King Khosrow Anushirvan, seeking to fortify the discipline and fairness of his realm, entrusted the management of the War Office and troop stipends to a wise and unyielding Mobad named Babak. Babak erected an elevated platform draped in royal carpets and summoned the entire Iranian host. Proclamations echoed across the camp declaring that every champion who sought a wage from the Crown had to appear mounted, clad in full chainmail, steel helmet, and bearing maces and bows.
The host gathered until the sky grew dark with the dust of chargers, but when Babak surveyed the ranks, he observed neither the royal banner nor the person of King Khosrow. Upholding the sacred principle that military muster knows no favoritism or fear of status, Babak refused to issue a single coin and ordered the entire army to disperse. On the second day, the same scene unfolded, and again Babak sent the troops home without pay.
On the third day, a stern herald announced that even he who possessed a crown and elevated throne must know that the War Office observes no modesty or dread of power. Hearing this, Khosrow Anushirvan laughed in deep admiration of his minister's unbending integrity. The King donned his iron helmet with Roman mail, grasped his bull-headed mace, strapped on his bow, lasso, and quiver, and rode directly to the muster ground. Before Babak, Khosrow spurred his steed, executing magnificent combat maneuvers like blazing fire.
Babak marveled at the monarch's martial brilliance and praise-worthy submission to the rule of law. Offering prayers to the Creator, Babak allocated the King the highest warrior stipend plus a single symbolic drachm. When the review concluded, Babak approached the throne to explain that his sternness stemmed solely from a devotion to justice. Khosrow warmly embraced him, declaring that a realm flourishes only when its ministers hold truth and duty above all royal power.