Chapter 1029 Question (Part 2)

If it were the Qing Dynasty, as a good slave, old Adlerberg would probably have to kneel down, kowtow and apologize and shout for death.

Fortunately, this is Russia. Even if a group of Western European neighbors strongly criticize it for being too "oriental" and "barbaric", the aristocratic ecosystem in Russia is more or less not as cheap as the Qing Dynasty.

So although old Adlerberg was frightened, he did not kneel down. He just bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, everything I just said comes from the bottom of my heart and is true... As long as you give the order No matter if it’s mountains of swords or seas of fire, I’m fearless!”

Alexander II waved his hand carelessly and chuckled: "A mountain of swords and a sea of ​​fire? I hope so! Let's not talk about this anymore. It's boring to talk about it... Let's talk about Grand Duke Andrei. He went to Count Speransky. What else did you do after that?”

Old Adlerberg quickly replied: "Replying to your Majesty, according to your instructions, Duke Dolgoruky has sent additional personnel to keep an eye on Grand Duke Andrei 24 hours a day. After entering Count Speransky's residence, he There is no more action, I basically rest behind closed doors, and occasionally I just wander around when I go out."

Alexander II frowned and asked: "Wandering around? He would be so carefree to wander around? This person has always been dishonest. I think his wandering around is fake. I'm afraid he is planning some conspiracy secretly!"

Old Adlerberg curled his lips in his heart and said to himself: You are trying to inflict a crime, so why bother? If someone is just wandering around and you say they are plotting, but if they are really walking around to visit you, then you still have to explode.

"Then should we arrest him immediately? Now that the coronation ceremony is imminent, we really cannot allow anyone to destroy the current good situation!"

Alexander II glanced at him and finally showed a smile: "Catch him? You dare to say it, but I don't know if you dare to do it?"

Old Adlerberg's scalp felt numb, but he did not dare to hesitate at all and immediately bowed and replied: "As long as your majesty gives the order, I will arrest him immediately!"

Alexander II shouted: "Aren't you afraid of sinners? Aren't you afraid of retaliation?"

Old Adlerberg immediately raised his head and replied without hesitation: "It is my responsibility to share your Majesty's worries, and I am not afraid!"

Alexander II smiled again, but he didn't know whether he was laughing at old Adlerberg for talking big or feeling relieved.

But it doesn't matter, because he can't really arrest Li Xiao. For him, chatting with old Adlerberg is just a way to relax and vent his depression.

"Okay, I know you are very loyal," he said with a smile, "but this matter needs long-term consideration and cannot be rash. By the way, you go and invite Duke Vorontsov over. I have something to say to him!"

Old Adlerberg did not hesitate and immediately bowed and backed out of the room. After closing the door, his facial features shrank unconsciously. What Alexander II said just now was for the long term, which meant that he had indeed been arrested. He wanted to deal with Li Xiao, but there was nothing he could do about it for the time being, so he had to let it go first.

This made him secretly stunned. In the past, he thought Nicholas I was narrow-minded enough, but who would have thought that Alexander II was even more narrow-minded.

Although Li Xiao is indeed a bit annoying, it is just an eyesore. No matter how you say it, the crime is not worthy of death, so why does he need to be arrested and imprisoned?

If he can't even tolerate a cousin like Li Xiao who has no fault and merit, then how small-minded can Alexander II be?

It can be easy to serve such a master, but if he resents something, he will hate you for the rest of his life. Once you are no longer useful, will you also be arrested and imprisoned to settle the accounts?

Old Adlerberg felt a chill on his back. For the first time, he discovered that Alexander II might be more difficult to maintain than Nicholas I. Should he prepare early for safety?

He sighed and shook his head and put these miscellaneous thoughts aside. After all, the most important thing now was to invite Duke Vorontsov according to Alexander II's order.

As for why Alexander II invited Duke Vorontsov, isn't the reason obvious? It's not that Alexander II still hopes to win over Duke Vorontsov and make him work for him.

Old Adlerberg estimated that Alexander II would give Duke Vorontsov more honors and benefits. To be honest, this made him a little envious and jealous.

If he had been Duke Vorontsov, he would have surrendered happily and become a dog to Alexander II.

It's a pity that he is not Prince Vorontsov, because the latter obviously does not think this is anything to be happy about. At least the latter chatted with Alexander II in the imperial study for half an hour and did not look happy at all when he went out. mean.

"Duke, what are you talking to His Majesty about?" Old Adlerberg asked cautiously.

Prince Vorontsov replied calmly: "Nothing, just a little business."

Old Adlerberg didn't think Alexander II had the leisure to chat with Duke Vorontsov. It was probably because the two of them had not reached an agreement this time, and he was surprised: Ordinarily, Duke Vorontsov did not want to return to the center of the stage after sitting on the bench for so many years?

This time is obviously a God-given opportunity, why are you still so stubborn?

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but advise: "Duke, don't blame me for talking too much. Your Majesty has high expectations for you! This time I have given you the highest honor in an exceptional way. You should be grateful no matter what. Don't be too stubborn sometimes." Oh, so as not to miss the opportunity!"

Prince Vorontsov glanced at him and said calmly: "Do you know what your Majesty was talking to me about?"

How could an old fox like Old Adlerberg be timid? He smiled and said: "I just made a random guess. Mainly because I think it's a pity that you, Duke, have wasted so many years. I don't want to see you miss opportunities again." !”

"Then thank you for your concern," Duke Vorontsov replied calmly, "It's just that I'm old, and now I just want to take care of myself and I really don't have the energy to continue serving the country. I can only live up to His Majesty's wishes." It’s very kind!”

Old Adlerberg looked at Duke Vorontsov in surprise. In his opinion, shouldn't a master of Duke Vorontsov's level be just making up the truth? Even if you really want to reject Alexander II's kindness, you shouldn't tell him so straightforwardly, right?

Is this old man confused?

But before he could figure it out, Duke Vorontsov had already boarded the carriage and left, which made him bury all his doubts in his heart. However, he had a feeling that this time the coronation ceremony would not be like Alexander's. It went well as I wished!