Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796

Chapter 100 050 A Double Wedding (Part 2)

The ceremony was not necessarily "grand", but it was grand.

The presence of these Petersburg dignitaries alone once again made the church itself crowded if it was to arrange seats. Standing was also a burden for some older noble ladies.

Even so, the scene was already very crowded.

The Guards were still on duty at the scene as usual to ensure the absolute safety of the Winter Palace.

The reason why the Putin Regiment was more trusted than other Guards was that in all the palace incidents in Russia, they stood on the side of the descendants of Peter the Great. When the Empress launched a coup, the first to act was the Izmailov Regiment, which was the regiment that followed Grand Duke Constantine to Italy and Switzerland this time.

In terms of loyalty, although this Guards Regiment has the problems of the Guards, it generally does not appear easily, and their punches are always heavy.

The guardsmen who participated in the duty today also had the bonus prepared by Tsar Paul, which was paid in addition to their monthly military pay. With such an emperor, it is no wonder that the soldiers were very loyal to follow orders.

"It is not easy to trick these soldiers into dealing with their emperor, Count."

It is clear that Lieutenant General Tarezin, the head of the Putin Regiment, participated in the conspiracy, but it is ironic that it was Tarezin who first swore allegiance to Paul when the empress was dying, and climbed to the position of head of the guards with the trust of the tsar himself.

And Count Palen, Count Nikolai Panin of the Diplomatic Academy, these people were able to climb to high positions under the grace of the tsar, and even Count Palen was earlier. When Paul was still in Gatchina, he had already taken advantage of the trust of the then crown prince to take power.

Let's not talk about what they were eating. Everyone got a high position by flattering in the court and Paul's trust. After sitting at the table, their butts were already sticking up, their heads were all on the plate, and they wanted to eat the plate.

"Especially our emperor, who has been promoting young officers recently. We should find a way to get rid of the major of the 1st Battalion. In this way, young people promoted by the tyrant himself will not join our camp."

"Don't worry, Count Palen, you don't understand how dangerous what we are doing now is, and it is not easy to gather officers who oppose the tyrant. Among the generals on duty in the court arranged next year, many are the marshal's men. No matter how we hint to the marshal, he will not move."

"That old man only cares about his honor on the battlefield. He was loyal to the queen in the past. Now no matter how the tyrant humiliates him, he will not join. We naturally have no appeal in the army."

When Count Palen said this, it was also the critical moment when the groom began to enter the cathedral. According to the arrangement this time, the bride waited on the stage, and the two princes of Württemberg and Mecklenburg entered the venue together, holding hands with their brides in front of the Tsar and the Queen, and then officially announced their marriage under the blessings of the marriage priest and the Patriarch.

At this time, because there are many people and many opinions, it is suitable for conspiracy, and people's attention is focused on the newlyweds.

Especially Lieutenant General Tarejin, he can still move freely and connect the members who have joined the conspiracy at the scene.

"So what are you going to do? If possible, we can seek the support of Count Zubov, who is familiar with the British ambassador Lord Whitworth. You know, the British are not satisfied with the tyrant's withdrawal from the alliance."

"That will have to wait until he destroys himself and the British realize that Russia is not on their side. Only then can we leave. The British cannot be trusted. We still have to develop our members secretly."

After hearing this, Count Panin turned to look at Admiral de Ribas, who was chatting with people from the Navy Department on the side. He spoke loudly, which also distracted the attention of the people around him and focused on him.

Paul on the stage didn't know that his close ministers were actually going to rebel against him, but he and Queen Maria handed both daughters to their son-in-law on the stage.

Paul was still talking to the newlyweds. At this time, the clergy needed to appear next.

As everyone knows, the clergy of the Orthodox Church dress like "mages", especially the wide robes.

When Solovyov was in the Grenadiers, someone joked that the Patriarchs and Metropolitans were all dressed like this, but the Grenadiers took away their bishop hats.

This kind of joke is still within the controllable limit. After all, it does not involve God. Moreover, the clergy of the Orthodox Church, their clothes and rituals are luxurious on the surface, and there are more people who practice asceticism inside. On the contrary, some people in the Catholic and Protestant churches of the Western Church seem to practice asceticism on the surface, but in fact, they are as luxurious as the Eastern Church.

The angle from his side was not good, and in order to prevent the new major from noticing what they were doing, Tarezhin arranged him to serve as a guard in the front row where Grand Duke Constantine was. There was such a large space in the church that even if someone was talking, it would not be obvious that they were plotting something.

Many of the royal ladies and maids in front were wiping their tears. After all, Alexandra and Elena were about the same age as them, and they often played together. Now they were married. Although because of the occupation of Württemberg by France and the agreement with Mecklenburg, they had to live in Petersburg for a long time before finally leaving.

However, at this time, they were also reluctant to leave, especially the two countesses who were often with Elena. They were raised by the empress and queen, and had a very good relationship with Elena.

"Mishka, do you have an extra handkerchief?"

Soloviev had never seen the "little fairy" with such developed tear glands, so he took out the new handkerchief he had changed this morning from his coat pocket.

"Please note that today's wedding is just a ceremony. There will be a banquet and a dance afterwards. In the evening, the maid on duty for His Highness will still be you."

"Little Fairy" has been skipping work all the time. But at this time, I don't know how she talked to the head of the female officer, but she was actually arranged to be the maid on duty for Elena. She is lazy but not clumsy. When taking care of His Highness, she is still very attentive.

Ignoring it, today the little Count Palen returned from abroad.

Of course, she didn't know that her sister was not clear with her stepfather, and on the other hand, she was frequently communicating with the young captain of the cuirassiers. And from the wording, the younger sister's words in the letter were obviously a bit childish, more like a child.

Their family style is not right. Although she herself is a bit crooked, she is more reserved and does not do things casually.

But it is this point that will suffer in this competition with her sister.

Maria's dress is also very fashionable. She is not as bold as her sister, but she takes the initiative in action.

Just when the "little fairy" was about to take duty for her good sister Elena, she had already agreed on a date with the little Count Palen. After the ball, Admiral de Ribas also had an entertainment event at No. 1 Million Street. After playing cards, if he had to stay there at night, he would take the opportunity to launch a night attack.

And the "little fairy" in front of him, who seemed to be very smart, but was a "silly girl" at the critical moment, was still thinking about breaking the kettle at the right time.

As for the subsequent banquet and dance process, it was just like the dance held by the Tsar before.

However, Solovyov was not assigned to duty this time, and the entire battalion came down to rest. Only the most loyal three guards regiments of grenadiers were left to carry out the duty work in the palace.

He was released, and the soldiers had extra meals today, and they all had wine.

However, as a guard, in order to avoid people drinking and causing trouble, they were prepared with high-end goods.

"Little battalion commander, this thing is not strong enough for him. You might as well get us some vodka out of kindness."

"There's really no such thing. If you guys want to drink vodka, there will be no limit to the supply when you get off duty in the New Year. But you have to have the capacity to drink."

"Yes, our emperor married his daughter, and even married two of them together. Little Sasha is finally married, the little baby of our group, right, brothers!"

Someone was still whistling, but Solovyov didn't know that these veterans, because of their love for the Tsar, were fine with the Crown Prince and Grand Duke Constantine, but the five daughters of the Tsar, these old guys usually Having received some favors, he regarded them as his "little sweethearts".

Another thing that seems more important to Solovyov is that in the military song of the Prussian regiment, they really did not forget to beat the Swedes.

"Okay, brothers, go back to the barracks after you finish eating. I finally got a day off today. After returning from the expedition, I can finally go home and lie in bed!"

"Little battalion commander, you should have a girl in your bed. Although you are not old, your status is rising."

Soloviev did not intend to pay attention to them. He came out of the Winter Palace and went back home along the usual route.

And in the gathering at No. 1 Million Street, because it was held at the residence of Admiral De Ribas, the salon was being held, but at the same time they were also inciting and planning.

"Don't keep any records of today. At present, the tyrant is still very popular. To deal with him, we must first alienate the relationship between the crown prince and him, and let the officers in the Guards resent him. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve our goal."

Count Panin said it clearly, but if we really want to operate, we also need to see who among the Guards and the garrisons in Petersburg is dissatisfied with the Tsar.

He called Paul a "tyrant" because Tsar Paul intended to improve relations with the French Republic. The count claimed that he wanted to overthrow the "tyranny", but in fact he was an extremely reactionary politician. He also mentioned that he was closer to Britain. As the vice president of the Diplomatic Academy and a member of the Privy Council, he repeatedly wanted to leave his own traces in foreign policy, "to listen to his opinions". Such a person may say that he wants to overthrow the tyrant, but in fact he is in power in his own department, which is the real despotism.

These people want to overthrow Paul's rule, probably hoping that they can get a Tsar who is easy to control and can listen to their opinions. What they see now is that the crown prince can still meet their requirements.

But they only saw the outside of Alexander, who was a natural actor. Although he had problems with hesitation and weakness, he also hid many of his qualities.

As for this night, the new suite prepared for the newlyweds in the Winter Palace may be even more lively.

The "little goblin" herself doesn't have to serve Elena, but she has to ask the servants to do things. Now, according to His Highness's request, the bathtub is filled with hot water.

"Katya, come in and wash it together."

"Your Highness, I have to be on duty today."

"You are usually not in the palace, and you often don't see anyone among the maids. That's why you are willing to be here because we are good sisters, right?"

"Yes, Maria has an event to attend today, and she is not here."

"It's best for you to stay with me at this time. How is the water temperature?"

"It won't burn you. The water temperature is just right. It's just that when you come out of the wash, it will be steaming, and there will be wrinkles on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. And when it's not dry, Elena will wrap herself in silk, Spray it with lavender perfume and your Paris will definitely be tempted.”

"You don't have that experience, and yet you come to give me advice. I once asked the major that I wanted to seduce him when he mentioned you in Moscow. But that 'idiot', why don't you lock him in the room? , is not feasible.”

"I'm not interested in him now, Elena, but you told me that His Majesty intends to let me and the Prince of Georgia"

"Father is prone to whims sometimes, so don't pay too much attention to it. If you are proactive enough, you should put some effort into Pavel. The Guards Cavalry officer kindly helped me untie my clothes. I'm going to take a bath. ”

There is no need for her to be here next. The countess will go to the maid's lounge, which is close to the bridal chamber of the two newlyweds. If necessary, she can rush over immediately.

This person is also very strange. Because of the weird atmosphere at home, he skips work on weekdays, but now he is back in the Winter Palace.

Of course, in the future, the attendants around Elena, except for the servants brought from Petersburg and a few close attendants, will all be replaced by people from the German court. Considering the interests of Russia, the huge dowry of Czar Paul when marrying his daughter, And Friedrich Ludwig was smitten with Elena, and her life there should be going well.

But for her sisters and best friends, it may be more difficult to see her.

And Tsar Paul, who married his daughter, was still not at ease and asked the old nun sent out to report to him.

Knowing that his daughters seemed to have a happy night, he felt relieved and went to bed.

"Tomorrow morning, Kutaisov is going to hold a meeting at the Diplomatic Academy. He wants the academy to prepare an announcement to Britain and France. Also, although Bavaria proposes marriage for their heir apparent, Catherine It's too young. Both I and the queen are opposed to this marriage. As for Maria's issue, if the royal families of some countries have objections about my daughter having smallpox, they don't want a vase to be placed in their palace. of! We should put ourselves in their shoes and think about it. Princesses in their own country cannot get married when they are in their forties. Little princesses who want to pursue their love have to be restricted by the parliament in their marriage age. I have only heard of such a family! It's okay if you know this. I know you can keep it secret. But don't do that kind of thing where you take advantage of others and get jobs for them. The reward I will give you is more than 1,200 gold rubles. !”

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will pretend that I have never heard anything you said."

Paul then went to bed with satisfaction, but he still didn't know that he was hated by the British, and that the domestic conspiracy group was even on the same street with him.