Struggle in Russia

Of course, Paskovich was not happy. Although Markov's position was recaptured, it also exposed the biggest problem of the current Russian army, which is insufficient strength. Markov relied on the navy to tear down the east wall and repair the west wall to make up for it. If the enemy strengthens their offensive or repeats their old tricks today, then he really has nothing to do.

Once these tens of thousands of troops are handed over to Ineada, the reputation he has accumulated for most of his life will be completely destroyed.

But you asked Paskovich to retreat without waiting for Nicholas I's order, which he would not do.

After walking back and forth in the headquarters for more than ten times, Paskovich, who still couldn't make up his mind, let out a long sigh, then called the adjutant and ordered: "Order all ministries to strengthen the defense line and continue to hold on... Let the minor injuries in the field hospital All members must return to the front lines..."

The adjutant was shocked, because anyone who had experienced the scene last night and had a little military knowledge knew that it would be impossible to defend if they continued to defend. There really isn't much time left for them!

At this time, a retreat must be organized immediately, otherwise it will be over sooner or later.

But Paskovich still ordered the troops to hold on. This is not...the adjutant didn't know what to say anyway.

He stared at Paskovich blankly for a long time before coming back to his senses, and immediately stood at attention and saluted: "Yes!"

As an adjutant, it would be meaningless even if he disagreed with Paskovich's decision ten thousand times. He could only execute orders. But this did not prevent him from despising Paskovich in his heart, thinking that the famous Earl of Yerevan and the Duke of Warsaw were completely exaggerated, and in the final analysis, he was just a selfish villain.

Of course Paskovich knew how the adjutant would scold him secretly, but he didn't care. It wasn't the first time he was scolded. When he was fighting the rebellion in Warsaw, people kept saying that he was too cruel.

Is he cruel?

Of course, there is a bit of it, but do you have a problem with being cruel to the foot wiper? Is it possible that you want to be like Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich and reason with the Poles so that they can obediently put down their weapons?

In Paskovich's view, a general must be ruthless, and those who cannot do this are not qualified to go to the battlefield. The same applies not only to leading soldiers, but also to serving as an official. If you are not ruthless enough, you will definitely not be able to gain a foothold.

Look at Nicholas I. Before he became the tsar, almost all his subjects unanimously disliked him and felt that he was not the emperor. But Paskovich believed that Nicholas I had that ability. Even from the beginning, when all the courtiers were observing Grand Duke Constantine and Nicholas I, Paskovich thought that Nicholas I More suitable to be an emperor.

The reason is very simple. Look at the performance of Archduke Constantine during the counter-insurgency in Warsaw. He was as soft as a marshmallow, but he was almost kidnapped by the Poles.

You can't be the leader simply by being gentle and gentle. To be the leader, you have to be ruthless, and you have to be as ruthless and decisive as Nicholas I.

Anyway, after understanding this truth, the only word left in Paskovich's way of life is ruthlessness. He is ruthless to his enemies and ruthless to his own people, even throwing his name out would scare the piss out of a child.

As the most ruthless person in the world besides Nicholas I, once Paskovich sets his mind to it, he can do anything. For him, tens of thousands of Russian soldiers' wealth and lives are simply not in his place. and prestige are important, it is clear at a glance who should be discarded.

So he decisively chose to abandon tens of thousands of poor people and continue to wait foolishly for Nicholas I's will to preserve himself.

Two hours later, the coalition's offensive continued for a new day. Nearly 30,000 British, French and Turkish coalition forces launched a fierce attack on the Russian army from three directions. They still used the rain of bullets to clear the way, and they still used the human sea tactic. It's just that compared with before, the Russian army seems more and more strenuous and embarrassed.

In just one morning, more than ten positions changed hands several times. If the coalition's combat organization was not too loose and chaotic, the Russian army would probably collapse this morning.

"What's going on? What is Paskovich doing? I've told him several times that we must retreat. If it's too late, the entire army will be annihilated. Why doesn't he listen?"

Kornilov went berserk again. If it weren't for the wave after wave of British offensives at the front of the position, which kept him from returning to the rear to settle accounts with Paskovich, otherwise he would have rushed into Paskovich's headquarters. He cursed loudly.

"If he had listened to his advice, he would not have let us hold on." Nasimov shook the dust from his shoulders and sighed: "Obviously, he will never retreat without waiting for His Majesty's order. So we'd better Prepare for the worst!”

Kornilov was stunned. He looked at Nassimov and then at the British army on the opposite side. After a while, he said decisively: "I will never surrender, and I will never be a prisoner!"

Nasimov looked at him, smiled miserably and said, "Me too!"

It was obvious that these two men were mentally prepared to live and die with the position. Once the final moment came, they would kill themselves even if they did not die at the hands of the enemy. This is the only way they can preserve their family's honor.

It’s just that God obviously didn’t want them to die young. After they struggled to repulse the enemy’s last offensive in the morning, the messenger brought Paskovich’s latest order: “All generals return to headquarters immediately. Have an emergency meeting!”

"That old guy finally woke up and knew it was time to retreat?" Nasimov said hopefully.

"I don't know," Kornilov replied coldly without any hope, "It might also be to encourage us to continue to fight to the end!"

However, when they entered Paskovich's headquarters, in addition to a circle of army generals, there was a stranger.

This man had a strange face, at least Kornilov didn't recognize him, but Nassimov next to him was surprised: "Alexander Alexanderevich, why is he here?"

Kornilov was stunned and asked in confusion: "Do you know him?"

Nasimov nodded and said: "I don't think I know him. He is the youngest son of Count Benkendorf. He seems to be His Majesty's military attaché!"

Kornilov was stunned again, but then he became ecstatic. Since this little Benkendorf was the military attaché of Nicholas I, it meant that the decree had finally come! Does this mean they can finally retreat?

Facts also proved Kornilov's conjecture. After Paskovich introduced the identity of young Benkendorf, he said: "Baron Alexander Alexander Alexander Benkendorf is His Majesty's imperial envoy and special envoy. , specially conveyed to us His Majesty’s latest decree, gentlemen, please listen carefully..."