Chapter 1473: Rome's Indecision (First update, please subscribe)
The Palace of Constantine is located on the European coast of the Bosphorus. The palace building stretches 600 meters along the Bosphorus. It is tall, wide and magnificent, vaguely revealing the glory and wealth of the once prosperous Ottoman Empire. This new palace of the Sultan, known as the Dolmabahçe Palace in the Ottoman era, cost a total of 5 million Ottoman gold pounds, equivalent to 35 tons of gold, of which 14 tons of gold were used to make gold foil to decorate the ceiling of the palace.
Such a huge expenditure on building a palace is enough to make Britain silent and France cry. In fact, in the mid-19th century, only the Ottoman Empire could spend such a high price to build a palace. In fact, the Ottoman Empire was crying every day at that time, but it didn’t matter if the country was crying, the key was that as long as the Sultan was happy, it was fine.
However, when the Ottoman Sultans happily moved into the luxurious new palace, they certainly did not expect that more than 20 years later, this extremely luxurious palace would become the imperial palace of the Roman Empire.
Everyone who comes to this palace will marvel at its luxury. However, the owner of this palace, Alexander III, does not like this palace. In his opinion, this palace has too many Ottoman styles. Although he cannot say that he likes it, this palace is still a symbol of Russia's mighty military power.
Although Alexander III has been removing Ottoman traces bit by bit in the past few years, he still left many old products, such as the huge crystal chandelier in the hall supported by 56 columns, which weighs 4.5 tons and is composed of 750 crystal beads. He kept it, after all, it is a chandelier worth millions of rubles.
Can't afford to change...
Walking under the huge crystal chandelier, Alexander III asked Foreign Minister Alexei Borisovich Lobanov-Rostovsky beside him.
"What conditions did the British offer?"
"Your Majesty, the conditions offered by the British are the same as those they proposed through their ambassador to the Netherlands. They are willing to withdraw their troops from Persia in exchange for our withdrawal from the war."
"oh,"
Alexander III just nodded slightly.
"Although the conditions offered by the British are not very attractive, if they are only used as conditions for withdrawing from the war and ceasefire, they are very much in line with our interests."
Unlike his idiot son, Alexander III always had only Russia's interests in his eyes. He once said a sentence that is most popular among Russians: Russia has only two allies - its army and navy.
This was also his principle. Unlike his second-rate son Nicholas who forced his generals to launch the Battle of Tannenberg without any preparation, after the war broke out, facing the requests from France and the Ming Dynasty for them to launch an offensive on the Eastern Front, Alexander III answered directly - the Roman Empire was not yet prepared for war, and the weapons and ammunition of the Roman Empire were not enough to mobilize the army.
In other words - transfer money!
This side of Alexander III is indeed the truest side of Russia. They have never thought of taking risks to help their allies. Not betraying their allies is their greatest loyalty.
"Your Majesty, stopping the war with Britain now is the most advantageous option for us. Not only can we get the whole of Persia without firing a single shot, but we also get the opportunity to sit back and watch the fight between the two tigers."
As Foreign Minister, Lobanov was a typical speculator. In another world, after the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, it was this guy who used the blank "Russian-Qing Treaty" to defraud a large amount of Northeastern interests. They did not pay even a single ruble, but only used a so-called "alliance" and an empty security promise.
Now in the midst of this war, this speculator is still thinking about speculation. After all, this is the nature of many Russians, including Lobanov.
"We can sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. In the end, we can choose the winner as our companion. Your Majesty, for now, this is the most beneficial option for us!"
Alexander III nodded without denying Lobanov's suggestion. In fact, deep down in his heart he also preferred this option.
How nice it is to get something for nothing!
However, as Caesar of the Roman Empire, Alexander III knew very well that he could not only look at the immediate interests.
"At present... it is true. But in the long run, it is not in our interest to be just a Persian. As we all know, if we withdraw from the war, the French will have to face the full-scale attack of Germany and Britain. France cannot fight against these two countries. After France fails, Britain, Germany, the United States and even other countries will go all out to deal with Ming Dynasty. They will all divide up Ming Dynasty's colonies. Perhaps we will also be involved..."
Alexander III said as he walked.
"But this does not change the situation - that is, after the war, Britain and its allies will become stronger, and what about us? We will also be stronger than we are now. Is a strong Russia in Britain's interests?"
In response to His Majesty's question, Lobanov thought for a while and then said.
"Russia is strong enough to cope with any challenge!"
After giving this conceited answer, Lobanov said.
"Britain may not be willing to accept a strong Russia, but as long as Russia has a strong army and navy, Britain must accept it."
"This also means that we must prepare for war with Britain in the future. By that time, no one will help us. And we are not only facing Britain, but also Germany, France who wants revenge, and even Ming Dynasty. They must also be eager for revenge."
Although he was inclined to gain something for nothing, the persuasion of Count Witte and others still made Alexander III feel wary.
Two fists can't beat four hands!
Britain can gather a group of people to fight France and Ming Dynasty today, and can use the same method to fight Russia in the future.
"But Your Majesty, as far as the current situation is concerned, whether it is the stalemate on the European battlefield or the slow progress of the Empire in western North America, it is clear that their strength is not as strong as we thought, and the strength of Britain, Germany and the United States is not as weak as we thought. We have lost 200,000 troops in Persia, and we are only facing the British Indian Army. If we go to war with Germany, our losses will be even greater."
Alexander III nodded slightly, frowning. The reality of losing many troops in Persia made him realize that Britain was still very powerful.
Is it right or wrong to be an enemy of such an opponent?
As for Ming Dynasty and France...are they really that powerful?
Or, is it strong enough to challenge Britain?
Many Russians, including Lobanov, were a little skeptical about this. As the ruler of the Roman Empire, Alexander III also expressed deep doubts!
After thinking for a while, Alexander III asked.
"America... How is Ming's progress in America? Now that spring is coming, will they launch a new offensive?"
The old group is down, so I created a new book club group: 739209015. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
