Struggle in Russia

Alexander II completely trusted Dmitry Milyutin's ability. If nothing else, his performance in the Crimean War was remarkable. He is a rare general in the Russian army who showed two eyes in this war.

If we only focus on ability, Alexander II feels that there is no problem for him to take over the Ministry of War and become Minister of War.

But the bad thing is that he has a brother named Nikolai Milyutin, and this brother is also the leader of the reformists. Even though Dmitri has never explicitly expressed support for the reforms, who dares to say considering the attributes of his brother? He is not a potential reformer.

The reformists are now Alexander II's biggest enemy. Their power is so powerful that he dare not reuse Dmitry. Otherwise, wouldn't the reformists' influence in the military be even greater?

Anyway, Alexander II had a headache about how to use Dmitry. He was indeed capable and had outstanding military exploits before. How could such a general say that he would not use it?

But if you want to use him, Nikolai Milyutin is stuck there like a fish bone, making Alexander II unable to swallow it or spit it out. That's awkward!

He has been struggling and waiting for this period of time. He is unwilling to reuse Dmitri unless it is absolutely necessary.

But now Pobedonostsev broke this delicate situation, which naturally made him feel even more uncomfortable.

"Dmitri Milyutin?" he said with a long sigh.

Could Pobedonostsev not know what Alexander II was worried about?

Of course he knows, but if he doesn't do something, Baryatinsky will come back. Between the trouble that Dmitri may bring and the big trouble brought by Baryatinsky's return, he can only be decisive. Choose the former.

He immediately added: "Yes, Count Dmitry Milyutin is a rising star in the military. He has performed well in the Crimean War and is very popular. I think he should be able to help Your Majesty open up the situation!"

Alexander II hesitated for a moment and said slowly: "But, but Nikolai Milyutin's side..."

Pobedonostsev immediately said: "I think Dmitri is loyal to Your Majesty. He is loyal to Your Majesty and not to anyone else!"

Alexander II suddenly let out a sigh in his heart. Pobedonostsev rarely speaks for others in this way. Why did he help Dmitry so decisively today? Could it be that there is something fishy between these two people?

But this thought passed through his mind in a flash, because the people he sent to monitor Dmitri did not say that there was any unusual relationship between him and Pobedonostsev. The two people have little contact with each other at work, and they have never interacted with each other in private, and it doesn't seem like there is anything fishy going on between them.

After thinking for a while, Alexander II asked: "Are you sure he has a way?"

Pobedonostsev bowed and replied: "I'm not sure that Lord Dmitry has a solution, but I think he is the only one besides Duke Baryatinsky who can help His Majesty in this regard. People!"

Alexander II was stunned again, and then he realized that Dmitry was not the only one who could support him in the military at this stage. If even this person couldn't be used, wouldn't the other old foxes be even more helpless? believe?

Thinking of this, Alexander II no longer hesitated and immediately ordered: "Invite Count Dmitri Milyutin over immediately, quickly!"

Pobedonostsev breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Alexander II didn't let Baryatinsky come back immediately, it wouldn't be a big problem. As for whether Dmitri would pose a threat to his position, to be honest, it wasn't a big problem. It is not worth worrying about. As long as Nikolai Milyutin is still the leader of the reformists, Alexander II will never really trust him, so there is nothing to fear.

But he was temporarily relieved, because Alexander II immediately said to him: "It is better not to spread some messy news. This is not conducive to the stability of the country. Although some people are just unintentional, but I can’t let it go too far and warn them sternly, I don’t want to hear similar rumors anymore!”

Pobedonostsev suddenly broke into sweat and replied hurriedly: "I will make arrangements immediately to stop this bad trend immediately!"

Alexander II just gave him a cold hum and sent him away. Even though Pobedonostsev woke him up, he was still very dissatisfied with this man and felt annoyed even if he looked at him even more! ..

Dmitry was soon invited into the Kremlin, but when he heard Alexander II's appeal, he was a little speechless.

Of course he knows why Duke Vorontsov is so disrespectful. The root cause is that I have done too much. Moreover, the Duke has always supported progress and reform. How could he help the conservatives?

So he bluntly said to Alexander II: "Your Majesty, I think Duke Vorontsov has always been very assertive and will never change easily. Especially under the current situation, it is even more impossible for him to change his original opinion. Instead of It would be better to waste time and energy on him than to find another way."

Alexander II asked impatiently: "How can we find another way?"

"If you must expand your influence in the military in a short period of time, the only way is to recall Duke Baryatinsky. As long as the Duke comes back, he will be able to unite a large number of people with his ability, network and merits!"

Alexander II looked at Dmitri with some surprise, because the people around him never considered their own interests, and recalling Baryatinsky would obviously not do any good to Dmitri.

After all, there is no room for two tigers in one mountain!

"Can't you complete this task instead of Duke Baryatinsky?" Alexander II was afraid that Dmitri would see his true intention and added in particular: "After all, the situation in the Caucasus is not stable, and the Duke is still needed for the time being. Garrisoned.”

Dmitri replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty, my status and influence in the army are far inferior to that of the Duke, and I cannot replace him... If you must give this task to me, I'm afraid I will let him You are disappointed!”

Alexander II was really surprised at this time. He did not expect that Dmitri would admit in front of him that he was not as good as Baryatinsky. Should I say that this child is too honest or that he is stupid?

So much so that Alexander II forgot that Dmitry politely refused his order. After a while, he said: "Are you too modest?"

Dmitri shook his head solemnly and said: "Replying to Your Majesty, this is not modesty, but telling the truth. I think in terms of influence and network, I am far behind Duke Baryatinsky!"