Struggle in Russia

Even Nicholas I himself knew that the main event was about to begin. The first head-to-head confrontation between Grand Duke Konstantin and Menshikov is about to begin. Both sides have made sufficient preparations for today's confrontation, and have paved the way for a long time. It's time to compete!

Sure enough, when Nesselrode announced that he had entered the free reporting process. Menshikov made a head start, which made Nicholas I a little surprised and a little curious.

Because in the eyes of Nicholas I, the second child in his family is more likely to be the first to win. That child has always been in a hurry to do things since he was a child, and he is vigorous and resolute. As long as he takes the upper hand, the set of combined punches will continue continuously, and he will keep attacking and attacking until he runs out of ammunition and food.

But the first move today turned out to be Menshikov, who has always been "calm". Nicholas I was really surprised: 【Could it be that the second child has really grown to such a point that not only does Alexander feel a huge threat, but also Did Menshikov, who has always been calm, mess up? Very good, very good, second child, work harder, be a good whetstone! 】

Menshikov didn't know Nicholas I's thoughts, but he was really under a lot of pressure. During this period of time, with Nicholas I's acquiescence, Grand Duke Constantine continued to create various public opinion offensives, both openly and secretly. He really couldn't bear it anymore.

"Your Majesty, as the Minister of the Navy, I regret to see that a series of regrettable cases have occurred within the Navy in the past one or two months... As the Minister of the Navy, I have not been able to clearly understand these cases that occurred at the bottom. , failed to guard against the passing of time, and I really feel that I have failed your trust."

Menshikov said slowly in a vicissitudes of tone: "I deeply feel that I have a great responsibility and I deeply feel that I have failed your trust. I implore you to investigate to the end and give me a fair and open opportunity to wash away the shame. I will bear relevant responsibilities , shoulder your own obligations, and serve you unshirkably to the end!"

These words really sound like a cuckoo crying blood. It seems that Menshikov is the kind of virtuous minister who works hard, complains, is tired, and doesn't care about gains and losses, or fame, only for dedication. It's even more like he suffered a great grievance and endured the injustice of the sky.

Well, this is to retreat to advance, to test Nicholas I's true attitude towards him. If Nicholas I gently persuaded him to stay, then Menshikov knew that he had no fear of losing his official position. Then you can consider fighting back, so that Grand Duke Constantine can also taste his power. If Nicholas I had a cold attitude, then he would quickly cut off the tail of the gecko to survive.

It has to be said that old fritters and old gangsters like Menshikov have become masters after decades of struggling in the officialdom. In the most unfavorable situation, he found the most beneficial strategy for himself, and took the initiative in his hands in one fell swoop.

In this regard, the fledgling Grand Duke Constantine was more than a step behind, almost falling into a passive position as soon as he came up. No matter what Nicholas I said later, it would be impossible to launch the stormy offensive he originally designed. Otherwise, it is breaking the rules.

Why do you say that?

The reason is very simple. The officialdom in Russia these days is still a playground for the nobles, and you have to follow the rules of the nobles to play. For example, beating people without slapping them in the face, such as cursing the street without spitting out dirty words. Even the winner can't bully others too much, at least give the other party a decent chance to step down from the stage.

You must not knock your opponent down and then rush forward and slap your mouth wide, that is too rude, cruel and unsightly. Disgraceful and not aristocratic. We aristocrats have to bully people gracefully. After punching the enemy in the face, we have to make the audience feel that you are handsome and dignified.

Therefore, now Menshikov seems to be begging for mercy on his knees and preparing to retire and return to his hometown to farm. Then you, Grand Duke Constantine, don't go too far, stop beating Nanshan Nursing Home with your old punches, stop being aggressive when enough is enough.

Grand Duke Constantine found out immediately that none of his original plans were working. If he rushes forward and slaps Menshikov madly regardless,

Maybe the group of old ministers who are "sick and sympathetic" will huddle together to keep warm and unite with Ramenshkov.

At that time, he was criticized by thousands of people. No matter how powerful and arrogant he was, he was not stupid enough to challenge most of the veterans in court.

But let Grand Duke Constantine accept it as soon as he sees it, and he is really unwilling to let this opportunity go. For a while he was in a dilemma and didn't know what to do.

The advance and retreat of Grand Duke Constantine were seen by everyone. Although Menshikov's face was still sad and bleak, he almost burst into laughter in his heart, and he couldn't help but secretly proud of himself:

[Little kid, even if you act like a ghost, you still have to drink my uncle's footwashing water in the end. How awesome are you! So proud! Aren't you very cool recently, let me show you another cool one! 】

Yes, this is actually the mistake of Grand Duke Constantine, although the various rumors and rumors he released have severely hit Menshikov's reputation, making people think that Menshikov's end is imminent.

But at the same time, it also gave Menshikov a chance to survive. The old eunuch just used these scenes to add bitterness and tragedy to himself, so that his pain and sorrow can be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Then today when he came up, he took the retreat as an advance and ruthlessly defeated Grand Duke Constantine's army, and he succeeded in one blow.

Grand Duke Constantine sat on the wax, and the dog in the water was too ugly to eat, which made everyone angry. But let's not beat the dog in the water. He also heard Menshikov's speech just now, which was actually very vague.

This old fritter only said that the navy has a problem and he has the responsibility to ask for punishment, but he didn't say how serious the navy's problem is and how serious the responsibility he has to bear. He didn't even offer to resign automatically.

Grand Duke Constantine was very suspicious. If he held his hands high, the old man would go downhill and deal with the matter vaguely. At that time, the old eunuch will be fined with three glasses of wine, and the matter will be over.

How could Grand Duke Constantine accept such a result? Then he spent so much effort to mobilize so many resources, didn't all of them go in vain!

Grand Duke Konstantin glanced at Menshikov, then at Nicholas I, and then glanced at the crowd. How he wished that someone would stand up and speak for him. He really didn't know how to continue!

The tangled expression of Grand Duke Constantine was noticed by Nicholas I, Crown Prince Alexander and Menshikov. The moods of the three were very different:

Menshikov didn't say anything, he was very pleased with himself. Crown Prince Alexander was happy, he was very happy that this annoying brother was deflated, and wished that he would be even more unlucky. As for Nicholas I, the supreme being is in quite a complicated mood at this moment...