"War is not the only way to solve problems, and even if it is, we don't need to use it when we are not ready." Milyukin's words rang out, which finally cooled down the originally manic atmosphere in the countermeasures room. "We are now in a very disadvantageous position, the defense line on the east bank of the Yenisei River is precarious, and although there are still sufficient forces on the west bank, in the event of a major defeat of the army, the collapse of the situation will be completely irreparable. Therefore, I personally suggested that it was imperative for the Empire to send an important minister to the Far Eastern front to supervise the front, in order to prevent the worst from happening. ”

In fact, the situation that Russia is now encountering is more tense than Millyugin suggests, and the situation in the Far East is not mentioned, but as far as the country is concerned, in order to cope with the continuous war, the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the shipbuilding program of the navy, the government finances are almost bankrupt. As a last resort, Alexander III had to raise the tax rate year after year, causing misery for the common people. In addition, bureaucrats and aristocrats at all levels worked in their hands to fill their own pockets, and various natural disasters befell from time to time. Ordinary civilians who had no way to survive rose up in anger, and civil unrest broke out in the empire from time to time.

Although during the reign of Alexander II, Russia began to reform the capitalist economic system, but because of his sudden death, the whole reform suddenly came to a standstill. Alexander III did not inherit his father's legacy, and the strong opposition of the great nobles made the new tsar who had just succeeded to the throne dare not act rashly. Therefore, although the Russian Empire at this time began the process of industrialization, it was still an agricultural country in nature.

In contrast, the Northeast has seen a smooth process of industrialization and the creation of two new overseas colonies. Although they did not plunder the colonies as the European powers did, the colonies in Northeast Africa were rich in gold, diamonds, and other minerals. The grain output of the five provinces in Southeast Asia is enough to supply the northeast, and rubber and cane sugar are exported to the world. With the support of local technology in Northeast China, the two have burst out with unprecedented vitality. The current industrial structure and fiscal revenue in the Northeast are beyond Russia's reach, so the Northeast Autonomous Region can afford to fight a protracted war, while Russia is becoming increasingly tired.

The old Grand Duke Nikolai suddenly said: "Your Majesty, the minister agrees with the Minister of War. However, the minister has only been sent now...... Is it already a little too late in time? ”

St. Petersburg was basically the westernmost part of the Russian Empire, far from Krasnoyalks Krai, and even though most of the journey was now served by train, it would take three to four weeks to reach the front at the earliest.

"Miliu Jinqing, Uncle Huang's opinion is very reasonable. What do you think? ”

"Back to Your Majesty, as far as I know Lord Dragomilov, although it seems that there is not much chance of completely recovering the front on the east bank of the Yenisei River. However, the West Bank front believes that with him in charge, there should not be too many mistakes. The reason why he hoped that His Majesty would send another important minister to the Far Eastern front was also to stabilize the morale of the army. Seeing Alexander III's slightly suspicious look, Milyugin continued: "Of course, this alone is not enough to alleviate the current crisis. At the same time as sending a mission to the front, we also have to start negotiations with the Northeast Autonomous Region. ”

"Now that the northeast has surrounded our troops on the east bank of the Yenisei River, it seems very unfavorable for us to start negotiations now." Grand Duke Sergei, the younger brother of the tsar, the future ruler of Moscow, asked at this time.

"The Grand Duke is right, it is true." Milyugin nodded.

Alexander III frowned and said: "Since this is the case, why do we still have to negotiate with the Northeast?" ”

"There is a good saying that what can be obtained at the negotiating table does not have to be fought on the battlefield. Maybe we can get an unexpected surprise at the negotiating table. Of course, according to my understanding of the Northeast Autonomous Region, it is less likely that this kind of mistake will occur in this kind of misstep of a people as greedy and evil as Judah. But what we are asking for is a truce, and it would be better to delay the negotiations so that we have enough time to resolve our own problems. In the coming years, the first task of the Empire is to build the railway to Krasnoyarks as much as possible, and only then will our logistics be secured. As long as the railway is not connected, we will not go to war, and we will negotiate with the Northeast. ”

Alexander III clenched his hands into fists, and his face was very ugly. But everyone can understand that the words of War Minister Milyugin are very reasonable. But the Tsar also knew how humiliating the empire would be if he was in a weak position.

Milyukin saw Alexander III's changing expression, but he didn't see it, and still continued: "In addition to the railway, we must also vigorously develop air defense weapons, and the breakthrough found in the northeast of this campaign in the positions of our army was made by the air force in the northeast of Tongguò. Of course, if possible, I hope that we can also build our own air force. ”

Production of anti-aircraft weapons, in a few years, Russia is still possible, but the creation of the Air Force...... Even the most optimistic Russians can only adopt the most pessimistic attitude in this regard. The cost of an airship is extremely expensive, and the technical requirements are even more demanding. At present, the world's first air force, and the only air force, is the Northeast Air Force. Germany and France are building air forces, and Germany will also have its own air force in the near future because it has introduced some airship manufacturing technology from the northeast and has also purchased a large amount of helium from the northeast for airship airbag filling. France is an independent R&D and manufacturing airship, and before the rise of the Northeast Army, they were the world's first airship power. However, at that time, the development of airships was more of an individual act, so progress was slow. Now the Northeast Air Force has proved the great power of airships in actual combat, so other countries have set up projects one after another and started their own research.

Relatively speaking, the British and American airships are still in the initial stage of development. As for Russia, because of the perennial war with the Northeast, the airship project was established very early, but in view of the low level of science and technology in the country, it has been difficult to make progress.

"We have been developing airships for four or five years, but without the technology of the Northeast, airships are difficult to play much role on the battlefield except for surveillance." Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolayevich has always been in charge of this aspect and therefore has a very strong say.

Alexander III saw Skobelev's expression at this time, he actually liked this famous imperial general very much, otherwise he would not have spared his life.

"Skobelev, say whatever you want."

Skobelev was slightly stunned, but after all, he was not an ordinary person, and quickly began to talk eloquently. "Since it is difficult for the empire to achieve results in airship research in the short term, it is better to cooperate with the French to develop it, so that they can not only share the risks, but also learn from each other's strengths."