Struggle in Russia

Nikolai Milyutin was moved. He knew that Count Rostovtsev was always well-informed, but he was so well-informed that even Grand Duke Constantine knew the cards in his hand, which was a bit scary.

What kind of network does this earl have? Is it true that he is in charge of the third part, not the Duke of Aldorf?

What worried Nikolai Milyutin even more was that if Count Rostovtsev knew about all this, did it mean that Nicholas I also knew about it?

In an instant, goosebumps rose on Nikolai Milyutin's back. If Grand Duke Constantine's arrangement is known to Nicholas I, it means that their arrangement has no meaning at all. It's like meat buns beating dogs and never returning!

"Take it easy, my friend."

Count Rostovtsev was still so calm, with a calm and unrestrained look. He said calmly:

"I know some things, but it doesn't mean His Majesty also knows. Although we read the same documents and listen to the same reports, people are different."

"That His Majesty didn't know your specific plans, and didn't even notice your little moves, and even if there was a little bit of suspicion, under my misleading, his thinking direction was also diverted."

"You are still safe!"

call...

Nikolai Milyutin immediately relaxed a lot. The pressure brought by Nicholas I was too great. It was really not easy to make small moves behind the emperor's back. Fortunately, there is still a deep sea on their side. Count Rostovtsev is helping to check and fill in the gaps. What a blessing!

"But don't be too busy celebrating!"

Count Rostovtsev's words made Nikolai Milyutin nervous again.

"Even if His Majesty doesn't notice it, it's not easy for you to deal with Menshikov. In my opinion, the winning rate is at most 60-40!"

Nikolai Milyutin was surprised: "No way! We only have a 60% winning rate? Why?"

Count Rostovtsev looked up at him again, and said calmly: "No, you only have a 40% winning rate... because Menshikov is His Majesty's No. 1 loyal dog after the death of Benkendorf. Your Majesty's trust in him is beyond your imagination!"

Nikolai Milyutin was stunned, he was a little confused and didn't understand why this reason was so powerful. They collected a lot of ammunition, including a lot of Menshikov's criminal evidence. These things are very explosive!

Count Rostovtsev smiled: "My friend, you have never figured it out. In our country, under the rule of His Majesty, the most important thing is not ability, integrity, character, or social network, but Your Majesty. trust."

"Your Majesty trusts you, even if you are full of heinous crimes, you don't have to be afraid, no one can trouble you. And if your majesty doesn't trust you, it's useless even if you have made great achievements and good deeds. A little rumor or a trivial mistake can make you miserable Get out of St. Petersburg."

"Unfortunately, His Majesty has enough trust in Menshikov. The things in your hands can at most make the old bastard get a few words of scolding, and it is impossible for him to get out of the Admiralty building."

Nikolai Milyutin was stunned. He wanted to refute, but his experience and knowledge since he was in politics told him that Count Rostovtsev was right. Russia is such a wonderful thing, it is so deformed, it is so speechless!

"Do you mean to say that we are doomed to futility?"

Looking at the frustrated Nikolai Milyutin, Count Rostovtsev felt a little regretful. Compared with his older brother Dmitry Milyutin, Nikolai Milyutin is more knowledgeable, more capable, more proactive in handling affairs, and has outstanding organizational and coordination skills, but there is one aspect that is far inferior to him Brother, that is calm and calm.

Nikolai Milyutin jumped a little bit, probably because of his more active thinking,

So a little victory or dawn can arouse his enthusiasm, and the same little setback and failure can make him dejected.

Dmitry Milyutin was quite different. He is like a boulder, he just sits there and no one can shake him. Compared with him, Nikolai Milyutin is like a flame. When there is plenty of fuel, the light and heat are infinite. When the fuel is lacking or encounters wind and rain, he can only let the rain and wind blow away.

In Count Rostovtsev's opinion, it was better to go to Dmitry than to Nikolay for plotting a dangerous matter. The latter is too unstable and too susceptible to external interference and influence. But it is a pity that although Dmitri also participated in their cause, he did not take such a key position as Nikolai, and the only one who can help for the time being is Nikolai, a jumpy kid.

"I didn't say that," Count Rostovtsev conceived his next speech in an instant, and he said gently, "I mean, don't set your goals too high this time. Don't expect a Menshikov can be knocked out with just one punch, that's unrealistic!"

After pondering for a while, Count Rostovtsev continued: "The battle with Menshikov is a long-term process, and it is dangerous to expect a quick victory. What we have to do is shake his standing in the political arena little by little. foundation, to shake His Majesty's trust in him little by little..."

"It may take more time, but it's safer and easier to do. And with that old guy's level, there are countless mistakes and omissions. If you report one or two today, you will report three or two tomorrow. If you add up... ..."

Count Rostovtsev smiled and said: "Based on what I know about His Majesty, although he likes loyal dogs, he hates loyal dogs who keep making mistakes and causing trouble. After all, he is a mean and ungrateful emperor who hates a person When the time comes, you will forget the countless good things that person has done!"

Count Rostovtsev glanced at Nikolai Milyutin and asked, "Do you understand what to do?"

Nikolai Milyutin sighed. He understood what Count Rostovtsev meant, but he was somewhat reluctant. Because their group of Decembrists really wanted to turn around and win a key victory.

If Menshikov can be brought down in one fell swoop, it will be a major victory and will greatly boost their fighting spirit. But obviously, quick victory is impossible. Although it is still possible to knock down the old eunuch in the end, it is really time-consuming.

Rostovtsev could naturally see what Nikolai Milyutin was struggling with, and warned again: "My young friend, put away your impatient impatience, our cause is destined not to be settled once and for all. .The lesson of 1825 has been tragic enough, and I don't want to do it again!"

Nikolai Milyutin quickly sat upright, because Count Rostovtsev was rarely so strict, he immediately nodded and solemnly agreed: "Yes, Count. I will follow your will!"

Count Rostovtsev nodded and asked with a slight smile: "My friend, don't be so nervous, I just remind you. You have done a very good job before, a little flaw and impatient waiting are understandable .”

After praising and encouraging Nikolai Milyutin, he suddenly asked, "I heard that Grand Duke Andrei Konstantinovich played a key role in this operation?"