Chapter 162: Bairam Khan’s perils
Pakistan sultanate, Fort of lahore, evening on 21st March 1557.
In the dimly lit chamber of fort lord in the Lahore’s Fort, the tension filled the room.
Mughal officials stood with their heads bowed, the weight of Bairam Khan’s wrath pressing down on them. The flickering torchlight was witness to their grim predicament.
Bairam Khan clenched a bundle of papers with restrained fury. In a swift and violent motion, he thew it at their faces. The officials trembled as the sound of papers filled the room.
"What is this?" he thundered, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "The economy has declined so much in just a few days. And why am I receiving complaints of trade from outsiders?"
The officials flinched at his words. They were sweating profusely as they were newly promoted and well aware of his anger. Bairam Khan took a step forward, his eyes narrowing with a piercing gaze
"Don’t you understand how crucial trade is to our economy? How dare you allow such negligence? Do you realize how this tarnishes the image of the Mughal Sultanate? What am I supposed to tell the Badshah if foreign officials suddenly show up at the Mughal court?"
One official, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, dared to respond with quivering voice, "Hazur(sir) , due to unrest among the civilians, some of our loyal supporters have looted non-Muslim traders and created havoc. "
Bairam Khan’s face reddened with rage. He took a step forward, his voice rising in fury. "Who gave them permission to do such a thing? Where were the Mughal soldiers?"
Another official, trembling, hesitated before speaking. "Hazur, we haven’t been able to restore order in the region. After the declaration that this land would be governed by Sharia law, many civilians took it upon themselves to attack non-Muslims, insisting they have no place here or demanding they convert to Islam. Traders were among those targeted. Reports indicate that many are fleeing to either the Persian Empire or the Bhargav Samrajya, where there is still tolerance and acceptance of non-Muslims."
In a flash, Bairam Khan grabbed the collar of the official. He pulled him closer with eyes blazing in anger. "Fools! Who will compensate for the loss of manpower now? Who will pay their taxes? Will their ancestors cover the losses, or do you expect their dead bodies to join our forces?
Suddenly, the cry of a newborn pierced the heavy atmosphere, and Bairam Khan’s expression softened instantly. He released the official and signaled for the maid to bring the child.