Nicholas I died, Alexander II was confused, and Russia fell into an inexplicable and strange atmosphere.
panic?
It seems there is, and it seems there isn't.
sad?
Some people may be sad, but most people just take it as it comes.
If you want to accurately explain the mood of the Russians at this moment, I am afraid it cannot be expressed clearly in a few words.
But one thing is certain, that is, everyone is waiting to see where Russia will go.
Among them, the most active and anxious group was undoubtedly a small group headed by Count Uvarov. Well, strictly speaking, it should be a large group of people.
This group of people was most unprepared for the death of Nicholas I, and they were also the most panicked. Because they had poured too much into Nicholas I, and they could not accept Nicholas I either emotionally or in terms of their own interests.
Gu La I died just like that.
"Your Highness...what did your Majesty say?" Count Uvarov asked old Adlerberg anxiously.
It is not difficult to see from his words that he is also adapting to the era. He always involuntarily wants to call Alexander II His Highness, but he really can't adapt to the fact that the indecisive and crybaby man before has become the master of Russia.
If the old Adlerberg's status was very embarrassing during the previous period, and he had no sense of presence and voice in the conservative group, then his status has risen sharply now. The reason is simple. As the person closest to Dong
The palace, Alexander II and the Empress Alexandra are now the eyes and ears of the conservatives.
What he saw and heard could help Count Uvarov and others figure out what Alexander II was thinking and what he liked, which was really important to conservatives.
Old Adlerberg replied cautiously: "His Majesty is immersed in grief and is temporarily busy with funeral matters, so he doesn't say much..."
The funeral of Nicholas I is definitely a top priority, but it is by no means the main concern of Count Uvarov. Alexander II may first reveal his strategy for governing the country at the funeral, or he may not.
What's more, it was too late to know Alexander II's policy of governing the country in that kind of public place, at least it was too late for a conservative leader like him.
After all, once Alexander II expressed his attitude, as a minister, he would either follow up or oppose it, and he would immediately take sides.
But what if he doesn't like Alexander II's strategy or is even dissatisfied?
Especially in the current environment, due to the tragic defeat on the front line, reflection on the past and review of failures have become the centerpiece of Russian politics.
Judging from the public opinion on a large scale, it is quite unfriendly to conservatives. Anyone with a little bit of common sense and knowledge feels that Russia needs to make changes.
But as a conservative boss, what he hates most is making changes. Once he wants to change, it will be a knife to their vested interests. How can he bear this?
"Your Majesty has no expression?" Count Uvarov asked persistently.
"No," old Adlerberg shook his head, "His Majesty spends most of his time shutting himself up in the royal study or the prayer room. Only the Empress Dowager and the Empress can see him."
Count Uvarov frowned. Alexander II's performance was a bit beyond his expectation, because he felt that with Alexander II's character, it was impossible for him not to do something in the current critical environment, at least to do something.
Frequently convene meetings with trusted ministers.
But old Adlerberg actually said that he only saw the Empress Dowager and the Empress most of the time. What the hell is this?
He asked reluctantly: "Is there no one else?"
Old Adlerberg thought for a while and replied: "I have met Grand Duchess Elena a few times. As you know, the Grand Duchess and the Queen have a close relationship..."
Count Uvarov frowned in dissatisfaction. Among the names he hated most in Russia was the Grand Duchess Elena. That one was also a die-hard supporter of reform, so naturally she was at odds with him.
When Nicholas I was still alive, the Grand Duchess always caused trouble for him. Now that Nicholas I has just passed away, she is eager to be by the empress's side. Is she preparing to blow the pillow?
This possibility had to be guarded against, but just as he was about to say something, he suddenly realized that there was no particularly good way. After all, Alexander II did not see his foreign ministers at all now. He had tried to lobby the tsar several times, but he did not know how to do it.
no response.
But Grand Duchess Elena was different. She was a member of Alexander II's family and had a good relationship with the empress, so she naturally had an excuse to hang around the Winter Palace and Alexander II.
Count Uvarov really had no choice but to be filled with hatred. He could only say to old Adlerberg: "I asked you to contact Baroness Saripova, have you done it?"
Baroness Saripova is Alexander II's confidante and has been very popular with him recently. Count Uvarov's intention is very clear. He also wants to follow the path of a lady and must find ways to give Alexander II a blow.
Blowing pillow wind, Alexander II must not be led away by the nose by Grand Duchess Elena.
Old Adlerberg's ability in this regard is beyond reproach. Of course he contacted Baroness Saripova and they have already negotiated the price. But there is only one problem. The Baroness has no way to enter the Winter Palace. After all, she does not
If you are not a lady-in-waiting or maid of the Winter Palace, you have no right to approach the Winter Palace, let alone Alexander II.
In fact, even if Saripova could get close to Alexander II, it would not mean much, because the situation in the Winter Palace was actually completely different from what Count Uvarov had guessed. Although Alexander II was sad about his father's death, he was not sad either.
To the extent that he ignored national affairs at all, there was only one reason why he did not receive his ministers - he had not yet figured out how to face these ministers.
Or maybe he hasn't figured out how to face this mess yet!
The situation before Alexander II was quite difficult. There was no hope for the war. How to end it properly was definitely a big problem.
It is absolutely impossible and undesirable to surrender directly. Even if you think about it with your buttocks, you will know that this will cause an uproar and may shake the foundation of the rule.
However, there was no hope in continuing the fight without surrender, and neither the economy nor international relations allowed Alexander II to be as willful as his father.
How to properly find a staircase to go down was the first thing Alexander II had to do.
Secondly, he also saw that the reason why Russia would lose this time was because of a lot of problems in all aspects. The domestic conflicts were already showing signs of breaking out. How to deal with this end was a big problem! To be honest, he was not sure at all.