Struggle in Russia

Pobedonostsev looked Li Xiao up and down. He had heard about how shrewd and difficult the other party was. He was disgusted that Nicholas I, Alexander II and Grand Duke Constantine could still be so lively. This was not something ordinary people could do. things to do.

However, he was not a rookie, so he asked slowly: "Is this your attitude or that of Count Nikolai Milyutin?"

This is nothing more than psychological pressure to establish a negotiating advantage by belittling Li Xiao's status.

But he really found the wrong person for this. Li Xiao immediately replied: "My attitude is that of Count Nikolai Milyutin. He has entrusted me with all relevant matters! What's more, the Count is not a fool. The accounts can still be settled!"

Pobedonostsev was not in a hurry when his tough pressure was ineffective, and still said slowly: "In that case, it seems that we have nothing to talk about?"

This was still extreme pressure, but Li Xiao knew in his heart that he would not accept this trick at all. He immediately stood up and bowed slightly: "That's such a shame. It seems that I can only look forward to the next cooperation!"

Li Xiao's incompetence left Pobedonostsev with no solution at all. He knew that he was not facing a small shrimp that could be manipulated casually, but an opponent of the same level with extremely strong vision, mind and will. It cannot be thwarted by such small means.

He smiled and said: "Don't be anxious, my friend! The deal is not a deal. What's more, I feel that the opportunity for cooperation has not been completely lost. We can still talk about it! My request is not excessive, I just hope that you can provide it." More insurance, after all, I have a special status and things are more complicated!"

Li Xiaoxin said: I believe you are a ghost! You're a shady old fox, and you still want to get more benefits after all your talk! It's not that simple!

He answered without any nonsense: "It's not impossible for us to provide more insurance, but your price is too low, and our efforts and gains are completely out of proportion... Well, you have many friends in the cultural world, can you Can you help me make a little fuss in public opinion, instead of letting your friends make a fuss about Grand Duke Constantine, at least make sure they talk less, okay?"

Pobedonostsev weighed the benefits and losses in his mind. The other party was willing to promise him more things, but at the same time, he also asked him to help more. It is nothing more than controlling the public opinion circle so that celebrities and celebrities who support conservatives will speak less for Alexander II and Grand Duke Constantine.

It's really not difficult for him to do, but it's a little taboo. If Alexander II knew that he was telling the cultural community to shut up, he would definitely be unhappy and would think that he was openly disobeying orders and challenging him.

This nature is completely different!

After thinking again and again, he asked cautiously: "Then what kind of protection can you provide?"

The so-called guarantee is naturally an exchange of interests. After taking such a big risk, he naturally has to ask what kind of benefits he can get.

Li Xiao replied without hesitation: "We will use all our strength to suppress Duke Dolgoruky and make him fall into a big fight! In addition, we will also increase the intensity of our attack on Duke Baryatinsky and make him suffer for a while. It’ll be hard to get out soon!”

Pobedonostsev swallowed and spit. These two conditions were too tempting for him. Not to mention the first one that hit Duke Dolgoruky. If he could really make him fall into a big fight, then... I'm afraid he really has to be honest for a while, which gives him the opportunity to straighten out the third part.

As for the latter one, intensifying the attack on Duke Baryatinsky, this is even more ideal. His current dominant position is entirely based on the fact that Duke Baryatinsky is too busy to work hard. If Baryatinsky can be entangled for a longer time, it means that he has more time to consolidate his position.

But there was one thing he doubted, and that was that the reformists really still had the ability to target Duke Baryatinsky?

You must know that if the last wave of blows had not happened suddenly and indeed caught Baryatinsky's tail, Alexander II's love for that guy would have easily saved him.

Next, what other methods can the reformists use to threaten the other party and make it difficult for the other party to escape?

Even if the other party really has such means, Alexander II is not an idle person. He would not just watch Baryatinsky being beaten. Once Baryatinsky was in danger of collapse, it would be equivalent to cutting off one of his arms. How could Alexander II endure it at that time?

In other words, the strength of the blow is very challenging, and the boat will capsize if you are not careful. Does Nikolai Milyutin have such skill?

Yes, Pobedonostsev was not optimistic about Nikolai Milyutin's methods. If he really had such skills, he would not have ended up like this, letting Grand Duke Constantine do this.

He looked at Li Xiao suspiciously, suspecting that this person was just talking big words, but Li Xiao's confident look didn't seem to be fake. Do you want to take a gamble?

Pobedonostsev was not willing to gamble before, but it is different now. If he can win the bet, the harvest will be really great!

As the saying goes, money moves people's hearts. As long as the benefits are big enough, what about the risk of losing one's head?

Done! ! !

"You must ensure that Prince Baryatinsky has no time for anything else, at least...at least..."

Pobedonostsev calculated in his mind a reasonable time requirement, neither too short nor too long.

Who would have thought that Li Xiao would be the first to do so: "We will ensure that he cannot escape within half a year, how about that?"

Pobedonostsev was so happy, it would be no exaggeration to say that he was ecstatic. He had to try to keep his expression calm. To be honest, it was really a test for him.

He couldn't wait to agree: "Okay, then it's settled!"

Li Xiao nodded without hesitation. It was him who proposed the condition, so he had no reason not to agree.

When Li Xiao walked out of the headquarters building of the third department, the situation took a new turn. Pobedonos was openly acting as a spy. With his secret help, Alexander II's power was further weakened.

This means that the reformists and conservatives will have a certain advantage in the subsequent struggle. If we make good use of this advantage, we can at least ensure victory, not only to defeat the conservatives.

However, what Li Xiao values ​​​​more is the future cooperation with Pobedonostsev. Although this person is unreliable and cooperation with them is based on small calculations, wouldn't it be good if everyone gets what they need and make a profit?

Li Xiao believed that this cooperation could continue as long as he did not completely defeat Duke Baryatinsky.

After thinking about it, Li Xiao decided to tell Nikolai Milyuting the good news quickly. He needed the good news to boost his morale...