Struggle in Russia

Does Count Rostovtsev want a pro-reform prime minister?

There is definitely hope, but he knows that hope may not always turn into reality. Many times unrealistic hopes only do bad things. Instead of daydreaming like this, it’s better to take a step-by-step approach and do something achievable.

For example, now, instead of thinking about how to change the prime minister to benefit yourself, it is better to think about what Nicholas I meant by coming to them for consultation.

Some people may want to say it. They already said that they came to you for consultation and advice. What else can it mean?

This simplifies the problem. Could it be that Nicholas I had no idea at all, and without Neserrode, wouldn’t it be possible to find a second qualified prime minister?

Obviously this is not the case. With Nicholas I's intellectual level, even if he could not find a prime minister as suitable as Neserrodie, it would not be too difficult to find someone who is 70% or 80% similar.

But with a strong desire for power, he clearly could have acted arbitrarily but chose to ask them to come over and come up with ideas. It's strange that there is no reason for this.

The first thing that Count Rostovtsev thought of was: I am afraid that he and Count Uvarov have been on the list of people worthy of vigilance in Nicholas I's mind. I am afraid that the reason why the tsar came to discuss with them was because he felt that they were a bit like powerful ministers and could very well influence the strength of most officials in the officialdom, so he came to ask for advice.

One is to see if they really have the intention to become powerful ministers, and the other is to test their attitudes to see who can replace Neserrodie in order to stabilize the situation.

So, don’t be so stupid as to really think that Nicholas I is asking you for advice. This is clearly a test, to see if you are truly loyal ministers, and also to give you a sneak peek if the Prime Minister really wants to be changed. What will be your attitude?

Obviously, Count Uvarov did not realize what Nicholas I wanted to do. When he heard that the prime minister might be changed, and specifically asked him to consult with Count Rostovtsev, he was afraid that Nicholas I would be Count Rostovtsev went astray, and a new prime minister was replaced who was more beneficial to Count Rostovtsev.

Naturally, no matter who Count Uvarov recommends to replace Neserrode, it is not the optimal solution. On the contrary, anyone he recommended would make Nicholas I think that he was trying to unite to become a powerful minister.

What Nicholas I hated the most was powerful ministers. He would never allow anyone to override the imperial power. Naturally, Count Uvarov did not seek any benefits this time, and even tricked Menshikov and Paskovich.

Because Nicholas I subconsciously thought that they were a party,

If you think about it again, both Menshikov and Paskovich have great power. They were already in positions of high authority, but now the three of you are still working together. Isn't this something to be wary of?

Anyway, Count Rostovtsev didn't need to look at Nicholas I's face to know that the tsar probably secretly remembered the three of them. In the future, these three people may never be as favored as before.

As for Nicholas I's question about his attitude, how could Count Rostovtsev make the same mistake with Count Uvarov as a negative example? And he also realized that his previous fight with Count Uvarov for the Governor of Ukraine was probably the trigger of this temptation.

That time he and Count Uvarov argued so fiercely that other ministers did not dare to speak casually. This may have aroused the vigilance of Nicholas I. After all, he originally thought that both of them were lonely ministers or counselors, but at first glance, it didn't seem right. They looked a bit like powerful ministers, okay?

Count Rostovtsev sighed in his heart. Nicholas I was still so sensitive. The slightest discomfort would arouse his vigilance. That time he had to fight with Count Uvarov, otherwise all his previous efforts would be in vain. Who would have thought that such a slight exception would attract his attention. It seems that he must be more careful in the future and must not be careless in the slightest!

Count Rostovtsev lowered his head slightly and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, as for the question of who can temporarily replace Count Nesherrodie, I think it is not a big problem at all. The whole country will follow your will, your Majesty. Whoever you think should replace Count Neserrode should be the one to replace him. As long as everyone follows your will, I believe it won’t be a problem no matter who becomes prime minister.”

As soon as these words came out, Count Uvarov was obviously stunned, and then immediately frowned. It was obvious that the old fox realized that he had just made a mistake.

But before Count Uvarov could think of how to make up for it, Nicholas I smiled and asked Count Rostovtsev: "Count, I just don't know who is more suitable to ask you, so don't you?" Just shirk it, just speak freely... Come! Tell us who is suitable to succeed Count Neserrode!"

Count Rostovtsev replied sincerely: "Your Majesty, I am not trying to evade, but telling the truth. Whoever you think is suitable to be prime minister, I will do my best to cooperate and assist the new prime minister to serve you. This is My duty is nothing more than that!”

No matter how much Nicholas I pressed Count Rostovtsev to say that everything could only be ruled by him, not to mention how correct his attitude was, it should be said that Nicholas I was still very satisfied. He felt that regardless of whether Count Rostovtsev was sincere or not, at least this statement was correct, unlike the person standing next to him who wanted to send his comrades as soon as he heard that the Prime Minister was vacant.

Of course, Nicholas I did not completely believe Count Rostovtsev's words. After all, people's hearts are different, and maybe someone was particularly smart and realized that this was a temptation!

After all, one has to listen to his words and observe his actions. He felt that he still needed to observe whether Count Rostovtsev was loyal or not. As for Count Uvarov, to be honest, Nicholas I was very disappointed. He felt that this literary genius who had followed him for so many years might have had a wrong idea. Not only did he want to be a powerful minister, at least he did not fully consider him. I am afraid that this person needed to Pay special attention.

However, Nicholas I did not say anything right away. He just changed the topic lightly and suddenly said: "Recently, the Prime Minister and I have had many disagreements, especially on the Bulgarian issue, diplomacy The inaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs particularly irritates me, and sometimes I really want someone else to chair the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!"

Nicholas I's nonsense words attracted special attention from Count Uvarov and Count Rostovtsev. It was obvious that Nicholas I meant something, and it is particularly important to find out what he meant... …