In those days, as the renown of King Khosrow Anushirvan's justice and authority resonated across every realm, the wise Khaqan of China observed the shifting balance of the world. Understanding that tranquility lay in alliance rather than confrontation with the Iranian throne, he convened a grand council of his ministers, sages, and noble advisers.
Together they deliberated upon how best to win the favor of the Sasanian emperor. The Khaqan commanded his royal treasurer to unseal the high vaults and assemble a tribute beyond measure, worthy of so august a monarch. A magnificent caravan was prepared, laden with fine Chinese steeds of pure lineage, shimmering brocades of silk, ornate imperial thrones, jeweled crowns, razor-sharp blades, and signet rings set with precious gems. To this marvel of riches, he added thirty thousand gold dinars, packed carefully in brocade pouches upon swiftest dromedaries.
To bear these treasures, the Khaqan selected an envoy from among his highest lords—an eloquent diplomat seasoned by travel across the known world. He then summoned an elite scribe to compose a royal letter upon pure silk. The craftsman rendered the document with such luminous artistry that it resembled the legendary Arzhang of China, filling the silk with a hundred thousand blessings and praises dedicated to the Great King Kasra Anushirvan.
#1
خردمند خاقان بدان روزگار
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همی دوستی جست با شهریار
“In those days, the wise Khaqan sought to forge a bond of friendship with the King of Iran.”
#2
یکی چند بنشست با رای‌زن
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همه نامداران شدند انجمن
“He sat in counsel with his wisest advisers, gathering all the renowned nobles of his realm.”
#3
بدان دوستی را همی جای جست
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همان از رد و موبدان رای جست
“He sought a way to establish that alliance, asking counsel from the grandees and high priests.”
#4
یکی هدیه آراست پس بی‌شمار
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همه یاد کرد از در شهریار
“Then he prepared a gift beyond measure, selecting treasures truly worthy of the Iranian monarch.”
#5
ز اسبان چینی و دیبای چین
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ز تخت وز تاج وز تیغ و نگین
“Fine steeds of China and brocades of silk, alongside thrones, crowns, sharp blades, and jeweled rings.”
#6
طرایف که باشد به چین اندرون
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بیاراست از هر دری برهیون
“He gathered every manner of fine curiosity in China and loaded them upon swift dromedaries.”
#7
ز دینار چینی ز بهر نثار
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به گنجور فرمود تا سی هزار
“From the treasures of China, he commanded his treasurer to bring thirty thousand gold dinars as tribute.”
#8
بیاورد و با هدیه‌ها یار کرد
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دگر را همه بار دینار کرد
“He brought forth the gold and paired it with the gifts, loading camel after camel with purses of dinars.”
#9
سخنگوی مردی بجست از مهان
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خردمند و گردیده گرد جهان
“He sought out an eloquent man among the nobles—a wise ambassador who had traveled the wide world.”
#10
بفرمود تا پیش اوشد دبیر
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ز خاقان یکی نامه‌ای برحریر
“He summoned a royal scribe before him to draft a letter from the Khaqan upon fine silk.”
#11
نبشتند برسان ارژنگ چین
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سوی شاه با صد هزار آفرین
“They adorned the writing like Mani's Arzhang of China, addressing it to the King with a hundred thousand blessings.”