Chapter 11: Allies in the Darkness
The rumor that the queen would give birth to another stillborn child shattered along with the light that fell from the heavens, and the Pharaoh's prestige seemed to rise to an even higher level.
Even after the miracle disappeared, many people who considered themselves friendly with the royal family attempted to enter the palace to pay homage to the Pharaoh, but without exception, they were all refused.
The soldiers guarding the palace displayed more zeal than usual—there was no need to explain why.
Because of this, Nebchasetnebet was very unhappy after being denied entry into the palace for the second time.
This eldest son of Set I was completely different from his younger brother.
Ramses was robust and powerful, having endured rigorous training under Set I since childhood and had been to many battlefields. No one doubted that he would be a brave and capable Pharaoh.
Nebchasetnebet, however, had never been on a battlefield. His specialty was dealing with all kinds of people, especially officials.
Years of moving between banquets had made this eldest son of Set I quite corpulent.
No one expected him to lead armies, but when it came to civil affairs, he was far better than his younger brother.
For example, now, officials and nobles who couldn't sleep because of the miracle all gathered at his mansion, trying to glean news from the Pharaoh's elder brother.
Though Nebchasetnebet was furious about this, he still prepared feasts for these people and treated them kindly. His face showed not a trace of anger.
Nebchasetnebet and Ramses had very different understandings of power.
Ramses believed the size of power depended on how much control one had over the law, while Nebchasetnebet believed that power was determined by the number of allies.
If Ramses's power came from Set I's will and his own valor, then Nebchasetnebet's power came from banquets and his eyes.
This feast quickly put him in a good mood.
He heard what he liked best—the complaints against Ramses.
At the same time, he found that he still maintained a perfect reputation.
Most of the important people he focused on did not support Ramses. In their eyes, Ramses's youthful recklessness and lack of respect for the elder ministers were unbreakable flaws.
The eldest son of Set I smiled and wandered among these people.
He did not participate in criticizing his brother; instead, he invited them to enjoy date juice and chilled barley beer, winning their favor and praise with his friendly and humble speech, carefully discerning who could become his future allies.
When Nebchasetnebet finally had some free time, a servant came to report that an Asian merchant had been waiting to see him for a long time.
Nebchasetnebet looked in the direction the servant pointed. At the entrance of the hall stood a medium-built man with a small goatee on his chin, dressed in colorful striped clothing, carrying a thick cloth bag.
Nebchasetnebet waved his hand, signaling the man to come over.
The man passed through the guests one by one and respectfully bowed in front of Nebchasetnebet, though he did not look nervous.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Hai. I come from Canaan(country before Israel), but I have worked in your country as a free merchant for a long time."
"What do you sell?"
"High-quality meats and exquisite vases from the north."
"Oh? How exquisite?" Nebchasetnebet smiled. Like all Egyptians, he never believed people outside Egypt could match Egypt's artistry.
Egypt at this time was the richest country in the world, bar none.
"You should know, I only collect rare treasures." Hai said proudly.
"Yes, I only learned that recently." Hai said. "That is why I hope to meet with you."
Then, very solemnly and carefully, he placed the cloth bag on the ground and took out a vase with a narrow neck decorated with a whole silver palm leaf.
"What do you think of this?"
Hai did not immediately get a reply, but Nebchasetnebet's expression said everything.
At first glance at the vase, Nebchasetnebet seemed enchanted, sweat sliding down his forehead. He trembled as he stretched out both hands.
"What an... incomparable masterpiece... How much?"
"No, this is a gift for you." Hai smiled. "Such a masterpiece is best dedicated to the future Pharaoh."
Nebchasetnebet's hands stopped as he was about to take the vase, awakening from desire.
"What did you say?" His voice trembled, but this time not from joy. "I think you're mistaken. My brother is still young, and he will be a great Pharaoh... Tell me, how much!"
"No, noble sir, I am not mistaken. In our business, if we make mistakes, we lose our heads."
Nebchasetnebet's eyes completely left the vase, his hands pulled back. He looked sternly at the merchant before him.
This man was clearly not a merchant.
He cautiously looked around and saw everyone else was eating and drinking and admiring dancing girls, with no one paying attention here.
"What exactly do you want to say?" he asked quietly.
"Sir, you may not know, but many do not want your brother to be Pharaoh."
"Haha, who sent you here, trying to shake my dear brother's rule? I won't allow this—it's a betrayal of the kingdom."
"That's hard to say, sir. Does your father have only one son? Those who love the kingdom don't want a wiser ruler?"
Hai showed a sad and indignant expression.
Nebchasetnebet smiled kindly because he noticed someone nearby seemed to have noticed this side.
He made a friendly gesture, picked up the vase, and admired it. Soon he no longer felt watched.
"You're a bold merchant, so I'll give you a chance. Who exactly are you?"
"Sir, I am just a merchant who has faith in your future and hopes you become Pharaoh. Didn't you say you hoped the kingdom would strengthen trade with foreign lands and change its arrogant attitude, forging friendly and cooperative relations with the strongest nation in Asia?"
This sentence made Nebchasetnebet's hand shake, nearly dropping the rare treasure.
But his expression grew kinder. Hai noticed that the man's attitude had fundamentally changed.
"You work for the Hittites?"
"It's great you understand."
"Heh, understand? Do you know anyone who cooperates with the Hittites is committing treason against the kingdom? Even royal family members pay with their lives. You are bold indeed."
Nebchasetnebet's gaze turned cold.
He thought of Tutankhamun's wife, the poor woman sentenced to death for planning to marry the Hittite prince and hand Egypt to the enemy.
The Hittites... indeed powerful allies. Nebchasetnebet had always thought this hope unrealistic, but now it had become possible.
"I love my kingdom."
"Who doesn't? But you love power more. Cooperation with the Hittites guarantees your success. This gift is proof of your alliance with the Hittite king."
"You mean you want an answer immediately?"
"Yes. My safety depends on it. Because I trust you, I reveal my identity."
"Then I agree. You may tell your master that when I become Pharaoh, our two countries will enjoy peace and wealth."
Nebchasetnebet's reply made Hai beam with joy.
"You truly are a wise man, sir. I will become a merchant dedicated to providing you with rare treasures, so no one will suspect my visits. My master has many precious gifts, all of which will be sent to you."
Hai's flattery made Nebchasetnebet secretly sneer, but outwardly he acted pleased, loudly praising the vase, so many guests heard.
Then he rejoined the guests, showing off the newly acquired treasure until he saw Hai quietly leave.
He smiled faintly, his gaze returning toward the palace.
The strongest ally was now secured. The important thing left was to immediately find out what had happened in the palace that night.