Compared with the forefathers who had ravaged Europe, Asia, and Africa, Abdulaziz I could absolutely be called a well-behaved child. Since ascending the throne, he had maintained friendly relations with his neighbors, exercised extreme caution in diplomacy, and avoided conflicts with the European powers whenever possible.
Aside from kicking the Russians when they were down during the Prusso-Russian War, Abdulaziz I had never initiated a war. Among the sultans of all generations, he could be considered one of the rare pacifists.
Moreover, the last war had been fraught with hidden schemes. Had the great powers not secretly egged things on, Abdulaziz I would most likely have chosen to remain a spectator.
Of course, this "pacifism" was not voluntary. The enemies around him were simply too powerful; since he truly could not win, peace was his only choice.
When you walk the rivers and lakes, you must always repay your debts. When the Ottoman Empire had been strong, it had made enemies everywhere. Now, it was time to pay the price.
They could not possibly let you bully others while forbidding them from taking revenge, could they? The moment the Ottoman Empire declined, Austria and Russia came seeking vengeance. If not for its lack of strength, perhaps neighboring Persia would have joined in as well.
Now Persia and the Ottoman Empire were two broken brothers, both heading toward decline. Because of its geographical position, the Ottoman Empire had two great powers as neighbors at once, and thus met its tragedy sooner.
By comparison, the Persians to the east were much better off. They only had to face the United Kingdom. At least they still had some hope of victory; more than a decade ago, the Persians had even crushed a British invasion.
With a cold snort, Abdulaziz I tore the battle