Osman said, his voice steady and clear, each word carrying the weight of a command. "Treasurer, provide me with a detailed account of our financial state."
The Treasurer, an elderly yet seasoned figure who had overseen the empire's finances for years, stood and began:
"My Sultan," he started, his voice trembling slightly with respect. "In the early months of your reign, I must admit that our treasury faced significant strain. The increase in soldier salaries and the restructuring of administrative posts drained considerable amounts of gold. Additionally, the resources allocated to your projects initially seemed burdensome."
He paused briefly, glancing at Osman's face. The Sultan listened with patience, encouraging the Treasurer to continue.
"However, it has since become evident that these reforms were not merely expenditures but the opening of a great transformation. Over time, the treasury has flourished. Our revenues have not only increased but have gained rapid circulation. Most notably, your strategic steps in arms trade have become a major source of income for our treasury."
Osman raised an eyebrow slightly. "Arms trade, you say. Elaborate."
The Treasurer, encouraged by Osman's interest, continued passionately:
"Your Majesty, the arms we sell to local principalities and European Protestants have significantly bolstered our financial situation. At a time when the Habsburgs are internally fragmenting, the Protestant principalities have grown bolder, thanks to your foresight. From this trade alone, we have doubled our earnings compared to previous years. This is not only a testament to your financial acumen but also to your strategic brilliance."
Osman listened attentively, then offered a rare, faint smile.
"It seems our steps to strengthen the state are beginning to bear fruit. But this is only the beginning. We will achieve much more."
The Treasurer bowed deeply in respect.
"By Allah's grace, Your Majesty. Under your guidance, the Ottoman Empire will rise stronger than ever."
As the meeting concluded, Osman's presence left an indelible impression of leadership and determination. He turned to his officials with a solemn expression and said:
"Remember, gold is nothing more than a piece of metal when it sits idle in the treasury. Its true value emerges only when it moves when it fuels the people's production and trade, when it becomes an investment for the future. Wealth is abundant only when it circulates. Stagnant wealth is nothing but a burden."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. One vizier, cautious yet curious, ventured to ask:
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but could you elaborate on what you mean by wealth becoming stagnant?"
Osman leaned back slightly in his throne, his gaze steady.
"I mean this, Treasurer: gold and silver, when hoarded in the treasury, are merely metals. But when they flow into the people's hands, enabling trade and investment, they transform into real value. Money is fruitful only when it moves. Idle money is just dead weight."
The Treasurer nodded in agreement, but another vizier raised a concern:
"Your Majesty, while this principle is indeed sound, don't we need to take more concrete steps to ensure this circulation? For example, the Royal Foundation Bank still struggles to establish full trust among the people."
Osman turned to the speaker with a slight smile.
"The Royal Foundation Bank is more than just an institution; it is a bridge that strengthens the bond between the Ottoman state and its people. Trust takes time to build. But we will not retreat in the meantime. By investing funds into new projects, agriculture, and trade, we'll show the people the tangible benefits. For instance, if we build roads to transport farmers' crops, they will produce more. The taxes from that production will replenish our treasury. It is a cycle."
Another vizier added supportively:
"Your words are true, Your Majesty. Investments in trade and production, combined with our success in the silk and arms trade, have greatly benefited our treasury. However, it will take time for the public to fully understand these investments."
Osman nodded, his gaze firm yet approving.
"Time, yes. But we must think long-term. Every coin in the treasury is a cornerstone of this state's future. Treasurer," he said, turning to the elder official, "you will not merely safeguard this money. You will ensure it is directed into the right investments. Allocate more funds to the Royal Foundation Bank. These funds will create new tax revenues and elevate the people's standard of living. In this way,