A month after the outbreak of the war.

The news from the Far East was still vague, and the lower classes of the Russian population did not know what was going on there, but in the sights of the workers and townspeople, they learned that there was a great unity—that the great Tsarist army was fighting in the Far East, that they were defeating the Chinese who had invaded the country, and that they were recovering how much land they were recovering every day.

Actually? Even the Tsar himself did not particularly understand what the real situation was like over there.

For a modern country, this is very dangerous, and the consequences will be extremely serious, which should cause the entire upper echelons to respond with all their might.

But not many people in the Tsarist government under Nicholas II seemed to realize that they were less than a foot away from the deaf, blind and foolish.

Up to now, His Majesty the Tsar has received reports that are all lies concocted by the Army Commander Kuropatkin and the Far Eastern Governor Aliksayev. In report after report, the troops of the Far Eastern Military District are still fighting hard positions with a formidable enemy, and they have paid huge casualties for this, but on the whole, they are constantly making progress, the future is bright, and victory is inevitable.

In fact, all this is trying to cover up the fiasco in which they were defeated for thousands of miles as soon as they came up, and hundreds of thousands of troops were almost wiped out!

In the space of a month, Aliksaiev and his men staged no less than 60 tragic battles, "recaptured" about half of the territory, annihilated at least 100,000 enemy troops and 200,000 civilians, and paid a heavy price of about 120,000 casualties.

Kuropatkin swore that they had the ability and determination to regain their lost territory in the near future. and further into the territory of China. Let it fly for such audacity to provoke war. Pay the price of blood!

Nicholas II was very pleased with this, and after another "great victory", he held a grand banquet in the imperial palace with great interest, inviting the nobility and high-ranking bureaucrats of his country, as well as the embassies and consulates of various countries in Russia.

After the first high tide of the banquet, Nicholas II rang the sterling silver wine glass, proudly erected his chest full of medals and ribbons, and his face flushed with excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, on this beautiful night, I want to share with you the victory of great Russia!" Our generals and soldiers fought valiantly in the Far East, and it was they who guaranteed a happy peace in Russia. God bless us, and the splendor of God will cover the world! Cheers! ”

"Cheers!"

The sound of joy was like thunder, echoing in the open and empty dance hall.

Nicholas II took a big sip of the wine in the glass with the shelf, swallowed it vigorously, and said eagerly: "Tonight is not only to cheer for the victory of justice and encourage the soldiers from afar, but we also want to share more fun with you." So. Let you gentlemen bear witness with me how cowardly our enemies are! Mr. Minister of China. Please come out! ”

Chinese Minister?

The well-dressed male and female dignitaries in the hall stopped making noise in unison, and as Nicholas II's sword-like arm pointed, in the corner, Wu Tingfang, the Chinese minister to Russia, and Shi Zhaoji, the deputy envoy, stood expressionlessly, and the two of them also held crystal clear glasses with cold water in their hands.

The crowd erupted in laughter, almost all of them from the Russian aristocracy.

The envoys of the other powers and countries had a look of great interest on their faces, clearly waiting to see someone make a fool of themselves. As for which side it was, they didn't care.

The young Russian nobles who were dressed up to attend the banquet, in front of the noblewomen who showed their snow-white breasts, could not wait to show their heroic wisdom, and cried out in a pretended indignant voice: "How dare they come here? Representatives of the warmongers who invaded the territory of our country! Dirty, dishonorable thugs who don't deserve such a noble occasion! Guards, why don't you just kick them out?! ”

In addition to the shouting, there were several grinning swords, clutching the ornamental sabers at their waists, as if they wanted to rush over and punch and kick the annoying, old-looking old man.

However, there are fragrant aristocratic ladies on the side, they can't behave too rudely, it will inevitably lose the dignity of the nobility.

Only a very few people, hearing such a shout, their faces became gloomy and serious.

Among them is the very aggrieved Prime Minister Stolypin, who has recently passed. He could not remember the first time he reminded the Tsar of his excessive optimism, and even more seriously criticized the entire aristocrats and generals of Tsarist Russia, only to be met with overwhelming rebukes and boycotts.

It was the same tonight, and he insisted that the Tsar first make a detailed investigation and collect evidence of the so-called victory reported in the Far East, and not blindly listen to what the generals had to say. We can't rush into a celebration banquet under uncertain news.

Nicholas II was very dissatisfied with this, he took out a Chinese newspaper and slapped it in front of His Excellency the Prime Minister, and could not hide his anger and asked: "Look what they themselves say!" If the victory is doubtful, then why don't the Chinese themselves preach it? I don't think they're going to blatantly cover up what lies ahead! ”

Stolypin is also speechless about this, yes, the Chinese can't blatantly lie to the whole people themselves, right? If they had won, it would have been to be advertised, and the whole world knew how much that country valued the honor of military exploits, and that could be exchanged for all the benefits!

But what he learned from his own sources didn't match any of that at all!

It's just that the tsar himself is displeased, the queen and a large number of nobles are also obviously hostile to him, and there is even a demon on the side, reminding him gloomily: "His Majesty the great tsar has God's favor, and his wisdom is enough to perceive all conspiracies and lies!" His will is the inevitable result, which cannot be doubted or denied! ”

The demon's name was Rasputin. A liar and scoundrel who comes from a greasy, fox-smelling, rude pig-like farmer who is drunk all day long, but who tries to "hypnotize" everyone all day long with a pair of pale blue eyes full of nervousness and madness!

Stolypin didn't see the slightest hint in those eyes, which were "extraordinarily bright, deep, and fascinating." Sharp with kindness. Innocence is shrewd. Unreachable but affectionate, it seems to attract people's attention like a magnetic field."

He swore that if he pulled someone out of the psychiatric hospital and compared it, there was almost no difference between the two.

But helplessly, the Tsar and Empress Alexandra seemed to be fascinated by this damn demon, allowing him to wander around the palace, and even openly ran in front of people to stare at each other's eyes when they summoned ministers to talk about serious business. Want to be "hypnotic".

With Rasputin's fallacies to confuse the public, Stolypin's opposition seems to be clearly "ulterior motives". This made the Tsar, who was already somewhat impatient with him, more and more dissatisfied, and even more ignored all the opinions he put forward.

Tonight, the deliberate invitation of the Chinese minister to a celebratory banquet must have been intended to humiliate the other side, and Stolypin strongly disapproved, but no one listened to him.

In the midst of the noisy shouting and reprimand, the Chinese minister Wu Tingfang's thin cheeks were covered with an unhealthy red, as if he was on fire. The two white eyebrows drooped listlessly, hiding the sharp light in the slitted eyes.

His thin, slightly trembling hands. It seems to show the inner struggle and anger, but the helplessness and shame that he dare not express in person.

This made the surrounding young Russian aristocrats more and more excited, if it weren't for the fact that the other party was just an old man who was almost seventy years old, even if he won the battle, it would not be glorious, maybe their swords would have been drawn long ago.

Only Shi Zhaoji, the deputy envoy on the side, looked indifferent on his mature face, but there was a faint upward line at the corner of his mouth, showing imperceptible sarcasm.

The lights are shining, and under the change of light and shadow, it is difficult to see clearly.

One old and one young, under the merciless ridicule and onlookers, walked forward step by step, and walked to the center of the hall with difficulty under the impact of countless hostile eyes and voices.

It looks like two criminals awaiting a public trial.

The arrogant Chinese have finally put away their arrogance in front of Lao Tzu!

Nicholas II seemed to have won the victory of expanding the territory, and the hundreds of millions of cells in his body boiled with pleasure, and he almost screamed with comfort.

Wine is not drunk, everyone is drunk, his eyes are blurred, but his chest is more and more straight, so that the waist pole is a little tilted back, with a bearded chin aimed at the old man who is as cold and hard as cast iron, and asks in a tone of voice: "Mr. Chinese minister, what do you have to say?" ”

Wu Tingfang was a veteran bureaucrat who came out of the most aggrieved era in the late Qing Dynasty, who was the essence of Chinese and Western scholarship, and was well versed in the routine of engaging in diplomacy.

However, because of this, he has a very good reputation and relations in the diplomatic field of Western countries, and is very popular with all countries. Seeing such a rare diplomat who is relatively friendly to Westerners openly suffer such humiliation, many colleagues still feel related.

Sympathy is sympathy, but it does not mean that you are willing to help him get ahead. After all, Wu Tingfang represents China, a powerful hostile force that is not friendly to the whole West, and a common enemy of Westerners.

The old gentleman coughed with phlegm, and the wine glass in his hand shook for a while, making people worry that he would not be able to hold it and fall to the ground.

He refused Shi Zhaoji, who was trying to help next to him, his old eyes slowly raised, and he glanced at the tsar indifferently, and the old voice filled the entire hall with an awl-like penetrating power: "China has loved peace since ancient times and has never taken the initiative to provoke wars. The territorial dispute between China and Russia is regrettable, but we continue to seek a negotiated solution to the contradictions between the two sides. The soldiers at the front are paying enormous sacrifices every day, their families and children are crying, and precious national resources are being consumed. Ladies and gentlemen, war is a sin and a pain for all mankind! We call on all States to work together to resolve disputes by peaceful means. ”

I don't know if it's because of his age, although his speech is clear, he can't help but babble without a point, and the repeated peaceful arguments quickly make most people bored.

Nicholas II was very disappointed, and according to his idea, tonight, in front of the Russian nobility and high-ranking Russian and foreign envoys, the Chinese bowed their heads and recognised their defeat in the Far East, thus confirming the victory ahead and the successful conclusion of dignity and glory.

The Chinese are very uncooperative, and the annoying old man is endless, and the back-and-forth car talks endlessly. This kind of tonality. Written and verbally repeated at least twenty times, right? My ears can afford to hear calluses!

It was difficult for His Majesty the Tsar to maintain his demeanor and let Wu Tingfang go on and on. He waved his arm very unceremoniously. interrupted: "It seems that Mr. Minister and the Chinese government you represent do not realize the seriousness of the matter!" In this regard, I have to solemnly remind you that although the great Russia is tolerant and generous, its endurance is limited! We will not mind telling all enemies who dare to invade our country in a more drastic way that the consequences will be extremely serious! ”

He used the skills he learned from the "National Teacher" Rasputin and tried to stare at Wu Tingfang fiercely with his eyes narrowed. I hope to show the majesty and murderous aura in my heart, and collapse the old guy on the other side on the spot.

Wu Tingfang's cloudy eyes looked at him, and from that slightly dull gaze, he saw a thick stupidity.

The old man sneered silently in his heart, and sure enough, His Excellency the Great Führer was very good at taking care of people, and assigned the old man the easiest job. It's so refreshing to deal with such a stupid and upright imperial leader who is rarer than a giant panda.

The best thing to do with a fool who thinks he is brilliant is not to prove that you are smarter than him, and it is easier to acknowledge the great achievements in the other person's head.

Wu Tingfang bowed his head silently, and his old body, which was thin as a handful of bones, was particularly bleak. It looks like a gust of wind can blow it away.

Deputy Envoy Shi Zhaoji behind him clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He stared at him with anger and anger, as if he had endured great humiliation, and was about to explode.

One against the other, the foil is just right.

Nicholas II felt that he had won a great victory, and even felt a little pity for the old gentleman who had been "bullied". It seems a bit too much for a powerful emperor to personally release coercion on an old man who has been halfway into the ground!

The aristocrats and important ministers who were watching next to them were full of words and cheered!

Stolypin's brow twisted into a pimple, and he always felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't straighten it out for a while.

Wu Tingfang left with Shi Zhaoji's "gray", and the banquet entered a more enthusiastic link.

Nicholas II retreated triumphantly, and Rasputin, dressed in a black cloak and in the form of a mysterious person, appeared like a ghost, and praised in a cold tone: "Your Majesty has just shown all the majesty of a great emperor, and your body has released a light like the Holy Spirit, which has illuminated the whole soul of the humble Chinese envoy!" I believe that they will be deeply inspired, and they will make deep repentance and self-reproach because of this! ”

"Really? Am I that great? ”

Nicholas II was a little apprehensive, and a little embarrassed, isn't it too much to praise us so much!

Rasputin stared straight into his eyes, and there seemed to be a glint in his eyes, which was probably the strange power that could project the radiance of God in the legend, constantly outputting the high energy that intoxicated the Tsar, and said in a strange voice with great firmness: "There is no room for doubt!" Please believe in your wisdom, it will be a great achievement that surpasses the emperor! ”

Nicholas II was relieved and accepted all flattery.

The ghostly demon monk didn't say much, like a shadow quietly sinking into the darkness.

Soon after, he appeared in a gloomy church, a guy with his collar up to cover most of his face, and with both hands he offered a heavy package, and quickly disappeared without saying a word.

Rasputin couldn't wait to open it, and there was a dizzying light inside! There was gold, there were pearls, there were rare treasures that he had never seen before, and it added up to a staggering number.

"Hehe, those guys are still very sensible, and this kind of cooperation can continue."

He thought secretly, and more whimsical ideas kept popping up in his head, and all kinds of magic stick language were organized into a text, ready to be used to fool the Tsar and his family.

Soon, however, he found a letter underneath the package. When it was opened, it was filled with the latest transaction: "Try to get the tsar to depose Stolypin." ”

Rasputin pursed his lips disdainfully, this is not such a difficult task, just a few more words at the right time, the conscientious Prime Minister will completely anger the Tsar with a series of disobedient acts, thus ruining his own good future.

A minute later, the thin piece of paper exposed to the air suddenly decayed rapidly, turning into ashes that could be blown away in one breath as if by magic.

His Excellency the Demon Monk shuddered with a chill, stared at him in horror, and repeatedly touched around, as if he felt that in those dark shadows, there seemed to be ghosts and shadows, and countless mysteries lurked!

He couldn't help but draw several crosses on his chest in a row, grabbed the package and hurriedly left the church, and the thoughts of repayment and extortion in his heart were suddenly swept away.

Shortly after the monk had left in secrecy, two men emerged from the shadows opposite the church, one of whom was Mr. Stalin the Steel.

He stared at Rasputin with an expressionless face and completely disappeared into the street, his face was cold and murderous, and he said in a low voice: "When the revolution is victorious, I must completely sweep away these damn gods!" ”

The young man on the side asked puzzledly, "Why don't we kill him now?" Should he continue to bewitch the stupid Tsar to make greater mistakes and inflict more harm on Russia? ”

Stalin snorted coldly: "This is already the least costly solution. The sooner the people see the ugly faces of the tsar and the nobility, the easier it will be for our revolution to win, and the price to pay will be lower! ”

The young man nodded as if he had suddenly realized.

Stalin gritted his teeth in his heart and scolded: "The Chinese who come up with ideas and funds are not things!" (To be continued......)