Chapter 701 003 It's Just an Infighting

Arakcheev was still somewhat "harmonious". In short, the winter around Petersburg was generally peaceful.

Even if someone really wanted to be exiled at this time, the weather conditions would not allow it.

If he went to Siberia, he had to choose a relatively convenient time, especially in the summer when the traffic was relatively smooth.

Solovyov in Novgorod did not realize that someone would actually come to trouble Speransky in winter.

Balashov collected a lot of evidence, and Speransky would also comment on some things in private, especially the serfdom system and the stubborn landlords who still opposed the reform while leaving them most of the benefits.

If these words were summarized, although they were not directed at the Tsar himself, it would be like releasing a big bomb, which would also cause a fierce reaction in the aristocratic circle.

Now he was just collecting these evidences. The conversation between Speransky and his subordinate civil servants at the end of 1811 was already very telling.

"Sir, these are the materials. You can come and have a look."

"Based on this alone, it is not possible to convict Speransky. I need more detailed evidence. I will present it to the emperor within this month. After this time, there will probably be no chance."

"Yes, sir."

"When you guys are arranged to go to the office, the guards at the door are always lax. You can stick to the door to listen. If you can't hear everything clearly, some of the content here can be supplemented!"

That's how it was. Speransky had inevitably fallen into the trap of these conservatives, and it is very likely that he would be isolated and helpless.

The several liberal giants who could protect him in the past now have other tasks. If Balasov brought out the charge of being a French spy, they were unlikely to say anything to help him in front of the Tsar because of their pro-French and even Polish positions.

No wonder the person who could save Speransky in the end was Arakcheev, that is, Novolisitsev, who often went to Britain on business. There was not much he could say to help him in this regard.

When the report was brought to Alexander's desk, he did not doubt this position.

After all, the infighting between the conservative and liberal ministers was more or less due to his connivance at the top, which eventually led to a one-sided situation.

But he himself did not expect that things would happen faster than expected. This kind of infighting should not appear when the enemy is at hand and the attitude of the French has been unclear.

It was reported at this time that the French army had assembled in Poland in the autumn of 1811. If the French army took any action, it should be in the summer of 1812.

But this is just an assessment and analysis. Maybe the French just want to use the army to shout here. If they want to fight, Alexander already knows Napoleon's behavior habits very well, and he doesn't think he will definitely come.

After all, in the last meeting in Erfurt, the two sides did not show their muscles directly more often.

But they can't help but be prepared. Although he didn't feel surprised that such a thing happened in the government at this time, he was also a little worried.

For this reason, he might have consulted with Louisa on weekdays, or told her when he went to the Queen Mother.

Now, he did not make any decision.

"Your Majesty, I have verified these situations with the inspection department, and Mr. Speransky did say these words."

"I know, Balashov, but in general, this kind of wiretapping should be aimed at people suspected of foreign spies. Speransky will undoubtedly be targeted by some people, but he is also very clear about one thing, he can't be a French spy, only the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is easy to be infiltrated by our enemies or even friends. If these evidences alone show that he is a French spy, then Count Vorontsov and his family can be British spies."

"Your Majesty, then how should Speransky's matter be resolved?"

"I will arrange it later, Balashov, you can go back first, this matter will definitely have a conclusion."

As for Alexander's own opinion, he is also considering it now.

Since he is the Tsar, he has to face the mutual criticism among his ministers. Speransky had never thought of this before, that is, Arakcheev resigned from the post of Minister of War because he opposed the ministerial reform.

But the subsequent actions clearly showed that Alexander underestimated the situation in some aspects.

Now, there is not much time left for him. At this time, he is more inclined to return to the Winter Palace and delay for a while before making a decision.

Whether it is arrest or exile, or taking other measures, it is not appropriate to make a decision in winter.

But at this moment, he will not be given other options. Speransky's reforms have not done anything yet, but they have already touched the interests of many nobles. If he, the Tsar, does not want to repeat the mistakes of his father and grandfather, he must either be ruthless or jump out of the circle at this time.

His choice is the latter. After all, this outstanding actor does not want to offend people on both sides.

In addition to these, it is probably to find Louisa and try to give birth to a son.

The other sisters of the Baden family all gave birth to sons. After the eldest sister Amalia got married successfully, she also gave Czartoryski several sons in succession. Only Louisa, although she was very fertile, had seven children, all of which were daughters.

Alexander wanted to create a sense of atmosphere. Not long ago, the old man of the Baden family died of old age and weakness. He finally finished his long life of saving money since he was born. He did not get too intimate with Louisa at this time, but he comforted her more.

But his behavior was more of a performance personality.

When he arrived at the Queen's bedroom in the Winter Palace, he had to wait for a while. After all, Louisa had just entertained guests and was changing clothes.

"Your Majesty, do you still want coffee?"

"Thank you, but it's not tea time yet, you can bring some snacks."

"Her Majesty the Queen asked us to prepare some macarons with jam, but they can't be kept for long, so they have to be eaten on the same day."

"Ah, that must be good."

Alexander works a long day, and his lovers, although Louisa is very docile as a wife, are also at this age in bed, and the situation of the Polish girl is similar. Alexander has recently begun to like these lively girls, as well as strong but younger actresses.

That's it, he did have some romantic affairs with Miss George some time ago, but there are differences in hearing and specialization.

Miss George was made famous by Napoleon in Paris when she was still a little girl. As for what happened later, there are many true rumors in the upper class.

After waiting for a while, Alexander finished the macarons on the plate, and Louisa also changed her clothes and came out.

"Liza, this white dress suits you better. What are the ladies who entertained us before talking about?"

"The guests who came today are Speransky's wife, Adela from Misha's family, Arkady's wife Elena, Prince Yusupov's daughter, and Anya."

"What are you talking about?"

Alexander didn't expect that the guest who came today was Speransky's newly married wife, while the other guests were regulars.

"It's true that Adela is French. Even as the wife of the Secretary of State, she still lives a simple life. I listened to her and changed my clothes just now. I wore white clothes so that my belly should not be visible. I am a little fat. Sasha, come and touch my belly."

"Well, is it a baby?"

"You should be taking care of my emotions during this period. We probably won't have another child at this time. But grandpa is old and may leave at any time. It's a pity that three of our sisters live here, and probably only the youngest sister will have time to go there."

Alexander also touched Louisa's belly at this time. It was a little fat, but that's it. It's just a little fuller. If her clothes are taken care of more carefully, her face doesn't look fat, so it won't be visible.

"Soft belly, children always like to sleep next to you, don't they like this soft feeling. Lisa, especially when they are still very young."

"Your Majesty, if you like, you can also lie down like this"

Louisa has already sat at the head of the bed and made a gesture of invitation.

Alexander felt a little embarrassed. Apparently, after those suspicious "lovers" left Louisa, she was more willing to be close to him while taking care of the children.

It was just that the dangerous person had never been far away.

"Lisa, let the children enjoy their mother's love."

"But today they were all taken away by their respective tutors and nannies. Only Elena came here with her children. It's a good opportunity for me to teach Anya how to get along with children, even though she also came at that time, and there are still our children in the palace."

"There's no rush for Anya's marriage."

"Yes, although she is tall, she is still a little girl, as beautiful as the paulownia tree on the street. Anyone who is her husband will be very happy. We have such a good sister, so naturally we have to take care of her more."

The outrageous thing is that the Latin species name of Paulownia comes from the Dutch botanist who used the Dutch spelling of her father's name to pay tribute to Anna.

"Yes, she should be taken care of. She is the youngest among the sisters. She usually stays in the corner by herself. She is not as lively as Maria and Ekaterina."

"Also, Adela is pregnant. Although she has been helping to take care of the child at home before she got married, this is the first time for me to be a mother. At times like this, someone is always clumsy."

"That's right. Even Solovyov, who looks like he can take care of children, is so clumsy and funny when he holds his own son."

When Alexander said this, he also thought of the Speransky family. They were promoted by his secretary of state. They worked very hard for his rule. If he dealt with them so easily, it would probably not satisfy people.

However, he always set up a stage for his rule, sat on the sidelines as a referee, and made the final decision.

Perhaps Speransky could not avoid the fate of being dismissed, but it might be a bit unreasonable to let him go to the countryside.

After all, this Russian Secretary of State had voluntarily resigned at first, and now he was taken down again, so there was something to say in Petersburg.

For the Tsar himself, both sides are his basic board. If you really want to say that, you must have a balance when sitting in this position.

Therefore, after thinking about it, he had some preliminary ideas about the arrangements between Speransky and Barasov.

Barasov offended many people in his position as the police minister, and not only liberals, but also traditional aristocrats and civilians in all aspects, he also had great opinions on this hawk.

"Lisa."

Before he made a decision, he suddenly pushed Louisa.

"What's the matter?"

"If you were asked to arrange it, like the exile of Prince Dorgorukov's family, what would you do?"

"Exile to the minister is not a good thing. Sasha, you can send them to a place with a better environment nearby. If it is useful, you can also recall it."

"It's your idea, it's because you're so gentle that so many guard officers like you. They are a group of adventurers."

"It's not good to let them go too far. Some people are too old, some people have wives and children at home, and you can't be."

"I haven't made a decision yet, Lisa, don't be so surprised. But what you said is right. If it works, you can naturally put it closer and closer."

Louisa didn't feel strange when she saw him like this. They had been married for a long time, and the 20th anniversary of their engagement was only spent not long ago. Next year is the 20th anniversary of their wedding, but the two of them I am only in my thirties now and I am still very young.

Alexander has also changed a little strangely recently, and sometimes he is old-fashioned when speaking. Although Louisa is not surprised by this strange behavior of the old Luo family, she has seen it in her sister-in-law and Uncle Alexey, but Alexander is This is what it is when making important decisions.

To be honest, although his performance was consistent, as a Tsar, he was obviously too soft. Even Louisa, who had always been gentle, cowardly and bullied, would be more decisive when she wanted to make a decision.

"No matter what you do, I will support you."

Louisa said this. Although Alexander made a decision in his heart, his ideas could only prove that Russia is a great power in the abstract world.