Tarikh-i Iradat Khan 8: Intrigues of the four Princes.

8

The four Princes were constantly intriguing against each other, to obtain influence in the management of public affairs, which occasioned much delay and confusion in business, so that the Khan-khanan thought it happy to steer his vessel safe through four such great seas, and could not act so independently as he wished, being obliged to attend to the capricious interests of others, among which he found it difficult to preserve his own. Among the remarkable occurrences was the decline of Jahan Shah's influence with his father, and the rise of that of 'Azimu-sh Shan, of whom till now the Emperor had ever been suspicious. The Prince Jahan Shah was of haughty and independent spirit, ready to take fire on the smallest neglect. This, with the behaviour of his servants, alarmed and displeased the Khan-khanan, who for his own safety watched an opportunity to destroy the Prince's influence in public affairs: a task of no great difficulty to one well acquainted with the disposition of Shah 'Alam, almost equally warm with his son, who had more than once displeased him by his behaviour. The Prince upon this thought to prove his disinterestedness and independence by neglecting to frequent the darbár, and engage in business as usual. 'Azímu-sh Shán, who had reaped experience in office, and was well versed in the intrigues of a court, perceiving coolness taking place between Jahán Sháh and the Khán-khánán, paid so much flattering attention to the latter, that by degrees he gained his confidence. This gave still more offence to Jahán Sháh, who had too much pride to expostulate, but neglected the minister in return. He soon after fell sick, and his indisposition continuing a long time, gave 'Azímu-sh Shán ample opportunities of acquiring influence over Sháh 'Álam. * * *
'Azímu-sh Shán, having thus gained the credit he aimed at with his father and the minister, employed it in softening the rigour of government against those who laboured under its displeasure; thinking that, thus obliged by his mediation, they would readily return his favours, by embracing his cause, whenever the death of his father should give him a claim to the empire.