Chapter 183 Pig Raising Plan
In order to find a suitable candidate to serve as the Grand Duke of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Parliament traveled all over Europe and finally chose Alexander Joseph of Battenburg.
It turns out that Alexander Joseph was not a qualified monarch. Although he had connections with Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Russian Empire, his mind was not very clear and he had no idea what he was doing. .
The powerful figures in the Kingdom of Bulgaria played a very bad role in this process. They did not assist Alexander in governing the country. Instead, they gradually inspired Alexander's ambitions and gave Alexander great power. Thinking, eventually the situation deteriorated to the point where it was unmanageable.
“Go ahead, brighten your eyes this time, and don’t find inappropriate people again.”
George had no idea about the Grand Duke of Bulgaria. Compared with Bulgaria, Vladivostok was a more perfect base.
Bulgaria is surrounded by enemies on three sides. Once war breaks out, it will face the threat of the Ottoman Empire.
From this perspective, Alexander was actually right. The Russian Empire only stationed one regiment in Bulgaria and could not guarantee the security of the Kingdom of Bulgaria at all.
George also didn’t understand why the Russian Empire only stationed one regiment in Bulgaria.
After asking Milyutin, George learned that the Russian Empire’s protection of Bulgaria was actually free, which George couldn’t understand.
In the 21st century, for U.S. troops stationed abroad, not only are all military expenditures borne by the host country, but the host country also has to pay protection fees in order to obtain so-called security protection.
Russia had little to gain from the Tenth Russo-Turkish War. Even military expenses abroad had to be borne by the empire. No wonder the empire's finances were stretched thin.
“This is not good—”
Milyutin hesitated. The Tsar had always regarded himself as the protector of the Balkan Slavic brothers. Isn’t it natural for the big brother to protect the younger brothers?
“You misunderstood, this is not that we are asking Bulgaria for military expenses, but out of gratitude to the Empire, the Bulgarian Parliament voluntarily replaced the Empire’s garrison in Bulgaria with the latest equipment and provided better logistics. Guarantee, so that the imperial soldiers stationed in Bulgaria will have no worries. ”
George's military expenses are not a one-time payment, but are paid every year.
Bulgaria's strength is limited and its military expenditures are not sufficient. Most of its military expenditures are used to maintain the empire's garrison in Bulgaria. Bulgaria does not have the strength to form its own army.
The saying that political power comes from the barrel of a gun will never go out of style. If no one is willing to take it away, ambition will naturally not breed.
As for what to do after the war breaks out?
This is easy to handle. Even if Bulgaria falls, the empire will help Bulgaria recover.
This is the gift of reincarnation. This kind of kindness is big enough.
"Will the Bulgarian Parliament agree?"
Milyugin is dozens of years old, and he actually has an embarrassed expression on his face.
What's so embarrassing about this?
This is not begging. Not only do you not need to be embarrassed, but you should feel proud of it.
The Russian Empire helped Bulgaria gain independent status.
Out of gratitude, Bulgaria recognized the Tsar’s status as protector of the Slavs and asked for the protection of the Russian Empire. What does this mean?
This fully proves that the feelings between the Russian Empire and the Balkan Slavs are unshakable.
Let Mi Liujing handle this matter. Most likely, Mi Liujing won't be able to speak. After all, he is a person who wants to lose face.
George didn't care anymore. He had already gained a bad reputation now, so it didn't matter how arrogant he was, so George sent someone to find Clemont.
Uh, not looking for it.
Clement is also the Speaker of the House, so how can he use such an impolite way as "looking for".
It should be "please".
George did not go around in circles with Clemont and made his request straightforwardly.
"Honorable Super Duke Yurievsky, your troops already have the most advanced weapons and equipment, do they still need to change their equipment?"
Clemont hoped that George would be as merciful as the Czar.
"Bulgaria is not worthy of the Oak Corps being stationed for a long time. I am not discussing with you, just informing you."
George does not follow this trick. Everyone will say that he is obedient. As long as George is honest Real benefits.
"Duke, if you do this, you may hurt the feelings of the Bulgarians and affect the image of St. Petersburg in the minds of the Bulgarians."
Clement is euphemistic, meaning that you dare to act recklessly, I'm going to St. Petersburg to complain.
"The imperial garrison in Bulgaria has brought security to Bulgaria. Bulgarians should be full of gratitude. Whose feelings are hurt by the so-called hurt feelings? The Liberals? Don't worry about this problem. There will no longer be a Liberal Party in Bulgaria. ”
George hates people who always represent others. They use the emperor to control the princes. You so-called people of the people, you are holding the public opinion and morality hostage. The Bulgarians agree to let you Do you represent them?
The members of the Bulgarian Parliament are not elected by Bulgarians one person and one vote.
If Bulgarians were given a choice, most Bulgarians would let the Tsar become the Grand Duke of Bulgaria, rather than a young officer serving in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Military rule itself is terrifying enough.
He is such a young officer, so he is worried that the superimposed effect is not enough.
"Duke, Duke, isn't this good-"
Clement was stunned. He knew that George was arrogant, but he didn't expect George to be so arrogant.
"Can you do it? If you can't do it, I will advise the marshal to find someone who can do it."
George was very dissatisfied with Clemont. If he couldn't find a more suitable person, George would not let someone like Clemont be the acting speaker.
Clemont served as speaker, but was ousted by Stefan after only four months. Even Stefan can't play well, so who has the right to make demands from George.
Climont was helpless. He asked to see Milyutin, hoping that Milyutin could persuade George to take back his life.
Milyugin's attitude is still very good, but on this issue, Milyugin said that he couldn't control George.
Milyutin is no longer Russia's Minister of War.
"Clement, I think you should understand that St. Petersburg is very disappointed with Alexander and your performance. His Majesty's patience is disappearing, so I think your most important task now is to consolidate St. Petersburg's trust in you."
Milyutin hoped that Clemont would pay honestly. In fact, it was not much, only 3.5 million rubles per year.
Russia’s annual military expenditure is more than 100 million rubles, and 3.5 million is indeed not much.
But the Russian Empire only has a few troops stationed in Bulgaria. If there is no need to replace equipment, 3.5 million is more than enough to support two divisions.
“Marshal, it’s not that I disagree, it’s just that Bulgaria cannot afford the money.”
Clemont was really helpless, it was not a matter of how much money he had.
"If this is the case, I would suggest you to talk to Super Duke Yurievsky."
Milyutin pointed the way for Clemont.
George is not just asking for money. He is now a well-known money-loving boy in St. Petersburg. In terms of making money, Milyutin considers himself far inferior to George.
Well, don’t talk about Milyugin.
No one in this era knows how to make money better than George.
Clement really went to find George.
George was curious. The great monk was so stupid when he chanted sutras. He couldn't do such a simple thing.
What a great opportunity now. The opposition parties in the parliament have been wiped out. The reason why those people were able to enter the parliament is that they have quite rich properties. Let alone Stefan’s fall, Bulgaria is full. At least You can also eat 80% full.
But things like ransacking homes are a one-time deal and cannot last long.
If George wants the Bulgarian Parliament to be willing to pay this money, and pay it every year, then he has to help Clemont find a way.
Bulgaria is not rich in natural resources. It is not as good as Romania. Romania at least has oil.
Bulgaria is quite rich in forest resources, but the most indispensable thing for all countries these days is wood -
It cannot be said that Japan lacks forest resources.
This shows how scarce Japan’s resources are.
Everything is lacking except people.
Outstanding is a capable student.
The main revenue of the Bulgarian government comes from agricultural taxation, but most of the land in Bulgaria is controlled by large landowners and the emerging bourgeoisie.
George was very curious. Bulgaria had just become independent a few years ago and had suffered a lot of legacy from the Ottoman Empire. The land should be concentrated in the hands of the Bulgarian government.
But why has land annexation in Bulgaria become so serious in just a few years?
After asking Clemont, I learned that most of the land left by the Ottoman nobles had been bought by the Liberals headed by Stefan.
Oh, it’s no wonder that the Liberals want to get rid of the control of the Russian Empire.
A new class of vested interests has formed in Bulgaria.
But this cannot be said to be a bad thing.
“This is easy to handle. Just confiscate all the land and properties in their names and sell them again.”
George only had one problem to worry about.
This is the routine of fattening pigs and then slaughtering them.
If the Bulgarian government realizes the benefits of this routine, there will never be peace in Bulgaria in the future.
But what does this have to do with the Russian Empire?
Whether it is pig raising or pig slaughtering, it is the Bulgarian government and has nothing to do with the Russian Empire.
If the Bulgarian Parliament or the Bulgarian government makes people angry, the Russian Empire can just step in to eliminate the harm for the people and gain another wave of goodwill.
Clement still doesn’t know George’s plan.
But I feel vaguely in my heart that this is not a good way. There should be a better way.
There must be a better way, but George is not the Grand Duke of Bulgaria, so he does not have to try his best.
What George did in Vladivostok, Bulgaria can learn from it. Although it will take a few years of hardship in the beginning, as long as you survive the most difficult stage, your strength will improve by leaps and bounds.
The key still lies in strength and courage.
(End of this chapter)