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27 Persians, accustomed to pomp and show, were astonished to see the mother of their sovereign riding astride on a camel without a veil and passing through the streets of Isfahan. But the situation did not improve. Rumours were afoot amongst the Afghan soldiers that Mahmud was too friendly to foreigners, was neglecting his old comrades, who had stood by him in many a battle field, and that he had not only adopted the manners and customs of the Persians, but was secretly inclined to Shiaism. These reports were on the increase in the army. To add to his embarrassment, the two principal Afghan chiefs, Ashraff and Assadullah, had turned against him and were the cause of spreading these false reports. Mahmud was ultimately forced by his soldiers to recall the former from Kandahar and nominate him his successor. The latter had also left him and returned to Kandahar. Though a reconciliation took place, but it was not sincere. Ashraff, his cousin, never forgave Mahmud for the murder of his father. He had always been a thorn in Mahmud's side and was jealous of his success. But Ashraff was very popular