Struggle in Russia

Li Xiao looked straight at Count Rostovtsev, like a primary school student actively raising his hand to answer questions, he was eager to be praised by the teacher, eager to be recognized.

It's just that Count Rostovtsev is not that kind of kind and good teacher. He didn't say much, but simply spit out a few words: "Continue."

This made Li Xiao a little depressed. He felt like a monkey grandson in the palm of the Tathagata Buddha.

He looked at Count Rostovtsev full of resentment, and then he could only continue obediently:

"Since it's not testing my uncle's attitude, whose attitude is it testing? Grand Duke Constantine?"

Li Xiao looked at Count Rostovtsev again, but the other party still had nothing to say, so he could only continue to say, "Maybe we should test Crown Prince Alexander?"

This time there is no need to look at Count Rostovtsev, Li Xiao also obediently did not show off, and said honestly: "The attitude of testing these two princes is very reasonable! After all, my uncle is also old, and he has never been a prince. Judging from the average life expectancy of the last three tsars, even if he lived a long life, he would be able to work for another ten years at most; if he lived a short life, he might die soon."

"So in the long run, for nobles who are interested in reform, it is necessary to look at the attitude of the princes and make arrangements early, right?"

Count Rostovtsev was still so calm, neither affirming nor denying, more like wandering away. This made Li Xiao very depressed, he could only continue to say:

"It is very possible to test the attitudes of the princes and see who may become the hope of the reformers. But after I thought about it carefully, this possibility is possible, but it is not particularly great."

"Because even if this kind of test has results, it is not obvious to the reformists. Even if it is tested that Grand Duke Constantine really supports reform and is an ideal monarch, so what? After all, the crown prince is Alexander, not him, but can Only my uncle is the one who decides the crown prince."

"This is very embarrassing. The reformers are not capable of supporting Grand Duke Constantine to ascend the throne of the emperor, so what's the point of this temptation?"

Li Xiao said sincerely: "So this kind of temptation is definitely not aimed at Grand Duke Constantine and Crown Prince Alexander."

"Also, in my opinion, the Reformers certainly didn't just start getting to know and get in touch with these two princes today. They must have a comprehensive understanding of their temper and their political ideas, so there is no need to test them!"

Speaking of which,

Li Xiao suddenly regained his energy, and said with great vigor, "Since it's not for my uncle, nor for my two cousins, then it's obvious who the target of this temptation is!"

Count Rostovtsev glanced at him and asked calmly, "Really?"

"certainly!"

Li Xiao replied confidently: "The fundamental purpose of this test is not to find out the attitude of the royal family towards reform, because the attitude of the royal family has always been that way, so there is no need to test it. This time, it is the attitude of the officials. Look at this Who among the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty is interested in reform, who is afraid of reform like a snake, and who is firmly opposed to it to the end."

"This is actually just a hidden line-up, to see who is the centrist, who is their own, and who is the enemy. I guess the reformists think that the time to promote reform is about to mature, and they are going to plan some actions and arrange the group in advance. Minister, make a political portrait, and once it is launched at that time, we can take targeted measures, right?"

Count Rostovtsev gently put "The Prince" on the desk, and said to Li Xiao: "I have made a lot of guesses, and there are quite a few right and wrong ones. I can give it a score of 7.5."

Li Xiao was immediately dissatisfied: "Why is it only 7.5 points? You are too harsh!"

Count Rostovtsev ignored his bargaining, but directly explained: "This time, it is indeed a targeted temptation. But the object of the temptation is not only the ministers, but also the people you mentioned earlier. Your uncles and cousins. This is a very comprehensive test."

Li Xiao seemed to have thought of something, but Count Rostovtsev said to himself: "Of course the emperor's attitude is always conservative, but what kind of means he will use to deal with reforms needs to be tested. In addition, through Constantine The Archduke's playful naval innovation can also detect his tolerance for his sons' small actions, if there is an opportunity, I don't think anyone will waste the opportunity."

"As for the attitudes of Grand Duke Constantine and Crown Prince Alexander, I don't want to see their attitudes towards reform, but to see if their political skills are sharp enough, iron-fisted enough, and tough enough..."

"The attitude of the ministers is of course very important. Before the critical moment, it is always difficult to know who is a friend and who is an enemy, who is reliable, and who is just a red-painted toilet. This kind of temptation will be carried out frequently, once or twice Performance doesn't explain anything..."

The more Li Xiao listened, the more serious he became, because according to what Count Rostovtsev said, this was indeed a comprehensive test, which almost included the entire Russian ruling group for a thorough examination.

If Count Rostovtsev has not lied, such temptations have been carried out many times, then he has almost clearly grasped the attitude of the government and the opposition towards reform. This earl is really scary!

At this time, Count Rostovtsev said again: "Actually, it is also a test for the reformers themselves. Look at the real attitudes, real abilities, and real reactions of the key members. See who is useful and who is not. Try more, the critical time has come, will it turn into a farce like 1825 again!"

Well, Li Xiao really didn't expect Count Rostovtsev to even spare his own people. Obviously, only those who do well in every test can make the leap to the core level of innovation. And those who do not perform well may also be gradually eliminated.

After thinking about it, Li Xiao asked, "What about my performance?"

Count Rostovtsev smiled slightly and said, "Not bad, I can score 7.5 points."

This made Li Xiao heave a sigh of relief, 7.5 points is at least a good score, right? It's not far from excellent, but it's not too far away. The point is, he should be accepted into the group, right?

Count Rostovtsev laughed again: "It's not that simple, I can only say that you have passed the first stage of the test, and now you can enter the second stage. And today I invite you to come here to explain the tasks you need to complete!"

Li Xiao was not disappointed, and immediately pulled himself together and asked with all his attention: "Say it!"