The Commission for the Reform of Serfdom attracted great attention from Grand Duke Constantine from the first day of its establishment.
He believed that this committee was tailor-made for him. If he could naturally become the chairman of the committee, then he would be able to unify the reformists and become the well-deserved leader of the reformists.
So after hearing the news, he rushed to the Winter Palace as soon as possible, preparing to ask Alexander II for the official position.
But before he could enter the royal study, bad news came. Count Rostovtsev had been appointed chairman of the serfdom reform committee, which naturally disappointed him.
Grand Duke Constantine couldn't figure out why Count Rostovtsev had taken the position before him. Such an important committee should be in charge of the reformists, so why was it handed over to an old conservative who didn't know what it was called?
Isn't this a joke!
After learning the news, he immediately began to contact people everywhere, preparing to entangle a large number of people to oppose the appointment.
It's just that the first person he invited, Nikolai Milyutin, refused outright, which undoubtedly gave him a blow to the head.
This bad start made no progress in his subsequent contacts. Although most reformists did not understand or recognize the appointment of Count Rostovtsev, Nikolai Milyutin and Grand Duchess Elena both
If you don't object, then who will be the arrogant person?
Anyway, Grand Duke Constantine was lonely after all the hard work, which made him very angry. For this reason, he even went to see Nicholas Milyutin and Grand Duchess Elena, hoping that these two people would give him a reasonable solution.
explanation of.
There is no reasonable explanation. After all, Count Rostovtsev has already told these two people, and he will not explain the reasons to him at all. One of them said that this was Alexander II's decision and it was not convenient to object, and the other said
One said that she was a female and did not participate in politics. She did not care about this matter.
Well, His Majesty the Grand Duke Constantine almost lost his temper. Although Nikolai Milyutin’s excuse was not very good, it was not strange given his personality. But Grand Duchess Elena, your excuse is just a fool!
If you don’t mix politics? Then what did you do when you were playing drums and cheering for reforms? Are you making a guest appearance?
You are jumping up and down and yet you have the nerve to say you will not get involved in politics. You must be taking me for a fool!
It's just that Grand Duchess Elena's status is there. After all, she is his elder, and her reputation among the reformists is higher than him. He has no courage to barge with her.
Of course, not showing his teeth does not mean that he does not want to cause trouble. He has already set his sights on the serfdom reform committee, how can he be willing to give up, since the work of Nikolay Milyutin and Grand Duchess Elena cannot be done?
Isn't it enough to do other people's work and then find a big boss with enough status to support you?
And this so-called big boss is naturally Duke Vorontsov. This is why Grand Duke Constantine is waiting for Duke Vorontsov.
"The reform of the serfdom system is the core of the reform, and the Serfdom System Reform Committee is the core department, but you also saw that this department was entrusted to a conservative. Isn't this a joke!"
Grand Duke Constantine looked very indignant, almost beating his chest. But in Li Xiao's opinion, he overacted, giving people a feeling of excessive force and falseness.
Don't talk about him, I'm afraid in the eyes of a person like Duke Vorontsov, his acting skills may be even worse. Relying on this to impress Duke Vorontsov is simply a joke!
So Li Xiao didn't bother to say anything, and just quietly watched Grand Duke Constantine humiliate himself. As expected, Duke Vorontsov smiled slightly and said: "This is your Majesty's decision. Your Majesty should have your consideration. I
I have not dealt with political affairs for a long time, and I neither understand nor understand these things, so naturally I cannot express nonsense and opinions."
It is obvious that Prince Vorontsov is still doing the same thing, he just refuses to retire, does not know anything, and does not get involved.
But Grand Duke Constantine has been coveting that position for a long time. For him, this is his hope for a comeback. Naturally, he cannot be dismissed with such a few words.
He immediately said: "Duke, you can no longer be like this... just watching some people do nothing! If you can't control the Serfdom System Reform Committee, then the reform will really be a mirror in the mirror!"
Duke Vorontsov sighed slightly. He really didn't want to talk to Grand Duke Constantine about this, and he didn't want to get involved in this matter, but Grand Duke Constantine had already spoken to him. If he didn't say something, he would probably have to deal with it.
But don't go.
Duke Vorontsov slowly put down his napkin and replied calmly but solemnly: "Your Highness, your concern is understandable, but there is no need... Everyone has their own views and opinions on how the reform will progress, and there are different opinions.
It’s difficult to reconcile everyone’s opinions. You have your own views and opinions, and others also have other people’s opinions and views. It’s hard to say who is right now, but I think since everyone basically agrees with the current direction of reform, I think you’d better accept it!”
This was a very sincere statement, but it was definitely not what Grand Duke Constantine wanted to hear. He continued without giving up: "Other matters may be what you said and I should accept it, but the Serfdom Reform Committee..."
Now Duke Vorontsov was a little annoyed. After all, he had made his attitude clear and his words were clear enough, but Grand Duke Constantine still refused to let him go. This was a bit unreasonable and did not give him face.
He interrupted the other party without hesitation: "Your Highness, it is not up to you to decide who is in charge of the Serfdom Reform Committee, nor is it up to me. Since His Majesty has appointed Count Rostovtsev to be in charge, and Nicholas
Count Milyutin did not object, and Grand Duke Elena also acquiesced. I think this is a generally acceptable result after consultations between all parties, and you should accept it!"
Grand Duke Constantine's expression suddenly changed. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but Duke Vorontsov's eyes were so firm. It was obvious that this could not be changed by a few words.
This made him angry and annoyed. He didn't understand. It was obvious that everyone knew his opinion was reasonable, but why did Nikolay Milyutin object to it and Grand Duchess Elena did not approve it? Vorontsov still
The Duke also made it clear that he did not support it. Don’t these people have eyes and brains?
"Duke, you have disappointed me so much! I thought you were a wise elder and a staunch supporter of reform, but I never thought you would be so short-sighted to say such a thing!"