Struggle in Russia

Alexander II did not speak anymore, because he knew that it was useless to say anything. Unless he could calm down these courtiers with just a word like his arbitrary father, it would be useless for him to speak out to object.

Because when he looked at the Minister of Justice, the old guy didn't hide anything. He expressed his clearest wish straightforwardly. This man also wanted to restrict the third part. It was obvious that the Ministry of Justice had long been dissatisfied with the third part. Now, with this reasonable excuse, why not take back the power that originally belonged to them from the third part?

After understanding this, Alexander II did not bother to ask for the opinion of the Minister of Justice, because asking would be asking for trouble, and instead believed what Nikolai Milyutin said.

He was definitely not willing to let Alexander II swallow his breath and acquiesce in the restriction of authority in the third part. As soon as his eyes rolled, he realized his plan: "Count Uvarov, do you think the opinion of the Minister of Internal Affairs is appropriate?"

Yes, Alexander II thought of the old fox Count Uvarov. He knew that the reason why this old fox did not express his opinion was not because he did not care about the third part. He knew that this old fox did care in his heart, but some time ago I was too disrespectful to him and made him have a rebellious attitude, so I deliberately pretended to be stupid and said nothing to embarrass him.

For Alexander II, is it really okay for you not to speak? It's impossible not, I'm the Tsar, I'm asking you to speak in person, if you can, pretend to be deaf and dumb!

Count Uvarov really didn't pretend to be deaf and dumb anymore. After all, the ball had been kicked to his feet. If he really didn't say anything, it would be a loss of status. Maybe no one would be willing to listen to him if he wanted to talk in the future.

So he spoke: "Your Majesty, some situations in the third part are indeed unsatisfactory, and changes do need to be made!"

Well, Alexander II didn't spit out blood. He looked at Count Uvarov in shock, wondering if someone was pretending. Because those words just now are not like the earl's style. Isn't he sworn in with the reformists?

Now that the reformists are attacking everyone's doorstep, he doesn't resist or say anything and even helps poach his own people. What a hell!

Alexander II was stunned and asked without giving up: "Are you sure? Earl!"

Count Uvarov nodded calmly and said: "I am very sure. I think the third part really needs to make changes. Now is the most appropriate time. I think the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of National Education will come forward together." It’s best to help them solve these problems!”

Alexander II took a breath. He finally understood why Count Uvarov agreed to this matter. Look at what he said. He, the Minister of National Education, also wants to get involved and get a share of the pie!

Yes, for Count Uvarov, limiting the power of the third department is indeed detrimental to conservatives, but the disadvantage can be turned into an advantage. As long as he, the Minister of National Education, can get a share of the pie, it is not possible to give both The young reformist forces headed by Baryatinsky and Pobedonostsev are attacking head-on, while consolidating their precarious position!

How could he miss such a huge good thing? After all, it was Baryatinsky and his group who lost. How many cents did he have to do with it?

At this time, Alexander II was forced into a corner, because Count Uvarov agreed, and with his agreement, there was a vote of conservatives in the imperial council who immediately changed their stance. You can imagine how difficult it would be to stop this suggestion. How old it is!

But Alexander II still refused to give up. He turned to Nikolay Milyutin and asked: "What is your opinion? The Minister of National Education also wants to join. Do you agree?"

There was only one thought left in Alexander II's mind, that is, even if he was killed, he would not believe that Nikolai Milyutin would collude with Count Uvarov. Count Uvarov was indeed a cunning man who took advantage of the opportunity to benefit himself, but you, Nikolay It's impossible for a tough-minded anti-conservative reformist like Gula Milyutin to lower his dignity and collude with him, right?

It can only be said that Alexander II is still a bit too young.

Thinking about the problem too simply, there are only eternal interests and no eternal hatred in this world. As long as the interests are in the same direction, all reformers and conservatives will wear the same pair of pants.

Although the current situation has not reached this level, Nikolai Milyutin will not object to working with Count Uvarov when facing the third party that may be rearmed and relied on by Alexander II to deal with them. .

As expected, he replied very firmly: "I think this is very feasible. It would be great to have the earl join us to help us solve the problems of the third part!"

After all was said and done, Alexander II had no choice but to object even if he wanted to. Nikolai Milyutin's insistence alone would be enough for him to have a headache. Add to that the Ministry of Justice and Count Uvarov's quarrels with each other. Basically, I can't run away.

But Alexander II felt unhappy in his heart. He hated the feeling of being ignored by his ministers. If this group of people followed this bad example, would he, as a tsar, still be able to do it?

So he didn't make a sound and read a book; instead, he sat there with a sullen face, staring at Nikolay Milyutin and Count Uvarov non-stop, with such substantial resentment that anyone with eyes could see it. Feel it. ..

In fact, this was his last insistence. He just wanted to use this silent silence to tell the group of people in front of him that he was unhappy and unwilling. He felt that if these people still had a little bit of awe and still regarded him as the king's father, they should They immediately stopped talking about it.

It's a pity that Alexander II was so wrong. Nikolai Milyutin didn't back down, and neither did Count Uvarov. In fact, no one at the Imperial Council backed down. They turned a blind eye to his resentment. , looking at him without fear, not speaking, just waiting!

What are you waiting for? Naturally, they were waiting for Alexander II to compromise and give in. They seemed to be sure that Alexander II would not be able to persist to the end!

Is that true?

Unfortunately, Alexander II did not persist to the end. The reason is very simple. It is not entirely because he is not as decisive and perseverant as his father, but more importantly, he does not have the confidence.

Although the December Revolution broke out when Nicholas I first came to the throne, it was suppressed as soon as it started. The reason is that Nicholas I basically still controlled reliable military power. , except for the small group of Decembrists, he can command the armies around St. Petersburg, so he is naturally not afraid.

Alexander II was completely different. His tough old father almost squandered all available military power. He was not completely sure to order those who were already very concerned about conservative policies and his "surrender" to Britain and France. Once the dissatisfied military leader breaks down, it will be really difficult for him to step down!