Neserrodie was dumbfounded by the scornful scolding. He couldn't remember the last time he was reprimanded like this for so many years. Especially this time, Nicholas I's outburst was so sudden.
There were no signs, so he was caught off guard!
In short, Neserrodie was stunned and just stayed at the scene, her eyes as wide as bells, and her face was full of shock and humiliation.
Yes, it is humiliation. Although the monarch and his ministers are absolute superiors and subordinates, even a powerful and monopolistic existence like the Czar must save face for the Prime Minister. Such a face-to-face reprimand is really an insult, and it may not be done directly if you are angry.
He hung up his crown and left.
Especially these days, European nobles still have the tradition of dueling. If it was between equals, Neserrodie would have to throw away his gloves when faced with such a shameful humiliation. However, this old man is not good at force, unlike
Bismarck always likes to draw a knife to communicate. In addition, he has been in the political arena for many years, and his skin is not generally thick.
Therefore, humiliation was humiliation. He did not choose to hang up his title or simply resign. He did not even choose to argue with Nicholas I. He just sat back silently and swallowed all the grievances without saying a word.
inside.
I have to say that this old guy really has two skills. At least he can stretch and bend without caring about momentary honor and disgrace. Such people are the most terrifying.
Compared with this kind of tolerable old fox, the kind of reckless man who draws a knife when he disagrees is not scary at all. For example, Pushkin was such a character back then. He was plotted by Nicholas I and was directly killed. It is completely meaningless.
.
Only when a person is alive can he have infinite possibilities, but when he is dead he can do nothing. In this regard, Neserrode is indeed a human being.
And this kind of humiliation without saying a word made Nicholas I immediately feel apologetic. The old bastard also regretted it a little. He felt that although the old man Neserrodie was sometimes annoying,
He has been working hard over the years, so humiliating him like this seems a bit much.
Do you see, this is the standard. Neserrodie is retreating in order to advance. He suffered in silence without saying a word, which was more effective than speaking loudly. At least he restored some of his status in Nicholas I's heart.
Of course, all this was seen by Count Rostovtsev, and he was not surprised by this. He had worked with this old fox for so many years, and he knew very well what he was capable of. Expecting this little trick to defeat him would completely
It's impossible.
Count Rostovtsev is not disappointed either. The battle between him and Neserroddie has been going on for a long time. Compared with the old guy who could control everything steadily before, he is now increasingly unable to do what he wants.
Today's attitude of Nicholas I has explained a lot of problems. It is obvious that the old guy's position in Nicholas I's heart is no longer so stable. Today, it is only because of his forbearance and restraint and Nicholas I's soft heart that he can barely get through.
, but the problem is that such attacks will become more and more frequent in the future, and he does not believe that this old guy can get through safely every time.
What's more, today's goal has basically been achieved. Although Nicholas I regretted being too harsh on the old fox, he was not led astray by the old fox. Austria will definitely have to shed a layer of skin this time!
In fact, Neserrodie is also aware of this, but now he can only gnash his teeth and worry in his heart, and dare not speak out at all. Otherwise, he is worried that he will offend Nicholas I, in which case it is really called a break.
.
The meeting continued, but the focus of the discussion has changed from whether to put more pressure on Austria to obtain more benefits for Russia, to how to put pressure on Austria and what political benefits to seek.
Not only did Nicholas I have no idea about this, but his ministers also had different opinions. They can be roughly divided into three groups, the "traitorous group" headed by Neserroddie, and the "traitorous group" headed by Chernyshev.
and the "Military Group" headed by Menshikov, and the "Honorable Group" headed by Duke Oldorf and Peter Volkonsky.
The intention of the "traitorous group" is naturally to reduce the pressure on Austria as much as possible and harm Austria's fundamental interests as little as possible. Naturally, the benefits it can seek for Russia are quite limited.
"Is it possible to discuss with Austria to promote the real independence of Wallachia or Moldavia from Turkish rule as soon as possible? In this way, our protection of Wallachia or Moldavia will be more thorough and comprehensive.
Consolidate the interests gained by our country in this military operation."
The calculation of the "traitorous group" is very simple. Since Wallachia and Moldavia themselves have inevitably to be separated from Austria, and since Austria's losses in this direction are inevitable, it does not matter if the losses are greater.
.
If Nicholas I's greed can be quelled with such a small profit, it can be regarded as a kind of protection for Austria. In this way, Austria will not damage its roots, and the regional geopolitical map will not undergo earth-shaking changes.
Generally speaking, the original relative equilibrium situation can still be maintained, and naturally coordinationism can still play a role.
It's just that Neserrodie's plan was good, but the "Military Group" and the "Honorable Group" were not fools. They both knew what this old fox wanted to do as soon as he opened his mouth, and it was not easy for them to convince Ni.
How could Gu La I be satisfied with just such a small profit?
Such a little thing is not enough to squeeze between your teeth! You old fox has a bad conscience! You can never agree!
The "military group" and the "honorable group" immediately jumped out to strongly oppose it, and their reasons were quite sufficient.
Duke Oldorf said: "We have reached an agreement with Austria and Turkey on issues related to Wallachia and Moldavia. How can we change it overnight? If the original agreement is suddenly torn up at this time, it will be a huge disaster.
It will damage our country's reputation, and tearing up the agreement at this time is likely to affect our upcoming military operations. It is really not worth the gain!"
Chernyshev also strongly opposed: "Even if Austria and Turkey can be persuaded again, your Prime Minister's courage is too small. According to your proposal, Wallachia or Moldavia will gain independence, that is,
For one of the two, we have gone through so much trouble and been accused of violating the agreement, but only one of the two principalities can gain independence. This is a joke!"
Nicholas I's expression suddenly changed. It was obvious that the speeches of Duke Ordov and Chernyshev touched his heart, and he was not satisfied with the proposal of the "traitorous group"!