The Germans' diplomatic maneuvers had caused such a stir—how could Ferdinand possibly have failed to notice?
Unfortunately, even knowing it was a German plot, Ferdinand still had no choice but to step into the pit!
Benefits were often proportional to risks. The greater the risk, the greater the reward!
The Germans hoped to use the Anti-Bulgarian Alliance to curb Bulgaria's development while preserving the Ottoman Empire; but hadn't Ferdinand likewise been looking for an excuse to make a move against his neighbors?
As for the Ottoman Empire, why knock over such a wonderful neighbor? If the Ottoman Empire were truly carved up now, Bulgaria's future road of expansion would be blocked. Could Ferdinand possibly go and fight the United Kingdom, France, and Russia for the spoils?
Compared with Germany's Near East strategy, the British methods were far more sophisticated. The Germans wanted Bulgaria to send troops into the Asia Minor Peninsula, creating an opportunity for the Anti-Bulgarian Alliance.
What the British cared about most, however, was not the local interests of the Near East. What concerned them now was how to provoke conflict between the Alliance and the Entente, using the contradictions among the various nations to achieve their strategic goal of containing Germany!
In the current situation, the Bulgarians might jump ship at any moment. They might even defect under the Alliance's enticement. That was what John Bull could not tolerate!
Compared to containing Germany, the challenger to world hegemony, Bulgaria's expansion was utterly insignificant!
Now Germany had delivered itself right to their doorstep. The two sides had a willing man and a willing woman—naturally, they hit it off at once!
John Bull cooperated with the Germans on one hand, then immediately turned around and leaked the news to Bulgaria.
This was tantamount to telling Ferdinand outright: Didn't you