The Na'ib seized gifts intended for the Emperor because of their high value, and attempted to levy a tax on them.[22] Refusing to pay, Iyasu banned a northern province from supplying Habesh with food on pain of death.[22] The Na'ib was forced to give back the goods, supplemented with rugs in order to prevent famine in Habesh.[22] In later interactions in the mid-18th century, the Na'ib would prevail over Iyasu II through his threat of killing Ethiopian clergy impounded in Massawa as a retaliation for cutting off food.[23]