Chapter 906 The Clever Count Shuvanov

Alexander II didn't know that Duke Ordolph and Duke Alexander were planning a conspiracy against him. He was a tsar and had to take care of everything every day. How could he have time to keep an eye on every minister? If he really did that, he would still be doing it every day. Do you want to live?

Of course, Alexander II was not idle at this time. He was receiving Count Shuvanov who had just returned from the Kingdom of Sardinia.

As the Russian ambassador to the Kingdom of Sardinia, Count Shuvanov performed very well and almost successfully prevented the Kingdom of Sardinia from falling to Britain and France.

The reason why I use almost is because at the last moment when the war was about to end, the Kingdom of Sardinia, which had already determined that Russia was unable to make a comeback, still fell to Britain and France, but before these soldiers from the Kingdom of Sardinia arrived in Sevastopo by boat. The war in Seoul was over, so after wandering around Istanbul, they returned home the same way they came.

Because it did not even participate in the war symbolically like in history, the Kingdom of Sardinia naturally gained little benefit from the subsequent Paris peace talks. For Britain and France, the Kingdom of Sardinia entered the war too late and had no contribution at all. Naturally, they would not share the benefits with them. As for Russia and Austria, one feels that the Kingdom of Sardinia is a sincere bastard for betraying its trust, and will naturally not give it a good look. The other is very wary of the ambitions of the Kingdom of Sardinia. After all, Austria has major interests in Italy and would never want to Seeing a powerful Kingdom of Sardinia, naturally I tried my best to suppress it.

As a result, the Kingdom of Sardinia's participation in the war was almost a loss-making operation, and no benefits were gained. Instead, it aroused high hatred and hostility from Russia and Austria. This can be regarded as a typical example of shooting itself in the foot.

It is precisely because of the huge failure of participating in the war that many people in the Kingdom of Sardinia feel that Count Shuvanov is really good. If they can listen to this count's advice, they will not be so passive now if they don't go into this muddy water. .

Therefore, after the Paris Peace Conference, when the Kingdom of Sardinia and Russia resumed diplomatic relations, the new ambassador of the Kingdom of Sardinia specially found Count Shuvanov, who had just arrived in St. Petersburg, hoping to restore the relationship between the Kingdom of Sardinia and Russia through his relationship. Russia's traditional friendly relations.

This naturally attracted the attention of Alexander II. Although he did not attach much importance to a third-rate country like the Kingdom of Sardinia, given Russia's passive situation on the current European diplomatic stage, it is better to have one more friend than one more enemy, so So now that the Kingdom of Sardinia has arrived, it is necessary to discuss how to squeeze out the maximum value.

Alexander II frowned and asked: "Count, are you saying that the relationship between the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Austrians is very tense, and this is useful to us?"

Count Shuvanov replied respectfully: "Yes, Your Majesty, I think we can use the Kingdom of Sardinia to contain the Austrians!"

Alexander II looked up at him, but did not speak. Count Shuvanov could tell that his Majesty was very doubtful about the capabilities of the Kingdom of Sardinia. After all, normal people knew that Austria was much more powerful than the Kingdom of Sardinia. When Austria fell into the quagmire of revolution in 1848, the Kingdom of Sardinia had been repaired by Radeski right next to it. What qualifications did such a weak and bastard fish have to contain the Austrians?

Count Shuvanov replied cautiously: "Your Majesty, Austria's ambitions must be guarded against. Our strategy in the Balkans has encountered a major setback. It is conceivable that the Austrians will try their best to create trouble in that direction, because it is difficult for us to contain Britain and France. To respond effectively, we must create trouble for the Austrians and divert their attention!"

Alexander II hummed and asked: "Do you think the Kingdom of Sardinia can do it?"

Count Shuvanov quickly replied: "I think it is entirely possible that they have a huge conflict of interest with Austria. It is not an exaggeration to say it is a feud. As long as there are people supporting them, they are willing to challenge Austria, and..." p>

"And what?"

Count Shuvanov carefully replied: "And I heard that they have frequent contacts with the French and have reached a certain tacit understanding. France should be optimistic on this issue!"

Alexander II fell into deep thought. The relationship between France and Austria has never been good. There has been a lot of quarrels in history. When the Habsburg family and Turkey were at odds with each other, the French never forgot to stab them in the back.

Later, during the Napoleonic Wars, Austria was the main anti-French force. Although the two countries now have a certain common language on anti-Russian issues, with the end of the Crimean War, Russia's momentum of southward expansion was interrupted. This common language It ceases to exist.

And considering Napoleon III's active ambition to restore his uncle's former glory, Austria is the only one that can threaten France's status on the European continent. Targeting Austria is naturally the first choice.

"What you say makes sense. Let's do this. I will discuss this issue with Duke Alexander at the imperial meeting tomorrow. I believe Duke Alexander will also be interested in it!"

Count Shuvanov quickly nodded in agreement. For him, as long as Alexander II was willing to listen to his opinions, this was better than anything else. What's more, this proposal is really likely to be passed. Once it becomes possible to unite the Kingdom of Sardinia against Austria, can he be without credit?

However, what Count Shuvanov did not expect was that Alexander II did not continue to discuss this topic, but suddenly asked: "Count, are you interested in continuing to be an ambassador to the Kingdom of Sardinia?"

If it had been in the past, Count Shuvanov would have agreed without hesitation. After all, he had offended Count Uvarov at that time, and it would be asking for trouble if he continued to stay in St. Petersburg.

But things are different now. Count Uvarov has almost become a thing of the past. What is the point of him going to the Kingdom of Sardinia to avoid the limelight now? Isn't that stupid?

However, he knew very well that he must not refuse the Tsar directly, because the request was neither up nor down, so he replied simply: "Your Majesty, if this is your will, then I will immediately set off to return to the Kingdom of Sardinia. I will definitely do it." Let’s do our best to complete the mission assigned by you!”

Alexander II smiled. How could he not hear the subtext in Count Shuvanov's words? If anything, it actually meant that he was unwilling, but he didn't mean to be angry at all, because what he needed was a smart person, and only a smart person could help him resolve the current passive situation.

Otherwise, if we replace a group of reckless men like Paskovich or yes-men like Menshikov, how can we calm down the increasingly restless reformists?

Only smart people like Count Shuvanov who are both smart and willing to obey orders can help him...

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