Struggle in Russia

Li Xiao almost laughed out loud in his heart. The excuse Matvey gave himself was so lame. Do you think it will be fine just by saying this? Do you think I and Alexei are idiots?

It's just that he didn't tell the truth, because he wanted this kind of effect. People like Matvey can't just use tough methods, nor can they be too weak, using fists and carrots in combination with grace and power.

And Li Xiao was the one feeding the carrots, so he pretended to be surprised and said: "Is there such a thing? Major General, you know that smuggling is a serious crime, especially in the empire where the finances are very tight, and you can't wait to break it into two for a penny." When it’s half spent, your subordinates are still poaching the country?”

This accusation made Matvey even more embarrassed. Of course he knew how bad his behavior was, but there was no other way to make money in Wallachia, other than smuggling. Do you need some funds to let him and his brother eat bran-pharyngeal vegetables?

However, this cannot be said clearly. After all, Nicholas I paid the most attention to rules. Anyone who violated the rules would be punished, even if the starting point of violating the rules was for the good of the country.

"Of course I know, but you also know that there is a war now. In order to catch those damn spies, I have no choice but to do this!"

"Really?" Li Xiao naturally disagreed, but he said, "So how many spies have you caught?"

Well, this is exposing his shortcomings in person. Matvey just made a high-sounding excuse for himself. He never caught any spies.

He replied awkwardly: "Not yet...but...but we already have clues!"

Li Xiao nodded, as if to express satisfaction. Just when Matvey just breathed a sigh of relief, he suddenly asked: "What kind of clues are there? Who are involved?"

Matvey was speechless again, speechless when Li Xiao broke the casserole and asked the question. Wouldn't this embarrass him in person?

However, he was also a veteran in officialdom, so he made excuses at random, and immediately replied: "Your Excellency, this case involves a lot. Until the culprit behind the scenes is not caught, I forgive me for not being able to reveal the specific details of the case. I hope you understand!"

Li Xiao knew that this guy was just talking nonsense, but he didn't care much because he had no intention of forcing Matvey into a corner, so he just smiled and said:

"Of course I can understand, but combating smuggling is the focus of Your Excellency the Governor right now. Although your people may have difficulties, I must report it to Your Excellency the Governor truthfully. However, I will tell Your Excellency the Governor that you are solving a major espionage case. I believe Your Excellency the Governor will understand your difficulties."

Matvey finally breathed a sigh of relief, and he could just report it if he wanted to. Anyway, he was not asked to hand over the spies right away. Let’s get Maria Davydovna out first, and we’ll talk about the rest later.

He immediately asked: "Can my subordinates, goods and funds be returned to me? We are short of funds. Without these goods and funds, there is no way to gain the trust of those spies."

"Well..."

Gusu

Li Xiao deliberately prolonged his tone. Just listening to the voice made you feel that this was very embarrassing, and suddenly Matvey's heart began to tighten again.

"Logically speaking, it should be returned to you, but as you know, this case has a great impact, and His Excellency the Governor is particularly concerned about it, so some procedures still need to be completed. I'm afraid it is unrealistic to return it to you right away."

The corner of Matvey's mouth twitched. He was mentally prepared for this result. He knew that according to the rules of Russian officialdom, it would be extremely difficult to get the property back if it went into other houses.

However, Li Xiao was giving him face, and he could not express his objections strongly. He could only suppress his unhappiness and asked: "How long will it take?"

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "It depends on the efficiency of the Governor's Mansion. I'm afraid it won't be that fast."

Matvey's heart felt cold again, but he couldn't express his displeasure. He could only force a smile and asked: "If it takes time to return the goods and funds, can my subordinates be released first?"

Li Xiao almost laughed out loud in his heart, because it was impossible to let him go.

He asked: "Generally speaking, there is no problem. Tell me their names and I will ask the adjutant to help you with the formalities in a moment."

Matvey was overjoyed when he didn't know there was a scam, and immediately said: "Maria Davydovna..."

As soon as he said the first name, Li Xiao's expression changed and he asked in disbelief: "Are you talking about Maria Davydovna? ​​As far as I know, this woman is the largest woman in Wallachia. She is a smuggler who is still unclear about foreign spies. Her crimes are simply too numerous to describe. She is also a felon named by His Excellency the Governor and asked to be investigated. She is actually one of yours?!"

Matvey was immediately stunned, and his head was buzzing. After spending a long time, it was impossible to let go of love?

Li Xiao continued to explain: "Dear Matvey Semyonovich, this matter is really not that I am unwilling to accommodate, but that she is a key criminal named by the Governor and requested to be punished, and I really have no way to release her. I'm so sorry. Why don't you go talk to the Governor in person? As long as the Governor agrees to release her, I will release the lady as soon as possible. I can even guarantee that the lady will be safe during this period. Safety, provide her with the best treatment..."

Matvey was very frustrated, with a grimace on his face and could not say a word. Things were getting more and more troublesome. At first he thought that he could solve the problem by going to the Wallachian Ministry of Internal Affairs, but he was kicked. The Gendarmerie Headquarters, and now they have to go to the Governor's Mansion. Why does he feel like he has become a ball?

However, Li Xiao's attitude still left him speechless, let alone finding fault. He could only reply with a grimace: "I'm not particularly familiar with the Governor, and I don't have any acquaintances or friends there. This matter you know is very important." But it’s very troublesome. Your Majesty the Grand Duke, can you please help me tell the Governor, and make it clear that I have no choice but to do so!”

Li Xiao found it more and more funny. He knew that Matvey was selling out miserably. The problem is that you are not familiar with Alexei, so do you have that kind of friendship with me? What's more, no matter what, he must let Matvey go face to face with Alexei in person, so that he can make this guy submit.

So he sighed and said: "It's not impossible for me to explain it to you, but it's a bit rude for you not to explain such a big matter to the Governor in person. It's best if you go there in person first." How about I try to intercede with you for a while?"