Struggle in Russia

Nikolai Milyutin was surprised and delighted when he learned that Pobedonostsev agreed to cooperate.

Surprisingly, Li Xiao was able to convince the conservative bosses. He was naturally happy that with Pobedonostsev's cooperation, he had a better chance of defeating Alexander II and Grand Duke Constantine.

To be honest, he has been under a lot of pressure recently. Not anyone can be calm and calm in the face of huge giants like Alexander II and Grand Duke Constantine.

At least Nikolai Milyutin was not at this level. He could hardly sleep these days, or he would be woken up by nightmares in the middle of the night. All in all, it’s a lot of pressure.

But he also had concerns: "Is he reliable? Could he be deceiving us...or is this simply their conspiracy?"

If he doesn't behave, he will think too much. In fact, the oppression and persecution suffered by the reformists in the past few decades are too cruel. They had never encountered anything like this pie-in-the-sky thing before, so they subconsciously thought it was a trap.

Li Xiao replied calmly: "According to my observation and understanding, this should not be a trap... Pobedonostsev does have big differences with His Majesty, and he is more inclined to deal with Grand Duke Constantine... What's more, This also involves Duke Baryatinsky, and as long as he can attack that Duke, I think he will do anything!"

Nikolai Milyutin nodded. In fact, he thought so too. The reason why he raised the question was just inertia.

Li Xiao continued: "But it's not a bad thing to be cautious when cooperating with him. He is a very deep-minded and ambitious person. If he can cooperate with us today, he will take out a knife to assassinate us tomorrow. We have to guard against him!"

Nikolai Milyuting nodded again, he was very satisfied with Li Xiao's caution. Just now, he was worried that Li Xiao would forget everything in his ecstasy and lose his vigilance. Now it seems that he underestimated this young man too much - young people nowadays are really amazing!

When he was filled with emotion, Li Xiao added: "His Majesty has sent Duke Dolgoruky and Count Kleinmicher to contact Umerov in the past few days. It seems that they also realized that the key lies in this person. !”

Nikolai Milyutin suddenly frowned, not that he was worried or surprised by the news, because he had known the news for a long time. Count Rostovtsev notified him immediately.

What he was worried about was whether Umerov was reliable!

Li Xiao said: "For the time being, he is still reliable. As soon as the incident happened, he contacted me and informed me of the relevant situation. He explained the situation in detail and told me how he dealt with the opponent's pressing. Yes, if he is telling the truth, then he is indeed on our side!"

Nikolai Milyutin asked worriedly: "Have you verified it?"

Li Xiao shook his head and said: "There is no way to verify this. Duke Dolgoruky is Duke Baryatinsky's lackey and has always been hostile to us... And I have no connections with Count Kleinmicher, and that The count has always followed His Majesty's lead, how could he betray His Majesty?"

Just when Nikolai Milyutin was about to say something, Li Xiao said: "However, I have informed Count Rostovtsev of the relevant situation. I believe that the Count should be able to verify this situation with his vast powers."

Nikolai Milyutin stopped talking immediately. In fact, he originally wanted to tell Li Xiao that Count Kleinmicher was one of his own, and he could verify it on his behalf.

But since Li Xiao has figured out a solution, Count Rostovtsev will naturally help with this little favor, and there is no need for him to say anything more.

He thought that was the end of the matter, but Li Xiao actually continued: "But I think Umelov is still reliable. This man is very capable and ambitious, and he wants to climb up... But because he has a low background and no background, he has always been Being idle... Now that you have given him a bright road, you cannot give up on your own initiative!"

Nikolai Milyutin thought this was not safe enough: "But I can give him the same as His Majesty, and I can give him more!"

Li Xiao shook his head and said: "You are right. Your Majesty can indeed give you more, but there is a problem! Your Majesty will never give it!"

Nikolai Milyuting was stunned and looked at Li Xiao in confusion. He wanted to know where to start.

"It's very simple. You can tell the clues from His Majesty's attitude towards him... If His Majesty really values ​​him and realizes his value, can he stay behind us and contact him? We have negotiated terms with him for several days. Your Majesty’s talent has come late. What does this mean? It means that Your Majesty doesn’t think he is very important at all. If the situation hadn’t forced him, he wouldn’t have given this little shrimp a second look!”

Nikolai Milyutin did not speak, because this analysis was correct.

Li Xiao continued: "And if Umerov did not lie, do you think His Majesty intends to bribe him? To put it bluntly, Duke Dolgoruky and Count Kleinmicher are not there to show their goodwill, but to The one who demonstrated with murderous intent! He just threatened Umelov to make him cooperate... This clearly shows that His Majesty has no intention of benefiting him at all, and just dismissed him because he thought he was intimidating a little person like him!"

Nikolai Milyutin opened his mouth in astonishment and could not utter a word. Obviously this was the fact. As long as Alexander II was willing to give him a benefit, in fact, there was no need for Duke Dolgoruky and Count Kleinmicher to come forward. , just send someone to tell Umelov that there will be a big reward afterwards.

But Alexander II did not do this, which shows from the side that he did not mean to give benefits.

As long as Umerov is not stupid, he can analyze these things clearly with a little use of his brain. Comparing the two, which side do you think he will choose?

Anyway, if it were Nikolai Milyutin, he would never choose Alexander II!

"You are right!" He sighed, "Thankfully His Majesty is stingy, otherwise things would be in trouble!"

Who would have thought that Li Xiao just smiled, obviously he did not agree with this conclusion.

"I think even if His Majesty is very generous and offers as good terms as you, Umerov will still choose you in the end!"

Nikolay Milyutin's eyes widened and he said in disbelief: "How is that possible!"

Li Xiao smiled and said: "How is it impossible! You underestimate his intelligence too much. I told you that he is a very smart and ambitious person. He makes very accurate judgments about things and knows how to choose what is best for him... ...If you think about it from his perspective, what are the benefits of joining those conservatives? Even if he can move one position, will Umerov have a chance to stand out among them in the future, based on their background and seniority?"