Uvarov couldn't help but fell into deep thought when he heard that Count Rostovtsev recommended this old eunuch.
Uvarov knew very well the personality of Nicholas I. As the most important adviser to the Tsar, he knew very well what position he and Count Rostovtsev held in his heart.
Objectively speaking, the roles of the two of them are highly overlapping, just like a sleeping dragon and a phoenix. One of them is enough. But Nicholas I knew this clearly, but he always took the trouble to consult both of them at the same time every time there was a major issue.
, what does this mean?
This shows that the tsar did not believe them in his heart, and kept both of them just in case, otherwise he only needed to ask one person.
Uvarov did not know this only now, he knew it many years ago, but why has he never expressed anything? Why not try to become the only strategist?
The reason is very simple. Uvarov knows that this is impossible. Nicholas I, who is naturally suspicious, cannot only believe in the words of one adviser. On major issues, he will definitely listen to more opinions and then make decisions. This can also avoid a certain
The counselor's family is too big to lose its tail.
So even if there is no Count Rostovtsev, Nicholas I will dig and find other people who can replace that count. At that time, the situation may be worse for Uvarov.
Why do you say that? Because he felt that he had almost gotten along with Count Rostovtsev over the years. Both parties knew the basics and knew how to make suggestions that were most beneficial to themselves, the country, and Nicholas I.
If it had been anyone else, especially someone whose political leanings were hard to tell, such as Duke Alexander, then Uvarov would have had an even greater headache.
For example, right now, when he heard that Menshikov was recommended by Count Rostovtsev, the first thing Uvarov needed to think about was not whether this candidate was so suitable, but whether it was Count Rostovtsev.
If he had any other thoughts, he really didn't have to think too much about it, because he knew that Count Rostovtsev was unlikely to engage in such a trick. Because they both knew each other too well, they knew that it would be boring and meaningless.
The only thing Uvarov needs to think about is two points. First, whether choosing Menshikov will hinder his interests, and second, whether Menshikov can satisfy Nicholas I. If neither of these two points
If you ask a question, he will nod in agreement, and then the matter will be settled.
Let’s talk about the first point first: Will Menshikov hinder the interests of Uvarov or the conservatives? This is actually beyond doubt, because Menshikov is originally a conservative, and his rigidity and stubbornness have
At that time, it was even stronger than Uvarov. You can suspect that Baryatinsky and his gang jumped for some reason, but Menshikov did not.
In other words, from a factional perspective, Uvarov would not oppose Menshikov being the special envoy. As for the second point, could Menshikov satisfy Nicholas I?
Uvarov thought for a moment and knew that Nicholas I would be satisfied with this choice. First of all, Menshikov was his most trusted general. Secondly, Menshikov was almost loyal to him. Finally, Menshikov
My husband’s qualifications and prestige are enough to convince everyone. In this case, there is no problem!
So Uvarov answered directly: "Prince Menshikov is a good candidate. He has handled diplomacy, he can understand your Majesty's intentions, and he also has sufficient reputation and qualifications..."
Well, these words were very familiar to Nicholas I, because Count Rostovtsev had already told him them once. Since two close advisers said so, he naturally felt that Menshikov was right. option.
However, he did not immediately nod in agreement, but pretended to be reserved and said: "Well, then I will think about it again..."
In fact, he was not ready to think about it at all. As soon as Count Uvarov left, he ordered the chamberlain to let Menshikov enter the palace immediately.
The poor old eunuch hurried to the Winter Palace, thinking that something big had happened, but what awaited him was a painful job!
"Envoy to Türkiye?"
Menshikov was stunned, because he couldn't figure out why this unfortunate job would happen to him. He was not from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he had never been involved in this kind of thing before. No matter how he looked at this job, he was stunned. It shouldn't be his turn!
The most important thing is that the old eunuch doesn't want to go, because he is getting older and his energy is getting weaker every day. He really doesn't want to go all the way to this trip. Isn't he comfortable staying in St. Petersburg and living peacefully?
Of course, Menshikov did not dare to stupidly say that he did not want to go, because he also knew what kind of temper Nicholas I was. He hated being rejected by his ministers, or that his ministers did not act according to his ideas.
Now it is obvious that Nicholas I was not consulting Menshikov's opinion, but wanted the old eunuch to go. However, the old eunuch was really unwilling to go, so he declined politely: "Wei Chen is willing to serve as a special envoy." I want Turkey to do its part to liberate our brothers from Bulgaria, but I am a little worried that I am too old and weak to fulfill His Majesty’s great trust..."
Menshikov felt that as long as he tarnished his face, Nicholas I would reconsider, but what he didn't expect was that Nicholas I interrupted his "self-defeating" with a wave of his hand: "This kind of self-defeating" Only an experienced minister like you can handle important state affairs. Don't be too modest. This job belongs to you!"
This sentence made Menshikov unable to express his refusal, so the old eunuch could only reluctantly accept the task. At this time, the entire officialdom of St. Petersburg was shocked.
Why? Because in the past three years, Menshikov's presence has become less and less. It seems that Nicholas I is no longer as fond of him as before. Most people think that in a few years this old guy will Take the initiative to retire and return home to withdraw from the public eye.
So when there was news that Nicholas I was going to send a special envoy to Turkey, many people felt that this was his opportunity. For example, the old Adlerberg once again made plans to send his son Adlerberg Jr. Push up.
Everyone felt that Turkey was easy to bully, and being this special envoy was an opportunity to get credit for nothing. But suddenly Nicholas I handed over this task directly to the old and fatuous Menshikov before they could move up and down. It was simply shattering. Are you okay with the glasses that fell on the floor?
Of course, if these people knew that Menshikov actually didn't want to go, they would probably be even more surprised and angry. They would think that the old eunuch was so blessed that he didn't know how to be blessed!