Chapter 146 Dialogue

"People who often come into contact with the Tsar are surprised by his calm character. At times when people around him are depressed and shocked, such as the defeat of the Russian war in 1905, the assassination of Stolypin in 1911, the collapse of Galicia in 1915, and the great turmoil in the days before his abdication, he remained calm. , living habits are never broken, chat with close ministers peacefully, give instructions to official documents as usual, and insist on writing down his running account every day. What the hell is going on? A tsar's guard officer asked himself, "Is this great and almost unbelievable self-reliance caused by upbringinging, or is it because it believes that everything is determined by God, or is it because it is not enough?"

Calm, surprisingly calm. When Nicholas responded to Guchikov with calmness, Guchikov sighed at His Majesty's calmness and interrupted the Tsar's calmness again. However, in the face of his words, Nicholas still did not show any voice. It seemed simple, but in any case, there was a little Nicholas. I won't forget in my heart - he is the Tsar! The Tsar of the Russian Empire! ...In a word, the people of the Duma Committee are all followers of the constitutional monarchy, and among the people, they have a deep awareness of the mistakes of the political organs, especially those of the highest authorities. Therefore, an edict that can affect the people's consciousness is needed. This is like a whip, which can immediately change the mood of the whole people. On the contrary, for all workers and soldiers who participated in the turmoil, the restoration of the old regime is equivalent to the threat of punishment, and they also have no way out. Therefore, for everyone, there is only one way out - to change the regime, the only way is to hand over the burden of the supreme leader to another person, for example, If the emperor can declare the transfer of his regime to his youngest son, regent of Grand Duke Mikhail, which can save Russia and the monarchy, this is the best choice at present..."

At this time, Nikolay, who had remained calm for a long time, interrupted Guchikov's words and even said timidly.

"However, have you fully considered the possible impact on Russia? How can people be sure that there will be no more bloodshed when I abdiccate..."

Guchkov, with a stiff expression, and Shurikin, who seemed extremely excited, answered in one voice.

"Your Majesty, the Duma Committee just wants to avoid this. It is through His Majesty's abdication that Russia will not have any obstacles to end the war with complete unity at home!"

"According to the situation in Kiev,"

Shu Lijin broke the previous silence and said in an unquestionable tone.

"Now the public opinion in society has far deviated from the monarchy. Even if some people have different opinions, they are people who have little influence. On the contrary, if your majesty delays his abdication, you should worry that there may be extremely serious civil strife in the future!"

What? Is it the fundamental Kiev again? According to the situation of this ancient imperial city? Nikolay frowned slightly, and then asked.

"So there will be no turmoil in the Cossack troops, right?"

Guchkov replied with a slight smile.

"Oh, no, no, Your Majesty, Cossack? All of them are on the side of the new system, which is clearly shown through the behavior of the Petrogradton River Regiment.

Rusky beside him was in a hurry, and everything started from the beginning, and the Tsar could be silent for an hour. Does the matter of abdication seem to not exist? Guchkov's efforts were in vain, and he, Ruski, was in the hands of the Tsar's own letter.

Although his heart was extremely anxious, for Lusky, he could not interrupt him in front of the Tsar and make it clear. Lusky, who was very anxious, suddenly became restless and leaned down to Shulijin, regardless of meditability. He seemed to whisper to him, but in fact he wanted Guchkov. You can also hear his words.

"This matter has been solved, and even signed, I..."

It's him - Ruski, who defeated the Tsar! This should be known to everyone.

But Guchkov didn't hear clearly, and he didn't even understand! In order not to say this nonsense now, don't let the Tsar have such an idea - he can also seize the corner of the throne. It was enough to say two words before the meeting, but Guchkov didn't understand what he meant. A pair of red and swollen eyes behind the lens, and his tie was even crooked.

"The situation is developing rapidly. The extremists have now regarded Luo, me and other moderates as traitors. Of course, they oppose such a result, because he sees that the monarchy will be saved from here!"

He didn't say "a monarchy that is precious to us and you", but the effect is like this. I don't know whether it is thoughtful or natural. Anyway, the visitor's position makes people look like this - they are not here as enemies, nor as the other party, but together with the Tsar. An ally who saves all sacred and precious things.

"Your Majesty, it's just that these conditions can try to restore order. This is what Shu Lijin and I told you... Your Majesty, and we have no other way out. No matter what army you send to Petrograd now, even if it is our army, I will say it again..."

When Guchkov stressed, Rusky couldn't help it any longer. He put on the little glasses tighter and corrected it.

"What's worse than that, there are no troops that can be sent now, and the base camp of the expeditionary army has lost contact with the outside world..."

Of course, this is not true. In fact, the radio telegraph between the expeditionary force and the base camp has always been closely connected, but at this time, Ruski said that it is the most powerful statement. Who can know the situation better than the commander-in-chief of the front army closest to the capital?

It's just that no one said it at this time, and I didn't even think about it. Is there any troops in Petrograd that can be sent to the base camp? What's more, they can also get support from China through diplomatic channels, and then they can use the Japanese army, which is less influenced by the revolution, and use the Japanese army to help them restore order.

At this time, Nikolay looked at Ruskey and suddenly understood that Ruskey was most like a weasel in his eyes, a weasel wearing glasses, and more accurately, like a weasel cub, but with an old weasel's expression.

At this time, although Guchkov did not notice Rusky's hint, what he saw with his own eyes was that there would be no more fighting, and the Tsar was close to surrender!

He unconsciously talked more and more with this person, the monarch and ruler who could easily drive out or arrest him not long ago. He spoke more and more condescendingly, as if he were teaching a young man who had not grown up and sincere, when he was inseparable. Suspiciously confirmed to this person that the only way out was to give up the throne, and when he was not opposed, he wanted to show his magnanimity.

"Of course, you really need to think about it before making this decision!"

He even catered to his psychology.

"Pray and pray!"

But then he said in a stiff tone.

"But the decision can't be later than tomorrow, because even if you ask us tomorrow, we can't give you any good ideas, because the people's emotions are extremely excited, and they can do anything with hostility!"

After a pause, Guccikov repeated tolerantly.

"Your Majesty, in order to think and pray, you may want to stay alone for a while!"

Looking at Guccikov in surprise, Nicholas saw that he put a wrinkled piece of paper in front of him, which was the draft of the abdication edict he and Shulijin had planned on the way.

Yes, yes, Shulikin accurately realized that he had reason to say that this trip was right. With another scene, it could offset all the coercive and derogatory tone. Two monarchists and two educated people should have gently approached the Tsar and reported what had happened to the Tsar in a tired voice. But in this case, there is no shame for a monarch who loves his country to decide to abdicate.

Nikolay was still silent. Occasionally, he brushed his beard with his thumb and forefinger, and drooped his shoulders. He did not look like a tsar at all. Like an ordinary person, he looked at Guchikov with his sick, light blue eyes. After listening for so long, he finally opened his mouth.

"About these, I think... I think..."

Rusky couldn't unfold the prepared abdication edict in front of the two parliamentarians, which made his heart extremely painful. Although the tsar was no longer the tsar, his past power was folded into a piece of paper and put in his coat pocket, but the habit of etiquette from childhood. The power of the surname makes him unable to act casually.

Will it be announced by him?

He doesn't dare!

But the tsar's unintentional tone of argument, does this elongated "I... want" mean to agree? Isn't it that Ruski has a kind of power? This power is to take out the imperial edict from his pocket, return it to the Tsar himself, and hand it to him across the table.

"His Majesty has solved this problem!"

Rusky's move was very successful, and he suddenly cut off Nikolay's retreat.

This is the abdication edict released by Nikolay who was not cautious for a while and failed to get back from him all day. After seeing the edict, Nikolay did not unfold or announce it to the two parliamentarians, but put it in his pocket.

Is he... taking back his abdication edict?

Seeing the Tsar's action, Rusky realized what a serious mistake he had made! Simplicity is a stupid and unforgivable mistake!

So Russky was ready to make his own statement and say out loud that it had not been destroyed. What was written on the documents in the Tsar's pocket. No, what made Ruski relieved was that the Tsar did not need to be slippery. Was he thinking about the wording? Yes, but he is not in a hurry. He has such an unpreparable quality. He is more calm than everyone here, as if it has nothing to do with him.

But Nikolay also did not hide his sadness, and looked at Guchkov's eyes, who didn't want to look directly at him. He didn't use any title, but he was obviously talking to Guchkov, and his voice seemed extremely calm.

"I - thought about it carefully, whole morning, whole day, but what do you think?"

He flinched in a timid tone.

"After the prince takes over the throne, can he stay with me and his mother until adulthood?"

After saying that, Nikolay looked at him helplessly and expectively.

Guccikov shook his head without consideration.

"Of course not, no one will give the future Tsar's education to..."

His tone hardened.

"He brought the country into the current situation!"

"So, I should..."

The disappointed Nikolay asked in a low voice with an uneasy mood.

"Your Majesty, you must go abroad!"

Nodding sadly, said Nikolay.

"Well, gentlemen, I'm ready to give up my seat to my son. At three o'clock this afternoon, I signed such an edict, but now, after repeated consideration, I understand... I can't be separated from my son!"

Guchkov raised his head fiercely to the Tsar. What does this mean?

At this time, Nikolai's voice was not like a tsar at all, and he was not very calm, but trembled and said.

"I understand... I hope you can also understand this... His health is not good, I can't... Therefore, I decided to give up the throne, but not to my son, but my brother Mikhail? Grand Duke Alexander Rovic!"

At this point, he lowered his head and said no more.

The two senators exchanged glances in surprise. This was the first time in the whole conversation. Shu Lijin hurriedly interrupted, as if he was afraid that others would snatch him.

"Your Majesty, your suggestion caught us off guard. What we expected was to pass the throne to Crown Prince Alexei. We came here, and the only advice we wanted to give was those conveyed to you!"

This is just a simple change, a single rearrangement of the two objects. But the legislators were completely unprepared for this, and the people who sent them were also not prepared. No one had thought of this before, and they did not expect that the Tsar would make such a decision. 6

Guchkov also tried to oppose the Tsar's decision:

"Considering the character of the young prince, it will certainly be greatly reduced... The fact that the people handed over the regime..."

You know, in the New Deal Axe and those in the upper class of Parliament, they originally expected Alexaer to be young and Mikhail's lack of reading... But now, what will happen?

"Then please allow",

Seeing that the Tsar insisted on his opinion, Shu Lijin asked,

"Me and Alexander? Ivanovich discussed it? ......"

Nikolay did not object, but he did not get up and walk away.

He shouldn't have gone away!

Obviously, it's two senators who should leave?

But they were at a loss, so they didn't walk away. However, it seems that Guchkov doesn't want Shulikin to come up with any ideas. He thinks it's better to make his own decision. And the Tsar himself has difficult things that he can't accommodate in his heart, but no one can go out to discuss with him, so he can only ask these two people who come with hostility:

"But I need to be sure... what all the other Russians will think of this."

With that, his flustered eyes avoided Ruski and sought the answers of the two senators,

"This won't cause a new... turmoil, will it?"

He didn't figure out how to express it humbly.

"No! It won't. Your Majesty! It won't cause it."

Rusky decisively said that he knew,

"Dangerous - not here at all. The danger is that if others declare the establishment of a republic earlier than us, then... there will be civil strife. We should act as soon as possible to consolidate the monarchy.

For Shulijin, this problem is clearer than the problem of the sudden replacement of the heir. He had long wanted to join the conversation and come alone. That's why he came - for the future of the Russian Empire and to ensure the monarchy of the Russian Empire.

"Your Majesty!" He said warmly and earnestly,

"Please allow me to clarify under what conditions the State Duma had to start working."

Then he began to describe the situation in Petrograd: how the shameless crowd filled the Tavrida Palace, leaving only two small rooms left in the Duma Committee.

"People are lucky to bring all the arrested people here, because it can save them from people's lynching... Duma - it's hell! This is a crazy building!"

But it seems that such fierce comments have not consolidated their own positions?

So Shulijin corrected:

"But we still maintain the symbol of state management, and thanks to this, some orders have been preserved. Well, the railway has not been interrupted. But we inevitably have to fight against the leftists in the final battle, for which we need to have a Gongtong base. Your Majesty, please help us build this base!"

They were just begging and did not force the Tsar at all! But Nikolay still couldn't be sure, and he still couldn't figure it out.

"Gentlemen, but I want to be assured. My departure will not lead to more bloodshed in Russia..."

Although his ministers and people betrayed him, as a tsar, at this time, he still wants to be sure that Russia will not fall into a new civil strife because of his abdication, which is exactly what he does not want to see.

"Oh, Your Majesty, the opposite is true! On the contrary! Only your majesty's abdication can save Russia from the danger of civil war!

Really, so you should love peace, so don't persecute anyone. But you see, for the Tsar's changed plan, of course, it should be... even if it can be discussed for a quarter of an hour.

In contrast, it is easier and faster for Guchkov to accept this change. Because he had long known that this person was extremely stubborn. He expected that he would work the hardest. The argument might be fruitless, so he had to return with a small part of the responsible cabinet and the constitution. Unexpectedly, everything in front of him has been done. The abdication edict - sent by the servant with a plate, a long-term social struggle. The goal of the fight is to take it down. When someone reaches out and hands it to you, it's time to take it over.

So, he no longer hated this person and said generously:

"Your Majesty, of course, I don't think I have the right to interfere with your father and son. There is no political status in this regard, and there can be no compulsion. For your suggestion, we..."

Finally, there was a trace of satisfaction on Nikolay's unbearable face. Now the fulcrum has been found: he has the right to have his only child! The two legislators failed to come up with countermeasures immediately, and the tsar did not force them to come up with arguments. The satisfied Nikolay stood up quietly and walked to his carriage, but still did not take the draft edict brought by the senators; nor did he explain whether to give them the interval for consideration.

Now he has made a decision, which is a prerequisite for his abdication. As the tsar of the Russian Empire, this is his last insistence. In any case, he must ensure that he stays with his family, rather than being separated from his weak and sick son, which is unacceptable to him.

The people in the living room walked away, and everyone smoked one after another. An uninvited General Danilov was added to the crowd. He had been walking around the platform with jealousy and didn't know whether to come in or not.

At this time, these people who were at a loss just remembered that if there was a special law on the order of succession to the throne, it would be easy to do. Count Nareshkin, who had been making notes for the talks, went to the office and found a required volume from the Russian Imperial Code. Everyone looked through it to see if the father could pass the throne to his son as a guardian again, but they didn't find the answer they hoped to find.

The battle lasted for a total of 20 years, in order to restrict or remove the Tsar, but no one thought of the law. Now, when the Tsar decides to abdicrate, people think of the law and the role of the law. This is just a joke.

At this time, Guccikov and Shulikin were discussing, more precisely, thinking about their confidants in disorganization.

If Mikhail becomes the central figure, he is likely to implement an unexpected policy of independent reading. After all, he is an adult. Maybe Mikhail lacks reading, but what if he is a tsar? The monarchy may not take the corresponding approach - the monarch is only a king, but does not govern the country.

This result is against the temporary decision and wish of the political axe.

But there is an important argument: if this child obtains the throne, can he fully fulfill his oath of loyalty to the Constitution? What the Duma Committee wants is that the new tsar's oath that he can't restore the throne can be obtained immediately from Mikhail. As a regent, Mikhail will defend all the power of the prince, but as a tsar, he will be limited as soon as he ascends the throne, which will promote... Although Guchkov is unwilling to adopt the emperor's plan, his tired brain can't come up with a strong rebuttal. He was surprised that the Tsar did not object to abdication! Such a thing is simply unimaginable for people who have lived under the empire for decades! Such a score is automatically sent to him. How can he not accept it?

Guchkov used this trick to complete the unparalleled action in Russian history, which may curb the revolutionary rebellion and save the monarchy at the same time!

This may be the most important thing!

(to be continued)