Nicholas I held a royal meeting and wanted to listen to the opinions of his ministers. However, not only did everyone in his group of ministers be weird, they were at least full of thieves with different ideas.
For example, Prime Minister Neserrodie, this dear friend is firmly opposed to any risky measures and believes that Russia had better stay on its own terms and not mess around, especially not to provoke the great powers. Anyway, Wallachia and Moldavia are already on the plate.
Just eat slowly and it will be fine.
Of course, this was just a nominal excuse. The real reason for Neserrodie's disagreement was that he was dissatisfied with Nicholas I's previous actions of forcing Austria too much. He wanted Wallachia and Moldavia to be equal.
If the rebellion does not go well, then we can go back to the old path of coordinated policies that he has always advocated.
So he was naturally alarmist: "I must warn your majesty that allowing the Black Sea Fleet to carry out risky operations is definitely an extraordinary provocation. It will inevitably cause further reactions from Britain and France, and is very likely to trigger a full-scale conflict. This kind of behavior must be resolutely resisted!"
Seeing that Nicholas I was deep in thought, Neserrodie quickly struck while the iron was hot: "Britain and France have issued stern warnings through diplomatic channels before. It is obvious that once we continue to take risks, they will inevitably react.
!So we must stop all inappropriate actions!”
Nicholas I remained silent, and it was hard to tell what he was thinking, but his expression was not very good-looking after all, which made people feel uneasy.
After a long time, Nicholas I asked Chernyshev: "Count, as Minister of War, what do you think?"
Naturally, Chernyshev could not agree with Neserrode's opinion. Even if he was indeed worried that the actions of the Black Sea Fleet would be regarded as a provocation, as Minister of War, his generals were all looking forward to the moment when they would be rewarded for their meritorious service.
How could he object?
"Isn't it too much to call it a provocation?" Chernyshov glanced sideways at Neserrode, clearly showing his contempt, "If we say provocation, it was Britain and France who first provoked them. They not only openly incited Vlach
The rebels in Asia and Moldavia rebelled, and they even sent the fleet outside the Black Sea before, but what happened in the end? It didn’t end!”
Chernyshev affirmed with certainty: "It can be seen that Britain and France are completely bluffing, and they cannot go to war with us for just Wallachia and Moldavia... As the saying goes, it is disrespectful to reciprocate.
, we must also show our muscles and strength and tell them that it is best not to challenge our country’s traditional interests in the Black Sea! Muscle display is very necessary!”
Neserrode suddenly became upset and interjected: "You are playing with fire! What if it causes a conflict?"
Chernyshev was not polite and immediately responded: "There is no evidence to prove that this will cause any conflict. Prime Minister, you are completely unfounded! We know more about military matters than you. You only need to show it in diplomatic situations."
It would be great if our country is strong and confident!"
This statement was suspected of being a slap in the face, and it was nothing more than saying that Neserrode was too weak in diplomacy and was too embarrassed for Russia. This naturally made the old man very unhappy, and he immediately countered: "You don't need to worry about how to show our country's strength.
Yan, I think you’d better think about how to face the powerful Royal Navy. Once the incident occurs, the Black Sea Fleet will not be able to save your risky policy!”
Seeing that these two people were about to spit out fragrance, Nicholas I immediately knocked on the table: "Quiet! This is the Imperial Council! Pay attention to your words and deeds!"
After saying that, he turned to Duke Ordolph and asked: "Where are the British and French fleets? What are their actions?"
Ordorff was stunned when he was asked, because Nicholas I should generally not ask him directly about naval matters. Even if his third department was indeed responsible for intelligence collection, it was best to ask Myanmar about naval matters at the Imperial Council.
Shkov, the Navy Minister, is a bit strange otherwise.
So did Nicholas I make a mistake? No, the reason why he asked Ordorf directly was entirely intentional. Because Menshikov was very dissatisfied with his recent performance. The old eunuch performed poorly at the last imperial meeting.
, completely turned into a soy sauce existence.
As his most trusted henchman, how could he watch Crown Prince Alexander fall into dire straits without saying a word? How could he assist the Crown Prince with such a performance? How could he be trusted?
Therefore, it was obviously a naval matter, so Nicholas I deliberately ignored Menshikov. He did not communicate with the old eunuch even before convening the imperial meeting, and completely regarded him as the navy minister as air.
What's Menshikov's expression? Embarrassed? Maybe a little, but more of it is helpless, because as a navy minister, he is really frustrated. He doesn't know much about the navy in the first place. The boss of the two fleets below is pulling
Zarev and Bellingshausen have both qualifications and military exploits, so they can kill him instantly.
Coupled with the troublemaking Grand Duke Constantine, what's the point of being the Minister of the Navy? He talked too much, easily showed his cowardice and made people laugh, and was criticized by Nicholas I for not speaking. He was simply not a human being inside and outside!
But the biggest advantage of Menshikov is that he is thick-skinned. Although Nicholas I's behavior made him very embarrassed, he completely pretended that it had not happened. The old god sat there comfortably, as if everything was fine.
.
Ordolf felt a little bit confused, because he knew the old eunuch's character too well. Even though he looked like a quiet and handsome man now that he was calm and calm, in fact, this guy was very small-minded, and he was simply seeking revenge.
Although Nicholas I asked him to answer by name, he still wanted to make the old eunuch lose face, so he was very embarrassed. He could only bite the bullet and answer: "According to the information I know, the British and French fleets have not taken any special measures."
, are all resting at their home port... Of course, this is just a superficial understanding of the situation that I have. Prince Menshikov is in charge of maritime affairs, and he should know more about the relevant situation!"
I have to say that Ordorf handled the situation very well. He answered Nicholas I’s questions without offending Menshikov. He also gave him a push and gave him a chance to speak. He is truly an old fox.
!
It’s just that no one expected what happened next, because Nicholas I did not follow this lead and ask Menshikov about the situation, but just said yes, then nodded slightly, and asked Mikhail directly.
.Count Loris-Melikov:
"Count, what do you think?"
Melikov is the Minister of Emergency. To be honest, his presence is not very strong. He usually just dozes off in the Imperial Council, but today Nicholas I even asked him, a 100% soy sauce party.
Ignoring Menshikov at all, this move makes people think deeply!