Struggle in Russia

Count Uvarov's expression was gloomy, and he obviously didn't particularly believe in little Adlerberg's words, but he also knew that Baryatinsky's influence on the crown prince was definitely greater than his.

This is something that can't be helped. Who makes Baryatinsky always accompany the crown prince? His feelings are definitely not comparable to that of a veteran minister who is far away from him.

The only thing that made Count Uvarov happy was that Baryatinsky went to the Caucasus to be the governor, otherwise it would be even more troublesome. If his position is really what little Adlerberg said, then it is really possible for him to manipulate the crown prince into applause while staying in St. Petersburg.

At this time, Count Uvarov suddenly thought, could he find a way to let Baryatinsky stay in the Caucasus for a few more years?

Emotions require connection, and even enemies can create sparks of friendship by spending time together every day. Even brothers who haven't seen each other for ten or eight years will fall apart.

If Baryatinsky can be kept in the Caucasus, his influence on the crown prince will be greatly reduced in a few years, and he will naturally have no threat.

But even if Count Uvarov wanted to stay in the Caucasus for Baryatinsky, it would not be easy. First of all, with Baryatinsky's ability, it is not particularly difficult to make the other side submissive.

Once he made remarkable achievements there, it was only natural that he would be transferred back to St. Petersburg. It's hard to stop.

Secondly, Baryatinsky also had a group of followers in St. Petersburg, and their influence in the court was not small. It would not be difficult to at least put in a good word for Baryatinsky and help him return to St. Petersburg.

The last and most critical point is that although the relationship between Count Uvarov and Baryatinsky is very bad, this old fox always remembers one thing, that is, no matter how rebellious Baryatinsky is, he is still a conservative and is still one of his own. .

Not only is he one of his own, he is also the most important member of the young conservative faction. Whether Count Uvarov wants to admit it or not, Baryatinsky is the future leader of the conservatives.

At least he hasn't found a more suitable candidate than Baryatinsky for the time being. If he destroys the future successor at this time, isn't it in vain that the liberals and reformists take advantage?

Count Uvarov is not that stupid. Fighting within the factions is one thing, but maintaining the interests of the factions is another. He and Baryatinsky fought without breaking up. Only in this way is it most beneficial to the conservatives.

So when he was asked to stab Baryatinsky at this critical moment, he really had to think carefully, especially considering that the Adlerbergs didn't tell the truth, so they really couldn't make a decision casually.

"Um."

Count Uvarov nodded slowly, as if he had listened to what little Adlerberg said, but it also seemed that he had not listened. Anyway, the latter could not tell anything from his expression and body language.

"I understand, you are doing a good job, continue to pay close attention to Duke Baryatinsky's movements, and report to me quickly if there is any situation!"

After saying that, without waiting for little Adlerberg to react, Count Uvarov pulled the bell in the carriage. Soon the partition on the front side of the carriage opened, and his valet looked out and asked :

"Sir, what are your orders?"

"Go to Count Adlerberg's house and send Sasha home!"

Soon I heard the coachman pull the reins, and in a few minutes of speeding around, little Adlerberg was delivered to the door of his house.

"Goodbye, Sasha, and say hello to your father for me."

Count Uvarov waved his hand, and the car door closed with a bang. Little Adlerberg could only watch him drift away, holding a belly of regret in his throat.

"You are too childish. Your little tricks are far from enough to instigate the count to break with Prince Baryatinsky!"

After listening to his son's introduction, old Adlerberg chuckled and said contemptuously: "You underestimate the earl's wisdom and sophistication, but it's not a big deal. This kind of thing has to be subtle and slow. Today's mention Just recite a few sentences in one voice tomorrow, and then it will be effective."

The problem is that little Adlerberg couldn't wait that long. He said anxiously: "But time is running out right now. There will be no store like this after passing this village. If they don't fight, we won't have any chance!"

Old Adlerberg sighed. He knew that little Adlerberg was right. In reality, there was no time for them to grind slowly. When it was time to achieve quick results, they had to start quickly.

"I know, but you did it too deliberately. Count Uvarov is not like the young people around him. You can't hide this trick from him. Be careful, don't be too targeted. If you accidentally reveal your move in your spare time, it will be more harmful. force!"

After teaching little Adlerberg, old Adlerberg was ready to return to the Winter Palace to continue his duties. He was indeed a little anxious recently. Nicholas I did not straighten him out after the death of Peter Volkonsky. , but left the position of Minister of Palace Affairs vacant there, which made him very embarrassed.

After all, everyone thought that he would be the successor after Peter Volkonsky. Who would have thought that Nicholas I would ignore him? Old Adlerberg found the queen and several mistresses that Nicholas I was friendly with. He said nice things and inquired about information, but the Supreme Being never said anything.

He was just left there to be humiliated. If there was no result, his status within the mountain would probably drop a notch immediately.

Naturally, little Adlerberg also knew about this kind of thing, and he was naturally worried and angry about his old man, so he was a little eager for success.

"Father, is Mikhail Petrovich Pogodin a member of the count?"

Old Adlerberg was stunned by this question, because he really didn't know that the two people were related. He naturally asked: "Why do you ask that?"

"Just now the count sent me back with him. The count sent me back first, but Pogokin was still in the car..." After a pause, he added hesitantly: "And when I was in the car, I I always feel that Pogokin’s reaction was too calm, and it’s not like the reaction a person of his kind should have when he gets on the earl’s car for the first time…so I guess they are related!”

Pogokin?

Old Adlerberg recited this name several times, but he had heard of this person's name. He seemed to be a small speaker and broadcaster who promoted the Trinity policy among the people. It is indeed a bit suspicious from this perspective, and it is no wonder that little Adlerberg has such speculation.

"I will pay attention to it," old Adlerberg replied solemnly. "If these two people are related, then the earl needs to pay more attention to it. You have no idea how many secrets this old fox has fallen into. In the future, you will follow Bo You need to be more careful when dealing with Goggin, he might be the earl’s man!”