Struggle in Russia

Duke Alexander regretted it deeply. He knew that he had missed a good opportunity. According to the current pace of development, it would not be so easy to drive Neserrodie away.

Mistake!

This is a huge mistake!

Prince Mikhail didn't know why Duke Alexander suddenly lost his composure, but he knew that Li Xiao's words must have had an effect, otherwise Duke Alexander would never have lost his composure like this.

But he was really not good at politics. After thinking for a long time, he couldn't figure it out. He was afraid of interrupting and showing his cowardice, so he just kept his mouth shut and waited quietly for Duke Alexander to return to normal.

Duke Alexander's ability to manage emotions is still very strong, and he returned to normal in a short time.

For an old bureaucrat like him, it is a pity to miss the opportunity, but he will never feel sorry for himself because of it.

It's not like he missed opportunities. There are so many opportunities in the world, and it's hard to grasp them all.

Besides, it's a pity that he missed the opportunity this time, but as long as he returns to his normal mentality, he can still create opportunities even if he doesn't have any!

He didn't think that Neserrodie's lame state could compete with him. The most important thing now was to quickly get rid of the passive situation caused by worrying about gains and losses.

Thinking of this, Duke Alexander couldn't help but admire Li Xiao, because not only was this kid very capable of seizing opportunities with his eyes, he was also very capable. It was obvious that he had come prepared, and he had to admit that he had been persuaded.

Li Xiao naturally also read the inner activities of Duke Alexander. Seeing that the time was almost up, he got to the point: "I think the most important thing for you, Duke, is to win His Majesty's trust and respect. With these two points, The countdown has begun since Count Elroddie retired!"

Duke Alexander understood what he meant. His hesitation in the previous period really made Alexander II desperate, because what the tsar needed was someone who could help him control the situation and balance all forces to serve him.

Rather than a timid Prime Minister who is afraid of offending the useless Prime Minister who dare not offend him.

If Duke Alexander does not have the ability in this regard, what is the use of asking him to replace Neserrode, and just watch the situation continue to be chaotic?

This is obviously not what Alexander II wanted. What he wanted was control or complete control. Therefore, Duke Alexander must have the ability, means and responsibility.

Unfortunately, Duke Alexander really didn't show this temperament in the previous paragraph. He was as weak and weak as overcooked noodles.

If he wants to reverse the negative impression, Duke Alexander must stand up and do something, and isn't the Ukrainian counter-insurgency issue the best starting point?

This matter is very difficult to handle, but if he can help Dmitri get rid of all the troubles, doesn't it just show his ability and responsibility?

He smiled and said: "It makes sense, but this matter is difficult to handle!"

Li Xiao smiled slightly and said: "But it's not that it can't be done. It's just because it's difficult to do it. Only by doing it can we maximize the benefits!"

Duke Alexander pondered for a moment, nodded and said: "I can help, but I need full cooperation, because there are too many people involved and they are very powerful, so we must be cautious!"

Li Xiao agreed without hesitation: "No problem, but military issues must be decided by Dmitri. This is the bottom line!"

Duke Alexander glanced at him meaningfully and said with a smile: "Are you a little too careless? Why are you still worried that His Excellency the Prince will take credit from your friends?"

Li Xiao said flatly: "I am not worried about Your Excellency the Prince. Everyone knows that Your Excellency the Prince is highly virtuous and will not block the way of future generations. But this matter is too big. It is inevitable that some of your friends will have other ideas. Military I'm most afraid of wrangling and being held back, so it's better to make it clear in advance!"

Duke Alexander nodded and agreed happily, but he also made a request: "You can be responsible for military issues, but I hope Count Nikolai Milyutin can cooperate with me. Is this request not too much?"

Li Xiao frowned slightly. To be honest, it would not be a big problem for Nikolai Milyutin to cooperate with Duke Alexander. After all, what is his relationship with Dmitri? Li Xiao is worried about the other two issues.

First of all, what is Duke Alexander's so-called cooperation? Does Nikolai Milyutin have to obey his orders and see what he wants in whatever he says or does next?

If this is the case, then it is impossible for Nikolai Milyutin to agree.

For example, what if Duke Alexander asks him not to continue to put pressure on Alexander II to demand immediate reforms?

This hole must not be opened!

The second question is where Count Rostovtsev is still standing! That person had completely opposite views on the Ukrainian issue than he and Dmitri.

Who can guarantee whether there are relevant arrangements on his side? What if Duke Alexander’s requirements are completely opposite to his?

At that time, Nikolay Milyutin will definitely not be able to listen to Duke Alexander, so how can we cooperate?

After thinking for a while, Li Xiao replied: "Then it depends on what kind of cooperation you need. After all, you know the position of Count Nikolai Milyutin. He is a staunch reformer and there is no way he will violate his principles for this matter!"

Duke Alexander nodded. He would only think there was a problem if Li Xiao didn't mention this.

"Don't worry, the cooperation I need is not unconditional cooperation. I just need Count Nikolay Milyutin to help me a little at the right time. I won't embarrass him, let alone disadvantage the reformists! I just need someone from the cabinet. Someone just joins me in standing up against Neserrode!"

Duke Alexander directly showed his trump card, which felt good. When the two of them cooperate, they are afraid that each has its own little ideas and is going behind the other's back.

He clarified his demands and the demands were reasonable and completely acceptable to the reformists, so there was no big problem.

However, Li Xiao still did not agree to it. Instead, he turned to Dmitri and said: "You'd better convey the Duke's request to Count Nikolai Milyutin. Whether you can agree or not depends on his intention." . But I personally feel that the Duke’s request is not outrageous and completely acceptable.”

Duke Alexander didn't seem to be surprised at all by Li Xiao's attitude. He watched him communicating with Dmitri calmly, showing no signs of being anxious at all.

Dmitri thought for a while and thought it would be a good idea to talk to Nikolai Milyutin first, and he agreed without hesitation.

At this point, there was only so much they could do. Whether we can cooperate next depends on Nikolai Milyutin's intention, but Li Xiao feels that Nikolai Milyutin and even Count Rostovtsev behind him will not refuse Duke Alexander's request, and things should be safe. .