Everyone, including Nicholas I, knew that the main event was about to begin. The first head-to-head confrontation between Grand Duke Constantine and Menshikov was about to begin. Both sides had made adequate preparations for today's confrontation and laid the groundwork.
After a long time, it’s time to tell the difference!
Sure enough, when Neserrode announced that he was entering the free reporting process, Menshikov came to the fore, which made Nicholas I both surprised and curious.
Because in Nicholas I's opinion, the person who is more likely to take the lead should be the second child in his family. From a young age, that child has always done things vigorously and resolutely. As long as he takes the lead, the combination of punches will continue.
He will keep attacking and attacking until he runs out of ammunition and food.
But the one who made the first move today turned out to be the always "calm" Menshikov. Nicholas I was really surprised: [Could it be that the second child really grew to this point? Not only did Alexander feel a huge threat, but also
Did Menshikov, who has always been calm, get confused? Very good, very good, second brother, please work harder and be a good whetstone!】
Menshikov did not know what Nicholas I was thinking, but he was indeed under great pressure. During this period, with the acquiescence of Nicholas I, Grand Duke Constantine continued to create various public opinion offensives overtly and covertly. He really
I can't bear it anymore.
"Your Majesty, as the Lord of the Navy, I regret to see a series of regrettable cases that have occurred within the Navy in the past month or two... As the Lord of the Navy, I have not been able to clearly understand these cases that occurred at the bottom.
, I failed to prevent the slightest change, and I truly feel that I have betrayed your trust.”
Menshikov said slowly in a vicissitudes of tone: "I feel deeply responsible and I have betrayed your trust. I implore you to get to the bottom of it and give me a chance to wash away the shame in a fair and public manner. I will bear the relevant responsibilities."
, shoulder our obligations and serve you duty-bound to the end!”
These words really sound like a cuckoo cries for blood. It seems that Menshikov is the kind of virtuous minister who works hard and does not complain, is tired, does not care about gains and losses, does not care about reputation, and only strives for dedication. It is even better as if he has suffered great grievances and endured pouring.
The injustice of heaven is common.
Well, this is to retreat in order to advance, to test Nicholas I's true attitude towards him. If Nicholas I persuades him to stay, then Menshikov will know that he has no fear of losing his official position. The next step can be
Consider fighting back and letting Grand Duke Constantine have a taste of his power. If Nicholas I has a cold attitude, then he will quickly cut off the gecko's tail to survive.
It has to be said that old thugs like Menshikov have become experts after decades of hard work in the officialdom. They found the most beneficial strategy for themselves in the most unfavorable situation and succeeded in one fell swoop.
Take the initiative into your hands.
In this regard, the fledgling Grand Duke Constantine was far behind. He fell into passivity almost immediately. No matter how Nicholas I expressed his stance later, the stormy and devastating offensive he originally designed would be gone.
It's impossible to initiate it. Otherwise, it would be a violation of the rules.
Why do you say that?
The reason is very simple. The officialdom in Russia these days is still a playground for the nobles. When entering the game, you must follow the rules of the nobles. For example, you should not slap people in the face, such as not swearing in the street and not swearing. Even the winner cannot bully others too much, at least
Give the other party a chance to bow out gracefully and step down.
You must not knock down your opponent and then rush up and slap your opponent with a big mouth. That is too rude, cruel and unsightly. It is undignified and has no aristocratic demeanor. We nobles must bully others gracefully and slap the enemy in the face.
Let the onlookers feel that you are elegant and elegant.
Therefore, Menshikov is now on his knees begging for mercy and begging for his bones, ready to retire and return to his hometown to farm. Then you, Grand Duke Constantine, please don’t go too far, and don’t retaliate by beating up the Nanshan Nursing Home with your old fists. Stop being aggressive when it’s enough.
.
Grand Duke Constantine immediately discovered that all his original plans were useless. If he rushed forward and beat Menshikov violently without hesitation, maybe those veterans who "sympathized with the same disease" would hug together for warmth and unite to pull Menshikov.
A handful of Shkov.
At that time, he was the target of thousands of people. No matter how powerful and arrogant he was, he was not stupid enough to challenge most of the old ministers in court. That was just seeking death, wasn't it?
But Grand Duke Constantine was really unwilling to let go of this opportunity and give it up. For a moment, he was in a dilemma and didn't know what to do.
Grand Duke Constantine's lapse in advance and retreat was seen by everyone. Although Menshikov's face was still sad and pale, he almost burst into laughter in his heart, and he couldn't help but secretly feel proud:
[Little brat, no matter how evil you are, you will end up drinking my foot-washing water. No matter how awesome you are! How proud you are! Aren’t you feeling really good lately? Let me show you how cool you are!]
Yes, this was actually Grand Duke Constantine's mistake, although the various rumors he released severely damaged Menshikov's reputation, making people think that Menshikov's demise was imminent.
But at the same time, it also gave Menshikov the opportunity to survive in death. The old eunuch took advantage of these to add dramas of bitterness and tragedy to himself, making his pain and sorrow deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Then today, he took retreat as an opportunity to advance.
The army of Archduke Constantine succeeded with one blow.
Grand Duke Constantine was in trouble, and it was a bit outrageous to slap the drowned dog because it looked so ugly. But if he didn't slap the drowned dog, he also heard Menshikov's speech just now, which was actually very vague.
This old fritter only said that the Navy had problems and that he had the responsibility to ask for punishment, but he did not say how serious the Navy's problems were and how serious the responsibility he had to bear. He did not even offer to resign voluntarily. He was just trying to fool things around!
Grand Duke Constantine was very suspicious. If he showed his superiority, the old man would just go down the slope and deal with the matter vaguely. At that time, the old eunuch would just drink three drinks as a penalty and the matter would be over.
How could Grand Duke Constantine accept such a result? Then he had spent so much effort and mobilized so many resources, hadn't all been in vain!
Grand Duke Constantine looked at Menshikov, then at Nicholas I, and then glanced at everyone. How he wished someone could stand up and say something to him. He really didn't know how to continue!
The tangled expression of Grand Duke Constantine was seen by Nicholas I, Crown Prince Alexander and Menshikov. The moods of the three were very different:
Menshikov didn't say it anymore, he was very proud. Crown Prince Alexander was happy. He was very happy that his annoying brother was defeated, and wished that he would be more unlucky. As for Nicholas I, the supreme mood was very good at this moment.