Struggle in Russia

Nikolai Milyutin knew that Count Rostovtsev had not always had a particularly good impression of Grand Duke Constantine, and he was even considered to be one of the reformists who disapproved of him.

Although Nikolai Milyutin is considered a supporter of Grand Duke Constantine, he can also understand Count Rostovtsev's concerns. As far as Archduke Constantine's performance in the past one or two years is concerned, it is indeed a bit unsatisfactory, but he believes that this is just the setbacks and hardships that must be experienced in growing up.

After these tests, Grand Duke Constantine will become more mature and know better how to correctly promote the reform process. In short, he believes that these small flaws are still flaws, and Grand Duke Constantine can still look forward to the future.

Count Rostovtsev knew Nikolai Milyutin too well. Although he promised to comply with his request, in fact he would not warn or teach Grand Duke Constantine particularly severely, so he expected to achieve the goal of surrender through him. It may be difficult for someone to remember the purpose of the lesson long enough.

But Count Rostovtsev could not personally teach Grand Duke Constantine a lesson. This would expose his existence and add variables to the promotion of reforms. The only person he could count on and trust was Nikolai Milyutin, so he suddenly increased his tone and lectured rudely:

"Nicholas, do you know what I dislike most about you?"

Nikolai Milyutin was stunned when he was asked. He had no idea what Count Rostovtsev meant, but he knew that the count would never talk nonsense to him. This question must have a purpose and meaning. of.

He quickly replied: "I don't know. Am I not smart enough to keep up with your thinking?"

Count Rostovtsev glanced at him and said calmly: "You are smart enough. Your problem has never been that you are not smart enough, but that you are not strong enough and lack the ability to discern people's hearts!"

Nikolai Milyutin snorted and asked, "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is very simple. You were too indulgent towards Grand Duke Constantine, almost letting him do whatever he wanted...even if he made a big mess, you still used words such as "This is just an accident, or this is nothing more". It’s just a lame excuse like accident to avoid the problem!”

Count Rostovtsev taught him a stern lesson: "The problem with Grand Duke Constantine has never been that he was too unlucky or that he always encountered accidental factors, but that he was a young man who was spoiled by people like you. , has no self-awareness, has high ambitions but low abilities, and is domineering and unscrupulous in his actions. What is even more annoying is that he never knows how to self-reflect and always blames others for his problems. It is simply hopeless!"

Nikolai Milyutin was stunned by this crackling lesson. Only then did he understand what Count Rostovtsev’s purpose was. It was obvious that the Count had already had enough patience with Grand Duke Konstantin, but he didn’t understand and still refused. I thought that this time things would be the same as before. I just needed to raise my voice with Grand Duke Constantine and give him a few words of advice.

Obviously, it won't be so easy this time. If he doesn't correct his attitude, then Grand Duke Constantine will probably be relegated to another book by Count Rostovtsev, and he will never be able to mobilize the reformists again. Internal resources may even be blocked.

This is no joke, in a sense Count Rostovtsev’s control and dominance over the reformists was much stronger than Count Uvarov’s control over the conservatives.

Count Uvarov doesn't like Baryatinsky, so he can only hammer and polish slowly. If Count Rostovtsev wants to target Grand Duke Konstantin, then the entire reformist faction will become a crossroads. Mouse, no one dares to continue to cooperate with him or provide him with help.

Nikolai Milyutin quickly said: "Count, are you making a fuss out of a molehill? It is true that His Royal Highness Grand Duke Constantine made some mistakes, but these are inevitable for young people. It is completely understandable. We should also be more patient. Some……"

Before he could finish speaking, Count Rostovtsev interrupted with a cold snort: "See, this is your biggest problem. You always subconsciously want to excuse him! Young man? Now in Wallachia? Of those people who have done a great job, which one is not a young person? Do they rely on someone's backing to do anything like your grand duke? "

"Misappropriating food, driving up prices, and even secretly collaborating with those scumbags in Moldavia, which one of these is not a serious crime?"

"If he hadn't been Grand Duke Constantine, and if he hadn't been defended by people like you, these crimes would have been enough to get him hanged!"

Nikolai Milyutin was trained so hard that he could not hold his head up, but this was not over. Count Rostovtsev angrily lectured: "This is not a problem of youth, but a problem of human nature! What he did It has already explained his true nature, he is just a selfish, self-centered, spoiled brat who doesn’t know what the heavens and the earth are!”

"And I will never allow the great cause of reform to be delayed by such a little brat. If anyone hinders my career, I will ruthlessly eliminate him, whether it is Count Uvarov or him, or even Even His Majesty can’t stop me from making great Russia a better place!”

These words were so heavy that Nikolai Milyutin couldn't breathe. Only then did he understand the seriousness of the matter. The spy Count Rostovtsev could no longer bear it, and just now he had acted like a fool for Konstantin. Dismissal.

Well, Nikolai Milyutin was immediately ashamed, wondering if there was something wrong with his understanding, as he didn't even understand such an obvious hint.

He broke into a cold sweat and said hurriedly: "Count, I always believe that Grand Duke Constantine will not be an obstacle to reform. On the contrary, he will definitely be a great help for us to carry out reform. Although everything that is happening now proves that he There are still many problems and shortcomings, but we still have time to help him change, and he can definitely be changed. I firmly believe that he will get better, not develop in the opposite direction!"

Nikolay Milyutin's voice was resounding and his expression was very decisive. It was obvious that he still had great feelings for Grand Duke Constantine, otherwise he would never risk everything to continue to speak good words for him at this time.

To be honest, Grand Duke Constantine having such supporters is his most precious asset. I hope he can cherish this asset and not let down Nikolai Milyutin's sincerity.

Count Rostovtsev looked at Nikolai Milyutin meaningfully and said slowly...