Struggle in Russia

Neserrode knew that this negotiation would not be easy before he approached Duke Alexander, but after he actually started to add counteroffers, he discovered that it was much more difficult than he imagined.

Duke Alexander didn't take a step back and showed no mercy at all. Their confrontation just now seemed to be about Bunge, but in fact Bunge was just a bargaining chip.

What Prince Alexander meant was that if Neserrode did not give up several positions as directors of the Ministry of Finance, then he would hold Bungi accountable.

For Neserrodie, keeping Bungi is of course the top priority. It would be best to keep Bungi while paying less.

But now that Duke Alexander is doing this, he wants to reach a settlement by sacrificing only one or two pawns. It is impossible to reach a settlement. Judging from Duke Alexander's intentions, if he does not hand over the positions of two or three division chiefs, this matter cannot be amicable!

Do you think Neserroddie has a headache?

It's just that Neserrode can only endure the headache. He has no leverage at all now. If Duke Alexander pursues Bunge and the Ministry of Finance without mercy, then he really can't bear it, okay?

After thinking for a while, he almost begged: "Duke, considering that we have known each other for many years, how about you show your favor?"

Duke Alexander flatly refused: "The impact of this case is so bad that Your Majesty is particularly angry. If I cannot satisfy Your Majesty, I can't even explain it! It's not that I'm worried about making things difficult for you, but I'm really powerless!"

How could Neserrodie believe such nonsense? He knew very well that Duke Alexander was not satisfied with the price he offered.

He could only grit his teeth and said: "How about this? In addition to the Treasury Department, we can also give way to the Customs Department!"

Duke Alexander still just shook his head.

Neserrode became a little anxious now and gritted his teeth and said: "At most, we can add one more administrative department! No more!"

Duke Alexander just smiled and said: "We are not interested in the Administration Department. If you are really sincere, in addition to the Treasury Department and the Customs Department, you will also have to give up the Tax Law Department, and the position of the Deputy Minister must also be given up!"

Neserrodie took a deep breath. Duke Alexander's price was not ordinary. He wanted to take away the positions of three department heads and deputy minister of finance at once. It can be said that half of the real power departments of the Ministry of Finance were taken away.

If such a condition is agreed to, it can be said that the German party members in the Ministry of Finance will be greatly weakened. However, if they do not agree, they will not mind a full-scale collision with them. Of course, the other party will be able to pay a certain price at that time, but Bungie will definitely not be able to save it!

After pondering for a long time, Neserrode tried to test: "These conditions are too harsh, can you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Duke Alexander interrupted: "These conditions are our bottom line. In addition, the Ministry of Finance must ensure that the Ministry of War and the Ministry of the Navy receive adequate budgets within the next five years, and must not deliberately set up obstacles to fund allocations." !”

Neserrodie's face suddenly turned ugly. It turned out that he still had conditions. It seemed that he had come to the right place this time. If he didn't make a deal, I'm afraid the entire Ministry of Finance would be completely devoured. These damn polar bears really eat people without spitting out their bones.

After thinking for a long time, he finally had to admit that he could only accept these conditions, because the price to pay for a full-scale confrontation with them would probably be even heavier.

"Okay, I promise you! But you must keep your word!"

Duke Alexander smiled nonchalantly and said: "Yes, but I have to say the ugly things before. If you play tricks, the agreement between us will be void at any time!"

For people like Neserrodie and Prince Alexander, it is impossible to easily believe in each other's promises until the matter is settled.

Because similar things are too common in official circles, agreements are meant to be torn up. As long as the benefits are sufficient, what does it mean to tear up the agreement?

Naturally, no one will easily trust each other, and no one will let down their guard easily until things end satisfactorily.

It's just that Neserrodie really didn't intend to make a name for himself this time. It's not that he was honest, but that he knew that this matter was too big. If he couldn't get over it, the German party members would be severely damaged and might even be lost forever. Qualifications for establishing a foothold in Russian officialdom.

He is not the kind of short-sighted person who likes to cause big troubles for small temporary gains. What's more, he is about to retire, so what's the point of doing this? I think my offspring's life is too comfortable, which makes it more difficult.

With Duke Alexander's current status, he will become prime minister sooner or later. Is there any benefit in offending a future prime minister at this time?

On the other hand, Duke Alexander does have the strength and skills to make a name for himself, but he is not without worries.

The current political situation in Russia is not an ordinary turmoil. In the past, there was a deadly struggle between reformists and conservatives, and now there are Germans and a desperate struggle. If you let go and mess around, any one of them can cause a bloody storm.

Russia's current national strength certainly cannot withstand such a torment, and as the future unofficial prime minister, what's the point of doing so? Having fun cleaning up the mess?

Therefore, how to quickly overcome these turmoils is also a test for him. The struggle between reformists and conservatives still gives him a headache. If the remaining issues between the Germans and Neserrodie can be resolved earlier, it will be better for him. It's not like traveling lightly.

Therefore, it is enough for him to squeeze out enough profits and account for all aspects. As for Bunge, the Ministry of Finance and the remnants of the German-American party, he feels that after becoming prime minister, he will have enough time and enough means to deal with these little tails. There is no need to rush!

Based on this consideration, he was willing to calm down the situation quickly, send Neserrode away quickly, and then concentrate on fighting for the position of prime minister and solving the bad things in Ukraine.

With Neserrodie and Prince Alexander reaching an agreement, the case of the Ministry of Finance concealing the embezzlement of public funds was quickly concluded. The Department of Treasury and Revenue of the Ministry of Finance and the Deputy Minister of Finance were made scapegoats and the three were removed from their posts.

As for Finance Minister Bunge, he was reprimanded for improper employment and negligence. As for Prime Minister Neserrodie, he voluntarily resigned and returned to his hometown. Although the official did not say that he was related to the case, private rumors said that he was the mastermind, but Alexander II took care of his face and did not punish him publicly.

So after nearly forty years in Russian officialdom, serving three czars, and nearly thirty years as prime minister, he came to a sad end.

When his carriage left St. Petersburg, few people came to see him off, which was so sad to see!