The Rashīdī History 84.2

84.2

Having agreed upon this plan of action, the Khan appointed people to go to Moghulistan with the flocks. He [also] sent to collect the flocks destined for Moghulistan. But some rebellious men tried to instil into the mind of Muhammad Haidar Mirza, that when the Khan arrived in Moghulistan he would plunder the Mirza's people; and many like impossibilities did they suggest, such as could only proceed from Satan; but the Mirza, in his simplicity, gave ear to all they said, and began to consider how he might avert these evils. Those devils [Shiatin] said to him: "When the flocks reach the Khan, and he is able to make a start, we will influence his younger son, Ahmad Khan, who is accompanying his father, to separate himself from him. We will then fortify ourselves in this citadel and defy the Khan. When the hour of the Khan's departure comes he will suspect nothing, and will march into Moghulistan, while we shall remain established in Aksu." This base and senseless plan was acceptable in the sight of Muhammad Haidar Mirza. Just as the Khan was about to start, they suddenly closed the gates of Aksu. Sultan Ahmad Khan fled to Muhammad Haidar Mirza; and they all rose in rebellion. Yunus Khan sent a messenger to the Mirza, to treat with him, but to no purpose. So the Khan finally abandoned his march, and entering the other fort, put it into a state of defence. He then despatched a messenger to Sultan Mahmud Khan, who after seventeen days arrived with a force of 30,000 men.