When Kulikov resolutely returned to his position, in Petrograd, a few hundred kilometers away, Lenin, who was in a good mood, was humming the "Internationale" in a ridiculous manner in the Smolny Palace. This is a rare occurrence for a politician like his who is moody and good at hiding his emotions.

Sverdlov, who walked in to report on the work, immediately realized that there must be some exciting good news reaching his old man's ears.

He asked curiously, "Is there any good news?" Comrade Lenin. ”

Lenin didn't seem to hear the question, "Oh, Yakov, you came at the right time. The Mentor's voice was a bit exaggerated, and his arms were outstretched, as if he wanted to embrace Sverdlov. But he soon realized how out of shape his performance was. He put his hand down, then smiled, "I'm sorry, it looks like I'm too excited." ”

Of course, Sverdlov didn't dare to accuse the mentor of anything, and even if the old man was a hippie smile, he was really temperamental, and he deserved to praise ten thousand words, not to mention that he was just a little proud?

He immediately pretended that nothing had happened, nodded and agreed: "At this moment when the revolutionary situation is very good, as long as you are a real Bolshevik, you can't help but get excited. In the whole Smolny Palace, all the comrades were extremely excited and full of passion for their work. The efficiency is amazing! After saying this, he asked without leaving a trace: "However, the news that can make you so happy must be great news, right?" ”

"You still don't know the way?"

Lenin looked a little surprised, much to Sverdlov's bewilderment, as well as his question: "What do you know?" ”

"Looks like you really haven't gotten the news yet." There was a pause. It's like thinking about why Sverdlov hasn't gotten the news yet. Lenin went on to say: "Comrade Frunze has already routed Karekin's troops. You see, now Moscow's enemies are already turtles in the urn. As long as the comrades in Moscow act decisively, victory is just around the corner! ”

"You are quite right, Comrade Frunze's victory was a major blow to the enemy." Sverdlov laughed, as if he was also intoxicated by this "good news", but only he knew in his own heart that he had known the news last night. Why did the Mentor only receive this news now?

Thinking of this, Sverdlov couldn't help but have some doubts in his heart, could it be that someone was deliberately blocking the news about Moscow? In fact, he already had a suspicion, and no one else would do it except that Comrade Iron might do it.

After thinking about it, he considered the wording and said cautiously: "Yesterday, when I learned the news, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep...... ”

Lenin's face immediately fell. He no longer had the joy of a moment before, and his face was so gloomy that it almost dripped.

"Yesterday?" He asked sullenly. "Yakov, you're saying you got the news yesterday?"

Sverdlov said very calmly: "That's right, Comrade Frunze personally sent a telegram to the Central Committee yesterday to report the good news. In fact, the day before yesterday, he had already routed Karekin, pursued for a whole day, and completely wiped out the remnants of Karekin's troops before ......"

Lenin's brow furrowed, he stopped Sverdlov from going on, patted the bell on the table, and called Krupskaya: "Bring the original of Comrade Frunze's good news in the morning!" ”

Krupskaya was confused, she looked at Lenin, then at Sverdlov, and only then did Lenin repeat his order again, and she hurried away.

"You're here to report work?" Lenin changed the subject.

"Yes," Sverdlov nodded, took out a stack of papers from his briefcase and handed them over, "There are some documents in this that you need to circle, and they are all personnel arrangements of the Organization Department. The most important thing is the work report sent back by Comrade Andrei......" Speaking of this, he paused slightly and continued: "I think this report needs to be seen by you personally!" ”

Lenin, of course, knew what it meant that he needed to see it himself, that is, that the report was very important, and the content was very sensitive, and it was not suitable for external transmission. He nodded silently, put on his glasses and carefully checked the work report written by someone word by word, but it didn't take long for him to slap the table angrily: "Play the piano!" ”

Sverdlov was taken aback, he didn't know if the three words "playing the piano" in the road referred to Li Xiaofeng or those things in the work report.

Fortunately, Lenin quickly solved the riddle: "I always thought that the situation in Moscow was complicated and troublesome. But I never imagined that the situation there would be so complicated! ”

Speaking of this, he put down the report in his hand and asked Sverdlov: "Comrade Yakov, do you think that what Comrade Andrei has reported is true?" ”

Sverdlov said without hesitation: "I think it should be basically true, it can also be seen from the telegram sent to the Central Committee by the Moscow Central Executive Committee that their determination is not very firm, if Zinoviev and Kamenev do a little more work, it is conceivable that they will be shaken!" ”

Lenin sighed and nodded silently, "That's true. It seems that sending Andrei this time was the right decision. But since the situation there is so severe, why doesn't he respond directly to the central government, but instead transmits the report through you? ”

Sverdlov didn't take the stubble, because he wasn't fit to express his opinion on Li Xiaofeng's issue, at least not to praise someone too directly. As for why someone doesn't directly report the problem through normal channels, I still need to say this reason? It's not that your old man didn't see it just now, even Frunze's good news was deliberately suppressed overnight, if Li Xiaofeng really went through normal channels to report the problem, I'm afraid you are not the only one who was kept in the dark at this time.

He did not answer this question directly, but said: "The report on the work of Comrade Andrei was handed over to the Central Executive Committee of the All-Russian Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies, after all, he was a special member of the Central Executive Committee and reported problems to the Central Executive Committee. The procedure is correct. And he knows it too. As soon as I receive the report. I will have to ask you for instructions. ”

Lenin nodded silently, and he heard Sverdlov's overtones, which was nothing more than saying that it was not safe to take the line of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Bolsheviks. As for what is not safe, Lenin will not ask, and it is not very meaningful to ask, because the matter is obvious.

Seeing that the mood of the tutor was not high, Sverdlov hurriedly said: "According to the latest feedback from Comrade Andrei. Through his efforts with Vladimirsky and Pjanitsky, Zinoviev's conspiracy has been basically crushed, and the arrogance of the enemy has been dealt a heavy blow, and the enemy has been surrounded in the Ariksei Military Technique Academy, as long as it takes a while, they can be completely cut off! ”

"That's good!" Lenin rejoiced, and as he continued to praise Li Xiaofeng, the office door opened, and Krupskaya and Stalin walked in.

Seeing Stalin, Sverdlov frowned slightly. Xindao: Steel, your sense of smell is really sensitive! The mentor has just made a move. You're here, and sure enough, that's what you did!

Lenin also looked at Stalin heavily, he didn't expect that this matter would implicate Stalin, and when he thought that this seemingly loyal hemp son was so bold and carried him behind his back in Moscow, the mentor's face could not be good-looking.

"Comrade Lenin, I am admitting my mistake to you!"

Without waiting for Lenin to ask, Stalin spoke first, "I am very sorry that Comrade Frunze's telegram and the message from Moscow were delayed because of my negligence in my work!" ”

Negligent at work? Sverdlov laughed in his heart, who are you fooling! How can such important news be delayed, unless you do it on purpose.

Stalin bowed his head and continued: "The work of the Secretariat of the Central Committee was busy during this period, and Comrade Yakov went to deal with the affairs of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviets of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies. There were so many things that came at once, and the Secretariat was overwhelmed, which is why there was such a major omission. In this regard, I make a profound review, please criticize me! ”

Before Lenin could speak, Sverdlov was itching with hatred in his heart, since he became chairman of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the Soviet Central Committee, the Secretariat of the Central Committee could not take care of it, and could only let the second secretary, Stalin, preside over the daily work. And now it's a good thing, this sinister guy doesn't have to criticize himself, and secretly throws him out, which means nothing more than that he Sverdlov not only doesn't care about things, but also makes a small report when things happen.

How insidious this is, if Lenin wants to pursue this matter, he will definitely not be able to run away from Sverdlov, so if Sverdlov does not want to be implicated, then it is better not to play casually, otherwise he Stalin may have more disgusting tricks waiting for him.

Therefore, although Sverdlov was annoyed in his heart, he could only say good things about Stalin: "It is true that there is a lot of work in this section, and it is also quite complicated, and I have never been in charge of the work of the Secretariat, and Comrade Stalin is not familiar with the work of the Secretariat, so it is normal for him to make mistakes. Comrade Lenin, I think it would be enough to educate Comrade Stalin in criticism. ”

Well, this time it's Stalin's turn to vomit blood, and it looks like Sverdlov is excusing him, but in fact these words should be interpreted like this - I am very good at the work of the Central Secretariat, and it has been working very well before, all because of my Sverdlov. You see, if you change Stalin, there will be a mess, right? This fully shows that Comrade Stalin's abilities are limited, and I am afraid that he will not be able to shoulder this heavy responsibility.

But Stalin couldn't have a seizure, who made it appear that Sverdlov was saying good things about him? than such covert small means, where Stalin was Sverdlov's opponent.

Lenin raised his eyelids, and he could naturally see the open and secret struggle between his left and right arms, but this level of struggle was still beneficial to him, and he naturally did not take sides, but just talked about the facts.

"Comrade Yakov, although you have a lot of work, you must also devote a part of your energy to helping Comrade Stalin to get the work of the Secretariat in check...... And you, Comrade Stalin, must be more careful in your work in the future, and must not make such mistakes. Otherwise, this is a political mistake and a crime! ”

The cold sweat on Stalin's head fell, and he heard what Lenin meant, and the teacher was warning him. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. Don't think that this excuse will blind me. You have made a very serious political mistake and are committing a crime. The reason why you are not held accountable today is because of your first offense, and the nature is not particularly bad, but there will never be a next time!

Stalin hurriedly nodded yes: "I must remember your teachings, and I will work more carefully and carefully!" ”

Of course, Lenin will not take this kind of words completely seriously, and he must also watch his deeds by listening to his words, otherwise he, the leader, will not be fooled to death by the people below.

"Let's talk about it. What is the state of affairs in Moscow now? ”

Lenin knew very well that the two people in front of him probably knew the best about the situation in Moscow in the entire party, and Sverdlov needless to say, the dead party was over there, as long as Li Xiaofeng knew about it, he would not hide it from him; As for Stalin, Lenin believed that the telegrams that had been withheld were probably his handwriting. Maybe he's using the messages in these telegrams to make a small move.

Stalin looked at Lenin, and then at Sverdlov, and he did not want to answer the question at all. He would have preferred Sverdlov to take the initiative. Still, obviously. Sverdlov didn't mean to open his mouth at all, so he had to bite the bullet.

"The overall situation in Moscow is good, and under the correct leadership of the Moscow Central Executive Committee and through sincere cooperation, a series of achievements have been made, and it is only a matter of time before the enemy is destroyed."

Lenin looked at him coldly, and he was not at all satisfied with this empty reply: "The correct leadership of the Central Executive Committee in Moscow? It's as simple as that? Tell us how they led the uprising? Is there anything you can learn from? ”

Stalin involuntarily glanced at Sverdlov again, he wanted to see what the other man's expression was, because he was not sure whether someone had already made a small report in front of the mentor, and if he had not had time to explain everything, then he had room to operate, otherwise, he could only tell the truth honestly.

But how could Sverdlov show traces for him to see, there was no expression on his face at all, and he couldn't see joy or sorrow. This made Stalin scratch his head, let's be honest, he was reluctant, he was afraid of being debunked on the spot.

Therefore, he can only continue to play ambiguously and sloppily: "The main thing is that the comrades are united in their hearts, and their hearts are working hard in one place, and our victory in Petrograd proves this, as long as we are united, the enemy is a chicken, a dog......"

Lenin got impatient and interrupted him: "What about Comrade Andrei's report? As a special commissioner of the Central Committee, he did not reflect some of the situation? ”

"This ......"

Stalin hesitated again, Li Xiaofeng's report of course had it, and the wording was extremely fierce, loudly scolding the "perverse behavior" of the Moscow Central Executive Committee and the Revolutionary Military Committee, and severely accusing some people, of course, this part of the people had negotiated terms with Stalin, and was ready to use them to ensure that he could control Moscow in the future, and he was really reluctant to give up these chess pieces.

"Yes or no!" Lenin became more and more impatient, "If you don't know the way, then I will personally send someone to find it!" ”

"It is true that Comrade Andrei's report is," said Stalin, but when he saw that Lenin's face was very unkind, he hastened to explain: "But I think that Comrade Andrei's report does not stand up to scrutiny at all, and if the comrades in Moscow have so many problems and so big mistakes, then how can they gain an advantage, how can they be about to win the uprising?" Personally, I think that this is Comrade Andrei's exaggeration and deliberate flaunting of his exploits, which has happened to him more than once......"

"Enough!" Lenin shouted angrily, Stalin's attitude already said everything, "Hand in all the reports of Comrade Andrei." Whether his report is true or not, you have no right to detain it. The central government will make a correct judgment on this, and you don't need to overstep your bounds! ”

"But ......"

"Nothing!"

Lenin's impatience grew stronger and stronger, he felt that Stalin was really stupid, and my meaning was very clear, what are you arguing about, and it is only right to admit your mistakes quickly. The more you quibble, the more it shows that you are weak-minded, and the more it shows that you are very wrong, and at that time, you will not be able to end it. By criticizing you now, I will be saving you.

However, Stalin did not understand Lenin's painstaking efforts, and he thought that his mentor was biased towards Sverdlov and Li Xiaofeng, and he could not swallow this breath, and suddenly the Georgians lost their temper.

"Personally, I think ......"

He had just opened his head, the door to the office opened again, and Krupskaya, who had just come out, came in again, and she went directly to Stalin: "Comrade Joseph, Comrade Felix is looking for you and saying that there is something important to ask you!" ”

"What's important?" Before Stalin could answer, Lenin preemptively said, "Let him come in and tell me what is important, so urgent!" ”

Of course, Stalin knew what Dzerzhinsky was looking for him, but in fact he had been looking for an excuse to hide from the Man in the Iron Mask for the past two days, and instinctively wanted to oppose it at the moment, but Krupskaya turned his head and went out of the country, not giving him a chance to intercept at all.

After a while, Dzerzhinsky was brought in, and Dzerzhinsky looked for Stalin for the sake of Moscow, and he sent several reports to Lenin to the sea, and as the problems of the Central Executive Committee in Moscow became more and more serious, he could only ask Stalin in person whether the report had been handed over to his mentor.

"Comrade Felix, what is the matter with Comrade Joseph?" Lenin asked very seriously.

Dzerzhinsky glanced at Stalin, who had a very bad face, and seemed to sense something, and he replied with the same seriousness: "It is about the question of the Central Executive Committee in Moscow, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have found that some of their comrades have very big problems, and these problems are not suitable for public discussion, so I sent a written report to you, hoping that you can give suggestions on how to deal with them, but the Secretariat has not heard back......" (to be continued......