Nikolai traveled to Bulgaria, and Ferdinand held a grand welcome ceremony at the Royal Palace in Sofia.

According to the European rules, curtsy is done to those who have a royal title who are higher than themselves. Squat down on the knees with both legs and take a half-step back with the other foot, keeping your body upright and your eyes fixed on the person being saluted, or bowing your head as a sign of respect.

In order to show the importance of Nikolai, the senior officials of the Bulgarian government all went out to greet Nikolai respectfully under the leadership of Ferdinand.

Originally, Ferdinand could have gone out in person, but unfortunately he couldn't send enough members of the royal family now. In order not to provoke the cautious Nikolai, Ferdinand finally went out himself.

After a set of tedious etiquette, Ferdinand, as the host, said with a bright smile: "Welcome, Nikolai!" ”

They are also old acquaintances, and they have met each other a few times, and of course their friendship is limited to a few greetings.

Ferdinand still knew something about Nikolai. I know that he is very proud, looks down on people of low origin, and does not like to have close contact with civilians.

He is even more jealous of the capable ministers, who may have something to do with the political environment in Russia, and always fears that one day, the ministers will take away his power.

Ferdinand knew that the pro-Russian faction in Bulgaria was now very strong, and many ministers had great expectations for Nikolai and did not care.

Birth status, determine political position!

There may be people in the Russian government who support them, but Nikolai's character has already been decided, and it is impossible for him to get involved with a group of civilians.

Nikolai also smiled and said, "Thank you!" Ferdinand, long time no see! In the words of the Orientals, Shibei three days, when you are impressed, you have changed so much! ”

"Yes, people always change, and yours is not a small change! You wouldn't have said such a thing before! Ferdinand pushed straight back

It seems that the conversation between the two men with guns and sticks shocked the Bulgarian ministers, but on this occasion, they have no right to speak.

After crossing over, Ferdinand, after interacting with the great nobles, knew that the values of Westerners and Orientals were different.

The identity is equal, and there is no need to be subtle at all, it is all straightforward, but it is easier to gain respect. If it was a slap, it would be a test of skill, at least Ferdinand didn't think he was capable of it.

"Haha, God forbid!! Looks like you've been doing well lately! I also heard in St. Petersburg that you expelled a gang of rebellious thieves, and you did a good job! In the past, many people looked away and thought you were a complete businessman! Nikolai said with a laugh

"Oh, yes! You have changed a lot from each other, and the original Nikolai would not have such a keen sense of observation! By the way, I want to know more about the people who have lost their eyes, and there is no Your Excellency? Ferdinand asked rhetorically

……

On the surface of the banquet, the conversation between the two did not seem to be very pleasant! Nikolai didn't even attend the ball, he just showed his face and hurried by.

Many people in Sofia will not be able to sleep tonight, and the people spontaneously turned their attention to Nikolai's visit.

Among the ministers who attended the banquet, some had different expressions, some were confident, some were worried, and some were happy.

Those who are confident are Ferdinand's diehards and have faith in him; The people who were worried, mostly his supporters, did not want a change to interrupt the development of Bulgaria; Those who are happy are those who are dissatisfied with the status quo and seem to perceive an opportunity in it.

Oh, none of these Ferdinand cared, and by talking to Nikolai, he could already be sure that the wheels of history had not changed. The next strategy of the woolly bear has shifted from Europe to the Far East.

"Three days, be impressed!" If you don't understand Oriental culture, you can't say it.

As the crown prince of Russia, the future tsar, will he be idle and go to study oriental culture?

As far as Ferdinand knew, Nikolai was not such a studious person, the crown prince of the Russian Empire was not as laid-back as Edward, and there was a lot of work to be done for him.

"Ukhtomsky, it seems that the purpose of our coming to Bulgaria can be achieved!" Nikolai said happily

Ukhtomsky said calmly: "Yes, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, as far as the Bulgarian turtles are concerned, it is very easy to pull them over, but Archduke Ferdinand is a little difficult to deal with!" ”

Nikolai said indifferently: "It's nothing more than profit!" Ferdinand, however, was surprising, but in just two years, he single-handedly took control of Bulgaria! But that's all, Bulgaria is, after all, only a small country, and internationally doomed to be dependent only on the wings of great powers! ”

"Your Highness, the future of Russia is in the Far East, and the Balkans are not worth holding us back too much!" Ukhtomsky preached

Nikolai confidently said: "You are right, Bulgaria is a traditional ally of the empire, and the people-to-people relations between the two countries have always been very good, and it is our natural ally in the Balkans. And now that Bulgaria is developing rapidly, you find that without this is already the largest trading partner of Russia in the Balkans, it is not difficult to pull them over!! ”

Ukhtomsky asked in surprise: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince intends to use the economy to control Bulgaria?" ”

Nikolai looked at Ukhtomsky and smiled and said, "Why not? ”

"Bulgaria is resource-poor! Geographically, imports from Russia are the cheapest, and the faster they develop, the more inseparable they will be from us!! ”

Ukhtomsky fell into deep thought, "That's right, Bulgaria will definitely not be able to be self-sufficient in the resources it needs to start industrialization, and it will inevitably have to be imported!" There are many countries in the world that can provide resources, but there is no alternative to the economically viable regions of Ukraine! ”

Seeing Ukhtomsky's worries, Nikolai thought that he was worried about affecting Russia's future state policy, and immediately assured: "Ukhtomsky does not have to worry, the future strategy of the empire is in the Far East, and the establishment of a yellow Russia is the mission entrusted to us by history!" ”

Ukhtomsky knew that Nikolai had misunderstood, and hurriedly explained: "Your Highness, I'm not worried that it will affect the future national policy!" Now that the Balkan countries have a lot of problems, Bulgaria is a standout in its development, and I am afraid that the balance of the region will be upset in the future! ”

Nikolai nodded, thought for a while and said: "You think too much, Bulgaria is too small, even if it develops, it will be Belgium at most." Even then, at that time we solved the Far Eastern problem and had enough forces to suppress them! ”

Nikolai probably wouldn't have known that the place where they were talking had been fitted with the most primitive bugs, which had now reached Ferdinand's ears.