Struggle in Russia

Count Rostovtsev listened carefully to Dmitry Milyutin's analysis and judgment, recording some key judgments with a quill pen from time to time. It's just that for him, the air leakage from all sides in Austria is not a bad thing.

On the Austrian issue, he is actually more inclined to the opinions of Duke Alexander Gorchakov and Li Xiao. A weak Austria is more in line with Russia's interests. It is more beneficial to weaken Austria locally!

He even muttered in his heart: [I hope the Italians can be more powerful. It would be great if they can take the initiative to do something. It would be better to drag the Austrian troops to the Apennine Peninsula, so that we can have more operations Space! 】

As soon as this idea came up, there was no way to contain it. Count Rostovtsev pondered for a long time, and finally couldn't help saying to Dmitry: "My friend, if... I mean if... if Italy People, for example, the Kingdom of Sardinia suddenly declared war on Austria, what kind of impact will this have?"

Dmitry's eyes widened, and he asked in disbelief: "The Kingdom of Sardinia declared war on Austria? My God, how is this possible? Is Savoy crazy?"

Count Rostovtsev curled his lips and said in his heart: "Poor child, you are still too naive in politics. As long as you have enough interests, what is it like to be crazy? It is even possible to make a deal with the devil!"

But on his lips, he said: "My friend, I said, it is if! What if the Kingdom of Sardinia did this?"

Dmitry pondered for a moment, and then replied with a serious face: "If the timing is right, once the Kingdom of Sardinia declares war on Austria, it will have serious consequences... To put it bluntly, it may completely crush the Habsburgs. Family, end their rule! It is very likely that the Austrian Empire will cease to exist. The order of the entire Central and Eastern Europe will be reshuffled!"

"As far as the military is concerned, the Austrian army will be dragged on the Apennine Peninsula and will be unable to return home to suppress the rebellion! This will put great pressure on them and Duke Paskovich!"

Count Rostovtsev nodded, and asked again: "Suppose, what if the Kingdom of Sardinia wiped out the main force of the Austrian army in Apennines? What would happen?"

Dmitry said heavily: "Then the Habsburg family is over!"

Count Rostovtsev was satisfied, he liked this result a little bit, but he knew that this result would never happen, not because he despised the fighting power of the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Italians. But he knew that Nicholas I would never allow such a thing to happen.

Although Nicholas I's views on Austria have changed a bit now, it does not mean that he has completely abandoned the Holy Alliance. This alliance is still very important to him for the time being, and it is impossible to give up. Moreover, Nesselrode can't sit idly by, that old fox will definitely go all out for this, even if he bets his political life.

What's more, a rising Sardinian kingdom is not in the interests of Russia. For the time being, this bastard country is closer to Britain and France, and will not have any good colors for Russia, so they should not be too complacent.

And what Count Rostovtsev wanted to do was to use them and let them stab the Austrian in the chest severely, so that the Austrian would bleed more.

Dmitry also seemed to realize something. He knew that Count Rostovtsev would never assume for no reason. If he assumed, it meant some kind of signal.

It's just that Dmitry is more realistic. Although he doesn't like some of Nicholas I's policies, it doesn't mean that he will choose to use some extreme measures to stop them.

So he asked cautiously: "Count, did you receive any news about any changes in the Kingdom of Sardinia?"

Count Rostovtsev looked at him and replied calmly: "I have received some news that the Kingdom of Sardinia seems to have an idea to take advantage of the civil strife in Austria to unify the Apennine Peninsula."

Dmitry let out a thud, was very shocked by the news, and blurted out: "Then we must be prepared, and we must remind the Ministry of the Army and the Ministry of the Navy to pay attention to the Kingdom of Sardinia just in case!"

Count Rostovtsev shook his head inwardly,

Although Dmitri is very good, sometimes this guy is too simple and innocent. It can only be said that he still retains too many military habits. How can he be so simple as a politician?

What do you believe in what other people say? Then why do you still need that thing on your shoulder? Just to raise the average human height?

Politicians must maintain a good habit of independent thinking at all times. No matter what relationship someone has with you or what they say, you have to think about it yourself. Is there a problem here? Is it all true. How can you be led by the nose!

This is what Count Rostovtsev is most dissatisfied with Dmitry for the time being, but he is not in a hurry, because this habit has been formed by Dmitri for a long time, and it is impossible to change it overnight. You tried to use bloody lessons to make him understand what it means to think twice before acting!

So Count Rostovtsev just replied calmly: "What's the use of reminding the Ministry of War and the Ministry of the Navy? Do you think Menshikov and Chernyshov would care about this? Or do you think they both The kind of person who is particularly good at listening to other people's opinions? Not to mention that now we only have some gossip and rumors."

Dmitry did not give up: "But we can take precautions! What if?"

Count Rostovtsev snorted contemptuously: "What if? Do you think Menshikov and Chernyshov care about what happens? Don't waste time, my friend. You should focus on the Caucasus Go to war, do a good job as the chief of staff, and seize this opportunity to show your ability!"

Dmitri still did not give up: "The Kingdom of Sardinia?"

Count Rostovtsev sighed leisurely: "I will remind His Majesty..."

Although it was a bit of a problem, Dmitry chose to believe in Count Rostovtsev in the end. He never thought that Count Rostovtsev would never bring up this topic with Nicholas I, and even tried every means to sway the Kingdom of Sardinia. The one who did it would still be him.

Dmitry believed Count Rostovtsev, and planned the Caucasus battle plan wholeheartedly according to the count's instructions. He never thought that at the same time, Count Rostovtsev was in contact with friends in Italy and France. Begin to encourage the Kingdom of Sardinia to go to war against Austria in advance.

In fact, without Count Rostovtsev's instigation, the Kingdom of Sardinia would have made the same choice, and his action only greatly accelerated the process...