Struggle in Russia

Nicholas I was surprised because he never expected that Duke Ordov would recommend Count Shuvalov as a special envoy. You must know that this count had just made a big mistake. He had a strong opinion of Count Shuvalov and wanted to kill this guy.

For him to accept such a person as such an important envoy, he really cannot accept it.

It's just that Duke Ordorff still needs to be given face, and Nicholas I can only reluctantly listen to why he recommended this candidate.

"Tell me the reason, Duke. You should know that Count Shuvalov is not reliable!"

Duke Ordorf did not think that Count Shuvalov was unreliable. On the contrary, judging from his performance in Kiev, he was not generally reliable. Of course, the most important thing about him is not that he is reliable, but that his methods and mentality are superb enough, and his behavior is despicable enough. He is best suited to do things that are not suitable to be talked about on the stage.

So he replied in a low voice: "Your Majesty, of course I know why you think Count Shuvalov is not reliable enough, but in my opinion, it is precisely because he is sufficient in some aspects...enough without any lower limit, that is why he is suitable for this time. Task!"

Nicholas I was stunned. He didn't expect that the reason given by Duke Ordorff was like this. Because someone is too despicable, shameless and has no lower limit, so let him go out and harm Britain and France as a troublemaker?

Well, this reason is so weird and powerful that it is a bit hard for Nicholas I to accept. Could it be that the majestic Russian Empire changed its destiny by relying on despicable rotten people?

He subconsciously refused, but then he thought about it. The way Britain and France used public opinion to throw dirty water on him was also despicable. Letting an equally despicable bastard treat him in his own way was also a way of expressing his bad temper.

Even if an outsider saw it, they would probably understand that it was just a passive counterattack, and it could be understood that it was purely self-defense.

If you think about it this way, Count Shuvalov's choice as Nicholas I is not so difficult to accept. Count Rostovtsev reported to him in detail what the guy did in Kiev.

After seeing the tricks of that guy, Nicholas I had to admit that this guy was indeed very bad and shameless, but he did have some tricks. If there hadn't been some mistakes along the way, that guy might have actually framed Grand Duke Constantine. It worked.

From this perspective, having Count Shuvalov go to the Kingdom of Sardinia as a special envoy to do work might actually have a miraculous effect.

Thinking of this, Nicholas I hesitated. He wanted to agree but felt that the psychological hurdle was a bit difficult to overcome. If others knew his true thoughts, they would definitely despise him. This made him, who cherished his reputation and valued his face, have to be cautious.

After thinking again and again, Nicholas I asked: "Besides Count Shuvalov, are there any other candidates?"

Duke Ordorf immediately replied: "Apart from Count Shuvalov, I am not the one who is qualified for this task. I personally think that Prime Minister Neserrode and Prince Alexander Gorchakov are also qualified for this task. , it’s just that the Kingdom of Sardinia requires us to send the Prime Minister to do the work, which is a bit...a bit fussy and unseemly, and it is a bit troublesome to send Duke Alexander there, after all, Austria cannot do without him..."

Nicholas I fell silent, and Duke Ordorff's words reached his heart. He was so concerned about face that he was definitely not willing to let Neserrodie come forward to lobby the Kingdom of Sardinia, because it was really easy to talk but not easy to hear.

Rumor has spread that the royal families of various European countries have said that Russia has no one left. A small country with a big butt noodle actually has to send a prime minister. If big countries like Britain and France have something to do in the future, who will be sent as a special envoy? Do you want him, the tsar, to be the special envoy? Take action personally?

What's more, Nicholas I now extremely distrusted Neserroddie, and was naturally even more reluctant to let him come forward.

As for Duke Alexander, in terms of ability, Nicholas I felt that there was no problem at all, but he could not trust him in terms of his position. He always believed that this diplomatic wizard was too liberal, and in his heart, liberals could almost compete with the revolutionary rebels. equal sign.

How is that possible if you ask him to hand over such an important task to a potential rebel?

So if you think about it for a while, the matter is actually simple. Except for Count Shuvalov, the rest of the people are inappropriate.

But sending Count Shuvalov to Nicholas I felt like he had eaten a fly. After struggling for a long time, he still couldn't make up his mind. He could only say: "Let me think about it, and you can think about it again when you go back." Let’s see if there are any suitable candidates, and if there are any, let us know at any time!”

Duke Ordorff was sent away. Although Nicholas I did not fully agree with his suggestion, he knew that it was only a matter of time. Because apart from Count Shuvalov, St. Petersburg can never find a second more suitable candidate.

It’s not that there is no such thing at all, but that those who have the ability are unwilling to go, and those who are willing to go may not be able to do so. Only Count Shuvalov, who had just made a big mistake and was thrown into the cold palace, was willing to take on this unfortunate job.

After Nicholas I sent away Duke Ordov, he directly called Count Rostovtsev.

"Duke Ordorf recommends Count Shuvalov as a special envoy to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Do you think it is appropriate?"

Count Rostovtsev understood the twists and turns in his mind. It was definitely suitable. To put it bluntly, it was just that Nicholas I couldn't let go of that little face.

He immediately replied: "It's very appropriate. As the most outstanding talent in our country, Count Shuvalov is resourceful and decisive, and is particularly suitable for such an urgent task. Moreover, he is bold enough and can often break through the rules to solve problems. It is up to him to But the special envoy is particularly suitable!"

"And his status is just right. I believe he will be grateful to Your Majesty for giving him this precious opportunity!"

Nicholas I was stunned again, because Count Rostovtsev's last words seemed to imply something. After thinking for a while, he seemed to understand that given Count Shuvalov's current situation, as long as he was given a chance to redeem himself and make meritorious deeds, how could he not work hard?

If you send an ordinary person there, you can only put in 100% effort at most, but if you send him there, how dare he not put in 200% or even 300% effort to fight?

Suddenly Nicholas I's eyes lit up, and he was very satisfied with this unexpected advantage. At least he didn't have to worry about Count Shuvalov not trying his best. Presumably this bad boy will use all his skills to complete the task, and things will not go well in that case!