If there is one of the most noteworthy things in Europe recently, it is the dispute between Italy and the Ottomans. In the face of disputes involving neighbouring countries, Bulgaria is extremely concerned because it is very important to Bulgaria.

The same is true of Bulgarian Prime Minister Stefan Stambolov. Today, however, the hard-working prime minister did not go to work at the prime minister's office, but had to rest at home for a day on the grounds that he was a little tired.

For the Prime Minister's break, Bulgarian officials did not think much about it at all, no one made it by machines, as long as they added power, they could work all the time.

This time, however, Prime Minister Stambolov's rest was fake, because a very important guest had arrived at his residence, and because of the arrival of this guest, he had carefully chosen to take a day off for himself as a cover.

Which guest is so important that Stambolov, as Prime Minister, needs to cover for him?

The guest, accompanied by the Italian ambassador to Bulgaria, Toledo, once again came to the prime minister's home.

"Hello, Mr. Mayer."

This time Stamborov could not be mistaken, and then he greeted Ambassador Toledo again.

After greeting each other, the two sides sat down, which also announced the beginning of negotiations.

"I didn't expect Mr. Mayer to hide it so deeply, I didn't see it during the last visit."

In the face of Stambolov's words, Mayer spoke with an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry that I had to do this because of the stakes, and I hope Prime Minister Stambolov doesn't blame him. Now I would like to introduce myself for the record, the Italian secret envoy, Yasini Mayer. ”

"And what is the mission of the envoy?"

"Look for allies who can help each other."

Although there had been some speculation before, Mayer's answer still made Stambolov feel a little excited. He was all too clear about the current dispute between Italy and the Ottomans, and it was clear that Italy was trying to find fault, and if Italy dared to do so, it showed that it had been prepared for it. And this time the Italians found Bulgaria, it must have been about this. Sure enough, he guessed correctly.

"I wonder if you think our country can be an ally?"

Facing the words of the Bulgarian Prime Minister in front of him, Mayer said with a smile. "This requires whether our two countries can reach a consensus."

Mayer's words are obvious, whether they can cooperate this time depends on whether the two countries can negotiate. Of course, Stambolov also knows that Italy is currently in a strong position in the negotiations between the two countries, which can also be seen in terms of the status and strength of the two countries.

Even so, Stambolov was not in a hurry, since the Italians found Bulgaria, then this shows that they must have something that the other party likes.

He didn't have to wait long before Mayer was heard to continue. "The Ottomans are an adversary to both of us, I wonder if Your Excellency agrees with this sentence?"

Although Stambolov is currently pursuing a pro-Ottoman policy? But he also knew that this was nothing more than Bulgaria's expediency. If it weren't for the pressure on Russia? Who will approach this country that has been a blessing to the Bulgarians for hundreds of years.

Do you know that Bulgaria's claim to Greater Bulgaria includes all of Macedonia and most of Thrace? Want Bulgaria to give up on its dreams? Even when God comes, it can't be.

"Yes, Osman is a strong opponent for us all."

At this time? Stambolov had long since forgotten his professed friendship with Austria, because he knew that the Italians would be paid handsomely? Woo Bulgaria.

Sure enough, he was right? After hearing his words, the Italian envoy Mayer continued. "Now that we have a common enemy, we can work together to make the Ottomans pay for their hubris. I wonder if Prime Minister Stambolov recognizes this? ”

Facing Mayer's inquiry? Stambolov replied with a nod. "About that? I couldn't agree more. But the Bulgarian people also agree that they have to be shown something tangible. Sir Mayer, you know what I'm talking about. ”

It is clear that Stambolov is also a master who does not see the rabbit and does not scatter the eagle, and he wants to see the conditions in Italy first. And don't blame him for being stingy? Unlike Italy, Bulgaria has a small family background, and if this time it turns against the Ottoman Empire? If you don't get enough benefits, Bulgaria will be in an even more difficult situation? So it's normal to be cautious.

And in the face of Stambolov's careful thinking, Mayer didn't care? Instead, he took out a map of the Balkans and spread it out in front of the three of them.

"How many districts can you take? Need to see the size of your country's troops? If your country can send 100,000 troops, then our country can help your country to obtain North Macedonia at that time, of course, if you can send 150,000 troops, then the Central Macedonia region is not impossible for your country. ”

Mayer's words made Stambolov's breathing worse, because this condition is really rich, you must know that Bulgaria only has an area of more than 90,000 square kilometers at present, and the northern Macedonian region alone has more than 15,000 square kilometers, if you add the Central Macedonian region, then it is enough for 30,000 square kilometers.

Of course, you have to listen to all of your words, what Mayer said about fighting, which means that you may not be able to get it, of course, you can't get it all, and you can divide half of it. This will not only expand Bulgaria's territory by a third, but also strengthen Bulgaria's national strength.

Of course, to get such a huge return, it will also mean that Bulgaria needs to give it its all. Now Bulgaria has only 3.3 million people, and the mobilization of 150,000 people for the war will mean that Bulgaria needs a national mobilization. Because sending 150,000 troops is only a mandatory requirement, and Bulgaria also needs to keep people to protect its homeland.

In addition, logistics, transportation and other aspects, Bulgaria is basically a national mobilization. Of course, it is necessary to make such a big effort and get such a reward.

Although the Italians offered conditions that satisfied Stambolov, the desires of people are endless, so he still wants to fight for them. "Your country's return on my Bulgaria's 150,000 troops is somewhat vague, which makes it difficult for our country to accept."

It is clear that Prime Minister Stambolov wants to be able to get the Central Macedonian region.

And in the face of the appetite of the Bulgarians, Mayer smiled slightly. "I'm sorry, but this is already the biggest reward that our country can give, and given your country's reputation for fighting bravely in the Balkans, that's why you give so much. If your country is not satisfied, then our country will consider other options. You know, there were many people who wanted to benefit from the Ottomans. ”

"My country has thought it through, your proposal is very pertinent, and my country is very satisfied."

In the face of Mayer's verbal threat, Stambolov immediately changed his attitude 180 degrees, because he did not dare to gamble. As far as he knew, there were not many people eyeing Ottoman territory at present, Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Greece, and Montenegro (Montenegro) all had ideas about Ottoman territory.

As long as Italy offers similar conditions, except for Austria-Hungary, other countries will have to break the head. How dare he gamble that if Italy turns away, he will become a sinner for Bulgaria through the ages.

Well, the conditions offered by Italy this time are indeed very generous. It's not that people in Italy don't know about it, and they have a lot of criticism about it, because it's like showing Italy's generosity no matter how you look at it.

It's just that these people don't dare to say it, because it was the wise King Carlo who made this plan. Why His Majesty Carlo wants to offer such a rich return depends on what he thinks. But no matter how you think about it, this does not affect Carlo's status in the slightest. Of course, there are other ways in this, only Carlo knows.

However, thanks to His Majesty Carlo's decision, Mayer has enough confidence to let Bulgaria obediently, otherwise he will find someone else again.

That's why Stambolov immediately retracted what he had said after a trial, and didn't dare to make a mistake.

Now that Stambolov agrees, then the question of Bulgaria's troop contribution needs to be brought to life.

Mayer pointed to the map and said.

"According to our plan, we will launch a landing operation in Albania to attract the Ottoman army, and at that time your country will send troops to the Macedonian region behind it, after annihilating it. Your and Chinese armies coerced Istanbul into accepting our terms. ”

Mayer's plan was the basic plan of the Italian Army to fight in the Balkans, and of course this included the situation of Bulgaria. In addition, the Italian Army also made corresponding operational plans that included Greece, Serbia and other countries participating in the war.

So Italy doesn't have to be Bulgaria, it's any other country. It's just that pulling on Bulgaria will make it faster to defeat the Ottoman army.

After hearing Mayer's plan, Stambolov looked at the map with a thoughtful expression. At first glance, this plan knew that it was a surprise, and of course he had to admit that this battle plan was very good. If he was an Ottoman, when he was fighting against the Italian army, he was suddenly attacked from behind, and the end was already doomed.

Since the plan is good, then there is nothing to hesitate about, and Stambolov immediately intends to agree. It's just that he suddenly thought about one thing, and if he wanted to agree, he swallowed it again when it came to his mouth.

"Special Envoy Mayer, your plan is very perfect, and my country is very willing to join, but my country has a little difficulty, and I hope to get your help."

The Bulgarian prime minister suddenly had something to do, Mayer was not impatient at all, he asked politely. "Prime Minister Stambolov, what is the matter, if our country can help you, you might as well say it directly."

In response to Mayer's inquiry, Stambolov immediately spoke. "That's the case, our country's ordnance is somewhat insufficient, and if we want to mobilize 150,000 troops to participate in the war, we need a little help from your country."

As for Stambolov's idea of asking Italy to give some equipment, Mayer did not refuse, because helping Bulgaria at this time is helping Italy.

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency Prime Minister, our country will not be stingy with our allies, I wonder how many ordnance your country wants?"

In the face of Mayer's inquiry, Stambolov broke a number. "Our country needs 80,000 weapons and equipment, because at present, our country can only equip 100,000 people with weapons in stock."

"What?"

Hearing Stambolov's words, Mayer cried out in surprise. Because the weapons equipped with 80,000 people are not a small number, and if Italy comes up with so much, it will definitely affect its own domestic preparations for war.

Seeing Mayer's surprised expression, Stambolov didn't want to do it either. It's just that Bulgaria can only come up with equipment armed with 100,000 people, and if it is more, it will only be a front-loading gun for the warehouse, which will definitely not be used against the Ottoman army.

"I'm sorry, I also know that my country's request is a bit excessive, but my country's equipment gap is too big, so I can only ask for your country."

Faced with Stambolov's almost pleading gesture, Mayer thought for a moment and replied. "I need to send a telegram to Rome, believing that we will give you a batch of weapons, and it is up to Rome to decide how much. You're asking for too much, and I can't call the shots at all. ”

Mayer's words, Stambolov also knows, this matter is not so easy to decide. "It's okay, we can wait, but the conditions that were negotiated before, my country doesn't want to change."

"Please rest assured that as long as your country does not refuse, then we are unanimous in dealing with the Ottomans."

Then the two skipped the topic of ordnance and talked about how E commanded, liaison, and coordinated. In the spirit of the idea of cutting flesh from the Ottomans, the proposal in this regard was quickly agreed upon.

The talks between the two sides continued until late at night, and finally the talks were basically settled.

After the negotiations, Mayer and Ambassador Toledo rushed back to the embassy overnight.

As soon as he returned to the embassy, he sent back to Rome the Bulgarians' request for armaments.

Then they dragged their tired bodies back to their rooms and waited for Rome's reply.

And while they were waiting for news from Rome, a negotiated agreement was also sent back to Rome. True, Italy, in addition to Bulgaria, also found an ally, the Negro of Men.

Don't be surprised that Italy is looking for Montenegrins as allies. Although this small country of less than 10,000 square kilometers does not seem to be large. But there was a deep-seated hatred of the Ottomans among the people at home. The country was originally a **** country, and the monarch was a Catholic bishop who combined political and religious powers, and after 1851, it was transformed into a secular state.

Religiously, Montenegrins were very unfriendly to the Ottomans, and they were the only country in the Balkans that had not been conquered by the Ottomans. Although it occupies a difficult terrain, it is also one of the reasons for its courage and skill in fighting against the Ottomans.

In addition, every time the Negoro of Mendo fought against the Ottomans, it was able to gain benefits, and its territory expanded from less than 2,000 square kilometers at the beginning to nearly 10,000 square kilometers now. It gives people a feeling of being a little strong that can't be killed.

And this time, Italy wooed the Montenegrins because of its hatred of the Ottomans and made them a pioneer.

So in the face of Italy's olive branch, how could Negoro of the door be unwilling to accept it. Its monarch, Grand Duke Nicholas I, negotiated terms with Italy at the first time. So Negro of the Gate also got into the Italian chariot.

With Bulgaria and Negoro, Italy is at least not weaker than the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, coupled with factors such as equipment and training, morale, etc., it can be said that Italy has already gained the upper hand.

Next, it is up to the performance of both countries on the battlefield.