Struggle in Russia

The atmosphere in the royal study was a bit dignified, because Nicholas I and Count Kleinmichel, the two monarchs and ministers, were full of things. Of course, Nicholas I didn't know that what Earl Kleinmichel was thinking at this time was to find out who was behind the small report. He thought that the other party was also thinking about whether there was a better candidate for the commander of the Black Sea Fleet. .

"Peter, how about letting Menshikov support the work of the Black Sea Fleet for a while?"

Count Kleinmichel was taken aback again. Just now he thought that Nicholas I was hesitating. Who would have thought that he was really considering who to replace Berge? He shook his head in his heart. Berge mourned in silence: [Poor guy, you are completely out of favor this time! 】

Count Kleinmichel knew Nicholas I's personality too well. He didn't have much patience with his courtiers. Once he decided to give up someone, it was almost impossible for this man to have a chance to make a comeback.

It is conceivable that once Berge is replaced by Menshikov this time, what awaits Berge will be a ruthless bench, and the next commander of the Kronstadt fortress is probably none other than him .

However, Earl Kleinmichel clearly opposed this plan: "Your Majesty, I don't think this is appropriate. Although Prince Menshikov is highly respected, he is not a serious fleet commander after all. He manages the daily affairs of the navy. It's completely different from commanding the fleet... It's not polite to say that his ability in this area is not as good as Berge!"

It's not that Count Kleinmichel wants to help Berkh, but as a soldier, he knows exactly what Menshikov's ability is. The old eunuch commanding land battles is quite a job. Isn't it a joke to ask him to command the most important fleet of the empire!

Of course he had to object to such an absurd proposal. In fact, Earl Kleinmichel didn’t need to object. Nicholas I himself felt that it was inappropriate. "

Count Kleinmichel's heart became more and more heavy, because the more urgent Nicholas I was in a hurry to seek medical treatment, the more anxious he was, and he was eager to find out what happened to Nicholas I. He went to the doctor in a hurry, and he was also uneasy if he didn't figure out the reason!

After some hesitation, Count Kleinmichel decided to ask directly: "Your Majesty, what happened? Why do you suddenly want to replace Berge?"

Nicholas I looked up at him, and then sighed: "Before I photographed Muraviev to inspect Moldavia, Wallachia and the Black Sea Fleet, you know?"

Count Klein Michel said yes, and he knew this, because it was his idea to Nicholas I how to arrange the prickly head of Muraviyov. He told Nicholas I that it was a pity to leave Muraviev idle,

Either let him return to the Far East to continue to preside over the situation, or arrange an errand for him in the next military operation, it is not a matter of indifference.

He also agrees with sending Muraviyov to inspect this time. In his opinion, this can not only help Muraviyov understand the actual situation of possible future theaters, but also inspect Moldavia by the way. , Wallachia and the actual situation of the Black Sea Fleet.

After all, before some laymen were there to talk about how well it was done there, it's time to send a real expert to palm the eye.

As for whether you think Muraviyov is an expert? At least in the eyes of Count Kleinmichel, this veteran must be an expert. Look at him in the military and political affairs in the Far East, and he has done both jobs brilliantly. If he is not an expert, there will be no expert in Russia.

But what Nicholas I said just now surprised Count Klein Michel again. Was the report by the expert Muraviev the culprit that made Berkh's position unstable?

Count Klein Michel thought about it and didn't think that Muraviev had any conflicts or personal enmity with Berge, nor did he think that this veteran general coveted Berge's position. What's the situation?

Count Kleinmichel's mind was full of question marks, and he was completely confused by the current situation. But now is not the time to be in a daze. Facing the eyes of Nicholas I, he hurriedly said: "Did General Muraviyov's report say that the situation of the Black Sea Fleet is so serious? Could it be that he suggested replacing Berkh?"

Nicholas I sighed again: "That's not true!"

Count Klein Michel said in his heart: [I don’t think so either. I guess with your temper, Muraviyov really suggested that, but you won’t listen at all! 】

Count Klein Michel was really right. This is the temper of Nicholas I. If Muraviev really suggested replacing Berkh, he would definitely not listen. On the contrary, the old man just explained the bad situation of the Black Sea Fleet based on facts, so Nicholas I would be tempted instead. He was just so suspicious.

Nicholas I said quietly: "But the problem of the Black Sea Fleet is serious! The defense is useless, and the huge Sevastopol doesn't even have a few heavy artillery. What a trick!"

Count Klein Michel was stunned, because he didn't know the situation in Sevastopol, and there were more and more question marks in his head-could it be that Berge was pocketing his own money?

However, Earl Klein Michel didn't dare to say this guess, because if he said it, he would really offend people. And his usual style is that he has nothing to do with himself and puts himself on the top, and when he can be a good teacher, he will never stand out.

So he replied: "Do you want to urgently purchase a batch of heavy artillery and send it to the Black Sea Fleet?"

Nicholas I smiled wryly and said, "The gap in Sevastopol's heavy artillery is not so big, and the national treasury is tight now. How can there be so much money? What's more, when will it be sent to the Black Sea Fleet when purchasing at this time? It doesn't work at all. !"

In fact, Earl Kleinmichel also knew that this suggestion was inappropriate, but he could only say so first, otherwise he would really offend people if the news spread. So he said again: "Then first dismantle a batch of heavy artillery from other fortresses in the country and send them there for emergency."

This is a typical method of tearing down the east wall over the west wall. In Count Kleinmichel's opinion, some of the fortress guns in Russia can be requisitioned now. Anyway, it is temporarily impossible to see that any enemy can hit the hinterland of Russia. That being the case, the artillery in those fortresses can be diverted first, first for the Black Sea Fleet as an emergency, and then slowly replenished!

Ordinarily, this idea is good. Misappropriating a batch of artillery can solve all the problems. There is no need to change the commander of the Black Sea Fleet. Nicholas I will not have to continue to have a headache, but today this method has failed...