Bulgar on the Volga River was also a prosperous nation of city-states, and Bulgar was the most dazzling pearl among them.
Of course, Suvar, which was also very prosperous, had strong objections to this, and if mentioned in front of them, it might even lead to arguments, but to outsiders, this was the most prosperous city on the Volga River.
The layout of Bulgar City was concentric circles, much like the Round City of Baghdad, with the Khan's fortress at the center, surrounded by tall oak walls, and towering turrets at the corners of the wooden walls.
The fortress within the city was encircled by two earthen walls; nobles, wealthy merchants, and other prominent citizens resided in the center, while metalworkers, blacksmiths, jewelers, and bone carvers lived in separate communities, and outside the inner city gates was the foreign merchant quarter.
The outer city was primarily inhabited by artisans, merchants, and ordinary citizens, while to the west and north outside the city were vast urban cemeteries, with the still-wild suburbs in between them.
Various buildings stood in Bulgar, and residents' homes included wooden houses, brick houses, and even earthen houses, showcasing multiple architectural styles.
The tall white stone mosque overlooked everything, and the minaret was the highest point in the entire city, representing Allah's rule over this city.
The religious academy was always the busiest place in this city, where scholars from all corners of the world listened to the teachings of religious mentors, practiced writing and calligraphy, making it the most culturally rich place in all of Eastern Europe.
Many buildings within Bulgar City had styles from Baghdad and Khorasan; faith in Allah allowed the Bulgar state to draw nourishment from southern civilizations to strengthen itself.
Even the Khan's palace was like this, with Baghdad-style colonnades and engraved Arabic teachings of the Prophet visible everywhere, constantly exuding a southern, civilized aura.
And within the palace, the important figures of Bulgar were discussing a major matter, which was about the silver mine in Kashin.
Although it was the cold North, the people indoors were not heavily dressed, and there were no burning stoves; this was due to a heating system beneath the floor, based on Byzantine technology and modified by Bulgar artisans, where warm air and heat permeated the floor, bringing warmth into the rooms.
Therefore, even wearing thin clothes, one still did not feel cold, and the civilization of Bulgar was also reflected in these details.
"Allah is the greatest, we should act immediately and seize that mine. This is a silver mine, and it must not be left in the hands of the Rus', that would be a waste of heavenly resources!"
The speaker was Akad Mosque Tulu, the current Bulgar Khan's cousin, but the same age as the Khan. He was dressed in gold and silver, with countless gold and silver ornaments hanging on him, a picture of wealth, like a nouveau riche.
"Akad, are you trying to start a war? Don't forget, we make money relying on the Volga trade route. If the Rus' block the upstream trade route, our losses will be enormous."
Akad's words drew a wave of opposition. Like the Rus', the Bulgar elite also relied on commerce to earn gold and silver; the Volga trade route was as vital to them as their lifeblood.
"As long as we seize that silver mine, these losses will be a drop in the ocean. The news from the Rus' side has been seen, you can't not know how big that silver mine is, can you? Don't you want to get your hands on it?"
Akad's words immediately subdued everyone. They already knew about the richness of the silver mine, but caution made them unwilling to act.
Because with the development of this silver mine, the Volga trade route would become even more prosperous. Since they could make money lying down, why should they seize it? Seizing it might lead to a complete mess, ending up with nothing.
But as Akad said, if they seized it, those losses would indeed be a drop in the ocean, but if they couldn't, then...
"Khan, what do you think?"
Everyone turned their gaze to the Khan, Ashraf Baruch Tulu, sitting in the main seat. The Khan wore a yellow robe, and his throne was engraved with a roaring wolf.
This was a totem worship shared by the Turks, and even after converting to Allah, some things were still retained, as the jurists could not shake the Bulgar Khans' affection for it.
"Let our envoy first tell us about the situation in Northeast Rus'."
Compared to Akad's energetic demeanor, the Khan was clearly feeling overwhelmed, with fatigue written all over his face, and he had been distracted during the previous several tens of minutes of discussion.
However, even though the Khan was distracted, he still knew what was being discussed. He did not comment, only called for an envoy.
Aleff, who had previously visited Rostislav, walked in. He first bowed to the nobles present. His family was merely a chieftain outside Bulgar, a minor noble here.
At the Khan's signal, Aleff recounted everything he had experienced in Northeast Rus', his negotiations with Rostislav, how this Prince had rejected his proposal, and the information he had gathered about this Prince and the silver mine, and finally, his bribery of the Rus' nobles.
Upon hearing of Rostislav's illustrious military achievements, the Bulgar elites present could not help but be surprised. In their original view, the Rurik boy who went to Northeast Rus' to be a Prince must have been an outcast of the family, but it turned out he was a courageous warrior.
This made many people worried, as for so many years, Bulgar had suffered more defeats than victories against the Rus', and many still remembered the great defeat 60 years ago.
But Akad remained indifferent to this.
"Isn't he just good at fighting? Don't forget how strong we are now. The Bulgar Army is enough to crush him before his uncle can reinforce him. Gentlemen, it's no longer 60 years ago. We will not repeat our ancestors' mistakes, and we will avenge our ancestors' defeat!"
Akad's words stirred everyone present. The defeat against the Rus' 60 years ago was a thorn in everyone's heart. That defeat led to the loss of a large amount of land in the west and forced them to bow to the Rus'.
For years, they had wanted revenge, but all attempts had failed.
The elites in the hall became agitated, already attracted by the future Akad had painted. They could gain economic benefits and avenge their ancestors' humiliation, so why not?
As the hall grew noisier, finally, the Khan raised his arm. Seeing this, everyone quieted down, awaiting the Khan's command.
"So be it. Prepare for battle. Let's take that silver mine."
The Khan's words carried a hint of helplessness. The situation was such that he had no choice but to agree. His cousin had stirred up the atmosphere again, so he could only choose to comply.
"Long live the Khan!"
A chorus of cheers erupted, and Akad was naturally the center of the jubilation. It was he who had outlined a beautiful future for everyone, and it was he who would lead everyone towards that beautiful future.
Meanwhile, the Khan on the throne sighed. His cousin's son was the same age as him and had already become the leader of the people, while his own son was still so young, and he felt his body was failing him. Although his cousin's body was still well, he was, after all, 20 years older than him.
This future... it was truly worrying.
May Allah protect us.
Finally, the Khan could only think so powerlessly.
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