Struggle in Russia

The problem of saving face is Nesselrode's ultimate move. In the past, as long as this move was used, Nicholas I would basically buy it, but today the effect of this move is basically invisible.

At least Nicholas I seemed very indifferent: "Other people's opinions are not important, what matters is what Russia can get, and this is the most important thing!"

This sentence was directly blocked by Nesselrode, and he was speechless immediately. This guy couldn't figure out why Nicholas I had such a big change. In fact, success and Xiao He failed Xiao He and Nesselrode knew that Nicholas I's Achilles' heel was to save face, so every time they attacked in a targeted manner, it was always beneficial.

But the problem is that the same trick is used too much, and others can use it if you can use it. When Nicholas I received a letter from Duke Alexander to ask Count Rostovtsev for his opinion, the count was keenly aware of this. You can definitely put more pressure on Nesselrode, and naturally he will send an assist.

So when Nicholas I asked his opinion on this, Count Rostovtsev didn't say much else, he only said that there are advantages and disadvantages. When Ra I accepted his opinion, Count Rostovtsev added:

"However, recently there have been some superficial and vulgar gossips from the royal families of various countries, er, about your Majesty, which is very unsavory..."

Nicholas I naturally attracted his attention immediately. For a person who wants to save face, any gossip among the royal family will arouse his high attention, so he immediately asked seriously:

"What gossip?!"

Count Rostovtsev replied with trepidation: "They are all vulgar words that cannot withstand scrutiny and do not need to be taken seriously at all. I think these rumors are completely concocted by some people with ulterior motives to attack you, Your Majesty. These things are very Chances are crushed by facts!"

Nicholas I tried his best to pretend to be aloof and indifferent, and said, "Tell me, I want to hear what they are talking about!"

"This..." Count Rostovtsev hesitated again and again before whispering: "Some members of the royal family of other countries say that you are a fool behind their backs, saying that you have been played around by the prime minister, which can better protect Russia's interests and expand Russia's influence in the world is always disturbed by the prime minister, who all say that the prime minister is an Austrian spy!"

Nicholas I's face suddenly became very ugly, his face was blue, and his eyes were even more violent.

It's just that Count Rostovtsev's small report is not over yet, I just heard him say: "There are also rumors that the Prime Minister loves Austria more than Russia,

Every time Austria was in trouble, he always sacrificed Russia to make Austria whole..."

Nicholas I's face became more and more ugly, and his face was so gloomy that water could be squeezed out, but Count Rostovtsev continued to apply eye drops: "These shallow and ignorant fools still laugh at you, Your Majesty, saying that you I don’t know how to protect Russia’s interests at all, and I’m always pushed around by the prime minister..."

"enough!!!"

Nicholas I stood up suddenly, and walked around the study angrily, like a restless bull. It took him a long time to suppress his anger and asked: "These bastards really say that!"

"Yes." Count Rostovtsev nodded, and replied as if he was comforting or defending Nesselrode: "Your Majesty, you don't need to be angry at these bastard words. Our country has entered a new heyday since 1814 under the leadership of these people who are slandering you and our Prime Minister out of sheer envy and jealousy. We just need to move forward according to the guidelines you have specified, and soon They can only keep their mouths shut obediently!"

Count Rostovtsev's consolation had a certain effect, but Nicholas I was obviously still very angry. What made him intolerable the most was the sentence that Nesselrode pushed him around and kept teasing him.

Nicholas I, the supreme tsar who thought he had everything under control, was still very confident in his authority, but these words were simply slapping him in the face, saying that he was tricked by a courtier, how could this be tolerated!

Although Nicholas I didn't think he was being tricked, nor did he think that Nesselrode had the ability to trick him, subconsciously he still resisted Nesselrode a little. Sometimes, he always subconsciously resisted, and a voice seemed to recall in his mind, that is: "Reject him! Don't listen to him!"

The inside story Nesselrode naturally couldn't think of, so the more active he was, the more he tried to persuade Nicholas I, the worse the effect would be, because Nicholas I, who had a rebellious mentality, was really I don't want to hear him talk anymore.

"Your Majesty, we must be cautious!" Nesselrode was still chattering there, trying to bring Nicholas I back on the right track, "The Holy Alliance is our foundation, without the Holy Alliance, it will be difficult for us to fight with Britain or France." Fighting for the front, you can't give up long-term plans because of temporary interests!"

Nesselrode really sounds like a cuckoo crying blood, but the effect of his words is very bad. If you think about it, Nicholas I was a bit rebellious to him, and now his words fall on Nicholas I. In the ear is almost:

"Without the Holy Alliance, Russia is no match for Britain and France. Russia is far behind Britain and France. Therefore, Russia can survive only by holding on to the Holy Alliance!"

This is simply unacceptable to the arrogant Nicholas I. He does not think that he is inferior to Britain and France. According to what you mean by Nesselrode, it means that Russia is not doing well under my leadership. How about, can you only live on Prussia and Austria!

【Depend on! Obviously, Lao Tzu has been covering Prussia and Austria, okay? This time the Austrians are in a state of desperation, so they have to ask Lao Tzu for help! You bad old man actually told me that Austria is my big thick leg, what do you mean! 】

Immediately Nicholas I changed his face, stared at Nesselrode very displeasedly, and taught: "Prime Minister! Please pay attention, the reason for the existence of the Holy Alliance is that I cannot bear to abandon the tradition after the elimination of Napoleon. It’s not that I need them! Russia is sacred and great, and it won’t beg anyone! You are the Prime Minister of Russia, and your first priority is to protect Russia’s interests. If you think the Holy Alliance is more important than Russia, then you are putting the cart before the horse! "