At Sofia Royal Palace, just as Ferdinand and his family were enjoying warm family time, a piece of news from the Far East shattered the peaceful atmosphere!
The Russo-Japanese War had broken out!
Although Ferdinand knew the Russo-Japanese War would break out, he did not know exactly when.
From the current situation, the Russians held a tremendous advantage. For the Japanese to provoke a war at this time was exceedingly unwise!
Especially while the British had yet to make up their minds to support them wholeheartedly. Should the London government soften its stance, the Franco-Russian allied forces would teach them how to behave!
The conflict between Japan and Russia had been brewing for a long time. It had already erupted during the Triple Intervention, but at the time, faced with the powerful Tsarist Russia, the Japanese had chosen to play the grandson. This situation lasted until the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was formed in 1902.
With British support, the Japanese government was no longer content with its existing interests in Korea and Northeast China and sought further expansion, only to meet Russian resistance!
In July 1903, the Japanese government formally proposed negotiations with the Russians over Korea and Northeast China. Since the terms demanded by both sides were too far apart, it was difficult to reach an agreement, and they were still haggling.
That was all Ferdinand knew. Now, neither the Russians nor the Japanese had been prepared for war, yet war had already broken out!
No matter what, Japan and Russia had begun to duke it out. The Bulgarian government had to state its position, so Ferdinand convened a state conference specifically on the Far East issue.
"What happened? Why did the Japanese suddenly go to war with the Russians?" Ferdinand asked in confusion.
Foreign Minister Metev replied, "The cause of