Struggle in Russia

Count Uvarov waited for a full hour before he was invited into the imperial study. This was simply unimaginable in the era of Nicholas I. You must know that when Count Uvarov met Nicholas I without saying anything, it was as simple as visiting his own backyard, at least saying hello.

But now it is being left on the bench, and everyone who sees it feels sad.

It is certain that Count Uvarov is unhappy, but he still has the most basic political acumen. He knows that the longer he sits on the bench, the less likely he is to show his dissatisfaction. If he shows any dissatisfaction, he will probably be punished in the future. Sit on the cold bench and wear it.

Count Uvarov pretended to walk into the imperial study room with full humility and respect.

He often came to this small study during Nicholas I's time, and it can be said that he knew every brick and tile here.

But today he walked into this small room again and found that earth-shaking changes had taken place inside.

The traces of Nicholas I's era have been almost completely erased, and the simple tables and chairs have been replaced by luxurious French-style precious furniture. The only thing that has been preserved is the small camp bed.

But the reason why it was left behind was not that Alexander II slept here like his father, but that it was used as some kind of historical relic or educational tool.

Perhaps many years later, the descendants of the Romanov family can proudly show this camp bed to the outside world and tell people how unpretentious Nicholas I was and how devotedly he worked for state affairs.

Isn’t such a good and hard-working emperor worthy of being remembered forever and praised for a hundred years?

Anyway, Alexander II would never sleep in this bed. He had no interest in being an ascetic, so he wouldn't treat himself harshly, okay?

"Count, are you requesting an audience so suddenly? Is there any urgent matter?"

Count Uvarov looked at Alexander II who was sitting behind the desk without even moving his buttocks, not to mention how he felt in his heart.

Thinking back to when he came, Nicholas I didn't sweep the bed to welcome him and wait for him? When was there not a time when I was not greeted at the door in person?

But look at Alexander II’s current attitude. He doesn’t take him seriously at all. If you were like this back then, Count Uvarov would have given you eye drops in front of Nicholas I. .

Especially when he recalled that when Alexander II was still the crown prince, he didn't help put in a good word when he stabbed Lou Zi, okay! Now that you have ascended the throne, you have forgotten all about it, right?

Count Uvarov was full of opinions, but he didn't dare to show them at all. This old fox pretended to be very humble, almost as low-key as a pug trying to please his master!

"Your Majesty, the main purpose of my coming here is to resign to you."

Alexander II looked at Count Uvarov in surprise. He had made various guesses before the old fox came in, but he never guessed that this man was here to resign.

But he really didn't believe that this person would resign voluntarily, because no matter how he looked at him, he was a person who was obsessed with power and position, so there was no way he could let go so easily.

After thinking for a moment, Alexander II pretended to be surprised and asked: "Count, where do you start from resigning? I haven't heard that there are problems with your work?"

Count Uvarov curled his lips in his heart, feeling more and more that Alexander II was a white-eyed wolf. Look at what he said, it made him seem like he had something wrong with his work and resigned or fled out of fear of crime.

Can't we comfort an old minister like him, say some heart-warming words, and at least try to retain him a little bit?

He could only suppress his dissatisfaction and slander, and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I just feel that I am getting older and older, and many tasks are becoming more and more incompetent. I wanted to resign and retire when the late Emperor was here, but the late Emperor always Retention... Now that the late emperor has left, I am getting older and older, and I have no choice but to continue serving the country, so I might as well take the initiative to retire."

Count Uvarov answered while gently wiping away the non-existent tears. His look was really unbearable, as if it was unkind not to hold him back.

If it were Crown Prince Alexander, he would have fallen into the trap and started to retain him by now. But Alexander is now the Tsar. Although he has not been on the throne for a long time, sitting in this position is a kind of training in itself. In the past few months, his level has been rising slowly, so when faced with Count Uvarov's warm tactics, He can still stop it!

He smiled faintly and said: "I see, Count, why did you suddenly leave St. Petersburg and run to the countryside? Before, I thought there was something wrong that made you dissatisfied. It turns out that you are ill. Do you want to Send an imperial doctor to treat you?"

Count Uvarov felt panicked in his heart. He had just retreated in order to advance. He felt that he had said so, and no matter what happened, Alexander II would comfort him. Who would have thought that this guy didn't play his cards according to common sense at all, which made him completely lose his temper.

Alexander II refused to take the initiative to persuade him to stay, which made Count Uvarov's wishful thinking come to nothing. Before he came, his idea was that as long as his profile was low enough and he could no longer misbehave, Alexander II would have to do whatever it took to keep him. By then, he would be able to overcome this hurdle with half a push and a half push.

But now, no matter how he performs Alexander II, he just can't get it right, and he doesn't even say a word to persuade him to stay. This is forcing him to leave!

For a moment, Count Uvarov really wanted to stand up, hang up his hat and leave, but this impulse came and went quickly, and he immediately gave up this uncool idea.

How can an old fox like him give up his position? If you ask him to drop everything, pack up and leave, then you might as well kill him with one knife!

He is extremely attached to power and refuses to leave! Even though what Alexander II did was so chilling, he was determined not to move his butt!

Count Uvarov quickly replied: "Thank you for your great love, Your Majesty. This makes me deeply touched. However, I also know that the country is in a critical moment. Although I am old, it does not matter even if I risk my life for the country." of!"

Alexander II smiled contemptuously. As expected, Count Uvarov refused to leave. He had seen through these old guys. They all said they were loyal and patriotic and willing to die for their father, but in fact they were all more like monkeys. They are all smart, and they don’t suffer at all. If you want to catch them, you can’t be too polite, and you can’t be led by them!

No wonder his father taught him repeatedly before he died that he must hold power tightly in his hands and never trust anyone, because as long as he sits in this position, no one can trust him even if he is alone!