eastern european eagle

Chapter 2 Conversations at the Ottoman Court
In Edirne, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Bayezid I listens to the news in his war room.The sultan, who had only been in power for a year, came to the throne after the assassination of his father, Murad I, and immediately had his younger brother Yargubai hanged to prevent him from planning a coup.

In retaliation for the assassination of his father Murad I in the Battle of Kosovo, Bayezid massacred a large number of Serbian prisoners of war.He then married Oliveira Dispina, daughter of King Lazar Hrebeljanovic of Serbia, thereby allying the Ottoman Empire with Serbia, and his descendants could claim Serbia Has the privilege of a dynasty.He appointed Stefan Lazarević as Serbia's leader and granted Serbia considerable autonomy.

"Great sultan, those guys hiding behind the city walls are asking for help from Hungary and other countries. They are ignoring our country's warning. I suggest to attack Constantinople immediately. Let them understand that we are not easy to bully."

One of his men made a proposal to their sultan.And this has also been unanimously recognized by the generals.

"Yes, those Christians will only hide behind the city walls and have no courage at all. We are too merciful, and we should treat them like the enemy."

"That's right" "That's right"

All the generals clamored to look good to those who were huddled in Constantinople.Even many civil servants agreed with this proposal.However, Chandarli Ali Pasha, the Grand Vizier, did not speak from the sidelines.Bayezid felt strange seeing his behavior, so he asked.

"Vizier, you have been silent since just now, what are you thinking?"

"Dear Sultan," said Ali Pasha. "I heard everyone's words. I think there is a Constantinople in the middle of our territory, and they don't have any extra troops to defend. If we can, we will be able to attack once in the next few years."

Hearing Ali Pasha's words, Bayezid felt very reasonable.He immediately asked his men to make a plan for attacking Constantinople, and then asked him the reason for his silence just now.

"That's right, respected sultan, I heard that in the north of our country, a small country called Wallachia is reorganizing its army. It seems that they are going to make a big move."

"Walachia, where is it?" Bayezid asked.

"Here," Ali said, pointing to a small place to the north.

"Hahahahahaha" the officers all laughed out loud after looking at this inconspicuous small country.

"It's such a small place, the Grand Vizier won't be too anxious."

"That's right, such a small place. It's not enough for us to fit between our teeth."

When I saw them, I didn't take this place seriously.Ali decided to help them popularize the current situation.

"Everyone, please listen to me." Ali Pasha's words made them immediately quiet down.

"Look, everyone, here is Wallachia. The place is small and the population is small. Logically speaking, they are not justified at all."

"That's right, so what is the Grand Vizier worried about? Could it be that our empire can't even win a small principality?"

Before Ali finished speaking, one person couldn't help booing.The conference room that had been quiet just now exploded again.In the end it was the Sultan who calmed them down.

"Everyone, please allow our Vizier to finish speaking."

After gesturing to the Sultan, Ali spoke again.

"They broke away from Hungarian rule 60 years ago. But nothing has changed."

At this time, Ali Pasha changed the subject. "Three years ago, Wallachia was a little different. First, the ruler killed some disobedient nobles. He issued more than a dozen decrees and established a large army. Last year, they The North Dobroga area has been completely annexed. If this continues, I am worried that something will happen."

"I mean Grand Vizier," the general on the side said disdainfully, "Aren't you being overly cautious? How can a small Wallachia be a threat? As long as the empire is willing, it will be flattened in an instant, where is it?" It will make you worry." After that, everyone agreed.

"Everyone," Ali Pasha said earnestly. "Let's not underestimate any country, and according to intelligence, the son of the Grand Duke of Wallachia is involved in these things. This is not easy, and I heard that they have formed a chamber of commerce. And they have made a lot of money."

"After talking for a long time, the grand vizier turned out to be jealous of their money. When we capture Constantinople, let Wallachia pay us tribute. If they don't pay, let them see us strength."

"Also, how capable a little boy can be. Grand Vizier, the rumors are unbelievable." Suleiman waved his hand, his face full of disdain.

As a general who has gone through three dynasties, Suleiman Pasha's qualifications are very old.Years of war made him feel that Ottomans had been able to sweep the Balkans and even the whole of Europe.For this small country of Wallachia, he also didn't take it seriously.

"Your Excellency, as the Grand Vizier, I am obliged to consider all factors that threaten the empire. Although Wallachia is still weak, if left unchecked, they will definitely become hidden dangers."

"Hmph, I don't think this small country poses any threat." Suleiman Pasha said disdainfully.In his opinion, no one in this world can stop Osman's iron hoof.Not in Constantinople, not in Rome, not even Hungary and those Christians.

This is also the prestige accumulated by the Ottoman Empire in recent years.Beginning with Orhan I, the Ottomans began to conquer Europe.By the time of Murad I, the Battle of Edirne successfully defeated the coalition forces of Rome, Bulgaria and Serbia.Consolidated their bridgehead in Europe.

But the Kosovo campaign two years ago shattered their myth.It also led to the killing of Murad I. However, although the Battle of Kosovo was a draw, the situation was more favorable to the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire was backed by the vast area of ​​Anatolia and could bear such a heavy loss; After the battle, all the combat power was used, and the national strength became weaker after this battle.

It can be said that now they are at the right time, place and people and have both.Just waiting for when to capture Constantinople, the city the world longs for.Even Ali Pasha's words did not cool down their minds.

"Okay, Grand Vizier, this matter will end here first. I believe that a small Wallachia will not cause too much trouble. As for the little boy you mentioned, it is just a rumor. Let's go !"

"Your Majesty, my minister..."

Ali Pasha wanted to say something more, but the Sultan waved his hand.He also had to step down. After this meeting, Sultan Bayezid had already become dissatisfied with himself, and it seemed that he had to be careful in the future.

(End of this chapter)