Count Rostovtsev said with a serious face: "Your Majesty is right. If we do not respond in a targeted manner to Britain and France, it will be regarded as guilty and cowardly by Britain and France, and they will naturally think that
We don’t have the guts to confront them head-on! As a result, we will be completely passive in diplomacy, and there will be no hope of negotiating fairly and reasonably with them at the negotiating table. We will get nothing at that time!”
As he spoke, he also criticized Neserrode: "Prime Minister, your suggestion is tantamount to asking us to indirectly surrender and admit defeat. Not only will all our previous efforts be in vain, but it will also make us the laughing stock of the entire Europe!"
He said very firmly: "Even if we don't fall out with Britain and France, we can't handle this matter in such an awkward manner. We must respond resolutely, and then we will see the reactions of Britain and France. If they are not so determined to agree with the infidels,
If you are with us, you will definitely retreat in the face of our strong reaction."
Neserrode interjected coldly and asked: "What if they must join forces with the heretics? What are you going to do? Start a war? Count!"
Count Rostovtsev replied calmly: "If they really choose this, they don't necessarily have to go to war. As long as we show our strength, at least it will not make us completely passive at the negotiation table. The same
You can continue to negotiate! Of course, if His Majesty decides to use bayonets and cannons to liberate the Bulgarian brothers, I personally will not be timid. I will face the British and French guns and tell them with full blood that the Russian soldiers have the confidence and determination to defend Russia's honor!
"
These words not only made Neserrodie speechless, but also made Nicholas I extremely satisfied. He felt that Count Rostovtsev had spoken his heart: how could he be slightly intimidated by Britain and France?
If he shrinks his eggs, doesn’t that tell the world that he is too afraid to offend Britain and France? Then there will be nothing left to talk about at the negotiation table!
According to Count Rostovtsev, it may be a bit tense to react strongly and take countermeasures to the actions of Britain and France, but is the risk of a misfire really that great?
I’m afraid that’s not the case, right? Maybe after some manipulation, it’s not impossible to scare Britain and France away. Even if they are not scared away, at least Russia will not be passive at the negotiation table, will not have no trump cards at all, and will not have anything in the end.
Can't get it!
In view of this, Nicholas I said categorically: "The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Navy must immediately come up with relevant plans and take countermeasures to clearly tell Britain and France that we are not afraid of them and Russia cannot be humiliated!"
Neserrodie wanted to say something more, but Nicholas I gave him a direct order: "Prime Minister, you must respond immediately through diplomatic channels, and immediately notify the British and French ministers to express the strongest protest and warning.
Tell them they are playing with fire! And we are not afraid of playing with fire!"
Neserrodie immediately grimaced. He didn't want to take this job at all. He thought it was playing with fire, but Nicholas I had given the order, so it was okay if he didn't agree.
The only good news for him is that Nicholas I did not bypass him and directly give orders to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That would make him even more embarrassed as the prime minister, and he would handle the matter personally to avoid other militants taking the opportunity to deliberately cause harm.
, at least he can control the intensity of the warning and not continue to add fuel to the fire.
He sighed and replied helplessly: "As you command, Your Majesty!"
Looking at the reluctant Nesserrodie, Chernyshev felt a little happy. In his opinion, Nesserrodie was just toasting instead of eating the fine wine, knowing full well the will of Nicholas I on the Bulgarian issue.
There is no room for disobedience and you insist on speaking out against it. Isn't this asking for trouble?
And what's wrong with taking care of Turkey and liberating Bulgaria? If you can take the initiative and be happy, the Army will be very happy, and naturally they will not forget you as the Prime Minister. But you want to break ground on the road where everyone can get promoted and make a fortune, so what?
Good colors for you.
If you continue to be so ignorant, I am afraid that you, the Prime Minister, will really become the leader!
Thinking of this, Chernyshev decided to warn Neserrode: "Prime Minister, what your Majesty told you was to warn the British and French ministers. You are not going to be submissive. We are all watching. You can't lose it."
The face of our Russia!”
Nesserrodie didn't understand what Chernyshev meant. Looking at this former obedient and obedient Army Minister, he became angry. If it weren't for the army generals who kept jumping up and down to encourage Nikolai
In this life, how could that Tsar be so stubborn?
In Neserrodie's opinion, the worst thing is this group of army generals who only want to achieve success, promotion and fortune. These short-sighted guys have long been dazzled by the so-called victory in the past. They really think that Britain and France are just chickens and dogs.
It thinks that it is the first army in Europe and that it can conquer all battles.
But in fact, the size of the Russian army is large, but combat effectiveness and size are completely different things. Blindly launching a war has made enemies on all sides. Look, do you still have allies you can trust?
Neserrodie was extremely anxious, but the current situation left him helpless, because neither the army nor Nicholas I could listen to what he said. They only remembered the glorious victory in 1814, and only remembered the last victory in 1829.
They defeated Turkey in 2001 and only remembered that they saved Europe in 1848. This has made them completely intoxicated!
Neserrody sighed inwardly, faced Chernyshev's provocation without making any response, and just buried his head and left.
But in Chernyshev's opinion, this meant that he was cowardly and a coward! Naturally, he became more and more proud. After returning to the War Department, he told everyone how Neserrodie was a coward. He was so complacent.
Not to mention how arrogant he looked.
All this was naturally seen clearly by several other people who had just come out of the imperial study. Count Rostovtsev remained silent and pretended not to see it, while Count Uvarov frowned slightly.
I have no interest in Chernyshov's arrogance and complacency, but I just feel that Neserrody's fundamentals are becoming increasingly unstable, and it seems that we need to make early preparations.
As for Prince Ordov, he was very clear-headed. First of all, he did not agree with Chernyshev's approach. Secondly, he felt that although Neserrodie was conservative and seemed a bit timid, his opinions were not completely unreasonable.
After all, it is indeed a bit outrageous to challenge Britain and France head-on. Once misunderstood by Britain and France, the consequences will definitely be serious. Especially when thinking of Duke Mikhail's recent letter, he became more and more worried...