Before Menshikov came to Nelidova, he convened a meeting with a group of confidants and discussed two strategies. The best strategy was to bribe Nelidova to directly give Nicholas I a pillow and directly disrupt Grand Duke Constantine's offensive.
However, this move was directly rejected by Neridova. In desperation, Menshikov could only seek a solution, which was to use this woman's network to get in touch with Messadov, bypassing Grand Duke Constantine.
.
Compared with the first strategy, there are too many uncertainties in the second strategy. God knows whether Neridova’s network can contact Mesadov, and God knows whether Messadov has betrayed and surrendered as a tainted witness. God knows whether Menshikov helped
Many of the good deeds he had done had been discovered by Grand Duke Constantine.
All in all, it's hard to tell. If you think about the worst and Mesadov has betrayed, then all the efforts on Menshikov's side will be in vain and meaningless.
But Menshikov only has this way to go. He can't go to Nicholas I's office to apologize and beg His Majesty for forgiveness, right? That way he can indeed get away with it, but everything he has now
Power, status, and honor all had to be thrown in. The price was so high that Menshikov didn't even want to think about it.
So Menshikov could only ask Neridova: "Madam, I have another favor here. It's not as difficult as the one just now, but it's also very important to me. Are you interested in hearing about it?"
Neridova lay on the sofa and replied with a smile: "Is this favor worth two hundred thousand rubles?"
"How is that possible?" Menshikov sat back on the sofa seriously, organized his words a little, and said, "I heard that you have a good relationship with Duke Ordorf?"
Neridova still smiled and replied: "I have a good relationship with Duke Peter Volkonsky, and I have a good relationship with Duke Gorchakov. Maybe it's because I'm very popular, everyone should treat me as a friend!"
"
What Menshikov said just now was actually not an innuendo. Neridova was overthinking it, but she could never make a big mistake if she was careful, right?
Menshikov added: "You know, I have encountered a little trouble recently. A commander of a naval infantry regiment humiliated me. This was originally just a small matter, but my enemy insisted on catching it.
We need to make a big fuss about it.”
After a pause, Menshikov observed Neridova's expression. Seeing that nothing could be seen on her face, he could only continue speaking:
"I need... need to contact the leader to see if he... has been forced to frame me after being beaten... But as you know, I am not very familiar with the third part. I hope you can help clear the relationship.
Make it easier for them..."
Menshikov stammered and finished speaking, but Neridova didn't believe every word he said. She had seen too many of these powerful and powerful people in front of them, and how ugly they were behind the scenes.
The more sanctimonious he is, the more despicable and shameless he is. She knows exactly what kind of character Menshikov is.
However, Neridova is not interested in criticizing Menshikov. There are too many such people in Russia to count. Rather than looking for trouble, it is better to make a small fortune with the help of these despicable people. Menshikov's
This requirement falls within Neridova's business scope, and she doesn't mind earning a fortune from cosmetics.
"The third part? Tsk..." Neridova frowned and said in embarrassment, "My relationship with Duke Ordorf is not that close. This is another big case of yours. It's not that easy to ask him to accommodate you."
It’s easy!”
Menshikov didn't believe Neridova's lies. It was clear that she was trying to manipulate him by raising the price. If he had known that this woman was so desperate for money, he shouldn't have been so willing to give out one hundred thousand rubles just now. He didn't have to worry about the money.
Instead of making this woman submit, he exposed his own trump card. Misstep!
However, Menshikov is also a human being, and it is impossible for Neridova to agree to whatever the price is. He replied calmly:
"Really? It turns out that your relationship with Duke Ordorf is just average! Tsk tsk, such a difficult matter really requires a strong relationship before you can agree to help. It's too difficult for you, so you don't have to do it, so as not to embarrass you and delay my affairs. You said
Woolen cloth?"
Neridova looked at the old eunuch with a smile. She did not have as many mental activities as the old eunuch. Such transactions happened almost every other time. She knew very well who the buyers were. Each of these iron cocks was stingy and more difficult to deal with than the last one.
Without two brushes, they will never be allowed to dig into their pockets.
"Yes, then I'm really sorry this time. I couldn't help you and made your trip in vain."
Menshikov was so angry that he staggered and almost didn't roll off the sofa. In his opinion, it was fair and reasonable for the other party to ask for a high price and he would pay back the money. Why, he wouldn't accept the counteroffer and he would have to accept it.
Him?
Neridova really just wants to help Menshikov. There are only a few people in the government and the public who have connections and can help Menshikov. But among these few people, there is probably no one other than her who is willing to help.
Two.
The reason is very simple. The people who can help are basically the powerful people at the same level as Menshikov. Although we are all good to each other on weekdays, in fact we are just different bedfellows. Many times, there is even overt and covert competition for power.
There is only such a big piece of cake. If you take one more bite, others will take one less bite.
If you lose one Menshikov who eats a big piece of cake, others will benefit more or less. In that case, why should I help you? Do you really think that you, Menshikov, are more noble than others just because you have the title of prince?
Therefore, when Menshikov was killed, except for Chernyshov, who was close to him in terms of relationship and interests, most of the other veterans were willing to laugh. When Menshikov fell, they followed up.
Chew the corpse to get some positions in the Admiralty. Menshikov persisted, and they continued to treat each other as if nothing happened, that's all!
It was precisely because Nelidova saw clearly the mentality of these old powerful men that she had the confidence to blackmail Menshikov. What? Nelidova wasn’t worried about Menshikov’s revenge in the future?
To be honest, Neridova is really not afraid. Both she and Menshikov live their lives relying on the favor of Nicholas I. Although Menshikov has more power, he cannot be as close to her as the emperor.
Pillow people, the power of pillow style cannot be denied!
What's more, Neridova knew very well that Menshikov had only a few years left in his glory. He was nearly ten years older than Nicholas I and he would have to retire and return to his hometown in a few years. In official circles, only people have always left for tea.
, after the old eunuch left, who would love him again?
As for Neridova, as long as Nicholas I survives, she doesn't have to worry about it. Even if Nicholas I dies, she will still be able to enjoy her life based on her relationship with the empress and the crown prince. So Neridova is really not afraid.