Struggle in Russia

Nicholas I quickly made up his mind and immediately issued an order to appoint Count Shuvalov as a plenipotentiary envoy to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Of course, because of his sophistication, he did not forget to tell Duke Ordorff and let the Duke follow Shuvalov. Let the count have a good chat so that he can put his best efforts into his work.

As a result, Duke Ordorff was a little confused, because he had just returned to the headquarters of the third department, and he suddenly received the order before he even sat back on the chair. This was not the same as what he expected from Nicholas I. It’s completely different to have to hesitate for a long time before making up your mind.

This made him very curious about who or what force made Nicholas I so determined.

With his connections, it was not difficult to find out Count Rostovtsev's role in it. This made him immediately pay more attention to Count Rostovtsev. He felt that Count Rostovtsev's status in the future would probably be even greater. high.

In addition, he was more surprised that Nicholas I did not summon Count Uvarov to consult, and the flavor here was more complicated.

After all, Count Shuvalov is a member of Count Uvarov. It is very strange that he is a member of Count Uvarov but does not say hello to Count Uvarov.

At least according to the traditional style of Nicholas I, this is extremely abnormal. In the past, he would definitely ask Count Uvarov to come over for consultation, which was both a knock and a favor, but now he didn't pay any attention to Uvarov. Count Rolf, what does this mean?

Duke Oldorf thought of a lot of things in an instant. In recent years, the form of officialdom has changed extremely drastically. The giants who once controlled the world are somewhat like the sunset.

For example, Neserrode, the all-powerful Prime Minister, has been almost marginalized and can only cultivate himself behind closed doors and ignore worldly affairs.

Another example is Count Uvarov. Although this count has not been obviously ignored by Nicholas I, the differential treatment is also very obvious. Nicholas I no longer listens to his suggestions on many key issues.

He even secretly beat up many of his party members and friends. Now the boss of the conservative forces is quite a bit cold and cold.

This time, Count Shuvalov was appointed as the special envoy. Nicholas I still had no intention of saying hello to Count Uvarov. It was obvious that he had something to say.

Should he tell Count Shuvalov to keep his distance from Count Uvarov, or should he warn Count Uvarov not to reach out everywhere?

Both of these meanings seem to have some meaning, but neither seems to be that exact.

Duke Ordorf guessed that the former was more likely, because what Nicholas I didn’t like to see the most was for his ministers to form cliques. In the final analysis, Count Shuvalov’s small actions in Kiev were to help Ukraine. Count Varov fights against dissenters.

Although the weight of this dissident was a bit heavy, he dared to blatantly mess with the prince, which made Nicholas I intolerable. At that time, in order to save face, Nicholas I accepted Count Rostovtsev's opinion and chose to downplay it. The impact was just a cold treatment of Count Shuvalov.

But it is conceivable that he absolutely hates Count Uvarov's behavior. This time Count Shuvalov must be asked to go out to do things, and beatings are naturally inevitable. He must clearly tell Count Shuvalov who he should serve and where the bottom line is as a minister.

He just wants to draw a red line for Count Shuvalov and let him know that it must not be crossed!

As for the latter's warning to Count Shuvalov, it may be worthwhile, but in Duke Ordorf's opinion, it is not important, or Nicholas I may think that warnings and other methods may no longer be applicable to Count Uvarov. .

Count Uvarov, whose skin is already extremely thick, can't be deterred by a harmless warning?

As a tsar, he would not use meaningless and unqualified means to teach his ministers, especially a tsar like Nicholas I. He would either not do it or he would never do it. Sometimes you really can't guess what he will do. For example, on the Bulgaria issue, look at whose opinions he has listened to. It's all based on his temper.

Duke Oldorf sighed involuntarily, obviously vomiting something bad about Nicholas I secretly, but in the blink of an eye he returned to his original state, sat silently and meditated for a while, then picked up his pen and started writing a letter.

The letter was written to Duke Gorchakov's brother, and the content was naturally to inform him of the latest situation in St. Petersburg, especially the details about Count Shuvalov and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The speculation about the relationship between Nicholas I and Count Uvarov is also of great significance.

Because Duke Ordorf knew that Duke Alexander was much better than him in speculating on relationships. To put it bluntly, among their group of people, Duke Alexander had the most sensitive political quality and sense of smell. Even though his current status is not particularly high, but Duke Ordorff and others were vaguely led by him.

In addition to describing the situation in St. Petersburg, Duke Ordorff also carefully inquired about the relevant situation in Vienna. As the Russian ambassador to Austria, Duke Alexander is not only responsible for foreign affairs. He has a huge network of relationships in Prussia and Austria. This relationship The Internet can sometimes even influence the political situation in Austria.

Russia is now extremely disadvantaged internationally and urgently needs the help of its allies. Although the Austrians can no longer count on it, Duke Ordorff believes that if Duke Alexander can play an active role, it can still be done to prevent the Austrians from doing further bad things or making trouble. Arrived.

After writing two letters, Duke Ordorf realized that it was already dusk and that the day had passed without him realizing it. Sometimes he always felt that his life and the Russia under the leadership of Nicholas I were like this day—— Coming to an end.

Although he kept telling himself not to think wildly, he would inevitably think about whether a new enlightened tsar could lead Russia to a new chapter if the era of Nicholas I ended.

But when he thought that the so-called new tsar was Crown Prince Alexander, he couldn't help but smile bitterly. Because compared with Nicholas I, the crown prince seems to be inferior, a little cowardly and conservative. Can such a tsar open the window and lead Russia to breathe fresh air?

He was deeply suspicious!

Just when Duke Ordorf was thinking about one thing after another, the secretary suddenly announced: "Your Excellency, Count Shuvalov is here to visit!"

Duke Ordorf was stunned. He knew that Count Shuvalov would come back to him sooner or later, but he didn't expect this kid to come so quickly.

Suddenly he sneered: "Ha, it seems that I have underestimated you, you still have some connections and abilities!"