Struggle in Russia

Nicholas I's words made Chernyshev look very unhappy. This was the first time that his opinions were easily dismissed. And it was on the spot of the imperial meeting, so now many people began to secretly laugh at him, the Minister of War.

To be honest, this made him lose face. Although he managed to punish some bastards who gossiped behind his back, after what happened today, those bastards will probably become active again.

Chernyshev felt very headache, and felt that if this situation continued, he might not be able to serve as Minister of War for long, so he had to perform well and let the world see his true level as Minister of War.

After thinking for a moment, while others were still digesting Nicholas I's speech, he suggested: "What your Majesty said is absolutely true. Since the enemy's purpose is to damage our country's lofty international reputation, the only way to completely defeat it is to fight back head-on." , it can not only give a head-on blow, but also act as a deterrent to the children.”

"I suggest ordering the Black Sea Fleet to decisively attack the enemy and drive the enemy into the sea in one fell swoop!"

Well, this suggestion was quite to the taste of Nicholas I, but he did not agree immediately because he remembered that the condition of the Black Sea Fleet was not particularly good. It seemed that it did not have that capability, right?

There are many people who have the same idea. In fact, most people think this is a bit whimsical. However, after all, the conservative forces where Chernyshev belongs are the mainstream. Although smart people like Count Uvarov disagree, they will not Say it openly.

But Count Rostovtsev is different. He will never be polite to conservatives. Since Chernyshev himself came out to seek abuse, he will not show mercy.

As soon as Chernyshev finished speaking, he retorted: "Your suggestion is purely whimsical. According to General Kornilov's report, the number of enemy troops that have landed is as high as 50,000, and the Black Sea Fleet will be able to fight and those who cannot." The total number of soldiers fighting is only 35,000. I will not talk about the wounded soldiers who cannot fight at all. Even if all 35,000 are able to fight, do you think we can defeat the enemy?"

Well, Chernyshev really didn't think much about it just now. He just wanted to make a splash, but who would have thought that he would fall into another trap again.

He's still having a headache, but Count Rostovtsev's combination punches haven't been finished yet!

"And please note that this information is at least ten days old. Who can guarantee that the enemy will not continue to increase troops? It is conservatively estimated that the enemy can transport 50,000 troops at a time. This long time is enough for the enemy to send another 100,000 troops ashore! "

As he spoke, his contemptuous tone became stronger: "Are you planning to let General Kornilov defeat the enemy's 150,000 strong troops with 35,000 remaining troops?"

Chernyshev's face was full of embarrassment, and Count Rostovtsev's words were like slaps in the mouth, making him feel ashamed!

Even Count Uvarov's expression changed when he looked at him, because his behavior was too mentally retarded. Normal people know the truth, but you, the Minister of War, don't understand it. What does this mean? At least it means that you are incompetent, right?

Nicholas I didn't mean to teach Chernyshev a lesson immediately. After all, this guy spoke his mind, and he was willing to tolerate his ministers who could understand him, no matter how stupid they were.

He was also a little worried about the possibility raised by Count Rostovtsev. The enemy was clearly planning to capture Sevastopol, and it was impossible not to gather a large number of troops. The Black Sea Fleet was really short of troops, not to mention that the enemy might have more than a dozen soldiers. With an army of 10,000, even the current 50,000 people are too much for Kornilov, okay?

But Nicholas I really couldn't swallow this breath. He watched helplessly as the enemy was wreaking havoc at his doorstep. He was really unhappy to the extreme.

After thinking for a long time, he asked: "Earl, how is the progress of our current recruitment matters?"

Count Rostovtsev bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, the number of soldiers available for recruitment is already insufficient. We have only recruited about 100,000 soldiers for the time being. In addition to making up for the loss of Duke Mikhail, we can send them to Sevastopol." There are less than 30,000 people."

Nicholas I suddenly felt half chilled. What would 30,000 people be enough for? I'm afraid even defending the city for Kornilov is not enough.

This result really did not satisfy him, and he snorted coldly: "The age limit can be relaxed appropriately. If we want to defeat the enemy, we must arm more soldiers!"

Count Rostovtsev bowed and replied: "Your Majesty, I personally agree with your suggestion. We do need more soldiers, but the number of soldiers currently available for recruitment has reached the upper limit. The only way is to call on the nobles across the country to provide More serfs.”

This was very straightforward. Nicholas I immediately realized that this was tantamount to attacking the conservative nobles. After all, most of the serfs in the country were in their hands. Naturally, if he wanted more soldiers, he could only get them from their hands. Steal people.

But it was a bit risky to do so. Nicholas I knew his nobles very well, and each of them valued land and serfs more than their lives. If you ask for people or land from them, there will be trouble.

Nicholas I's idea was not wrong. In fact, as soon as Count Rostovtsev's words fell, Count Uvarov and his gang felt unhappy.

They were quite dissatisfied because of the incident in Alaska before. Who would have thought that after the old hatred was gone, someone would be ready to start a new hatred, and they could really be treated as a human being and could be manipulated at will?

Count Uvarov was the first to stand up and said: "Your Majesty, I think we must be cautious in recruiting more soldiers. In a month or two it will be the harvest season. If all the young and middle-aged people are taken away, the farming will be greatly affected." The impact may affect this year’s harvest!”

Conservatives have such a clear-cut perspective on the issue. They are not worried about the life and death of the serfs, but are only worried about the impact on the harvest. After all, I still feel sorry for my little money.

Nicholas I snorted and did not answer, because although this reason was a bit trivial, there were too many forces involved, and he had to see the reaction of these people before making a decision. Anyway, there is Count Rostovtsev in front of him. Maybe he can find a way to change Count Uvarov's mind?

"The autumn harvest is important, but the current war situation is even more critical. If something goes wrong in Sevastopol, let alone the bad impact it will have. What if the enemy thinks we are unable to resist and sweeps across Crimea or even threatens Ukraine?" What? What should we do? By then, losing power and humiliating the country will no longer be a matter of a few grains of food!"

Look at what he said, Nicholas I wanted to applaud Count Rostovtsev. Which is more important, humiliating the country or losing a few grains of food? Can't you conservative nobles even understand this?