Chapter 126 About the Banquet
The whole wedding process is actually quite complicated, because this is the second sultan's wedding to be treated grandly in the history of the Ottoman Empire.
The first person to do this was Suleiman the Magnificent. He was an unparalleled boss who held the top accounts of the Ottoman Empire. He could do whatever he wanted and flatter whomever he wanted. .
His wedding did not need to be calculated like that of Emperor Sai. The King of France had to give gifts, the King of England had to send greetings, and the later Emperor Ferdinand of the Shinra had to grovel.
Therefore, when he issued an edict, there was almost nothing to consider except for special religious reasons.
The servants below arranged everything properly.
But Selim faced a different situation. The account in his hand had already been compromised by previous sultans.
He must consider many factors, including political temptations, new economic policies, diplomatic tendencies, and ethnic and religious issues.
The most difficult thing among them is the religious issue. He needs to loosen the shackles bit by bit and open up the social atmosphere.
And this little bit happens to be the place that most tests the monarch's ability.
In the final analysis, many things in the world need to be grasped. Only by grasping the scale well can we succeed.
This wedding is a good testing ground. Emperor Sai could just use this wedding to test the tolerance of the Ulama, headed by the Grand Mufti, to these new measures of his.
At the beginning, Emperor Sai's idea was actually to directly allow men and women to attend the subsequent banquet held at Belem Palace.
Unfortunately, this plan was too whimsical for Emperor Sai, and it was almost impossible for the Ulemas headed by the Grand Mufti to accept the proposal.
Even if King Said made concessions on Sultana's conversion and civil service examination, even if the authority of the Ulema had declined severely, this would not be a topic that could be used for negotiation.
In fact, Selim did not go to test the Grand Mufti's opinion on this matter himself, but sent Ishak Pasha.
According to Isaac Pasha's report, Selim could almost imagine the scene.
Before Isaac Pasha finished speaking, the Grand Mufti's face was already extremely ugly.
The originally dry old face was wrinkled together, like tangled tree roots, making people feel a sense of terror.
"So is this your intention or His Majesty's?"
The Grand Mufti asked softly, with a voice like someone crawling out of an ice cellar. It makes people feel chilling.
However, Ishak Pasha is also experienced, and such words cannot threaten him at all.
He just chuckled.
“If you think it’s okay, then it’s okay, if you think it’s not okay, then it’s okay.
It doesn't matter who meant it, does it?
All I'm here to ask for is an answer from you, and that's what you're going to do, and that's what you're supposed to do.
As for the final implementation, your opinions will be accepted and considered.
"My opinion, my opinion is that it is absolutely not allowed. The Prophet did not pass down such a teaching, and it makes no sense at all. You will be punished by God for doing this."
The Grand Mufti was extremely angry at this time, and his tone was frightening.
"Don't be excited. You have experienced several generations of sultans. Have you really seen a monarch like His Majesty? Maybe never.
The last time such a monarch appeared was two centuries ago, and that was Suleiman the Magnificent.
But since the Great Emperor, the empire has been declining day by day. You have also seen it, right?
If we don’t reform, are we waiting to die? The Russians' ambitions had grown, and the Austrians had a grudge.
Do you have to wait until the empire disintegrates and collapses before you are willing? "
Isaac Pasha asked mercilessly, how can the old man do Tai Chi without putting some pressure on him if he is so good at it.
"This is not just a matter of religion. You know it yourself, Isaac. Don't always talk about it."
said the Grand Mufti.
It was indeed not the case before, but what about now? Don’t you still see the situation clearly? As Grand Mufti.
Think about it carefully, how many forces in the country are still fighting against His Majesty?
Your Majesty has been generous enough to you. Think about the fate of the Praetorian Guards, think about the fate of the Farals, think about the current situation of the Greeks, and think about the situation of the wealthy families.
Look how much they have lost, and how much you, you sects, you ulama have lost?
This does not belong to you in the first place. It is God’s thing and should be judged by God.
Don’t always rely on the teachings of the prophets. There are also many interpretations of the teachings of the prophets. It’s just a matter of whether you are willing or not.
This is no longer two hundred years ago, and failing to recognize this will only make you more embarrassed. "
The Grand Mufti remained silent.
After a while, an old voice came and said softly.
"Your proposal is definitely impossible, but I can make some slight concessions on behalf of others and think of a better solution that can be accepted by the vast majority of people.
Although I am the Grand Mufti, I cannot control all religious groups. There are always religious groups that are difficult for me to reach. These people will only become a destabilizing factor for the empire. If you don't want to cause trouble to Sudan, you'd better modify your plan.
Sometimes, we still have to take our time and not rush.
Blindly acting too hastily will only lead to unpredictable consequences. What happened in Thessaloniki is already the most serious threat to the royal family. Do you want this kind of bad thing to happen again?
Your Majesty is indeed a great monarch that I have never seen before, and I believe that he can lead the empire to complete its revival.
However, we must fulfill our responsibilities as ministers. Blind submission will have no effect. It will only make His Majesty become more and more stubborn and unable to listen to any suggestions.
This is not conducive to the revival of the empire, and you don't even mention this. "
Faced with the Grand Mufti's words, Isaac Pasha didn't care at all. He didn't speak immediately, but he chuckled in his heart.
It doesn't matter whether this old guy is threatening or warning, he is doing something for His Majesty.
To whom is power accountable? Power is only responsible for the source of power. If his power comes from His Majesty, then he will be responsible for His Majesty's affairs.
Originally, His Majesty had no intention of really insisting on this plan. It was enough to be able to obtain the negotiating power on this matter.
Just how to do it? I have to ask Your Majesty, he is just a business person, not a decision-maker, so he cannot cross the line.
"So, what do you think we should do? Dear Isaac."
Selim asked softly after listening to the other party's report.