Is Grand Duke Constantine really as fucked up as Li Xiao said?
Objectively speaking, this is indeed the case. This family is the kind of people who bully the weak and fear the strong. If you want them to be honest, you really have to whip them first.
But having said that, if we analyze the specific situation in detail, if Viscount Prozolov hadn’t happened, Grand Duke Constantine would have definitely shown his unruly and ferocious side. But with Viscount Prozolov,
Learning from past mistakes, he is naturally much more honest.
In other words, it's not that he is honest, but that he has been shocked by Li Xiao's thunderous methods. He knows that he can't win if he plays hard, so he naturally behaves with his tail between his legs.
It was precisely because Grand Duke Constantine was mentally prepared to tuck his tail between his legs, but after actually meeting the "polite" Alexey, he was naturally relieved and felt that Alexey was quite good.
It didn't embarrass him to give him face. It's hard to say that his affection for Alexey was slowly rising!
"I hope you don't mind your sudden visit, Earl." Grand Duke Constantine replied very gently, "Those things before were all misunderstandings. It was Viscount Prozolov who misunderstood my intentions. I really hope to communicate with the Earl."
Thank you for your cooperation!"
These words could only deceive a three-year-old child. Alexei naturally did not believe it, but his original intention was not to push Grand Duke Constantine too hard. He just pretended not to hear this excuse to cover up.
"That's good," Alexei replied with a smile, "If it's just a misunderstanding, if His Highness the Grand Duke intends to cooperate with us fairly and reasonably, we are very welcome!"
Grand Duke Constantine also laughed twice, making the atmosphere seem to be getting better and better.
Both of them knew that now was not the time to talk about serious matters. The real confrontation was still to come, so for the time being, they would just chat and adjust their status.
Yes, both Grand Duke Constantine and Alexei need to adjust their status, because both of them have slight problems in judging the situation. Both of them think that the other's attitude may be more "arrogant", so they both appear to be too conservative.
But judging from the recent contact, it seems that the other party's attitude has softened a lot, which means that they can negotiate normally.
This is quite difficult, because in the previous situation where we were wary of each other, calculated against each other, and disliked each other, there was actually no way to negotiate. In such a situation, even if we had to negotiate forcefully, the final result would be unhappy.
And disperse.
Only when the atmosphere relaxes can both parties at the negotiation table truly calm down and negotiate, instead of being full of resentment or anger and then yelling at each other.
"Your Highness, I believe that Wallachia and Moldavia are brotherly states, and it is their duty to support and support each other. If the two grand duchies can work together sincerely, they will not only be able to resist foreign invasions, but also develop and grow.
This will lay a solid foundation for the complete expulsion of alien races and the liberation of the Christian brothers in the future.”
Grand Duke Constantine was willing to listen to such words. Of course, he knew very well that Moldavia was actually not that important to Wallachia. Look at Wallachia without the help of Moldavia.
Isn't it the same that it is developing prosperously? On the contrary, Moldavia is like a drag bottle, and there is a possibility of being held back.
However, Alexei was willing to give him this face and give him a favor. He still accepted this favor. Although he might not reciprocate the favor, he would still give Alexei some face in the future.
So he also said: "Well, Count, it is the empire's fortune that you have such foresight. If the two grand duchies can go hand in hand, we can naturally look forward to the future..."
The two of them flattered each other and made some superficial remarks. Of course, they also knew that these were not true, and they still had to fight on issues involving fundamental interests.
Alexei first proposed: "In addition to sincerity and unity, the most important thing for cooperation between the two grand duchies is equality and fairness. Only by implementing the principles of equality and fairness can sincerity and unity be long-lasting and cooperation be sustainable. Your Highness,
You should also agree, right?"
Grand Duke Constantine naturally disagreed. He never felt that he and Alexei had any equal status. As a superior prince, he should be superior and take the initiative.
However, after being taught a lesson by Viscount Prozolov, he also knew that it was impossible to overpower Alexey. He was already a local snake, but he himself was not a strong dragon, at most he was a lame one.
It's just a dragon with legs.
People had to bow their heads under the eaves, so although he was reluctant, he could only nod reluctantly and said: "Sincerity and unity are of course the basis of cooperation. Since Your Excellency the Earl believes that the core of sincerity and unity lies in equality and fairness, then
Of course I have to respect it..."
Look at what he said. Grand Duke Constantine did not say that he agreed or agreed, but respected. This obviously means that he did it as a last resort, and it also laid the foundation for who will be the leader in the future. The meaning is nothing more than:
"You guys are so powerful today, I have to admit defeat. But if I overpower you in the future, then you have to listen to me!"
Of course Alexei understands these, but he doesn't particularly care. We'll talk about the future later. Thank God if we can solve the problems in the next three to five years now. Besides, even if you, Grand Duke Constantine, shoot now
Even if you promise with all your heart, he may not believe it. We are not stupid and there is no need for that.
For Alexei, resolving the current conflict will allow Wallachia to prepare wholeheartedly for the upcoming war and allow Grand Duke Constantine to stop stabbing him in the back for the time being. Once this is achieved, it will be achieved.
Purpose.
Of course, this is the bottom line of the negotiation. Alexey will naturally not tell Grand Duke Constantine that his demands are not high. When it is time to fight for it, he will naturally fight for it.
"That's good, as long as your Highness can respect this, that's fine," Alexey smiled flatly and continued: "I personally think that Wallachia will give Molda the best for future cooperation between the two Grand Duchys.
Via will provide certain economic and technical support, while Moldavia will help Wallachia consolidate its position in St. Petersburg and prevent some people with ulterior motives from making irresponsible slander!"
This is the second reason why Li Xiao and Alexey are willing to cooperate with Grand Duke Constantine. After all, Grand Duke Constantine is the son of Nicholas I, and he is also a person in the government and the public who is clearly willing to support reform. If he can
By endorsing the changes in Wallachia, a lot of trouble can be avoided...