Struggle in Russia

Nicholas I held an imperial meeting and wanted to hear the opinions of his ministers. But his group of courtiers don't say that everyone is weird, or at least they have different thoughts.

For example, Prime Minister Nesselrode, this man is firmly opposed to any risky moves, and believes that Russia should keep its own place and not mess around, especially not to provoke the big powers. Anyway, Wallachia and Moldavia are already on the plate. Just eat slowly.

Of course, this is just an excuse in name. The real reason why Nesselrode disagreed was because he was dissatisfied with what Nicholas I had done to force Austria too much. He hopes that Wallachia and Moldavia will not go well in countering the rebellion, and then he can return to the old coordination policy he has always advocated.

So he was naturally alarmist: "I must warn you, Your Majesty, that it is definitely an outrageous provocation to allow the Black Sea Fleet to carry out risky actions. It will inevitably cause further reactions from Britain and France, and it is very likely to trigger a full-scale conflict. This kind of behavior must be resolutely resisted!"

Seeing that Nicholas I was deep in thought, Nesselrode hurriedly hit the iron: "Britain and France have issued stern warnings through diplomatic channels before. It is obvious that once we continue to take risks, they will inevitably respond. !So we must stop all inappropriate actions!"

Nicholas I still remained silent, and it was hard to see what he was thinking, but his face was not very good-looking after all, which made people feel uneasy.

After a long time, Nicholas I asked Chernyshov: "Count, what do you think as Minister of War?"

Naturally, Chernyshov couldn't agree with Nesselrode's opinion, even if he was really worried that the actions of the Black Sea Fleet would be regarded as provocations, but as the Minister of War, the generals under him were looking forward to the moment when they would be rewarded for their meritorious service. How could he object?

"Isn't it too provocative?" Chernyshev squinted at Nesselrode, expressing his contempt to the fullest, "If you talk about provocation, it was Britain and France who provoked first. They not only openly incited Vladimir Asia and Moldavia rebelled, and sent the fleet out of the Black Sea before, but in the end? It’s not just let it go!"

Chernyshov asserted very positively: "It can be seen from this that Britain and France are completely bluffing. They cannot go to war with us for the mere Wallachia and Moldavia... As the saying goes, it is not indecent. , we must also show our muscles and strength, and tell them that it is best not to challenge our country's traditional interests in the Black Sea! The muscle show is very necessary!"

Nesselrode immediately became upset, and interjected, "You are playing with fire! What if a conflict arises!"

Chernyshev was not polite, and immediately replied: "There is no evidence to prove that this will cause any conflict. Prime Minister, you are completely unfounded! We know more about military affairs than you. You just need to show it on diplomatic occasions." Our country is strong and confident!"

These words are suspected of slapping face,

It is nothing more than saying that Nesselrode is too weak in diplomacy and is too embarrassing for Russia. This made the old man very upset, and he immediately countered: "You don't need to say anything about how to show our country's strength. I think you'd better think about how to face the powerful Royal Navy. Once the incident happens, the Black Sea Fleet will not be able to save you." Your risky policy!"

Seeing that these two people were about to spit out their mouths, Nicholas I knocked on the table immediately: "Be quiet! This is the imperial meeting! Pay attention to your words and deeds!"

After speaking, he turned to the Duke of Aldorf and asked, "Where are the British and French fleets? What's the move?"

Ordorf was taken aback by the question, because generally Nicholas I shouldn't ask him directly about the navy. Even though his third department is indeed responsible for intelligence collection, it's best to ask Burmese about the navy at the imperial meeting. Shkov this Admiralty, otherwise a little strange.

So Nicholas I made a mistake? No, the reason why he asked Aldorf directly was completely intentional. Because Menshikov's recent performance made him very dissatisfied, the old eunuch's performance in the last imperial meeting was dismal, and he completely became a soy sauce existence.

As his most confidant dog leg, how can he watch Crown Prince Alexander fall into a desperate situation without saying a word, how can such a performance help the prince? How to be trustworthy?

So it was obviously a matter of the navy, so Nicholas I deliberately left Menshikov alone, including that he did not communicate with the old eunuch before the imperial meeting, and completely regarded him as the Minister of the Navy as air.

What was Menshikov's expression? embarrassing? It may be a little bit, but it is more helpless, because he is really aggrieved as the Minister of the Navy. He doesn't know anything about the navy. The bosses of the two following fleets, Lazarev and Bellingshausen With seniority and military exploits, he can be killed in seconds.

Plus a troublesome Grand Duke Constantine, what do you mean he is the Minister of the Navy? If you talk too much, it is easy to show timidity and make people laugh, and if you don't speak, you will be insulted by Nicholas I. It is simply not human inside and out!

However, Menshikov has one of the biggest advantages, that is, he has a thick skin. Although Nicholas I's actions made him very embarrassed, he completely pretended that nothing happened, and the old god sat there comfortably, as if everything was fine. .

Aldorf felt a little embarrassed, because he knew the old eunuch's personality too well. Don't look at him now that he is calm and handsome, but in fact, this guy has a very small mind, and he is simply vengeful.

Although it was Nicholas I who asked him to answer by name, after all, he was embarrassing the old eunuch, so he was also very embarrassed, so he could only bite the bullet and answer: "According to the information I know, the British and French fleets have no special measures. , are resting in the home port...Of course, this is just a superficial situation I know, Prince Menshikov is in charge of maritime affairs, he should know more about the relevant situation!"

I have to say that Aldorf responded well. He not only answered Nicholas I's question, but also did not offend Menshikov. !

It's just that no one expected the following situation, because Nicholas I didn't follow this topic to ask about Menshikov's situation, but just hummed, nodded slightly, and asked Mikhail directly. .Count Loris-Melikov:

"Count, what do you think?"

Melikov is the Minister of Emergencies. To be honest, he doesn’t have a strong sense of presence. He usually dozes off with soy sauce in the imperial meeting, but today Nicholas I even asked about him, a 100% soy sauce party. Ignore Menshikov at all, this move is thought-provoking!