Chapter 828 Russia's Choice

Chapter 829 Russia's Choice

After Count Stroganov explained Queen Mary's attitude in detail, Caterina II asked anxiously:

"What about French politics's view on this matter?"

The major event of marriage between the two countries has never been decided by the king or queen alone, but is reflected in the political will of the entire country.

"Most ministers have not expressed their opinions yet," said the ambassador to France. "However, in my previous reports, I mentioned to you many times that the French prince is the real holder of the authority of the Palace of Versailles.

“And according to the news I heard from the Countess de Berninac, it was precisely because the prince of France was in love with His Highness that the queen decided to join forces.

"So, I judge that the core officials of France should not object."

The Tsar smiled happily: "Hoho, Sasha is so likable everywhere."

France sent a signal of marriage at this time, which was like a drowning man suddenly caught driftwood.

You should know that Russia's operating model for hundreds of years has always been - trying hard to squeeze internally, and then releasing internal pressure through external expansion to achieve balance.

Therefore, even if the cruel Tsar in Russian history is, as long as he wins in foreign wars, his throne will be as stable as Mount Tai. Even the Russians would praise his violence as bravery.

Once the external expansion fails, an awl will appear under the Tsar Ren's butt.

Caterina II knew very well that since Russia was defeated in Poland and Crimea was disturbed by Cosciusko again, the undercurrent of St. Petersburg opposition to her has begun to surge.

She herself was able to ascend the throne by relying on the military's dissatisfaction with the former Tsar Peter III, that is, her husband.

Now she doesn't like her son Paul and has always wanted to pass the throne directly to her grandson Alexander. It's hard to guarantee that Paul won't take the opportunity to start a coup or something.

But if it could marry the French royal family, it would definitely be a glory for Russia that it had never been before, which would greatly improve her political dilemma.

She is already planning to expand in Persia, and as long as the war goes well there, she can regain her throne.

The next day.

Several of the most important officials in the Russian political arena were summoned to the bedroom of Catherine II.

They have not seen the Tsar for three or four months. Since the Tsar was in poor health, his daily government affairs were passed down by Zubov. It can be seen that there is a major event to discuss today.

With the help of two servants, Catherine II moved to the chair with difficulty and waved his hand to Count Troganov: "Tell them."

"Yes, your majesty."

The ambassador to France briefly introduced the hope of marriage between France. Before he finished speaking, Feodor Rostupchin, the governor of St. Petersburg, stood up and bowed to the Tsar, saying, "Your Majesty, everyone knows that there is France behind Warsaw. The shadow of the French. The French are not worth our trust!”

Zubov glanced at him and said slowly, "You are too alarmist, Your Excellency the Governor. France and Poland are just normal business dealings. They have not provided even a gun to the Poles.

"After the war broke out, they cared about the silver mines and ports they invested in in Poland, which was a normal move."

Yes, this Tsar's lover is also a "sensible method". Perhaps because his former biggest political enemy, Poech, had a stance towards Britain, he had always advocated getting close to France.

Bezborodko, chief adviser for foreign affairs of the Tsar, nodded and echoed: "To be honest, our country has always been the largest trading country in Britain, and the French have never been hostile to us because of this."

Suvorov immediately continued: "In fact, the intelligence agencies believe that the French have a considerable influence on the Polish army."

He had no evidence, so he didn't get involved in this issue and said:

"And we should really consider the British reaction seriously. A war breaks out in Britain and France, and it is even more than the Seven Years' War."

He looked at Catherine II: "Your Majesty, if you marry France at this time, you will be regarded by Britain as our choice to be enemies with them."

Bezborodko smiled and shook his head: "Mr. Marshal, you don't need to worry about this at all. On the contrary, the British will strengthen their ties with our country in order to prevent us from falling completely towards France."

"Then we don't need to offend the UK..."

Nikolai Rumentsev, the eldest son of Marshal Rumentsev, said to the Tsar: "Your Majesty, I think that Britain and France are too far away from our country, and Austria is what we should care about the most.

"If France can hit Austria hard on the battlefield, this is the most beneficial thing for our country."

Caterina II nodded deeply with consent.

Among the European powers, Austria is Russia's biggest competitor. Both countries have major conflicts of interest in the Balkans and Poland.

When Russia defeats Poland, Austria will be Russia's biggest obstacle to Europe - yes, the Russians always believe that they will occupy Poland, and this failure only delays the process a little.

Rostupchin sneered: "The French are facing siege from Britain, Pu'O, and many German states. The coalition forces are more than twice that of France. I think France will be the one who was hit hard in the end."

Bezborodko glanced at him: "You may not have known the situation in the west for a long time. The French army has controlled most of Northern Italy and is preparing to attack Mantua. On the other hand, their troops captured Brussels. .

"Now Sardinia has changed its position and formed an alliance with France. And Spain has not even sent its own army."

The ambassador to France immediately echoed: "I swear, Governor General, the French army is very powerful, and this is what I have seen with my own eyes."

Bezborodko bowed to the Tsar and said, "Your Majesty, only by showing goodwill to France when the two sides of the war were still in a stalemate can they get the most gratitude.

“Even if France is really defeated, it may not be a bad thing for our country.

"At that time, France needs to borrow our country's influence to improve its diplomatic environment, so we can propose some exchange conditions, such as isolating the Ottoman.

"I heard that the French fleet miraculously drove the British out of the Mediterranean, and they currently have an absolute say in the Mediterranean."

Suvorov argued for a while, but although he was a military genius, he was no match for these civil servants in the field of politics and diplomacy, and soon became silent.

Seeing this, Catherine II signaled Zupov to help him get up, and said to the ambassador to France: "Earl of Stroganov, invite the French Queen's envoy to St. Petersburg."

This kind of diplomatic matter with a huge impact is usually discussed under the table first, and the main person will show up and go through the proper process.