ALL NOVEL Chapter 48
# Chapter 48: The Movers (3)
Selim’s agents who had been staying in the Cape all slipped out at once, signaling they had achieved their objective.
However, not knowing what they were up to, Yusuf remained on edge, and was slightly startled upon hearing news of smallpox spreading from the Cape.
“No matter how much history cycles, to have germ warfare specifically in the Cape…”
160 years ago, in 1346, the Mongol Empire sought to capture Caffa, located on the shores of the Black Sea.
However, during the siege, the plague began to spread among the Mongol forces, and they launched the corpses of soldiers who had died from the disease with catapults into the city of Caffa.
The plague began to spread in Caffa, and as a Genoese merchant ship fled from there, it reached southern Sicily in Italy, spreading the plague throughout Europe.
Within just a few years, a third of Europe’s population perished—this event marked the beginning of the medieval plague, recognized as the first instance of germ warfare in human history.
“And Caffa and Cape are the same city.”
Ultimately, the place where germ warfare first occurred is now experiencing the same situation, albeit with a different disease.
As the information came in, an emergency meeting was convened, and Yusuf asked Şemsī.
“So, Pasha, what’s the situation in Cape right now?”
“All vessels departing from Cape are prohibited from landing, and Cape has entered lockdown.”
This was the most standard measure and a necessary one.
Smallpox is not a highly contagious disease, but since Cape is a trade port, it could spread far via ships.
“Are there any other measures?”
“They plan to vaccinate Cape with cowpox, similar to the case with the Circassians.”
Vaccination is a preventive measure, not a treatment. However, it can create a herd immunity state for those who have not yet contracted the disease.
“Then let’s send the cowpox and doctors we have.”
“Understood.”
“And how is Mehmet’s condition?”
“He likely got infected as the outbreak centered around the Cape.”
“Even if he survives, his chances of ascending to the sultanate are effectively gone.”
What makes smallpox terrifying is that even survivors are left with pockmarked scars.
No one would support a prince with pockmarks when there are perfectly healthy princes to choose from.
“This is just reaping what one sows.”
It was evident that the current Sultan Bayezid had declared the implementation of cowpox vaccination.
It was a natural decision for a ruler, especially considering that making an effort, even fruitless, is better than the risk of devastation by smallpox.
However, the Ottoman Empire, which recognized local autonomy, left the actual implementation to discretion, and both Yusuf and the rival princes rejected it due to reliability issues.
And this was the result.
“While it’s nice that a competitor has been reduced, this is likely something Selim orchestrated, right?”
“Given the circumstances, it fits. The timing of the agents leaving coincided with the smallpox outbreak.”
“Then there must be a reason for utilizing smallpox after all.”
The outbreak of smallpox in Cape was a favorable opportunity for Yusuf.
Even with the implementation of vaccination, doubts about its effectiveness were always present, but this occasion could serve to prove its success.
The problem was why Selim, who clearly knows this, used smallpox in the first place.
“He would naturally prefer a method that ensures death rather than a chance of survival.”
“There are certainly difficulties in killing directly.”
After all, a prince who can’t safeguard his own life in his own abode wouldn’t still be alive.
Frankly, using smallpox is unpredictable for anyone, so that’s out of the question.
“Furthermore, this incident could cast suspicion on whoever benefits the most.”
“If rumors spread using spies, it will appear as if I orchestrated it.”
If it were merely a case of killing another prince, the victim would be considered foolish, but using an epidemic for such a purpose would incur considerable condemnation.
Yet both Yusuf and Şemsī showed no signs of significant worry.
“It’s fortunate that we’ve already prepared for this. Isn’t that right, Pasha?”
“That’s correct. I’ll send letters to the Padishah regarding the numerous rejections of recommendations for vaccination once the baseless rumors start flying.”
While it cannot entirely rid suspicion, the logic of repeatedly suggesting vaccination to someone targeted for death by smallpox would pose no major issues.
Selim wouldn’t know about these letters being exchanged either. They weren’t sent to Selim or Ahmed, after all.
“For those two, dying from smallpox would indeed be a blessing.”
In any case, word that Selim used smallpox as an assassination method would mean that he secretly vaccinated without others knowing, claiming outwardly not to be vaccinated.
This implies a happy ending where Selim, the greatest rival, does not die from smallpox.
“I certainly didn’t prepare such letters anticipating that smallpox would be used as an assassination method.”
It was merely a precaution to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, akin to a crow’s flight causing an unexpected melon to fall.
Yusuf, having concluded the hastily convened meeting, exhaled lightly.
“Finally, my brothers have started moving in earnest.”
“Because it’s about time the Padishah chose a successor.”
Bayezid is currently sixty, which means next year he’ll celebrate his sixtieth birthday.
Of course, there are those who live into their hundred, but he’s at an age where it wouldn’t be surprising if he passed at any moment.
After all, the oldest sibling, Ahmed, is already over forty.
Yusuf impulsively asked Şemsī, deviating from his usual demeanor.
“Do you think I could become the lord of the Empire?”
“Are you afraid?”
Under normal circumstances, he would have denied it.
Regardless of how trustworthy someone is, or how fond he feels for them, showing emotions carelessly is not advisable.
It could border on obsession.
Even a small opening could lead to losing one’s life in a succession war, and one must demonstrate the characteristics of a ruler desired by the people of this era.
“I can’t say I’m entirely unconcerned. Do you think that’s misguided?”
At Yusuf’s question, Şemsī smiled faintly.
“There’s no one without fear, is there? Even the last prophet, Muhammad, felt severe anxiety and fear upon first meeting the angel Gabriel, thinking he had been possessed by a demon. So much so that he contemplated jumping off a cliff.”
“But no one desires a weak ruler steeped in fear. Isn’t that right?”
“It’s not about revealing it to everyone. It simply means not keeping it locked away in your heart. When Muhammad felt fear, he received support from his wife, Khadijah. You are not alone, my prince.”
The first person who came to mind was Aishe.
Since the confession last time, he has also thought of Hatice as his wife, but the years spent with Aishe differ greatly.
Not to mention his mother Fatima has remained steadfastly on his side.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
Yusuf nodded.
While the words may not lead him to express his true feelings, knowing that he doesn’t have to live entirely like an Ottoman prince provides some comfort.
As Yusuf’s normally stiff expression lightened a bit, Şemsī inquired.
“Do you have any additional instructions?”
“There’s still something left. Send people to carry out the vaccination as quickly as possible. We needn’t increase unnecessary casualties. And.”
Yusuf slightly prolonged his words.
“Ensure that Mehmet doesn’t survive this lucky chance.”
After all, if a brother is merely waiting to die in fear, cutting off his lifeline is an act of mercy and a bond between princes.
Whether Mehmet desires that or not.
*
Mehmet, who was in Cape, had terribly bad luck.
In the end, Mehmet lost his life to smallpox, and personnel dispatched from Trabzon at Yusuf’s command led to a swift calming of the epidemic.
The capital was ablaze with two tales, one being the effectiveness of cowpox vaccination proven in Cape.
Considering past cases, the smallpox was eradicated significantly faster, effectively proving its efficacy.
With no longer a need to fear smallpox, Yusuf’s fame soared.
The other tale raised suspicions that it was Yusuf who spread smallpox in Cape.
However, this rumor was dismissed by the Sultan, who received letters exchanged between the deceased Prince Mehmet and Yusuf, leaving mere light suspicions.
The surviving princes became six, but following Mehmet’s death, focus turned to three main princes in the capital.
The oldest, Ahmed, who has several sons ensuring the successor’s strength, allied with Korkut, and his evaluation rose significantly.
Although Mehmet II had enacted the law permitting fratricide, not everyone looked kindly on this.
Those who criticized the flow of blood during succession wars supported Ahmed’s actions.
Yusuf was rated second highest.
The youngest prince, yet newly recognized due to the cowpox, ignited a fervor within academia.
Moreover, thanks to his great victory over Ismail, he garnered support from the military, and as cement, which was said to be developed by Yusuf, began to be supplied to front line fortresses, his reputation soared within the military.
Last was Selim, who recently expanded territory explosively through a political marriage with the Crimean Khanate, raising his evaluation.
While he had not shown extraordinary feats, if the Crimean Khanate intervened in the succession war, tens of thousands of cavalry would support Selim, making him a strong candidate.
Although six princes remain alive, the field is effectively narrowed to three.
While closing in on the Sultanate, Yusuf remained completely vigilant.
He understood that unforeseen variables could arise at any moment.
It was through the informants spread throughout the Ottoman Empire that he received intriguing news.
“The Turkmen have begun gathering in the domain of the Şehinşah.”
The Turks consist of various groups such as Turks, Uyghurs, Kyrgyz, and Kazakhs, with the Turkmen being one of them.
Without the concept of ethnic nationalism conceived yet, there was no notion of a singular ethnic identity during this era.
In any case, the Turkmen have been a thorn in the Ottoman side. The Qizilbash, who supported Ismail, were these Turkmen.
“It’s not just because they share Shiite beliefs with Ismail.”
They are a nomadic people.
Roaming across the Ottoman lands without paying proper taxes and disregarding Ottoman governance.
Essentially, they have been an uncomfortable thorn in the side.
Given that they were cautiously beginning to gather around the Şehinşah, Yusuf noted this with attention and learned something even more interesting.
“Şehinşah and Shakul have met. Things are getting exciting.”
The fact that Shakul, who instigated a rebellion propelling the princes into conflict, met with the Şehinşah signified something.
“Finally, Ismail is moving again.”
War is approaching.