Struggle in Russia

Count Rostovtsev said with great solemnity: "Your Majesty, this rebellion looks really terrible, but in my opinion it is nothing. The great Russian Empire has experienced more terrifying and difficult moments than this. When Napoleon invaded, we were almost cornered, but in the end we still won!"

Alexander II wanted to say that the situation back then was completely different from the current threat. Although Napoleon was powerful, he was just an outsider after all. He was not familiar with the terrain and the climate of Russia. In addition, Russia has a vast strategic space, so Trading space for time can kill him!

But now the enemy he has to face is serfs who are familiar with the terrain and climate and are as numerous as locusts. Nicholas I has been constantly warning him that the serfs are their biggest enemies, so don't change lightly, because you I wonder if changes will open Pandora’s box!

It's just that the magic box has now been opened, and there is really not much time left for him to deal with it.

Count Rostovtsev had been carefully observing Alexander II's expression. It was not difficult for him to analyze the true thoughts of the tsar. He could see what the tsar was worried about and his disapproval of the warning.

But this was all within his expectations, because this was just an introduction, and the focus was on what he was going to say next:

"Compared with these, I think the most dangerous and urgent thing at the moment is to correct people's hearts! There are too many people in St. Petersburg who are not of the same mind as His Majesty and our government. At this critical moment, they are still thinking about their own selfish interests. They simply don’t take the imminent threat seriously, and this is the biggest hidden danger!”

Alexander II was stunned, and then he realized that Count Rostovtsev's target was actually Duke Dolgoruky.

After all, the Duke just now demonstrated selfishness vividly.

Alexander II did not feel that Count Rostovtsev was retaliating. In fact, he was very worried about it. Even his confidants like Duke Dolgoruky could not understand the importance, not to mention those who were not very loyal in the first place. of other nobles.

It is conceivable that those people are currently most concerned about their own interests. They are completely indifferent to counter-insurgency and even openly sabotage counter-insurgency operations in order to safeguard their own interests.

This really deserves attention!

Count Rostovtsev solemnly said: "I believe that correcting people's hearts is a top priority. It is necessary for the third department to take decisive action and severely crack down on those saboteurs who spread negative remarks and rumors. Everyone must know that the country At the most dangerous moment, everyone must contribute to defend the motherland!"

Alexander II fell into deep thought. This suggestion was indeed necessary. If those iron cocks were not made aware of the seriousness of the problem, how could they be willing to donate generously?

And it is indeed necessary to combat those rumors, otherwise panic will inevitably shake his authority.

But he hesitated. The reason is a bit funny, that is, he didn't trust the third part very much, or he didn't trust Pobedonostsev's ability very much.

Several previous actions of this person ended dismally, which proved that he is really not suitable to be the director of the third part. If such an important and critical task is entrusted to him, can he be qualified?

Could Count Rostovtsev still know what Alexander II was thinking?

He immediately said: "I think Count Pobedonostsev is trustworthy on such a big issue of right and wrong! Although his abilities are insufficient, it is not a big problem to let him be responsible for overall supervision. We only need to choose a person. With two professionals working together with him, I believe the atmosphere in St. Petersburg will soon take on a new look!”

Alexander II blinked. The focus of this statement is naturally to select one or two professionals. Are there really talented people who are trustworthy and have professional abilities in this area?

Alexander II felt that Duke Dolgoruky might have professional abilities in this area, but he would never cooperate with Pobedonostsev as his assistant. If he is put in charge of the specific implementation, God knows whether he will use it to isolate Pobedonostsev, or the two people may start a new wave of internal strife.

At that time, his role as emperor and the third part will become a joke!

But besides Duke Dolgoruky, who else is suitable?

After thinking for a while, he thought of the second candidate, Count Shuvanov. This count has been recommended several times by Count Rostovtsev. Although it is not obvious that he has any ability at the moment, it is impossible for Count Rostovtsev to strongly recommend him to someone who is incompetent.

Moreover, this person is not the same as Count Uvarov, Pobedonostsev and Prince Dolgoruky. He is a poor little guy among conservatives. As long as he is given a chance to perform, he will work hard.

And precisely because he does not belong to any faction of the conservative forces, there is no possibility of benefiting any faction.

Thinking of this, Alexander II touched his chin and felt that Count Shuvanov was really a good choice. At least for the time being, there was no more suitable candidate than him.

Alexander II nodded in his mind and decided to give Count Shuvanov a chance. He smiled and said: "How about asking Count Shuvanov to cooperate with Count Pobedonostsev? Didn't you recommend him several times? Then? Just give him a chance!”

This was said as if Count Rostovtsev owed him a favor, but Count Rostovtsev was not surprised. This is the emperor's mentality. No matter what they do, they must calculate it clearly, even if it is obviously an advantage. Their mouths will also become a kind of grace.

Count Rostovtsev nodded and replied calmly: "I believe Count Shuvanov will seize this opportunity. But if you plan to let him cooperate with Count Pobedonostsev, then who will you send to Ukraine?" Woolen cloth?"

Alexander II was stunned because he had no intention of sending Count Shuvanov to Ukraine. Why should he send him? What to do?

Count Rostovtsev replied seriously: "Of course he is going to be a supervisor to see what Count Dmitry Milyutin is doing. His previous behavior was really too reckless, and he is not a reckless person. people!"

Alexander II was shocked. He had previously thought how much Count Rostovtsev trusted Dmitri! But from what he meant, the so-called trust was just forced by the situation. In fact, he secretly supported Duke Dolgoruky's suggestion to send an imperial envoy to investigate the situation.

This old guy's thinking is really bottomless and unpredictable!