Struggle in Russia

Alexander II was startled by Kiselyov's words. If the serfs were not stable, Russia would really have a big problem. After all, the cornerstone of Russia's survival now is the millions of serfs who have been squeezed and exploited.

Once these serfs rebel, Russia will really turn upside down. At that time, let alone the old-school nobles, he, the tsar, will also be destroyed!

Let's put it this way, if the ministers suggested that Alexander II make concessions, then he really didn't have to listen, but if the serfs rebelled, then he had to listen.

"Are you sure!" Alexander II asked sternly.

Kiselyov nodded without hesitation and replied: "Yes, Your Majesty, I swear on the honor of the nobility that the current situation is extremely serious and a big chaos may break out at any time!"

Alexander II swallowed and asked reluctantly: "Can't you think of a way? Or send troops to maintain order?"

But as soon as he finished speaking, he realized that there was no army that could maintain stability. Wallachia, Crimea, and the Caucasus accounted for 75% of the total Russian army. In addition, Poland must be paid attention to. As for Finland, let's put it this way, Russia's current military strength is seriously hollowed out, and its vast hinterland is basically empty. If something happens, the sky and the earth will not respond.

Alexander II sighed helplessly and replied reluctantly: "Prime Minister, even if peace talks are to be held, the current conditions are absolutely unacceptable. The Black Sea Fleet, Moldavia and Wallachia must maintain their integrity! "

Neserrodie suddenly had a headache, because if these problems could be solved, and if Britain and France could accept such conditions, why would they have to travel thousands of miles to help the Turks.

The most important thing for them is to punish Russia and interrupt Russia's expansion in the Black Sea and Balkans. If you agree to such conditions, doesn't it mean that Russia is being let go in vain?

Neserrode could only reply: "Your Majesty, Duke Alexander has emphasized it several times. This is already an ultimatum from Britain, France and Austria. They can't offer better terms. If we don't accept it..."

Alexander II interjected: "We just won a battle in the Caucasus. This is a new bargaining chip. I instruct Duke Alexander to have a good talk with them, and we will definitely be able to strive for better conditions!"

Neserrode didn't have any objections to this. He was eager to kick the ball to Duke Alexander. In fact, he just mentioned Duke Alexander deliberately just to give him eye drops, as long as Alexander II thought that Duke Alexander did not try his best. If he strives for better conditions, or if he is unable to obtain better conditions due to his limited ability, then it will be impossible for him to get involved in the position of Foreign Minister!

Duke Ordorf knew that Neserrodie had bad intentions as soon as he heard this. He quickly interrupted: "Your Majesty, according to the spy's report, both Britain and France believe that the Caucasus and Persia will have an impact even if Turkey is defeated." If we don’t care about the overall situation, we don’t need to pay special attention to it… It’s probably unrealistic to expect particularly favorable conditions based on this victory!”

Seeing Alexander II frowning, he added: "And according to General Kornilov's report, it is difficult to continue to hold on to Sevastopol. If the British and French coalition forces launch a large-scale offensive again, he may have no choice but to Abandon Nangang District and withdraw the remaining troops to Beigang District..."

Alexander II looked at Duke Ordov and then at Chernyshev, who could only bite the bullet and replied: "According to General Kornilov's report, the situation is indeed not optimistic... It's just that However, the city defense of Sevastopol is strong and should still be trustworthy..."

These words did not make Alexander II much more relaxed. He believed in Duke Ordorf more than Chernyshev, and Kornilov was not the kind of person who liked to complain for no reason. Since he said that the situation was tense, I'm afraid the situation on the battlefield is indeed very dangerous.

It's just that Alexander II really thought wrong this time. Although the situation in Sevastopol is dangerous, it is not fatal. Even from the perspective of grassroots soldiers and officers, it is much easier than before.

What's going on?

The main reason is that although the coalition forces have the advantage, the soldiers have been miserable after fighting for so long. Most of them don't want to fight and want to go home. In short, there is actually a problem with the spirit of the coalition forces. Most of them start to feel hazy as soon as they wake up. They are either doing their errands half-heartedly, or they just fly to the nearby tavern. Those who are short of money are looking forward to it. Watching shows, hunting and sleeping.

In short, except not wanting to fight, he is interested in everything!

This is true for soldiers, and even more so for middle- and junior-level officers. Officers are busy watching theater, gambling, playing billiards, and horse racing. Many junior-level officers even start small businesses, selling souvenirs they collect to European tourists who come to watch the war, such as Russian Military medals, swords, firearms and even uniforms.

Towards the end of January 1855, as news of the peace talks between the two sides spread widely, the soldiers of the two armies became increasingly disgusted with the war, and the exchanges between the two sides became more frequent and friendly.

For example, General Gorev's orderly Poprokofi Padlov was stationed near the Chornaya River at the time. He recalled: "As day by day, we became more and more confused with the French troops stationed across the river. Friendly. The chief told us to treat them politely. We usually walked to the river and threw them some things across the river, such as crosses, coins, etc., and then the French soldiers would throw us cigarettes, leather bags, etc. Bags, knives or money... One day the French soldiers started to visit us across the river. We drank, ate and sang to each other. Then such visits became more and more frequent. Later the French soldiers took out some cards. , with their names and unit numbers written on it, inviting us to return to defense."

According to Padrov's recollection, these French soldiers did not come again, so he and some comrades decided to visit these French friends. After entering the French camp, they received a warm welcome and were invited by their French friends to drink rum together in the tent. Drinking, both parties continued to make noise late into the night.

To be honest, it will be difficult to see such harmonious and friendly scenes in future wars. As wars become more and more cruel, both warring parties often regard each other as a scourge and want to get rid of them quickly.

Of course, the grassroots soldiers can have a grand party together, but for the upper-class elites of both warring parties, the atmosphere is not so harmonious. As Alexander II was persuaded, the real peace negotiations began, and the smoke and smoke on the diplomatic front began. The intrigues are getting more and more intense...