Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

Chapter 701 003 It's just an internal fight
There is still some "harmony" on Arakcheev's side. In short, the area around St. Petersburg in winter generally maintains a relatively peaceful state.

Even if we really want to exile someone right now, the weather conditions don't allow it.

If you go to Siberia, you should also choose a relatively convenient time to go, especially in the summer when the traffic itself is relatively smooth.

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

Balashov collected a lot of evidence, and Speransky also made some comments on some things in private, especially the serfdom system and the stubborn landlords who still opposed the reform even though they had left most of the benefits to them.

If these words were put together, although they were not directed at the Tsar himself, it would be like releasing a huge bomb and would cause a strong reaction in the aristocratic circles.

He was only now collecting the evidence, but the conversations between Speranski and his civil servants at the end of 1811 were already telling.

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

"Only based on this, I can't convict Speranski. I need more detailed evidence, which I will present to the Emperor within this month. After this, I probably won't have any chance."

"Yes, my lord."

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

As it is, Speransky has inevitably fallen into the trap of these conservatives and is likely to be left isolated and helpless.

Several liberal giants who had been able to protect him in the past now all had other tasks to do. If Balashov brought up the charge of being a French spy, they would be unlikely to say anything for him in front of the Tsar because of their pro-French stance or even their stance as Poles.

No wonder the person who could save Speransky in the end was Arakcheev, that is, Novolsitsev, who often went to England on business, and there was not much he could do to help him in this regard.

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

After all, the infighting between conservative and liberal ministers was more or less condoned by him sitting in power, which eventually led to a one-sided situation.

But he himself did not expect that things would happen faster than expected. This kind of internal strife should not have occurred when the enemy was so powerful and the French attitude was unclear.

It was reported at this time that, judging from the state of the French army's assembly 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 is already very familiar with Napoleon's behavior and habits, and he doesn't think he will definitely attack.

After all, during the last meeting in Erfurt, the two sides did not directly flex their muscles most of the time.

But he couldn't help but make preparations. Although he was not surprised that such a thing happened in the government at this time, he was a little worried.

For this reason, he might consult Louisa on weekdays, or tell her about it when he went to see the Queen Mother.

Now, he has not made any decision.

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

"I know, Balashov, but generally speaking, this kind of wiretapping should be aimed at people suspected of being foreign spies. Speransky will undoubtedly be targeted by some people, but he is also very clear about one thing, he cannot 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, how should we resolve Speransky's issue?"

"I'll make arrangements later, Balashov. You can go back first. This matter will definitely come to a conclusion."

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

Since he was the Tsar, he had to face the mutual attacks among his ministers. Speransky had never had such an idea before. It was Arakcheev who resigned from the post of Minister of War because he opposed the ministerial reform.

But from his subsequent actions, it was obvious that Alexander had underestimated the situation in some aspects.

Now, he didn't have much time left, and at this moment he was more inclined to return to the Winter Palace and delay for a while before making a decision.

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

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

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

Apart from these, the only thing he could do was to look for 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 successfully got married, she also gave birth to several sons for the Czartoryskis. Only Louisa, although she was very productive, had seven children, all of them were daughters.

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

It’s just that his behavior is more of a performative personality.

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

"Your Majesty, would you still like coffee?"

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

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

"Ah, that must be good."

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

That's how it is. He did have some affair with Miss George some time ago, but people learn things at different times and specialize in different fields.
When Miss George was still a little girl, she was made famous by Napoleon in Paris. As for what happened later, many of the rumors in the upper class were true. After waiting for a while, Alexander finished the macarons on the plate, and Louisa also changed her clothes and came out.

"Lisa, this white dress is more suitable for you. What are the ladies who entertained us before talking about?"

"The ones 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 did not expect that the guest today would be 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 put on white clothes so that my belly won't be visible. I am a little fat. Sasha, come and touch my belly."

"Well, is there going to be a baby?"

"You should have been taking care of my feelings during this period. We probably won't have another child at this time. But at Grandpa's age, he may leave at any time. It's a pity that three of us sisters live here, and probably only my youngest sister will have time to go there."

Alexander also touched Louisa's belly at this time. She was a little fat, but that was it. She was just a little fuller. If her clothes were taken care of more carefully, and her face didn't look fat, it wouldn't be noticeable.

"A soft belly. Children always like to sleep next to you. They like the soft feeling, Lisa, especially when they are very young."

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

Louisa was already sitting at the head of the bed, making a gesture of invitation.

This made Alexander feel 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's just that the dangerous person has never gone far.

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

"But today they were all taken away by their respective tutors and nannies. I, Elena, am the only one here with my child. It's a good opportunity for me to teach Anya how to get along with children, even though she also came here at that time, and we still have 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 we should naturally take better care of her."

The most outrageous thing is that the Latin species name of Paulownia comes from a 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 her first time as a mother. At times like this, someone is always clumsy."

"Yes, even Solovyov, who seemed to be good at taking care of children, was so clumsy and funny when he held his own son."

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

But he always sets up the ring for his domination, sits at ringside as the referee, and makes the final decision.

Perhaps Speransky could not avoid the fate of being dismissed from his post, but it might be a little unreasonable to ask him to really go to the countryside.

After all, this Russian Secretary of State initially wanted to resign voluntarily, and now that he has been taken down, it is inevitable that there will be some comments in St. Petersburg.

For the Tsar himself, both sides are his base. To be honest, when he sits in this position, he must strike a balance.

Therefore, after much thought, he came up with some preliminary ideas about the arrangements for Speransky and Balashov.

Balashov offended many people in his position as Minister of Police. Not only the liberals, but also traditional nobles and common people from all walks of life, all had strong opinions about this lackey.

"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 Dolgorukov's family, how would you arrange it?"

"Exiling ministers is not a good idea, Sasha. You can send them to a place with a better environment nearby. If they are useful, you can recall them."

"It's exactly what you thought. It's because you are so gentle that so many officers of the Guards like you. They are a group of adventurous guys."

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

"I haven't made a decision yet, Lisa, so don't look so surprised. But you're right, if it helps, you can put it closer, closer."

Louisa would not find it strange to see him like this. They had been married for a long time and had just celebrated their 20th engagement anniversary. Next year would be their 20th wedding anniversary, but they were both only in their 30s and still very young.

Alexander has shown some strange changes recently, and sometimes even speaks in an old-fashioned manner. Although Louisa is accustomed to this kind of strange behavior that is characteristic of the Luo family, having seen it in her sisters-in-law and Uncle Alexei, Alexander also behaves like this when making important decisions.

To be honest, although his behavior was consistent, as a Tsar, he was obviously too soft. Even Louisa, who was always gentle, cowardly and easy to bully, would be more decisive when making decisions.

"Whatever you do, I will support you."

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

(End of this chapter)