Struggle in Russia

Li Xiao shrugged indifferently and replied: "So what, I'm just telling the truth. This is an objective fact. I didn't have any conditions back then. It would be a damn thing if I succeeded. There's nothing I can do about it. If you accept it, what’s the point of learning lessons? If those of us who currently support reform are still so naive, then I can almost conclude that reform will inevitably fail!”

Duke Vorontsov looked at Li Xiao with interest and said slowly: "You really dare to say that you are not afraid of them ostracizing you?"

Li Xiao said contemptuously: "If they really exclude me because of this, then I can't help but draw a clear line with these childish fools, so as not to be implicated by them in the future!"

Duke Vorontsov laughed loudly, pointed at Li Xiao and said: "Although you kid is a bit crazy, there is still truth... As you said, if those of us who support reform are still the same as we were 30 years ago, It’s just as childish, so we really need to draw a clear line with them!”

After a while, Duke Vorontsov suddenly asked: "You mean that the reason why Count Rostovtsev went to report back then was because he wanted to draw a clear line with those naive fools and preserve his strength for the future?"

Although this is indeed true, Li Xiao will not answer stupidly, who can guarantee that this is not Duke Vorontsov testing him? ..

Even if he wasn't, wouldn't it be quite naive for him to reveal Count Rostovtsev's identity so casually?

So he replied: "No, a whistleblower is a whistleblower. There is nothing to wash away. I am just telling you the fact that the Decembrists were doomed to fail. As for what Count Rostovtsev's behavior is, I think this is It doesn't matter, because no matter how we interpret it now, it can't change the fact that the Decembrists failed. As for whether Count Rostovtsev should be spurned and condemned, that is a matter of opinion. After all, a thousand people see it. Are there a thousand Hamlets in it?"

Duke Vorontsov laughed again, and his smile was still so cheerful. After a while, he calmed down and said to Li Xiao: "No wonder the count said you are a little fox, your words are really watertight!"

Li Xiao suddenly realized that Duke Vorontsov knew the identity of Count Rostovtsev. Thinking about it, ordinary people who don't know the truth have a lot of opinions on Count Rostovtsev, especially among the reformists, there are a lot of people who hate him.

If Prince Vorontsov did not know the truth, it is difficult to imagine that he would have no objection to Count Rostovtsev being in charge of the serfdom reform committee, at least not so decisively when Grand Duke Constantine deliberately raised this issue. be rejected.

"Your performance is not bad either. Didn't Archduke Constantine also get deceived by you?"

Duke Vorontsov shook his head and said: "That's different. He is a fool. It is not difficult to hide it from him. But your performance really makes my eyes shine!"

"You are ridiculous," Li Xiao bowed slightly and said, "Compared to you and Count Rostovtsev, my little tricks are totally incompetent. You are really incredible!"

Duke Vorontsov burst out laughing. He patted Li Xiao on the shoulder and said, "Okay, let's stop complimenting each other. If your cousin hears it, he will be so angry that he faints!"

I have to say that although Grand Duke Constantine is not a good person, he is very effective in adjusting the atmosphere. What do you think of the previous relationship between Li Xiao and Prince Vorontsov?

Although Duke Vorontsov looked very kind and friendly, Li Xiao always felt that he was at a different level. He did not feel that this Duke was trustworthy. But after what happened to Grand Duke Constantine, the barrier between the two disappeared, and the atmosphere was called harmony.

"If my cousin knew the true identity of Count Rostovtsev, I'm afraid it would make him vomit three liters of blood! If he knew that the count he had always disliked was one of the true leaders of the reformists, with his His temper will probably knock off the roof!"

Duke Vorontsov also laughed: "It is indeed possible, but to be honest, I think the count was right to deliberately hide it from him. He is indeed unreliable!"

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Even if he doesn't tell the truth, he will use this to blackmail the earl if things go wrong. He can do it with his temper!"

The two quarreled about Grand Duke Constantine for a while, and then turned to the topic.

Duke Vorontsov sighed and said: "Although Grand Duke Constantine's character is not very good, his view of the problem is basically correct... The Serfdom Reform Committee is indeed not playing the role it should. I think Rostow There are advantages and disadvantages to having Count Vtsev in charge of this department. It’s difficult to tell clearly the pros and cons at the moment!”

Li Xiao said nothing, because what Duke Vorontsov said made sense. Although Count Rostovtsev was in charge of the Serfdom System Reform Committee to prevent conservatives from making trouble, his status as an undercover agent determined that he could not really adopt a drastic reform strategy.

In short, it feels like his move has no crucial role.

But Li Xiao knew that Count Rostovtsev was an old fox. With his personality, he would try every means to capture the Serfdom Reform Committee and he would definitely not just watch.

"I think the count may have some plan," Li Xiao replied thoughtfully, "He always takes one step at a time and looks at the next three steps. He must have a plan, but he can't tell us his plan yet..."

Duke Vorontsov hummed and sighed: "Maybe so. He always likes to do this kind of tricks. You won't know what he is doing until the last moment..."

As he spoke, he sighed again: "Although it is absolutely okay to keep it secret like this, I always feel unhappy. He does this so that people like us can only know his plans and purposes before the answer is revealed. He can only passively cooperate, which is really too passive...and doing so makes us feel as if we are redundant. He alone is enough for any plan or strategy..."

To be honest, Li Xiao also feels this way. How should I put it? Having a demon leader like Count Rostovtsev can indeed save you a lot of worry, because he has anticipated all the things you can think of and unexpectedly do. It can be said that as long as you follow his plan and execute it, it is not guaranteed, as long as there is someone Sixty to seventy percent certainty.

but? As Duke Vorontsov said, all the mental activities are taken care of by Count Rostovtsev alone, and everyone else seems to have become a spectator. That feeling is really not a good one...