Bulgarian Empire

Chapter 27: Undercurrents

"Your Highness, the Volvo supermarket has now spread to the major cities in Bulgaria. However, because of the economic downturn in the country, the turnover is not very high, and there are even a few small cities that are just able to keep their capital. The estimated profit is not even comparable to a Vienna!" Franz said, somewhat gloomy.

Ferdinand smiled and said, "Oh, Franz don't be anxious, we have to be patient! When Bulgaria's economy is developed, the money will come!"

"Yes, Your Highness! Don't worry, I know what to do!" Franz put away his negative emotions at once and gave Ferdinand his word.

"Good!" Ferdinand said with a satisfied nod and then turned his attention back to Khabit.

Khabit said worriedly: "Your Highness, the machinery factory has just been put into operation, and now the problem is that we can't find a market for our machinery. Apart from our own purchases, there are basically not many orders!"

"Now Bulgaria is on edge, the capitalists have no desire to invest in building factories, and the future prospects are not optimistic. There are still a lot of people who placed orders, but did not come to pick up the goods! But the spare parts sales are good, it is very popular!"

"Well! In that case, let's focus on the spare parts market! Take this chance that the international capital hasn't noticed yet. First seize the market in the Balkans, and then expand to Eastern Europe!" Ferdinand said after thinking about it.

Greed is indeed human nature!

Originally Ferdinand was planning - to promote the industrial development of Bulgaria. Now it has turned into state monopolism. No amount of whitewashing can change the fact that he profited from it.

From the point of view of resources, the monopoly is indeed the most suitable choice for Bulgaria. Especially the heavy industry, mineral-poor Bulgaria simply has no choice!

"Yes, Your Highness! Please rest assured that we have no competitors in the Balkans at the moment!" Khabit said self-assuredly.

Ferdinand nodded to show his satisfaction, then said, "Yes! Tell me about the situation in Bulgaria right now!"

Hoover said assuredly, "Yes, Your Highness!"

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"At the moment Bulgaria is under the surface ~ still calm. The Liberals have the upper hand and control the government. Under the government's pressure, other political forces, such as the Conservative Party and the Democratic Party, have been pushed down."

"This situation, however, will soon be broken! The Liberals have pushed the opposition to the limit and they have to fight to the death to survive!"

...

"Mr. Petko Karavelov, how are relations with the Russians going?" asked the anxious Trapani.

"Don't worry, gentlemen. St. Petersburg is so disgusted with the Stambolov dictatorship that they have promised to support us. And they have offered us an interest-free loan of one million Leva!" Petko Karavelov said calmly.

Of course, it also omits unrelated issues, such as the new government's full diplomatic backlash against Russia after the successful coup. Another example is...

In Petko's view, it was too small and trivial to mention. He was a pro-Russian anyway and didn't see anything wrong with it.

No one here is a fool. Of course, everyone knows that there is no free lunch. The Russians are not charities. They must have their demands.

Now everyone is a locust on a rope. No one can run. First, overthrow the government, as for what price to pay, there is no concern.

"Great, with the support of the Russians, we don't have to worry about international isolation when our new government is formed!" Trapani said happily.

"Commander Trapani, you're too optimistic, let's talk about these things when we succeed! Now the hawks and dogs of the dictatorship are going around arresting people. One mistake and we'll be exposed!" Dragan Traikov (Democrat) said calmly.

"Perhaps, we can make another big move to divert their attention and create conditions for an uprising!" Vasil Radoslavov (future leader of the famous Radoslavists).

"Oh, God! Are you going to do another assassination? But now as they are already scared, it doesn't have any chance!" asked a surprised Commander Trapani.

Vasil Radoslavov said confidently, "Commander Trapani, you are right! But out of the assassination, do we have any other way?"

"Those cowards in the cabinet are almost like turtles, so naturally we don't have a chance to do it! But what about their families? Isn't their security so strict?"

"Oh, God! Mr. Vasil, are you possessed by the devil! No, ask the priest to come and take a look, it must be a demon!" said Konstantin Slov (a democrat) in disbelief.

Facing the surprised stares of the crowd, Vasil Radoslavov said blandly: "No, I'm fine! Don't you guys think this is a good idea? Only if we provoke that dictator Stambolov, he will make a mistake and then retaliate wildly to provide cover for our next actions!"

Konstantin Slov said hesitantly, "But, God! To lay hands on innocent people is just beyond our bottom line!"

Vasil Radoslavov said with a certain sense of dignity, "Gentlemen, it is worth paying a small price for Bulgaria!"

...

Early in the morning at the Sofia Palace, Ferdinand had just had breakfast when Chekhov, the Minister of Education, barged in.

"Your Highness, there' s something wrong with the university." Chekhov said anxiously.

Ferdinand looked puzzled and asked, "Excuse me?"

Chekhov said nervously, "The police have just surrounded the university to arrest anti-government members. They are now facing off with the security guards!"

Ferdinand said in surprise, "How is that possible? Isn't the university closed? How can there be anti-government members!"

Chekhov said with a bitter smile, "Your Highness, it is true that the students stay in campuses every day. But the faculty members are free to come and go. Many of them have expressed their resentment against the government's practices!"

"Many people have published articles bashing the government. Plus, many of those arrested are their friends and relatives, and they should be able to do something about hiding suspects."

Ferdinand nodded and said, "I understand! You take a platoon of Royal Guards to go there first and tell the police: I'm taking over the school and I' ll take care of the rest. If you have any problems, come and talk to me."

"Yes, Your Highness, I'll be right there!" Chekhov said happily and ran out as soon as Ferdinand spoke the words.

Ferdinand knew that this is probably not less than the influence of this Minister of Education. Otherwise, even if they ask for help, they will not be so anxious.

He did not intend to probe deeper. Ferdinand was still satisfied with Chekhov, the Minister of Education. His work was serious and competent, and most of all, he had already joined him.

Bulgaria is really not very big, and the number of literati and scholars is not large. Although they have different political views, they all have a few friendships with each other. Now that Chekhov has friends involved, it is only natural for him to come to his aid.