While Neridova and Count Kleinmicher were restless and gloomy, Count Rostovtsev, the mastermind behind their loss of control, was sitting relaxedly and comfortably in his exclusive seat in the National Library, flipping through a precious book.
Machiavelli's first edition of The Prince.
"This kind of ancient book should be kept better!"
Count Rostovtsev didn't even raise his head, he just pointed at the empty seat opposite him and motioned for Li Xiao to sit down.
"It's quite rude to interrupt someone's reading."
Li Xiao shrugged, sat down opposite Count Rostovtsev nonchalantly, and asked easily: "You came to me so suddenly, are you asking me to have a reading club with you?"
Count Rostovtsev finally raised his head and smiled: "What if it is?"
Li Xiao rolled his eyes and said: "Then forgive me, I really don't have that much time in the United States. Thanks to your blessing, our group has to leave and go all the way to Odessa. Do you know how far it is?"
"What did old Igor tell you?" Count Rostovtsev asked.
"No," Li Xiao shook his head and said, "It's not like you don't know my dad's temper, and his mouth is not as tight as usual. If he doesn't want to talk, there's no use putting a gun to his head."
After a pause, he smiled and said: "However, I guess the only person in Russia who can be so kind to me is you!"
Count Rostovtsev closed the page and asked calmly: "Why can it only be me?"
Li Xiao laughed and said: "Neither Duke Gorchakov nor General Lazarev has that much energy, you are the only one who can do it!"
Count Rostovtsev still commented calmly: "It is simple and quick to infer from the results. Then do you know why I want you to get out immediately?"
Li Xiao laughed again: "Maybe it's Grand Duke Constantine's fault. I feel something is wrong. There are too many people praising him and me, too warmly, too abnormal!"
Count Rostovtsev looked at him calmly and asked: "Since you know the abnormality, why do you still watch?"
Li Xiao continued to laugh and said: "I didn't just watch, I also contributed to the flames! Although it didn't do as much as the black hand behind the scenes who wanted to deal with Grand Duke Constantine, it still cooperated without hesitation, didn't it?"
Count Rostovtsev finally lost his composure and showed a smile: "Are you not worried at all? Aren't you afraid?"
Li Xiao spread his hands and said: "How is it possible? I'm scared to death. So I contacted my friends in the British and French newspapers and embassies early to ask them to pay more attention to me, the fallen Grand Duke. If there is suddenly no news, don't forget to report it.
."
Count Rostovtsev shook his head and said: "This is not enough!"
"Of course it's not enough!" Li Xiao replied confidently: "But, I will take care of everything, what else do you want?"
Count Rostovtsev raised his eyelids and asked: "What does the trouble you caused have to do with me?"
"Of course it has something to do with it!" Li Xiao patted the table and said, "I'm afraid you and your partners all support reform, right? Grand Duke Constantine is so active, don't tell me that it has nothing to do with you! Although that little fat man is greedy, he is not
He’s not stupid, he can’t be so foolish as to risk everything! Someone must have given him Ecstasy!”
Count Rostovtsev asked without raising his eyes: "You think it's me?"
Li Xiao did not answer directly, but looked at Count Rostovtsev with a smile, as if he had seen through the other person.
It's just that such a test is meaningless. Count Rostovtsev's face seems to be wearing a steel mask, with no expression and no message.
After a while, Li Xiao felt a little bored and sighed: "Even if it's not you, it still has everything to do with you!"
Count Rostovtsev's face still had no expression. He just looked at Li Xiao's eyes so calmly, which made Li Xiao feel a little hairy.
Li Xiao just raised his hands and surrendered: "Okay, okay! I mean, Grand Duke Constantine was definitely instigated, otherwise he wouldn't have fallen into the trap so stupidly!"
Count Rostovtsev finally spoke: "Yes, it is very possible! It is impossible for a person like him to be without profit. It is really pitiful, isn't it?"
Li Xiao has never been able to read anything from Count Rostovtsev's face. This man is as rigorous as a stone and will not let you find any gaps or loopholes.
Li Xiao said sadly: "It's quite pitiful. From the beginning to the end, the poor little fat man is just a chess piece, a chess piece that throws stones to ask for directions, right?"
Count Rostovtsev gently closed the book and said slowly: "Then what path do you think you are asking about?"
Li Xiao immediately cheered up. He knew that this question was very critical. It was probably Count Rostovtsev's test for him. If he passed the test, there would be some benefits, and he might also go deeper into the small organization where the count was. At the same time,
Reason, if he failed the test, then there would be nothing more to come, and he would probably have to cool off.
For Li Xiao, this is very critical. Although he has greatly improved his situation through his own efforts since time travel, overall he is still extremely passive. And if he wants to turn over, he must unite more people.
, especially those with great energy.
For example, Duke Gorchakov, such as Admiral Lazarev. Only such powerful figures can protect him from having room to display his talents, and can protect him from being killed by his old treacherous uncle immediately.
Count Rostovtsev is undoubtedly very mysterious and powerful. He alone can greatly influence the decision of Nicholas I. The group behind him is undoubtedly more powerful. If you can join the organization behind him, you will definitely be able to
Get more help and support.
After thinking for a moment and straightening out the logical relationship, Li Xiao spoke cautiously: "First of all, I don't think it is a test of my uncle's true attitude!"
"Oh? Why?" Count Rostovtsev raised his chin slightly and asked, "Isn't His Majesty's attitude important?"
Li Xiao confidently replied: "Of course the emperor's attitude is important. One word can determine life, death, wealth, and honor. Why is it not important?"
After a slight pause, he added: "But my uncle's attitude is not difficult to guess at all, and there is no need to test him. He is just a stone in the cesspool, and his attitude towards reform has always been stinking and hard. Since
So, why waste time and effort trying anything? Only political idiots would do such stupid things."
"But Earl, you are definitely not an idiot, so you will never waste your time on my uncle!"