Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

As time went on, it was September.

At Solovyov's house, he and Katya were waiting. It seemed strange that only the young couple and Adela, who always had a good relationship with Madame Recamier, were there. Yulia couldn't come because she had an errand at the palace, and the family was also having social events, so naturally her father and stepmother wouldn't come either.

Well, the lady is in the delivery room, she is about to give birth.

Just because they are illegitimate children, they always have to be respectful, and there are only three of them here.

"Doctor, what's the situation now?"

"You have nothing to worry about, Count. It's a girl, but according to the weighing method, the child's birth weight is 6 pounds. I don't know why you must follow the British way."

After the doctor's complaints, Solovyov had a general idea of ​​the situation and knew his wife was definitely fine.

Katya and Adela, however, went in to help take care of the children after washing and disinfecting their hands.

Solovyov had to arrange for doctors and servants. It seemed that the order of doing things in this family was always strange.
Solovyov was also very happy when Adela brought the baby out.

"Brother, Sister Julie still wants you to come up with the name. She just mentioned that you can't give it a Russian name. You have to follow French customs, and it can't have the same name as anyone in your family."

"Where's Katya?"

"I'm taking care of Sister Julie. She's fine. She's just sweating because she's nervous. Sister-in-law needs to wipe her body. You shouldn't go in at a time like this."

After all, Madame Recamier only had a clean white cloth covering her chest in front of the doctor. If Solovyov went in now, he would probably see everything.

"Okay, let me think about it."

The fact that the child could not be named repeatedly or in a Russian style was a headache for Solovyov. After all, his original plan was to name the child Adelaide, which was the formal name of Adela, and it could not be repeated in the family. His wife also hoped that her lover would have a deeper impression of the child.

This means that even the stepmother's name "Amy" and related variations are no longer allowed.

The names he could think of quickly were those starting with the letter C, such as Clara and Camilla. After all, even if their children's names were translated, they rarely fell into this range.

If all else fails, you can only use a combined name like Mary Anne.

"How about Clara? If Julie is not satisfied, she can change it."

"Okay, brother, I can go ask. Well, you can't hold the child yet. I like this little thing so much."

This is probably because Adela was not the first to hold the baby when the family gave birth in the past, or it may be because French girls have a natural intimacy with each other.
That’s probably the case, Solovyov thought about it and said nothing.

Madame Recamier was also carried to the bed by the maids. After Katya cleaned her body, she covered her with a clean and disinfected bed sheet. It was autumn now, and even if the indoor temperature was not bad, she still had to keep warm.

"Julie, my brother named the child Clara. Do you agree?"

"That's all right, Adela. There's no child in your family whose name begins with a C?"

"Brother is such a bad guy. You know what he does outside, Sister Julie."

"It can't be helped. Compared to some men, like Prince August, whom I dated, this is already pretty good."

Although Prince August had a higher status, he and Solovyov had some connections, as Clausewitz used to be his adjutant.

With the birth of Clara, the whole family began to revolve around the newborn, and there was probably no one to gossip.

There is one thing, fortunately there is not much difference between Katya's two children and Clara, otherwise they would raise some questions, which would be awkward.

Solovyov is now about to return to Tsarskoye Selo to oversee the operation of the Empress Dowager's new vehicle - Russia's first practical steam locomotive and special train.

The first test was carried out two days later on the scenic railway in Tsarskoye Selo.

This section of railway was built over a long distance. The section was carefully selected here in Tsarskoye Selo, and railway marshalling facilities were also designed in the middle.

The communication system used at this time was still the French-style optical signal machine, and the speed of the train, considering the area it traveled through, would certainly not be too fast.

In order to ensure safety along the route, after the completion of this railway, it was no longer necessary for horse-drawn carriages to be operated, as the coachman could start controlling the horses and vehicles from a long distance.

If we switch to a steam locomotive, not only will the preparation distance be longer, but safety measures also need to be taken into consideration.

In this case, led by Empress Maria, notices were indeed posted along the Tsarskoye Selo Railway, explaining the dangers of approaching the railway, especially when locomotives were approaching.

If anyone tried to get close to him in the end, he would have to worry about whether he would end up like Anna Karenina in the future, with his body broken into pieces and becoming a bloody pile.

Security incidents are still very important, especially during the testing phase.

In order to ensure the operation of the trains, the Guards also specially sent people to set up guards along the railway to prevent accidents.

As for the locomotive, the first train used in Tsarskoye Selo was called "Pavel Petrovich", in memory of Tsar Paul. After all, without his encouragement of steam locomotives during his lifetime, there would be no research on steamships and steam locomotives in Russia, and investment would have always lagged behind.

Now, we have finally achieved initial results.

The cars themselves were not empty, but engineers and skilled workers from the locomotive factory supervised each car and marshaled the car operations.

Solovyov was standing at the front of the train, looking at the driver, the co-driver and the fireman, and he always felt a little strange about his position.

That’s right, the German soldier whose head was smashed by Alyosha with a shovel was probably in the same position as mine.

Others who were beaten in this place included the German soldiers killed by Walter, Suli and Gis.

Well, German soldiers always get beaten up on the locomotives, but luckily he's not a German.

As for the train starting to ignite and add coal to the furnace, it would only take a while, and when the steam came out, it could start. After Solovyov read the instructions given by the station, the driver started the vehicle.

Whether it is the locomotive or the carriages at the back, they are all brand new and have undergone rigorous processing. There is an acceptance stage before they are delivered, and after being disassembled, they are assembled in the garage in Tsarskoye Selo.

In the palace in Gatchina, Queen Mother Maria could also hear the roar of the steam engine whistle and see white smoke rising in the distance.

A small reception is being held here, and the Queen Mother is also receiving the nobles from St. Petersburg.

When everyone used theater glasses and monoculars to look into the distance, they did see the black locomotive with the four carriages behind it.

But the carriage was green, which the Queen Mother didn't like.

But she considered the arguments in Solovyov's memorial and said nothing.

After all, what is said above is very clear, that is, the speed of the vehicle is clarified. In addition, different colors should be used for carriages with different functions.

Since there has to be a distinction, that's it. Queen Mother Maria will accept it. If she can sit in it comfortably and it makes her happy, she will be satisfied.

The train was still moving on the railway. In fact, from the observation of others, its current speed had already exceeded the speed of a horse-drawn carriage. Even the horse-drawn carriages frequently used in the palace were not as fast as this.

To be on the safe side, Solovyov would not drive the train too fast on the Tsarskoye Selo Railway and would ensure smooth operation. This route also needed to be safe.

In the future, St. Petersburg and Novgorod will be connected to become Russia's first operating railway, so we naturally cannot be careless.

This early speed has actually exceeded many people's expectations.

At least when the vehicle successfully completed its first test run and stopped at the terminal, Solovyov could also report to Alexander.

He quickly wrote a memorial and wanted to hand it to the Tsar himself.

At this time, Alexander went to Speransky's house. He was surprised that the desk and bookshelf of his most trusted civil servant, the acting Minister of Justice, were so neat and tidy.

"Speransky, your place is pretty good! Even the documents on your desk are neatly arranged. Did a servant help you with that?"

"No, Your Majesty. You should also know that some time ago, Solovyov submitted a translation material, which was sent to me by his sister."

"Yulia has been at Lisa's place the whole time. How could she come to your place?"

"Your Majesty, you have forgotten that when his family was still a baron, they submitted a petition to adopt Misha's personal maid as an adopted daughter."

"That Adela, no wonder, an ordinary noble lady can't do that. Is she here to help you clean?"

"She noticed that the newly arrived documents on my desk were a bit messy. This girl loves cleanliness, so she helped clean up the entire office area."

Speransky knew that Alexander would soon find out that there was a guest in his house, and he also knew the emperor's character, so it was better for him to tell the truth.

But he overlooked one thing, that is, Alexander, like his father Paul, also liked to introduce people to potential partners.

This seems to be a common problem among European monarchs, but Alexander always considers it carefully, unlike his father who acted on a whim, nor like George III who urged little Pitt to get married all day long.

Now, little Pete is still a bachelor in his coffin.
Speransky only looks old, but among the civil servants he is considered to have excellent physical fitness. He can withstand eighteen hours of high-intensity work every day and is very efficient.

Alexander then thought that his wife had been dead for ten years and he had never remarried.

Adela was a great beauty. Although Alexander had only seen her a few times, he was deeply impressed by her.

This French girl was wearing a maid outfit and had a tall figure. Even though she had the identity of a noble lady, she still served her former master, now her brother. She was mainly responsible for managing household chores and sometimes entertaining guests.

Unfortunately, it's a girl.

Alexander had heard from Nikolai and Mikhail that Adela not only managed the housework, but also read books. She only spent less time reading maid novels and more time holding various account books. She also often read books related to estate management.

This is a rather unusual talented woman. There are many people in Solovyov's family who are in charge of things, and their family is a hereditary family of profiteers.

If this girl Alexander also thought of the same problem, Speransky would make him work day and night every day, and he had few days off a year. Recently, he was even busier drafting documents and receiving officials at all levels. He even sent his daughter to Novgorod.

It was his business if he didn't want to get married. Alexander always remembered that his trusted assistant needed a diligent and smart wife who could handle household affairs and simple documents to a certain extent.
This girl is just right, isn’t she? She comes from a humble background, and so does Speransky.

However, Alexander was also testing the waters. He had always been an actor. After hearing what Speransky said about Adela, he naturally followed his words and said, "It's really strange. Solovyov mentioned the engagement for his sister Yulia some time ago. Adela is old enough to get married. Speransky, what do you think?"

"Adela should indeed find a suitable husband, Your Majesty. But it all depends on Count Sergei's opinion. He is the head of the family after all. Besides, the girl is in Moscow doing some work for the Dolgorukov relatives and will not be back for a few days."

"Don't you think about yourself? Speransky, your wife died of tuberculosis many years ago. I think your family has always been in need of someone to take care of it."

"I'm too old. There's a ten-year age difference between Misha and Katya, and the age difference between me and Adela is even greater."

"If you say so, there was a 46-year-old Navy Minister who married a 16-year-old girl, and there was nothing inappropriate about it. Besides, the Solovyov family is neither a new noble nor a very old noble. Isn't that good!"

Alexander often found ways to improve the economic conditions of his capable subordinates, such as sending hardcover books to his tutor and some favorites. The books were often hollowed out to store banknotes, or directly contain signed checks with specific amounts.

The Solovyov family had some "profiteer" background, so the dowries they prepared for their daughters were naturally not like those of some shabby nobles.

Alexander was not afraid that marriages among these close ministers would turn into factions. Speransky had always been selfless and fair; Solovyov, as a guy, had ambitions less than his abilities, and was always cautious in the court.

He is indeed very cautious. After all, given his relationship with Louisa, there is not much to say.

In fact, it wouldn't matter much if Alexander knew about it. At most, he would be sent to Siberia to be the governor. (End of this chapter)