Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796

On the banks of the Neman River, several Cossacks were grazing their horses sporadically. They had been stationed here for some time.

For nearly a month, the situation on the other side has been very quiet, and even no French people have been seen.

"Captain, these people are wearing blue clothes, so they must be French, right?"

"Well, Frenchmen, doesn't that seem a little strange to you, Samoilov?"

"Captain, you're making fun of the French. What's so strange about them? They just wear blue clothes and speak French. And you know what? These Frenchmen are carrying logs. What are they going to do? It doesn't look like they're building a house."

"Samoilov, you see them carrying wood, what else can they do except build houses?"

Captain Karpov couldn't stand this buddy. Both of them were Cossack Guards, but their brains were obviously not on the same level.

"Well, I think they're going to build a bridge. That's not good."

The two men also noticed that several French hunting cavalry were appearing on the other side of the Neman River, and there was definitely something wrong with their posture.

"And the chasseurs are coming for us, Samoilov. Now we must run."

Seeing the two Cossacks preparing to run away, the hunting horsemen did not care so much. They approached the river bank and fired their guns first, then crossed the river from the shallow ferry to chase them, hoping to catch them.

Well, it can be considered as a recapture of the opening credits.

French engineers were now building a bridge over the Neman River, apparently preparing to launch an attack.

Even at this time, the diplomatic note from the French side was sent out. Since the Tsar himself was not in St. Petersburg but went to Bennigsen's villa, the declaration of war had not arrived so far, and it was sent here from two directions.

Opposite Vilna the French had begun to gather their forces.

Napoleon felt that he was not declaring war without declaration, after all, he had Lauriston send a message.

But looking at it this way, it's actually no different from the Imperial Army stealing American pearls.

Alexander was at a banquet, with General Bennigsen as the host. Since the Tsar himself was coming, the banquet had to be well prepared, especially since there were many generals and senior staff present.

However, according to Alexander's habit, he would also bring female relatives with him. But because Louisa was at home taking care of the children and was running a women's association, he brought the Polish girl today, and also brought his favorite daughter, Sofia Naryshkina. The child was very beautiful, but weak and sickly.

But Alexander was very fond of his daughter, so he brought her to General Bennigsen's villa. However, there were only adults here, which made the 4-year-old girl a little confused.

But after all, the Polish girl had good family education, so she took her child over to live with some other female relatives.

"Your Majesty, today's weather looks good. It's a good time to go out for a walk on the balcony. The upper balcony has a view of the entire garden."

"Bennigsen, I know you like to observe the situation from a high place."

"Your Majesty, it is a habit that all soldiers have. If you occupy a high ground, you can overlook the surroundings and have a clearer understanding of the situation on the battlefield."

"But now?"

"It depends on the situation, but if Bonaparte attacks, it would be too disrespectful to His Majesty."

When Alexander heard this, he could only say that this was a normal situation. If the person Bennigsen was talking about was an ordinary monarch, there might not be a fight.

The problem was that this dwarf from Corsica married his sister, and even after having an heir, he was still not satisfied, because Russia's permission for British ships flying the American flag to enter the port of St. Petersburg became evidence of violating the Continental Blockade.

In fact, it was just a gesture at this time. After France forcibly occupied the lands of many Russian relatives and states, it did not take the guarantees it made to Russia seriously.

"But he is Bonaparte after all, and he always does things according to his own will."

"If he dares to come, we will also drive this enemy out for the emperor."

Bennigsen said this, but he also had some plans.

Alexander was not unaware that old Den was very cunning. He was the only one among the regicides who was completely acquitted in the end because of his testimony. The rest were either hanged on the gallows with urinary incontinence or locked up in the countryside.

What he is going to say may just be something he says to please himself.

He turned around to look at his attendants and adjutants. Only Peter Volkonsky was following him, while the others were talking to others.

"Petya, you can go and dance with someone, and you brought your wife with you today."

"Your Majesty, I think you still need to have a general on duty by your side at all times, not just a few adjutants."

He was so devoted to his duties that Alexander was very pleased.

"Well, if nothing happens this year, I can give you a room rate for the winter, and you and your wife can go to the south to spend the winter."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I miss this place."

A Guards officer came in hastily, looking panicked, with a Cossack regiment behind him.

"Your Majesty, I think there must be something wrong. I will go and take a look first."

After Volkonsky received the letter, he opened it directly and became a little nervous after reading it.

After all, it is necessary to save some time, and when Alexander needs to make a decision, he, as the chief of staff, also needs to make judgments quickly and provide advice.

"Petya, what's all the fuss about?"

"Your Majesty, please take a look. At least I feel a little shocked. There may be news from Petersburg soon."

"Any news that came back? The French are really ridiculous."

After Alexander saw it, although he said this, he already had his own thoughts in his mind.

However, he did not express his opinion immediately, but just called Volkonsky over again.

"Petya, first call Mr. Shishkov over, and then send an adjutant to find the tutor and convey my opinion."

The Tsar himself obviously did not want to spoil the mood of today's banquet. In fact, the only people in the venue who knew that France had invaded were the generals and adjutants beside him.

Stay calm during an invasion, always act normal, and don't make others worry too much.

From this perspective, when the World Trade Center was hit, Xiao Shuchu's behavior in front of the children was quite normal. At least he continued to read the story. On the contrary, the thoughtful performance in the movie looked very fake.

Volkonsky also went to arrange things, and quickly pulled Balashov, who was closer, over.

Although he was unreliable as Minister of Police and aroused the anger of the liberals because he was too targeted at Speransky, Alexander did not let this loyal dog run too far. He just relieved him of his most important position and let him continue to serve as aide-de-camp.

"Your Majesty always has to have a general on duty. Please stay here while I go and arrange some things."

Balashov was also a smart man. He knew something big might happen as soon as he heard it.

But he couldn't control his posture. When Volkonsky went to do business, he made himself look like Mr. Bean moving in the corridor, which really attracted a lot of people's attention.

"Balashov, why do you walk like this?"

"Your Majesty, Prince Volkonsky has gone to arrange some matters. What do you want?"

"I need an envoy to go to the French emperor. I think this is a good thing for you to do."

The task that Balashov took on was indeed a heavy responsibility.

"With pleasure, sir, I will go to the residence of the French emperor."

"Of course not to Paris. He has already reached the bank of the Neman River. Of course you also have to ask the French how to get to their headquarters."

"Your Majesty, perhaps the Emperor of France will ask as well."

Balashov deliberately left Alexander with something to say, and the Tsar himself understood it and then spoke.

"Napoleon might ask you which road is closer to somewhere, maybe Petersburg or Moscow. I think he would go to Moscow."

Even though Alexander had a poor understanding of military affairs, he could actually guess what Napoleon was thinking.

Just like in the past, I have conquered so many beautiful cities in Europe, and of course I have to go to Moscow.

Although it was a bit out of place, Alexander was good at getting along with people and was also a cunning person. He always understood Napoleon's thoughts, but this was just one way.

For this reason, Balashov followed Alexander into a separate suite. While others were still talking, he also had to make some preparations.

Seeing that the Tsar himself and his adjutants had taken action, and even the Secretary of State had come over, it was inevitable that people would talk about it.

But the first stage is just doubtful, which is good after all.

"Your Majesty, what should we do now?"

After Volkonsky and Balashov were assigned their tasks, the other court attendants also took their positions. It was appropriate for the Naryshkins to ask questions at this time.

"Those with military posts can stay here, and the rest can continue to attend the ball. However, you must keep this secret from the ladies. You can't ruin the current atmosphere. Moreover, many of them have husbands in the army. You should not cause panic and worry. At least you have to get through today."

After the palace attendants left, only the generals were left.

"We must summon Barclay, and deploy the troops according to his wishes."

This is very clear. As the commander of the 1st Army and Secretary of War, Barclay did indeed formulate a series of plans for fighting against France.

Alexander approved of his battle strategy, and when it came to orders, Barclay was the first person mentioned, which is very telling.

When he said this, Arakcheev had already hurried over. He was sitting quite far away and initially was chatting with the attendant general Prince Trubetskoy in the garden.

"You have come at the right time. I think all the governors should be prepared for war. The French have come, but as long as there is a French soldier still in Russia, we will not negotiate."

What he said now is a tough attitude. Of course, as a monarch, he also needs to have an attitude. If he encounters a tough opponent, he may hesitate.

"So when will the order be given publicly?"

"Alexey Andreyevich," Alexander suddenly added the father's name, which could also reflect the urgency of the situation and its seriousness. "Tonight, when we return to the palace, Mr. Shishkov will issue an order. You will go to Petersburg and tell Nikolai Ivanovich that he will be in charge of all matters other than war. You can hold a meeting."

Of course, the specific matters were still handed over to Prince Saltykov the Younger. Although Alexander did not like him, this man did have some talents. Usually when the top leaders were away, he could play a role in St. Petersburg to maintain the operation of the government.

As for the order issued by Alexander himself, it will soon reach St. Petersburg.

This also includes the palace. Queen Mother Maria is naturally the chief lady of the court, so she also needs to be taken care of.

So Alexander called Count Rumyantsev.

"You and my mother have always had a good relationship. I think there are some things that I always need you to convey."

"What about Her Majesty? Your Majesty, I think you should pay more attention to the Queen and Her Majesties at this time."

Count Rumyantsev's words actually implied that Alexander needed to make a decision. If something happened, although the Grand Tutor had been arranged to supervise the country, a Grand Duke would also be needed as the heir.

"That would be in accordance with the law of succession, Count. But when you go to Petersburg, you can also go to the Winter Palace and tell Liza that she should at least take care of the children. Besides, she doesn't need to worry too much. After all, I won't go directly to the battlefield. I will only review the troops."

Having said that, Alexander indeed knew that his command ability was not good enough.

But he also omitted one point, which seemed to be intentional, that is, he did not decide on the candidate for the Russian commander-in-chief.

Although he secretly hoped that Barclay would be the commander-in-chief, after all, he had the personal ability and it would be more appropriate for him to execute the entire strategy.

However, Barclay is half German, and his qualifications have caused him to be severely criticized in the generals' circle, and his relationship with Prince Bagration has even deteriorated recently.

Among the commanders of the 1st Army, only Wittgenstein, who had always been honest and focused on fighting, did not oppose him. Moreover, if a real fight broke out, he would probably still have to protect the flanks.

There was a lot of discussion among the main armies, and there were many comments that were unfavorable to Barclay.

Therefore, he did not make up his mind, but just lamented in his heart that the other suitable candidates were not suitable.

Prince Bagration was more active and belligerent and was obviously reluctant to implement this strategy.

General Tormasov was far away in the south and would not be able to come back for a while.

This guy Bennigsen is not only old, but also likes to fight for power. He was also a participant in the murder of his own father. He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve and can be a chief of staff.

Unfortunately for Kutuzov, Kamensky the Younger had died of illness, leaving behind an orphan and a widow.

I thought of little Kamensky, and even Alexander thought of Solovyov and Arkasha. It would be better if they were ten years older. One of them showed his ability in the Balkans, and the other could control the generals of the stab with the legacy of the Grand Marshal. (End of this chapter)