The problem of losing face is Neserroddie's unique trick. In the past, as long as this trick was used, Nicholas I would basically buy it, but today the effect of this trick is basically invisible.
At least Nicholas I seemed very cold: "The opinions of others are not important. What is important is what Russia can gain. This is the most important thing!"
This sentence immediately blocked Neserrodie's mouth, and he was immediately speechless. This guy couldn't figure out why Nicholas I changed so much. In fact, success is also Xiao He's failure.
Xiao He and Neserrode knew that the Achilles' heel of Nicholas I was good face, so they always targeted the attack and it was always unfavorable.
But the problem is that if you use the same trick too many times, others will also use it. When Nicholas I received a letter from Duke Alexander asking Count Rostovtsev for his opinion, the count was keenly aware of this.
It can definitely put more pressure on Neserrodie, and naturally he will provide an assist.
Therefore, when Nicholas I asked him for his opinion on this, Count Rostovtsev did not say much about his identity. He only said that there were advantages and disadvantages. For specific pros and cons, it was best to consult the ministers for their opinions. In the end, Nicholas
When King La I accepted his opinion, Count Rostovtsev added:
"However, recently there have been some superficial and vulgar gossips from the royal families of various countries. Well, they are about Your Majesty. They are very unpleasant to listen to..."
Nicholas I was naturally attracted to his attention immediately. For a person who was obsessed with saving face, any rumors among the royal family would arouse his great attention, so he immediately asked seriously:
"What gossip?!"
Count Rostovtsev replied with fear: "They are all vulgar remarks that cannot withstand scrutiny and do not need to be taken seriously at all. I think these rumors are completely concocted by people with ulterior motives to attack Your Majesty. These things are very serious."
The speed will be shattered by the facts!"
Nicholas I tried his best to pretend to be aloof and indifferent and ordered: "Tell me about it, I would like to hear what they are talking about!"
"This..." Count Rostovtsev hesitated again and again, and then whispered: "Some members of the royal family of other countries say that you are a fool behind your back, saying that you are being fooled by the Prime Minister, and you can obviously better protect Russia's interests and expand
Russia’s influence around the world is always disrupted by the Prime Minister, who they all say is an Austrian spy!”
Nicholas I's face suddenly became very ugly, his face was all blue, and his eyes were shining with a violent light.
However, Count Rostovtsev's small report was not finished yet, and he was heard to say again: "There are also rumors that the Prime Minister loves Austria more than Russia. Every time Austria is in trouble, he always sacrifices Russia to help Austria...
…”
Nicholas I's face became more and more ugly, and his face was so gloomy that he could almost squeeze out water. However, Count Rostovtsev continued to apply eye drops: "These shallow and ignorant fools still laugh at your Majesty, saying that you
He doesn’t know how to safeguard Russia’s interests at all, and he’s always being pushed around by the Prime Minister..."
"enough!!!"
Nicholas I stood up suddenly and walked around the study angrily, like a restless bull. After a long time, he suppressed his anger and asked: "These bastards really said that!"
"Yes." Count Rostovtsev nodded, as if comforting and defending Neserrodie, and replied: "Your Majesty, there is no need to be angry at these bastard words.
Our country has entered a new heyday since 1814 under the leadership of these people who are slandering you and our Prime Minister out of sheer envy and jealousy. We just need to move forward according to the guidelines you have specified, soon
All they can do is shut their mouths obediently!"
Count Rostovtsev's comfort had a certain effect, but it was obvious that Nicholas I was still very angry. What he couldn't tolerate the most was Neserrodie's words that drove him around and kept playing tricks on him.
The Supreme Tsar who thought he had everything under control, Nicholas I was still very confident in his authority, but these words were a slap in his face. He even said that he had been tricked by a minister. How could he bear this!
Although Nicholas I did not think that he had been fooled, nor did he think that Neserrodie had the ability to fool him, subconsciously he was still a little resistant to Neserrodie. Whenever the old prime minister made suggestions,
Sometimes, he always subconsciously feels resistance, and a voice seems to be recollecting in his mind, that is: "Reject him! Don't listen to him!"
Naturally, Neserrode could not have imagined the inner meaning of this, so the more positive he acted and the more he tried to convince Nicholas I, the worse the effect would be, because Nicholas I, who had a rebellious mentality, was really
I don't want to listen to him anymore.
"Your Majesty, we must be cautious!" Neserrodie was still chattering there, trying to bring Nicholas I back on the right path. "The Holy Alliance is our foundation. Without the Holy Alliance, it will be difficult for us to compete with Britain or France."
When fighting, you can't give up your long-term plans just because of temporary gains!"
Neserrode was really like a cuckoo crying for blood, but the effect of his words was very bad. Think about it, Nicholas I was a bit rebellious to him in the first place, but now his words fell on Nicholas I
In the ears it almost sounds like:
"Russia is no match for Britain and France without the Holy Alliance. Russia is far worse than Britain and France, so Russia can only survive if it clings to the Holy Alliance!"
This is simply unacceptable to the arrogant Nicholas I. He does not admit that he is inferior to Britain and France. According to Neserrodie, this means that Russia cannot survive under my leadership.
How about we have to live off Prussia and Austria?
[Damn! It’s obvious that I’ve been protecting Prussia and Austria, okay? This time the Austrians are in dire straits, why don’t they ask me for help! You bad old man actually told me that Austria is my big thick leg, you bastard
What means!】
Immediately, Nicholas I's expression changed, he stared at Neserrodie with great displeasure, and lectured: "Prime Minister! Please note that the reason why the Holy Alliance exists is that I cannot bear to betray the tradition after the elimination of Napoleon.
! Instead of saying that I am asking for help from them! Russia is sacred and great, and will not beg anyone! You are the Prime Minister of Russia, and your first priority is to safeguard Russia’s interests. If you think the Holy Alliance is more important than Russia, that is putting the cart before the horse!