Chapter 72: Chapter 072: Russia-Bulgaria Alliance 2

After reading the treaty's contents, Aleksandr III looked at Pavel Shuvalov much more favorably. He said with a smile: "Count Pavel, you did a great job negotiating with Bulgaria this time! For a small price, we have tied Bulgaria firmly to the Russian wagon and put a nail in the Balkans!"

Apparently, Aleksandr III's aura was so strong that at least Pavel Shuvalov was warring before him, at least after Germany tore up the reinsurance treaty.

Please don't think that fear of being assed is the domain of the Great Qing. The West is just as good. Pavel Shuvalov said: "It's all because of your wisdom, Your Imperial Majesty, leading Russia to prosperity, which makes Bulgarians yearn for it. It's also because of Crown Prince Nikolai's wisdom and competence. I'm just doing my part. It's not worth mentioning!"

Aleksandr III seems to be used to all this, just smiling without retort.

Only after Count Pavel finished speaking did he say, "Well, let's not say any more of these flattering words! There will be a meeting about Bulgaria later. You stay and join it too!"

Count Pavel at once made a grateful and livid smile, this time with sincerity. Since the breakup of German-Russian relations, he had been left on the sidelines. He never again participated in a high-level meeting.

This time the Tsar kept him for the meeting, which was clearly a good sign and meant that he had a chance to return to the center of power.

...

At the palace Gatchina, outside St. Petersburg, a meeting was held on the fate of Bulgaria.

There was no tedious etiquette. Aleksandr III got straight to the point and said, "I think the treaty with Bulgaria, you all know about it! The reason for calling you here today is to define our foreign policy towards Bulgaria for a long time to come!"