Previous Chapter Recap:
In Chapter 54, Zayd ibn Suleiman attended his first Merchant Council session. There, he witnessed the true power play of Amir Fahad ibn Rashid, who tried to corner him with subtle insults and questions about his new ventures. Zayd, however, responded with sharp wit and calm intelligence, turning the attention of the council toward Fahad's aggressive tone and walking out with dignity. Aftab, Zayd's cousin and former city guard captain, stood by his side, watching the council's intrigues unfold.
After the tension of the council session, Zayd returned to his shop. He now understood one important truth—business alone was not enough. To grow, he had to secure allies in the world of politics. Without that, Fahad and men like him could easily strangle his business with bribes, taxes, and city laws.
A week later, Aftab came to Zayd with news.
Aftab: "Zayd, I heard something from my old contacts in the guard. The city lord's youngest son, Yusuf ibn Khalid, is trying to make a name for himself. But no merchant or noble is backing him."
Zayd leaned back in his chair, thinking.
Zayd: "Why not?"
Aftab: "Because he's the third son. The eldest already controls trade routes. The second son has the army's respect. Yusuf… has nothing. He is seen as a dreamer, so no one is willing to risk money or reputation on him."
Zayd smiled. That was exactly what he needed—someone underestimated, someone hungry, someone with potential.
Two days later, Zayd attended a small gathering at the estate of Lord Khalid, the city's ruler. Among the guests, he found Yusuf ibn Khalid—a young man of about twenty, sharp-eyed but frustrated, speaking to no one.
Zayd approached with calm confidence.
Zayd: "Peace be upon you, Yusuf ibn Khalid. I am Zayd ibn Suleiman, a merchant of the city."
Yusuf raised a brow, surprised that someone acknowledged him.
Yusuf: "Ah, one of the new merchants. You must have heard—I am not exactly favored by anyone here."
Zayd: "That is why I seek you out. Great men are often ignored at first. You only need someone to recognize your worth."
Yusuf studied him, then gave a bitter laugh.
Yusuf: "You speak well, but words mean little without support. My father invests in my elder brothers. Merchants follow them. I have nothing."
Zayd: "Then let me be the first to stand with you."
From that moment, Zayd began supporting Yusuf ibn Khalid in subtle but effective ways.
Financial Support – Zayd discreetly offered Yusuf funds to organize small tournaments and gatherings in his name. A few horse races, archery displays, and poetry evenings—events that brought people to notice Yusuf.
Public Image – Zayd used his connections with craftsmen to ensure Yusuf always appeared well-dressed, with fine cloaks and riding horses. Slowly, whispers began: "Perhaps the third son has some hidden strength."
Political Positioning – In council discussions, whenever Yusuf's name was dismissed, Zayd would step in.
Zayd (to merchants): "Do not underestimate the young lord. The future is often shaped by those overlooked today."
One evening, after sponsoring a horse race, Yusuf came to Zayd in private.
Yusuf: "You risk much by standing with me. Why? What do you gain?"
Zayd met his gaze steadily.
Zayd: "I see in you what others ignore. A man who only needs the right stage to prove himself. If you rise, I rise with you. And if you fall, I fall with you. But I prefer to place my bets on those who burn with ambition."
Yusuf was silent for a long moment, then smiled faintly.
Yusuf: "Then you are braver than the rest. Perhaps even wiser. If I succeed, you will not be forgotten."
Zayd left that night satisfied. For the first time, he had secured not just a business ally—but a political partner.
End of Chapter 55