Abu Mansur Muhammad ibn Abd al-Razzaq was the chivalrous governor and commander of Tus during the Samanid era, revered by Ferdowsi as his chief early benefactor and patron. Endowed with heroic ancestry, profound wisdom, modesty, and extraordinary generosity, he held wealth and dust in equal measure. He nurtured and protected Ferdowsi like a delicate fruit, insulating him from hardship while encouraging his epic enterprise. Tragically, Abu Mansur fell victim to treacherous conspirators—described metaphorically as 'man-slaying sea-monsters'—disappearing without a trace. Ferdowsi faithfully carried out his patron's final advice to dedicate the completed chronicle of kings to the monarchs of the realm.