Struggle in Russia

In fact, Li Xiao still had some words to say. Because this Major General Vladimir Alexievich Kornilov is not just shrewd and capable.

To tell the truth, this man was one of the few bright spots in the Russian army in the future Crimean War. It is a pity that the hero did not live long. In the later Siege of Sevastopol, this man unfortunately died .

To be honest, Lazarev was really a bit bitter, and the two proud disciples he brought out, whether it was Kornilov or the more famous Naximov, all died in this inexplicable war.

What made Lazarev want to cry even more was that the war directly destroyed the Black Sea Fleet he had been operating for many years. Since then, Russia no longer has any fleet in the Black Sea, and even fortifications are not allowed along the Black Sea coast, which is a shame.

What's even more unfortunate is that all of Lazarev's previous work and efforts were wiped out. A huge blow to the modernization of the Russian Navy.

Li Xiao suddenly thought of these things, and sighed a little, it is really not easy to join the navy in Russia. Take the Black Sea Fleet as an example, it was hit hard N times back and forth:

Once in the Crimean War, the main force in the Russo-Japanese War was dispatched and destroyed in the Tsushima Strait. It was so easy to rebuild slowly before the First World War. The imperialism came again with the sound of the October Revolution, and the Black Sea Fleet once again returned to zero.

It was easy to get back on track under the leadership of Comrade Iron and Steel. The outbreak of World War II once again made the fleet almost die. Just after the end of World War II, Khrushchev wanted missiles but not warships. Even the admiral of the navy was demoted and assigned. The newly built large ship was dismembered on the berth again.

I waited with great anticipation for Brezhnev, and finally lived a good life for more than ten years, but when I woke up in the morning, even the Soviet Union was gone. It was another tragic return to zero, and then a long sinking. Looking at the history of the Black Sea Fleet, it is really a history of bitter tears!

However, Li Xiao still hopes that he can bring something different to this troubled fleet. After all, the Crimean War is very close.

"Let's go to see Major General Kornilov first. Boris, you stay and straighten the team, let the lads get some air and rest, but please pay attention to discipline and don't herd the sheep!"

After explaining to Boris, Li Xiao and Vishniak left in a hurry. Because even though the coast of the Black Sea is much warmer, it is winter after all, and no matter how warm it is, it can freeze to death. The problem of camping and eating must be resolved as soon as possible.

The Odessa Squadron Headquarters is not far from the pier, just a few turns away. The place is not big, with a compact European-style three-story building, and there are a lot of soldiers coming and going. Li Xiao and Vishniak waited at the reception for more than an hour before seeing the legendary Sevasto Major General Kornilov, hero of the defense of Bohr.

The major general looked shrewd and capable at first glance, without the obesity typical of Russian nobles and high-ranking officers.

The military uniform on his body is even more meticulous. He wears a double cocked hat with gold brooches, black, white and orange tricolor cockades and drooping feather hat decorations. The double-breasted coat of dark blue was without a single fold, and at the neckline hung the Order of the White Eagle, and on the shoulders were two silver stars on large gold epaulettes with lace and tassels.

This attire is too solemn and formal, as if this Major General Kornilov is not working but going to a dance or reception.

But neither Li Xiao nor Vishniak said anything, maybe this is their living habits. After all, under the uniform control practice of Nicholas I, Russian generals are used to dressing themselves up beautifully, more beautiful than a peacock with its tail open.

"General!"

Vishniak and Li Xiao immediately stood at attention and saluted. Only then did Major General Kornilov look up.

He asked nonchalantly, "Are you from the 748 regiment?"

"Yes, General. We are the advance battalion of the 748th regiment. I am the battalion commander, Lieutenant Vishniak Pogolovsky, and this is Lieutenant Andrei Konstantinovich Romanov. We were ordered to report to you."

Kornilov's attention immediately focused on Li Xiao's side. After all, it is rare for a royal family member surnamed Romanov to only hold the rank of captain. Generally speaking, it is reasonable to be at least a colonel or lieutenant colonel. .

"You are His Excellency Grand Duke Andrei Konstantinovich?"

Li Xiao replied respectfully: "Yes, General, I am right here. I salute you!"

Kornilov showed a strange expression, but he didn't say much, but said calmly: "Your Excellency the Grand Duke is welcome, and you are also welcome to Captain Pogolovsky."

This kind of welcome is too plain and insincere, it sounds more like a perfunctory courtesy. However, Li Xiao and Vishniak didn't care. After all, they were not familiar with each other, and it was normal to have a point of etiquette.

"Gentlemen," Rear Admiral Kornilov is worthy of action, and after a simple exchange of greetings, he got straight to the point: "To be honest, I really didn't expect the Admiralty to send you here. Well... let's put it this way, the 748th Regiment It's not a good reputation!"

Li Xiao and Vishniak felt a little helpless at once. Bad news spread far and wide without going out. The notoriety of the 748 regiment was known even to the Black Sea Fleet. This was so embarrassing.

But the more embarrassing thing is yet to come, because Rear Admiral Kornilov continued: "As the supervisor of the naval infantry and transport escort squadron, we really lack manpower here, but what I need more is elite fighters, not ** and bastard..."

He paused slightly, and apologized: "Please forgive me for being straightforward, but I must be responsible to my boys. We shoulder the front-line combat mission, and there is no room for sloppy."

"So gentlemen, I must remind you to strictly control your subordinates and never cause trouble. Otherwise, I will be very angry. And I hope you know that the consequences of my anger are very serious, and you will never want to see it !"

To be honest, both Li Xiao and Vishniak were a little dissatisfied, because although the 748 regiment had a bad reputation, after all, they had just arrived and hadn't done anything yet. Is it necessary to despise them so directly?

Listen to their words and watch their actions, even if you want to beat them, you have to watch them anyway, right?

But they also knew that it was useless to say anything at this time, and the best explanation was to speak with their own actions. They believed that Major General Kornilov would soon know that he was very wrong!