Empire Rising: Spain

Unlike the joyful laughter surrounding the coronation ceremony with the British Government, the atmosphere in the Tsarist Government located in Eastern Europe was quite solemn.

As the only Eastern Orthodox Church country among the great powers, the relationship between Eastern Orthodoxy and Tsarist Russia was far closer than that between other great powers, Catholicism, and Protestantism.

The Russian Government had always advocated Pan-Slavism, supporting the groups adhering to Eastern Orthodox faith and protecting its fellow Slavic people.

The Serbian resistance on the Balkan Peninsula against Ottoman Empire rule happened to meet both criteria, being both Slavic and Eastern Orthodox.

For Tsarist Russia, abandoning support for Serbia was out of the question. This was not only to open the passage from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean but also to adhere to Pan-Slavism and justify Tsarist Russia’s expansion.

In this regard, the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary clearly underestimated Russia’s determination. For Tsarist Russia, this was something not to be compromised on and worth a gamble.

In the government meeting of Tsarist Russia, officials were discussing with solemn expressions.

Although supported by Russia, Serbia and other countries’ resistance against the Ottoman Empire fell into a disadvantage, even with the possibility of being completely quashed by the Ottoman Empire.

This was completely unacceptable for Russia. If the resistance forces like Serbia were allowed to be wiped out by the Ottoman Empire, it would not only hinder Russia’s expansion on the Balkan Peninsula but also embarrass Tsarist Russia.

From any perspective, for the current Russia, perhaps a war was the most suitable choice.

"Let’s hear your thoughts, how should we act to help Serbia repel the Ottoman Empire?" Tsar Alexander II asked with a stern face, directing his gaze at his trusted ministers.

Born in 1818, Alexander II was already 59 years old, appearing quite frail. But age did not diminish his ambition; during his reign, Tsarist Russia’s territory expanded by millions of square kilometers, a feat he considered praiseworthy.

Of course, what Alexander II was most renowned for was his reform that abolished serfdom, endearingly called the Liberator by the people.

Unfortunately, Alexander II’s reforms were not so resolute, leading the Russian Government into new chaos instead.

The Reform Faction saw the more liberal-supporting Alexander II as the dawn of change, but his limited reforms left them disappointed.

While carrying out unsteady limited reforms in Russia, Alexander II cruelly suppressed revolutionary movements, placing himself in a rather awkward situation, opposing both the conservatives and the reformers.

The discontent of the conservatives with this Tsar would only hide and wait for the time to release. Meanwhile, the dissatisfaction among reformers could lead to some taking extreme measures, such as attempting the assassination of Alexander II.

Revolutionaries had plotted the assassination of the Tsar years ago. Although unsuccessful, the incessant assassination attempts indeed caused Alexander II much distress.

For Alexander II himself, the war between Serbia and the Ottoman Empire also represented an opportunity, a chance for Tsarist Russia to expand greatly.

Once territorial expansion was accomplished, Alexander II would regain his status in the public’s eyes. Thus, he would continue to be the beloved and trusted Tsar, and the revolutionary assassinations would naturally be resolved.

Facing Alexander II’s inquiry, the ministers certainly understood his personal stance.

Even after reforms, Tsarist Russia remained an autocratic monarchy, with Alexander II possessing unparalleled supreme status and authority.

Since Alexander II’s stance was clear, the next steps were straightforward: align with his attitude and promote war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire.

"Your Majesty the Tsar, I believe we should begin preparing for war against the Ottoman Empire. There is no alternative unless we are willing to see Serbia re-absorbed by the Ottoman Empire." A newly elevated minister by Alexander II spoke first, expressing support for war.

Alexander II nodded with satisfaction. What he wanted was the voice of support for war within the government: "Has the military considered this war?

If we initiate a war against the Ottoman Empire now, what are our chances of winning?"

What Alexander II was asking about, of course, was not only a war with the Ottoman Empire, but also in the context where the British vigorously supported the Ottoman Empire, perhaps even joining the war themselves.

Moreover, it wasn’t just the British Empire watching the Balkan Peninsula’s situation. Austria-Hungary was equally concerned, posing another problem for Tsarist Russia.

"Your Majesty the Tsar, as long as the Germans don’t support Austria-Hungary, they would absolutely not enter this war opposing us.

This way, we only need to deal with the British-backed Ottoman Empire. If Britain doesn’t join the war, we have a sure victory. The Ottoman Empire is absolutely no match for Russia, even with the British Empire’s support." The Secretary of State for War confidently replied to Alexander II.