[天朝] The Shah and the Daughter of Heaven

[Centurius]

To: Shah of the Imperial State of Iran - Aʿlāhazrat Homāyuni Ŝāhanŝāh Āryāmehr Bozorg Arteŝtārān Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
From: Her Imperial Majesty Yuan Zhi, Daughter of Heaven, Lady of Ten Thousand Years, the People’s Empress

Encrypted

Subject: Iranian-Celestial Relations

Your Majesty,

First of all I must congratulate you on your ascension to power and extend recognition from the Celestial Empire for your own Imperial state. These are trying times in which cooperation between sovereign states is key. To facilitate this I would like to propose a meeting between ourselves where we can discuss the future of Celestial-Iranian relations and work towards benefiting both our foreign policy objectives.

Sincerely,
Yuan Zhi

@Nicole

 

[Nicole]

To: Her Imperial Majesty Yuan Zhi, Daughter of Heaven, Lady of Ten Thousand Years, the People’s Empress
From: His Imperial Highness Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Shahanshah of the Imperial State of Iran, Aʿlāhazrat, Homāyuni, Ŝāhanŝāh Āryāmehr, Bozorg Arteŝtārān,

Encrypted & Top Secret

Subject: Celestial-Persian Relations

Your Imperial Majesty,

We thank you for your congratulations regarding my ascension to the Naderi Throne and the subsequent return to power of the House of Pahlavi throughout the whole of the Imperial State of Iran. While we also thank the Celestial Empire for being the first nation to formally recognize and welcome the Imperial State of Iran into the family of nations once again. The friendship that the Celestial Empire has shown the Imperial State of Iran under your gracious and wise leadership, has reaffirmed the traditionally warm diplomatic, economic, and military ties our two Empires have traditionally enjoyed over the thousands of years of our respective civilizations existence.

Certainly these are trying times and I am similarly of the opinion that increased contact and cooperation between the Imperial State of Iran and other sovereign states is paramount to the security and prosperity of not only our Empires, but the world more broadly. With that in mind, I gratefully accept your invitation your Imperial Majesty and would be happy to either travel to the Celestial Empire to meet with you, as well as host the meeting between ourselves here in Tehran. I'm hopeful that through our imminent meeting with one another, our two Empires can discuss growing our common diplomatic, economic, military, social, and policy objectives throughout Asia and across the wider world.

Sincerely,

His Imperial Highness, Shahanshah of the Imperial State of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi​

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[Centurius]

Following the summit in Hong Kong and with the reply from Iran, the Empress would board a C919 and head for Iran, her flight plan would be relayed to the Iranians in advance. Due to security threats two J-20s would escort the plane on its way until it reached Central Asia before turning around. Upon approach of Iranian airspace the plane would identify itself. The Empress would be accompanied by a security detail as well as officials from various departments to work out any results from the meeting.

@Nicole

 

[Nicole]

Tehran Reza Shah International Airport -

When the ATC radars at Tehran Reza Shah International Airport picked up the Celestial Empires Comac C919 twin jet airliner and two Chengdu J-20 stealth multirole combat aircraft entering Imperial Iranian airspace, Imperial Iranian Air Force Air Traffic Controllers took command over civilian ACT and immediately made contact with the Comac C919. The lead Imperial Iranian Air Force ATC Officer raised the Comac C919 and said "Celestial Empire C919 and PLAAF aircraft, this is Tehran Reza Shah International Airport ATC, we have you on radar. Please be advised that all air space in front of you and 25 km's on either side and to your rear has been cleared of any additional air traffic. Please vector to 11L/29R and be advised that you are clear for landing at Tehran Reza Shah International Airport on runway one.".

As Imperial Air Force ACT guided the Comcac C919 and two Chengdu J-20's to land at Tehran Reza Shah International Airport, a company of two hundred Javidan Guards, who formed the elite backbone of the Iranian Imperial Immortal Guards secured the inner perimeter of the red carpeted tarmac where the Empress was due to arrive and where dignitaries from the Imperial Iranian Monarchy, government, armed forces, and aristocracy had all begun forming up to welcome the Celestial Empress to Tehran and the Imperial State of Iran upon her arrival to Tehran. While the putter perimeter was secured by hundreds of officers from the Shahrbani, the urban security forces of the Imperial Iranian Ministry of Interior. While a mounted platoon from the Pahlavi Calvary Guard, a ceremonial household calvary regiment of thd Iranian Imperial Immortal Guards was also formed up and would escort the motorcade of the Celestial Empress from Tehran Reza Shah International Airport to Golestan Palace, the spectacular imperial palace within the citadel of old Tehran.

Due to the importance placed on this visit by the Imperial Iranian Monarchy and political leadership, the Shah and Shahbanu were both present at Tehran Reza Shah International Airport to welcome the Celestial Empress to the Imperial Iranian State. Due to this, the Javidan Guardsmen were heavily armed, each carrying PC-9 ZOAF 9-mm semi-automatic pistols and FAJR 224 carbines. While three teams of two Javidan Guardsmen snipers covered the entire area from high above the airport terminal, armed with Sayyad and Shaher anti-material rifles. While the Shahrbani officers guarding the outter perimeter were each armed with PC-9 ZOAF 9-mm semi-automatic pistols and MPT-9 submachine guns.

With everything ready for the arrival of the Celestial Empress, a motorcade of Javidan Guards SUV's and Shahrbani police cruisers neared the tarmac, awaiting the signal to drive to the tarmac and escort the Celestial Empress and Shah to Golestan Palace, along with the Pahlavi Calvary Guard.

As they awaited the Celestial Empresses arrival, the Shah and Shahbanu dressed in their full Imperial regalia, both nervously conversed with the assembled Iranian dignitaries, all time while looking to skyward in order to see if the Celestial Empress was landing.​

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[Centurius]

As soon as the plane landed and Zhi looked outside the window she could fully appreciate to what just extent her hosts had gone to make her feel welcome. It was a feeling that still remained unreal. As the door of the plane opened the first to leave would be two Celestial Guard, establishing positions on both sides of the stairs. Then the Empress followed with the rest of the delegation following her. Once they were all on the ground the Empress continued to the Shah and Shahbanu, she herself was dressed in what could be deemed a hybrid of modern and traditional Chinese clothing. A dress that reflected the ways of the old but was designed with the benefits of the modern.

"Your Majesties, thank you for the warm welcome"

@Nicole

 

[Nicole]

Edifice of the Sun within Golestan Palace -

Upon the arrival of the Celestial Empress and her subsequent descent down from the Comac C919 to the unfurled red carpet below, the Shahanshah of Iran welcomed his fellow imperial monarch to Tehran by saying "Your Imperial Majesty! The Shahbanu and I are honored that you've chosen to visit Tehran, especially given the fact that the Empress of the Celestial Empire would appear to have so many other more pressing international matters on her hands. Know that your empires prompt recognition of the Imperial State of Iran and the desire you've shown for dialogue and engagement with Iran, will long be remembered within Iran, as it shows us we have a true friend and partner in the Celestial Empire. It is my greatest hope that our two ancient empires might come together during this time and begin to work together for the mutual benefit of our two civilizations and our respective people's.".

The Shahanshah then motioned with his hand for the Shahbanu to lead the way and escort the Celestial Empress to the huge motorcade of domestically designed and manufactured vehicles, which belonged to the Javidan Guards. Over three dozen ARAS SUV's flanked either side of a dozen large IKAP Peugeot 508 luxury sedans, while a platoon of fifty mounted Pahlavi Calvary Guardsmen in full ceremonial dress were assembled at the head of the Javidan Guards motorcade, with at least two dozen Shahrbani IKCO Samand Soren police cruisers in both the front and back of the motorcade. The Shahanshah and Shahbanu were seated within the center of the motorcade inside an IKAP Peugeot 508 luxury sedan, along with the Celestial Empress, with whom the reigning Iranian monarchs struck up a friendly conversation.

Soon the motorcade was underway and quickly left the grounds of Tehran Reza Shah International Airport and entered the capital city of the Imperial State of Iran itself, where tens of thousands of citizens lined the road, held back by officers of the Shahrbani and other Imperial Iranian security services, as many cheered and waved the national flags of the two great empires. While huge flags of the Celestial Empire and Imperial State of Iran hung down under overpasses, under which the motorcade would cross, while large flags of both Empires adorned storefront windows and hung from the street lights, all making for an extremely celebratory and festive occasion.

The motorcade then entered the heart of Tehran and it's ancient citadel, where Golestan Palace had been constructed to serve as a sort of Imperial Iranian Kremlin. Like the Kremlin, Golestan Palace was the seat of Imperial power within the Imperial State of Iran and was a series of many breathtaking palaces ans complexes, which were essential to the function of both the monarchy and the government. Seemingly magical trappings of Imperial splendour were held within Golestan Palace, from its famed terraces and gardens, to its centuries old library which held countless rare books, historical documents, ancient manuscripts, and thr finest collection of classical persian poetry in existence. The seventeen buildings which made up Golestan Palace were constructed by the Qajar Dynasty over four centuries earlier and Golestan Palace had served as the primary residence of both the Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties since it was completed.

Having arrived in the awe inspiring courtyard, the Shah and Shahbanu showed the Celestial Empress into perhaps Golestan Palaces most beautiful feature, the famed "Hall of Mirrors", which would serve as a truly amazing backdrop for what the Shahanshah of Iran and many leading Iranian policy makers hoped would be a watershed meeting between the two ancient Asian empires.

The Shahanshah motioned for the Shahbanu ans Celestial Empress to be seated at a central table within the Brilliant Hall, as an army of household servants began a tea service for the Imperial monarchs. The Shahanshah then said to the Celestial Empress "So your majesty, what brings you to Tehran on such short notice? And is their anything that my staff can do to make your stay with us more comfortable?".

Hall of Mirrors within Golestan Palace -​

 

[Nicole]

@Centurius

 

[Centurius]

"The honour is all mine, your majesties. Both our empires have had an amazing impact on the development of the world and the cultural understanding that exists within it. It is safe to say that without our states the modern world might not even exist. As such I see it as a good sign that we have managed to make returns around the same time. It is our people we serve and I am glad to see my desire for our mutual prosperity is shared so warmly in Iran" Zhi replied with a smile.

Following her hosts to the motorcade she inspected the impressive display of military power and ceremony the Iranians had prepared. Even with the People's Liberation Army not insignificant force she was still impressed. As the motorcade started driving Zhi made sure to take in the amazing sights on her trip from the airport to the palace. The Celestial Empire surely was not lacking in splendour but it was just nice to see something else for a change, and Persia certainly had that to offer. The citizens along the motorcade cheering made her nearly emotional though she managed to hide it. "I am pleased to say your people most certainly know how to make a guest feel welcome. I don't think even my own people came out in these numbers" She said with a laugh.

Perhaps even more impressive than all of that was the palace, the Hall of Mirrors nearly took her breath away in how awe-inspiring it truly was. It took the Shahanshah speaking again for her to return to the meeting at hand. "Perhaps it is easier if we drop the honorifics now that we are in private circles, it does save us a few words" Zhi said with a grin. "As for what brings me here. A strong Iran has always been the backbone of the Middle East and by extension Asia at large. The Celestial Empire would like to make sure that such a strong regime is given both friendship and support so that both our empires may prosper. And I could not even hope to ask more of yourselves, your amazing staff and people than you have already offered me. You have made me feel truly welcome here"

 

[Nicole]

Sitting in the center of the glimmering Hall of Mirrors within Golestan Palace, the awe-inspiring mirror work and fine craftsmanship of the Iranian artisans who had built the hall, truly came into focus. One could get a complete sense for the high culture and imperial splendour of the Persian Empire in centuries past. Having led the overthrow of the Ayatollahs, the Shahanshah and Shahbanu wanted to reintroduce the world to this highly artistic, cultured, and progressive side of Iran, all the while continually striving to rapidly modernize the Iranian economy and indeed the whole of Iranian society.

The Shahanshah smiled at the Celestial Empress and said "We Iranians are known for our hospitality towards guests and the relationship between the Iranian people and their King is so close that it is almost as if we are one family. So you are the guest of my wife and I and as such my people have come out to greet you and make you feel welcome, as family members welcoming a guest into their home.".

With that, waiters came over and poured the finest French champagne into three glasses which had been already been placed in front of the three monarchs. Raising his glass, the Shahanshah said "Between friendly monarchs of equal status, I am happy to be called Mohammad and my wife Farah. Now for a toast. To the continued prosperity of the Imperial State of Iran and the Celestial Empire and for the success of our endeavours here today!". The Shahanshah and Shahbanu then took a sip of Champagne and prepared to begin what was an extremely important meeting for the early success of their domestic reform efforts and foreign policy initiatives.

The Shahanshah listened in silent contemplation as the Empress spoke, quite happy that the Celestial Empire not only understood Iran's influence and traditional role within the Middle East, but also for the whole of Asia and the wider world. While the Empresses offer of friendship and support to Iran and the Shahanshah was certainly most appreciated and had the potential to significantly speed the planned reforms, whose first phase was nearly ready to be announced publicly.

The Shahanshah spoke once the Empress was finished speaking and said "It would appear that you have arrived at the perfect time! It is almost as if our meeting is a part of a divine plan, as I have been planning a massive modernization and reform effort of almost every aspect of Iran with my ministers and various other experts. This modernization and reform plan has several different phases and we are nearly ready to begin phase one of the plan, which calls for many things, but most importantly raising capital from both public and private sources. To do this, I have approved the sale of shares totaling 20-25% of the total assets of the Imperial Iranian National Oil Company, which are presently valued at $200,000,000,000. This will only increase in value, as our modernization drive seeks to fully modernize the infrastructure of Iran's oil and gas industry, as well as our transportation network, so not only will we be able to more efficiently and cost effectively extract petroleum and natural gas, we will be able to move it to the worlds markets much cheaper than before, which will obviously increase IINOC's profits.

Should the Celestial Empire wish to guarantee the security of your oil and gas imports from boycotts or blockades, I can think of no better way to do this than buying 5-10% of the Imperial Iranian National Oil Company. This would ensure that the Celestial Empire has a secure guaranteed stream of energy, which is vital for the continued economic growth of the empire. Now I'm more than aware that the Celestial Empire is undergoing a costly modernization program and military buildup program of your own. Due to this I believe that we can come up with an offset arrangement, that will see Iran purchasing a cooresponding amount of arms, aerospace technology, civil equipment, intellectual property rights, and services from firms from the Celestial Empire, which will match the dollar value of the percentage of IINOC that the Celestial Empire might choose to buy.

I think of mutual interest to both of our nations and an ally of yours, regarding IINOC, energy security, etc, would be the construction of a truly ambitious mega-project, the construction of an undersea oil and gas pipeline from our oil and gas terminals at Chabahar Port, which would come ashore at a designated location or locations in India, where it could directly supply Indian markets and those of the Celestial Empire. Of course we would have to discuss this with your Indian allies, as this project requires their close cooperation, in order to build the necessary oil and gas terminals within India, as well as the transportation infrastructure to ensure the efficient supply of oil and gas to the Celestial Empire via an overland route. While this is certainly a mega-project, it's worthwhile as it would supply both India and China with a secure supply of oil and gas, which foreign aggressors would be unable to cutoff with a naval blockade of the South China Sea or the Strait of Malacca. So this mega-project is of vital important to both of your nations national security, given the current tensions in the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca at this time.

How does all of this sound to the Celestial Empress? Intriguing I hope.".

@Centurius

 

[Nicole]

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