Struggle in Russia

Nesselrode is actually not good at creating, he is only good at reconciling, or being a mason who tinkers with existing things. He may be a good player in the center and mud, but it is really the wrong person to ask him to break the framework and create a new system that can satisfy all aspects.

Naturally, his thoughts came to nothing. Because he couldn't find the point to balance the interests of all parties. He could not satisfy both Nicholas I and Austria. Anyway, one of the two must make concessions and be taken advantage of, otherwise the reconstruction of the system will be out of the question.

"Nesselrode seems to have realized that the situation is not good." Count Rostovtsev said slowly to Old Igor, "He should have found that he can't stop Nikolai's greed!"

Old Igor was noncommittal about this, because he was not interested in Nesselrode's system at all. What he wanted to know was why Count Rostovtsev told him this.

"Nesselrode is very important to our future plan." Count Rostovtsev said slowly, "Without his cooperation, Nikolai would not be so easy to get hooked."

Old Igor still didn't understand why he had to tell him, so he simply asked, "Say it directly, what do you want me to do?"

Count Rostovtsev smiled slightly and said, "I heard that your little master has a good relationship with Duke Alexander Gorchakov? Acting as the Duke's brain trust?"

Old Igor looked at him in surprise, because he had never told Count Rostovtsev about this news. Could it be that this guy is so well informed.

"I helped out with some ideas, it's not a think tank!" Old Igor replied flatly.

Count Rostovtsev did not expose it, but said: "It would be great if you can help with ideas. I hope you can persuade your little master to help me give me some ideas for Prince Alexander Gorchakov! Convince this Duke Advice to Nicholas."

Old Igor frowned, and asked impatiently, "What do you mean?"

Count Rostovtsev said with a smile: "Don't worry, I have no malicious intentions. After all, we have the same goal. I just hope that your little master can make that duke more aggressive and give Nesselrode more power." So much pressure!"

Old Igor asked worriedly: "What's the use of this?"

"Of course it works. Nesselrode is now aware of the crisis and has a sense of urgency, but it's not strong enough. I have to make him think that he can be replaced by Prince Alexander Gorchakov at any time. There is only this sense of crisis. He will give it a go if it weighs heavily on his heart!"

Before the old Igor could ask, Count Rostovtsev explained: "Now he still refuses to completely give up the old frame, so I hope he can take the initiative to remove it, so that our next action will be more convenient." It will save a lot of trouble!"

Old Igor understood what Count Rostovtsev meant. If Duke Alexander Gorchakov could continue to make some suggestions that satisfied Nicholas I, he could force Nesselrode to blind spot. In the end, this old guy can only give up the old order he insisted on, and that time is when Russia is turned upside down!

Old Igor nodded, and agreed to Count Rostovtsev's request, but at the same time said: "However, this kind of thing is not accepted if you give advice, and the relationship between our Grand Duke and that Duke has not yet reached that level. To the point! If it’s an outrageous suggestion, the duke will naturally not agree to it!”

Count Rostovtsev said with a chuckle: "Of course, my suggestion will never be too outrageous, and it will definitely meet the taste of the Duke and your little master. It will not do any harm to us!"

Old Igor snorted contemptuously: "I hope so, sometimes you can't believe a single word of your nonsense!"

Having said that, Old Igor still agreed to write to Li Xiao. It's just that he didn't know that after he left, Count Rostovtsev found Dmitry Milyutin again.

"How is my friend Caucasus's battle plan? Is everything going well?"

Dmitry is actually in a good mood. As his suggestions are valued by Crown Prince Alexander, his status has naturally risen. He is now the second staff officer of Crown Prince Alexander on military issues.

Who is the No. 1 staff officer you ask?

Naturally, it was Duke Bariatinsky. After all, this was the most trusted soldier of Crown Prince Alexander.

But Dmitry was very satisfied, because most of his suggestions would be accepted, and even Bariatinsky thought he was a qualified chief of staff. All in all, Dmitry has made it through.

"With the crown prince watching, no one, whether it is the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of War, dares to do anything bad. If there is no accident, we can start to act in the spring of next year."

Count Rostovtsev nodded and said: "Very well, once Bariatinsky leaves, you will have a bigger stage, seize the opportunity and win the trust of the crown prince. Only people who support reform like you can Standing by the crown prince's side, our future plans can proceed smoothly."

Dmitry nodded silently. With Count Rostovtsev arranging everything in an orderly manner, his confidence in the future is now stronger than ever, and the motivation is also just now.

Count Rostovtsev continued: "The main reason for calling you here this time is Nesselrode's problem. He is about to be hooked, but we have to make persistent efforts... It's just that we lack someone who can influence and guide him. Man... I heard that you are very familiar with Countess Antonina Bogdanova?"

Dmitry immediately showed an embarrassed expression, which of course any man would understand. Obviously this Countess Antonina Bogdanova is not an ordinary woman.

To be precise, this countess is the confidante of Dmitry and others, well, she is also known as a courtesan in later generations. When you think that even a serious man like Dmitry is fascinated by her, you can imagine how attractive this woman is.

"Ahem, we have a good chat on the Pan-Slavic issue, and the Countess is very insightful about it!" Dmitry also forcefully explained.

Count Rostovtsev did not expose it, and replied solemnly: "I know that it is particularly important because the Countess is a supporter of Pan-Slavism."

Now it was Dmitry's turn to wonder: "Why?"

Count Rostovtsev laughed and said, "Because our prime minister is also very fascinated by the Countess's political views recently..."