Chapter 1003 Candidates

Menshikov?

Uvarov couldn't help but fell into deep thought when he heard that Count Rostovtsev recommended this old eunuch.

Uvarov knew very well the personality of Nicholas I. As the most important adviser to the Tsar, he knew very well what position he and Count Rostovtsev held in his heart.

Objectively speaking, the roles of the two of them are highly overlapping, just like a sleeping dragon and a phoenix. One of them is enough. But Nicholas I knew this clearly, but he always took the trouble to consult both of them at the same time every time he had major issues. What does this mean?

It shows that the tsar does not believe them in his heart, and he only keeps both of them just in case, otherwise he only needs to ask one person.

It’s not that Uvarov only knows this now. He knew it many years ago, but why has he never said anything? What if you don't try to be the only strategist?

The reason is very simple. Uvarov knew that this was impossible. Nicholas I, who was naturally suspicious, could not only believe in the words of a counselor. On major issues, he would definitely listen to more opinions and then make decisions. This could also avoid a certain The counselor's family is too big to lose.

So even if there is no Count Rostovtsev, Nicholas I will dig and find other people who can replace that count. At that time, the situation may be worse for Uvarov.

Why do you say that? Because he felt that he had almost gotten along with Count Rostovtsev over the years. Both parties knew the basics and knew how to make suggestions that were most beneficial to themselves, the country, and Nicholas I.

If it were someone else, especially someone whose political leanings are hard to tell, such as Duke Alexander, then Uvarov would have an even bigger headache.

For example, now, when he heard that Menshikov was recommended by Count Rostovtsev, the first thing Uvarov needed to think about was not whether this candidate was so suitable, or whether Count Rostovtsev If he had any other thoughts, he really didn't have to think too much about it, because he knew that Count Rostovtsev was unlikely to engage in such tricks. Because they know each other too well, they know that doing this is boring and pointless.

The only thing Uvarov needed to think about was two points. First, whether choosing Menshikov would hinder his interests, and second, whether Menshikov could satisfy Nicholas I. If there is no problem with these two points, then he will nod in agreement, and then the matter will be settled.

Let’s talk about the first point first: Will Menshikov hinder the interests of Uvarov or conservatives? There is actually no doubt about this, because Menshikov is originally a conservative, and his rigidity and stubbornness are sometimes stronger than Uvarov. You can suspect that Baryatinsky and his gang jumped for some reason. Counter, but Menshikov will not.

In other words, from a factional perspective, Uvarov would not object to Menshikov being the special envoy. As for the second point, could Menshikov satisfy Nicholas I?

Uvarov thought for a moment and knew that Nicholas I would be satisfied with this choice. First of all, Menshikov was his most trusted general. Secondly, Menshikov was almost loyal to him. Finally, Menshikov Her husband's qualifications and prestige are enough to convince everyone. In this case, there is no problem! ....So Uvarov answered directly: "Prince Menshikov is a good candidate. He has done diplomacy, he can understand your Majesty's intentions, and he also has sufficient reputation and qualifications..."

Well, these words were very familiar to Nicholas I, because Count Rostovtsev had already told him them once. Since the two close advisers said so, he naturally felt that Menshikov was the right choice.

However, he did not immediately nod in agreement, but pretended to be reserved and said: "Well, then I will think about it again..."

In fact, he was not ready to think about it at all. As soon as Count Uvarov left, he ordered the chamberlain to let Menshikov enter the palace immediately.

The poor old eunuch hurried to the Winter Palace, thinking that something big had happened, but what awaited him was a painful job!

"As ambassador to Türkiye?"

Menshikov was stunned because he could not figure out why this unlucky job would happen to him. He is not from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he has never been involved in this kind of thing before. No matter how you look at it, this job should not be his turn!

The most important thing is that the old eunuch doesn't want to go, because he is getting older and his energy is getting weaker every day. He really doesn't want to go all the way to this trip. Isn't he comfortable staying in St. Petersburg and living peacefully?

Of course, Menshikov did not dare to stupidly say that he did not want to go, because he also knew what kind of temper Nicholas I was. He hated being rejected by his ministers, or that his ministers did not act according to his ideas.

Now it was obvious that Nicholas I was not consulting Menshikov, but wanted the old eunuch to go there. However, the old eunuch really didn't want to go, so he declined politely: "We are willing to serve as a special envoy to Turkey and do our part to liberate the Bulgarian brothers. However, I am a little worried that I am too old and weak to fulfill your majesty's trust. …”

Menshikov felt that as long as he tarnished his face, Nicholas I would reconsider, but what he didn't expect was that Nicholas I interrupted his "self-defeating" with a wave of his hand: "This kind of Only an experienced minister like you can handle important state affairs, so don't be too modest, this job belongs to you!"

This sentence made Menshikov unable to express his rejection, so the old eunuch could only reluctantly accept the task. At this time, the entire officialdom of St. Petersburg was in a state of shock.

why? Because in the past three years, Menshikov's presence has become less and less, and it seems that Nicholas I no longer favors him as much as before. Most people think that in a few years this old guy will voluntarily retire and return to his hometown and withdraw from the public eye.

So when there was news that Nicholas I was going to send a special envoy to Turkey, many people felt that this was his opportunity. For example, the elder Adlerberg once again made plans to send his son Adlerbeger Push up.

Everyone felt that Turkey was easy to bully, and being this special envoy was a chance to get credit for nothing. But suddenly Nicholas I handed over this task directly to the old and fatuous Menshikov before they could move up and down. It was simply shattering. Are you okay with the glasses that fell all over the floor?

Of course, if these people knew that Menshikov actually didn't want to go, they would probably be even more surprised and angry. They would think that the old eunuch was unaware of his blessings! .

Tinplate reminds you: Remember to collect after reading this

Some people died, but not completely...