Struggle in Russia

"What's going on? Why doesn't Matvey Semyonovich appear? Are you sure that Maria Davydovna is really his woman?"

Spantelevich was speechless when faced with Valenov's questioning, because they discovered this information together. All intelligence showed that Maria Davydovna and Matvey Semyon were The Norwich relationship is extraordinary.

What is there to question about such certain information? If a commander doesn't even have this kind of trust, he really can't do anything.

However, Spantelevich did not criticize Valenov. He knew that Valenov would be chaotic if he cared, which was not his true level. And considering that it took so much time, and there was still no sign of the commissioner a week after arriving in Bucharest, he would have been anxious.

It's just that Spantelevich knows that rushing can't solve any problems. The most important thing at the moment is to stay calm.

"There should be no problem with the information," Spantelevich replied solemnly, "And based on my observations over the past few days, Matvey Semyonovich and Maria Davydovna are indeed There is an ambiguous relationship, but for some unknown reason that person has not been close to Maria Davydovna recently. If we consider that the commissioner suddenly came to Wallachia, can we consider him to receive the commissioner? Is the commissioner gone?"

This analysis is quite reasonable, but this is not what Valenov wants to hear, because this analysis makes him more and more irritable.

What he was most worried about was that the commissioner was out of control and causing trouble, and now Matvey Semyonovich's sudden change in living habits just showed that Spantelevich's guess was probably correct.

In that case, the commissioner is very likely to be conducting secret reconnaissance, and may have discovered something. It is not even ruled out that the commissioner is planning a conspiracy, and the conspiracy may even have begun to be implemented!

Suddenly he couldn't help it anymore: "Our actions are too slow, we must speed up our actions, and we must find the commissioner as soon as possible!!"

Spantelevich sighed: "This is easier said than done. I won't be able to get close to Maria Davydovna for a while, and I won't be able to conduct further investigation at all!"

Valenov criticized: "Then you should work harder! There has been no progress at all for so many days. Kira, you have disappointed me so much!"

Spantelevich was also a little annoyed. Everyone knew that lurking in to detect information was a waste of time. Information could be obtained in just a few days. What's more, Maria Davydovna is still the mistress of the local governor in the third part. How can she trust an outsider who has just come in?

However, Spantelevich still saved face for Varynov. He controlled his emotions and replied: "That woman is very guarded. It is difficult to get close to anyone who is not her cronies. I need more time, sir. You Can we communicate with the Grand Duke again? If we can get official help, we can save a lot of trouble!"

Valenov's face was uncertain for a while, and he pondered for a long time before replying: "It's not possible. The grand duke obviously didn't take my warning to heart. A layman like him didn't understand the situation at all. The third department and the commissioner are so powerful, even if I go and beg him, he will probably just send us away without any hesitation!"

At this point, he suddenly emphasized his tone: "Not to mention when do we need to rely on outsiders to help solve problems? We are the experts and the ones who solve the problems! Kira, you'd better focus on the task itself instead of Put your hope on a group of unreliable amateurs!”

Spantelevich let out a long sigh. He really couldn't listen anymore, because Valenov was a bit too much, not because he was criticizing him, but because his evaluation of Li Xiao was too biased.

When did a person who even Count Rostovtsev praised so much turned into an amateur in Valenov's mouth? If Li Xiao is considered an amateur, then who can be considered an expert?

In his opinion, Valenov was angry with Li Xiao before, so he refused to cooperate with someone and refused to accept someone's help.

Although Spantelevich respected Varynov, he respected Count Rostovtsev even more. In order to repay Count Rostovtsev's life-saving grace, he would risk his life. He would never allow Valenov to spoil Count Rostovtsev's important event just because of a dispute of temper!

He immediately retorted: "Sir, I think what you said is wrong. The Grand Duke is a genius that even the Earls have praised. He is not an amateur. It is not a shame to seek his help!"

Without waiting for Valenov to speak, he emphasized again: "Before leaving St. Petersburg, the count repeatedly told us to communicate well with the Grand Duke. It is best to listen to His Excellency the Grand Duke's suggestions. If you insist on going your own way, it will completely violate the will of the Count. And hope!”

Valenov was stunned. He had never been refuted by Spantelevich in person like this before. He was immediately angry and annoyed: "Kira! Pay attention to the attitude of your words. Is this the way you talk to a superior? "

Spantelevich sighed and said: "Sir, I have always respected you. I have always considered you my teacher and I have been learning from you. Haven't you always taught me to do things based on facts? The fact is that the Grand Duke does have two skills, and the resources he possesses are what we urgently need. You can’t act out of anger just because you have some unpleasantness with him!”

Valenov became more and more angry. He roared angrily: "You said I was motivated by emotion? What do you know! That little boy has a lot of abilities, he just has a little luck! I tell you, don't be superstitious. Luck, otherwise you will regret it for the rest of your life! Now I order you to throw all those bad ideas out of your head and act honestly according to my orders. This is the right way!"

"But..." Spantelevich wanted to try again, but Valenov was completely impatient. He waved his hand and said: "If you are nagging, I can only exclude you this time." Beyond the action, do you understand?”

Spantelevich had to sigh and said sadly: "Okay, sir, give the order. What should we do?"

Valenov nodded and said decisively: "Can you try to sneak into Maria Davydovna's bedroom or study to see if there are any relevant documents, or try to find her secrets? Then we can talk to her!”

Spantelevich immediately frowned. He didn't like this plan at all because it was too risky, but before he could object to Valenov, he gave a strong order: "This is an order! Kira!"