Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796

Although Solovyov set a rococo style tone for his family's new house, he was also careful and meticulous, and he also paid attention to making full use of the trees in the land.

While accompanying Alexander to Kronstadt these days, Solovyov also learned that after careful consideration, Prince Vasily Dolgorukov rejected the Saltykov family's marriage proposal.

Nikolai Ivanovich, an old master and field marshal who had no independent opinions, actually agreed without asking his wife. This was also a legend in Petersburg.

Probably his youngest son Sergei is really not suitable for such a little girl. Little Katya has just celebrated her 15th birthday, and his wife is a little too hasty. In addition, even if Sergey did not serve in the army, Dolgorukov, Prince Vasily, was also the son of Prince Krymsky after all. It would be better to find a promising young general for his daughter.

Under such circumstances, the "old witch" targeted other young aristocratic ladies who were still single, preferably those closer in age, such as the wealthy Orlova, whose father left her a large legacy. A legacy.

However, this marriage may have to go through competition with little Count Kamensky.

The rumors reached Solovyov's ears, and he had to say that the old man had his own mind this time, and he also chose a good girl, but the competition he faced may come from soldiers.

And unlike little Katya, who has no competitors and more people who are obstructing him, little Count Kamensky is a serious and promising person. During his previous expedition to Italy, he was defeated by Marshal Suvorov. Be optimistic.

Even when teaching Nicholas a lesson, the boy heard the corresponding statement from the chamberlain.

"Kolia, what are you doing?"

Solovyov discovered that children at this age are more naughty, especially boys, who generally need spanking.

However, considering Nikolai's status, only Her Royal Highness the Queen Mother and General Lanzdorff are qualified to beat him. Now, as "Mr. Teacher", he still uses his mouth.

"I thought of something happy, boss."

"What are you so happy about?"

Nikolai also deliberately looked around to see if there was no one around - indeed, this was the case. Today's class was originally for Nikolai to teach alone. After all, he was older than Mikhail and his understanding ability was still stronger. Some - then he said: "Have you heard? Sister Katya of the Dolgorukov family finally no longer needs to be preyed upon by that 'old witch'. Prince Vasily officially rejected the engagement request."

"Isn't this a normal relationship?"

Nikolay, the "silly son of a landlord," didn't know where he was connected, and he told Solovyov mysteriously.

"In this case, boss, won't your opportunity come?"

"Huh? That's it? I'm teaching you alone and you can't concentrate like this, which means I can't make excuses. Your Highness, at your age, when you're either not asking about things like this, you're already talking about marriage. Don’t talk nonsense about your age.”

In a few years, if Nicholas grows to over 1.9 meters, he will not be able to beat him.

"But boss, if you wait for my sister-in-law to introduce you to a maid, you don't know how long it will take. What's more, sister Katya is my sister-in-law's study maid. Isn't this just right?"

"How young are you, you still want to get a wife."

"You're not asking for a wife for me, boss, I'm asking for a wife for you."

This kid has some respect for his teacher, but he uses it in strange ways.

"It's school time now, and it's not the time to be casual. However, if my house is built, I can take you and Mikhail to play for two days when there are no classes."

Nikolai didn't say much. He and Solovyov were no older or younger, and it was true that even though the master was 25 years old, he looked younger. This contrast was indeed a bit outrageous.

If he said too much, he was afraid of bringing trouble to himself.

"Why are you silent again? I usually say that I can arrange for you to go out to play in the future, and I am very happy."

"There are still some days left. Building a house also takes time."

This is indeed the case. A foundation has been laid on the land and a three-story building will be built. Although the core part is not large, if the construction progress is accelerated, the main building will be almost completed by the beginning of winter. By the beginning of next spring, it will be The follow-up work is almost ready and will be completed by summer.

This speed only takes into account the house itself, without supporting facilities.

As for the decoration materials of this era, considering that the ventilation of the big house has always been good, there will not be any big problems.

What's more, Solovyov is still good at building houses. Although this is not a craft inherited from his family, considering the requirements of military engineering, he still needs to learn something.

In addition, there is the material he chose. Considering that the Rococo style decoration itself is relatively expensive and complicated, the materials used also need to be paid attention to.

He hopes to choose things with better quality, which is also considered his father's strength.

Considering that this may be the eldest son's wedding room and long-term residence in the future, and the closest place for the family to escape the summer, Baron Sergei is also very concerned about it. He often entrusts friends to inquire about information everywhere, and even visits in person. Go purchase.

There is no way. This son is too promising. He spends most of his time working and has received medals from the emperor many times. As a father, he obviously has to work harder in this regard.

And Nicholas' interruption in class really made him think that he should go and see it.

The land that Alexander rewarded Solovyov for his military exploits is indeed good. There is a naturally formed pond on one side and birch forests on both sides. Even in the land divided by his family, there are a lot of trees.

According to Russian traditional folk customs, the tender buds of willow trees can also have a healing effect, which is nothing to say.

And birch trees, in addition to representing young girls and young wives, also have a little taste of love in them. Russians are still a little superstitious about this.

If you give branches as gifts, birch branches are a good way to test each other. If the other party is satisfied, according to traditional marriage customs, you can get engaged a week later.

However, on this basis, there will also be a cooling-off period for marriage, especially when nobles marry each other, this kind of thing will happen.

If a yellow-haired man like Anatoly intervenes at this time, it will be quite troublesome.

"Master, you see this piece of land is not bad. The house we built is only in a corner of the manor. What should we do with these trees?"

"Leave them in the courtyard. They are here. Uncle, go get some birch branches. I have some uses for them."

"You don't want to make a crown of branches?"

"That's right. You still know me very well."

"Although Master is often not at home, we all know what you are used to doing."

"Well, go get some. They must be fresh."

In addition to the laurel wreath made of laurel, there are also branches made of several other trees, which represent the winners in the four major competitions in ancient Greece.

However, the birch wreath has some romantic meaning in it.

Solovyov is also a little helpless about his love. It is difficult for these lovers to have further results. After all, they are just lovers. He has also reached the age to find a wife.

Although he was amorous, his reputation was good. Unlike those troublemakers in Petersburg, he also had his own career.

After the birch branch was brought over, he also looked at the situation. It was very fresh, just picked from the tree.

"There must be a bride to marry, but who is this girl? Will she accept a husband like me?"

It still looks like a mirage, and he is already a little worried.

As for Louisa, it has not been confirmed. She also knows that the maids in the palace have a good impression of Solovyov, but they rarely have in-depth contacts and do not know his secrets.

Although she believes that Solovyov still likes to be a secret lover after marriage, he should be responsible for his wife.

You know, compared with some great nobles in Petersburg, Solovyov's approach is quite simple.

Louisa even knows how many lovers he has had, how the relationship is going, and the situation of Mrs. Recamier.

She is also considering this issue now. As for little Natalia, she plans to arrange for her to marry into the Goncharov family. The other party's parents have agreed, but little Natalia herself has not met Goncharov yet.

She has also made arrangements for the other older maids. The Queen Mother has married most of the older maids, and the ones left now are all younger girls. Miss Vorontsova, who has not arranged a marriage, has returned to London to accompany her father. In fact, only the young girl who has just arrived here needs to be arranged.

This makes Louisa more worried. Little Katya's father has just rejected the Saltykov family, and it is not appropriate to arrange a marriage immediately. So she plans to arrange a secret blind date. As for engagement, both parties need to reach a secret agreement.

Although it sounds a bit strange, it is more appropriate to do so. Blind dates are just general meetings. As for engagement agreements, cooling-off periods, and wedding ceremonies, they can all be put aside.

After all, little Katya is also the granddaughter of Prince Krimsky. She can't delay her life. If Soloviev is not suitable, the girl can get out in time.

In this mentality, she arranged for little Katya to be by her side when she was recuperating in the Tavrid Palace.

". Your Highness, at this time."

"Don't worry, it's just an attempt. I will talk to your father, Prince Vasily, about this matter. And if it's not suitable, this engagement can be cancelled. You are still young, and I don't want to delay you, so I need to be more cautious."

"Your Highness, if it's Brother Mishka, he still takes care of me a little, but I don't know... Sorry, I don't know how to say it. You know that his sister Yulia and I are good friends. If we get engaged like this, it's inevitable."

Louisa also knew that Soloviev was indeed a little fickle, but when he was with a woman, as long as he established a little emotional foundation, he was still very attentive.

A good sign, little Katya didn't resist, but just felt a little embarrassed.

As for Sergei Saltykov, the problem is his mother. If the "old witch" knows about it, it may cause some trouble.

But such engagements and proposals are always accompanied by duels and various disturbances.

Soloviev's background, on the other hand, depends on the Dolgorukov family. Although this family is no longer as influential in the army as it was during the Empress's time, it is still suitable.

After returning home, little Katya mentioned this to her father, Prince Vasily, and the result was a positive response.

The couple was also quite satisfied with Soloviev, whom they had met many times.

". But we are also worried that although he is a promising young officer and very capable, he has some minor problems when he comes from the Guards."

"Even so, compared with brother Vasya, it is much better."

Little Katya said this about her elder brother, not without reason. He was arranged by Soloviev to fill the vacancy in the Semenovsky Regiment. He has a position in the Guards headquarters, which is very convenient.

However, as soon as he arrived at the Guards, Prince Vasily mixed with the young officers of the Guards.

In the eyes of little Katya, her brother had brought many young ladies around the streets of Petersburg in a few months, and brought them to Prince Saltykov's house twice. Compared with Solovyov, who had only one public route and had a long-term close relationship with Madame Recamier, the latter was more "restrained" and did not play so much. Instead, he looked quite conservative.

She knew the rules and knew that young officers from aristocratic families could not all be like Count Stroganov, who had a very good relationship with his wife and was loyal.

She was always sensible earlier, and the situation of her two brothers was different. The second brother was more stable than his age, while the eldest brother was like that. If we really compare them, Solovyov, the "Mishka brother", is more suitable, but it also needs to be observed.

As for Prince Vasily and his wife, after considering it, they agreed to meet first. The parents of both sides also knew each other in social occasions, but they just needed to avoid the sight of Princess Saltykova, the "old witch". It was really strange.

As for the next thing, Louisa will find Solovyov to discuss this matter.

Before that, Alexander's approval and endorsement are also needed.

When the Tsar heard his wife's idea, he didn't have any objections. He just felt that Solovyov had several lovers before and after, and he was not the most suitable candidate.

However, it is much more reliable than the previous "old witch"'s plan to force Katya to become her daughter-in-law.

No matter how it looks, Solovyov is a young officer with ability and prospects, who is not dependent on his family background. According to his merits, he should be promoted to general.

And Sergei Saltykov, he still relies on his father's status to some extent. His ability is not to say, his reputation outside is also average, and the great nobles will have some unclear things, which makes Solovyov stand out.

Even if he knew the secret, Alexander would do so, after all, he can get rid of this person.