Catherine and the Black Emperor

061. Russia's own banks

"You're no longer as irresponsible towards politics as you are towards women. Although you're not a qualified politician in my eyes, you always provide me with political inspiration, and I hope that's true today as well. What are your thoughts on boosting the Russian economy?"

Elizabeth looked at Sergei, who seemed somewhat troubled.

"Your Majesty, as you said, I am not a politician, and I cannot and will not provide you with inspiration. All the achievements you have made so far are due to your discerning eye."

"Saltikov, don't use the same tricks you use on other women on me. I didn't call you here to be a bootlicker. If you can't provide me with inspiration, I'll have you thrown out—not from here, but from St. Petersburg, from Russia!"

Sergei relented: "Your Majesty, could you please give me a hint on what to do?"

"Whatever you want to talk to me about, even if you tell me how you got those girls into bed, I'd love to hear it," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

Sergei gave a wry smile: "Your Majesty, please don't joke with me. I'm already a married man. You should be helping Anastasia keep an eye on me."

"That's exactly right."

Sergei noticed a slight change in Elizabeth's expression and knew he couldn't continue speaking recklessly.

"Then let me tell you about what happened recently. Anastasia and I went to the Citni Market and saw some exquisite stones. She liked them. It's hard to believe that ordinary stones, after being carved, can fetch such good prices..."

This conversation lasted for half an hour.

Sergei talked about the Sitney Market, the Hay Market, the slave trade, the construction of the Stone Bridge, and also mentioned professions such as hairdressers, silversmiths, and apothecaries.

"I must say, your speaking skills are excellent. These dry and boring things come alive in your mouth, allowing me to listen for so long. But it has no effect on the Russian economy. It may change the status quo of a certain city or bring a short-term improvement to a region, but it is absolutely not appropriate to say these things in my office."

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I was making a mountain out of a molehill, but I really did my best. I don't know how to make money, I only know how to spend it, and I spend it on women. If I had to name my glorious achievements, it would be lending money to a merchant and getting double the return on my investment afterward," Sergei said with a hint of self-deprecation.

Elizabeth took this casual remark seriously.

"How did you get the double back?"

"I lent him 1000 rubles, and he paid for the goods on my behalf. When I saw that he made a lot of money, I asked him to repay me, and he returned 2000 rubles to me," Sergei explained.

Razumovsky said with a smile, "I'm afraid you must have used some special methods in the process of asking him to repay you."

Sergei chuckled and said, "Count, don't worry about the details."

Ivan Shuvalov scoffed, "As the deputy chairman of the secret committee, how can you treat the Russian people like this? I really don't know how you got to where you are now."

Sergei remained calm: "My current position is all thanks to Her Majesty the Empress."

Ivan's expression changed slightly.

Elizabeth raised her hand, signaling the two to be quiet. After a moment of silence, she got up and walked into the inner room.

"I'm a little tired, Saltykov, you can leave now. Ivan, you go back too. Razumovsky can stay with me."

Ivan stepped forward: "Your Majesty."

"go back!"

Sergei and Ivan left Elizabeth's office.

After leaving the house, Ivan gave Sergei another cold snort. Sergei didn't take him seriously at all. He was certain that he would deal with Alexander Shuvalov when he fell from power.

This little guy is no longer worth his attention, as long as he stops jumping around in front of him like a clown courting death.

"That's about it."

Sergei glanced back at Elizabeth's office, and as he explained that he would bring back double the reward, he noticed that Elizabeth's hand holding the quill pen tightened slightly.

This means the other party listened.

Given the other party's knowledge and vision, there was no need for him to say anything more.

Sure enough, just two days later, Elizabeth convened Parliament and immediately issued an order—to send people to learn from European banks, and for Russia to build its first national bank!

The list of personnel to be sent to Europe for study was quickly finalized.

Besides the Privy Councilor in charge of the Academy of Sciences and a vice president, there were more than a dozen mathematicians and young people skilled in arithmetic, including Gleb and Georgy.

Upon returning from Europe, Sergei was convinced that, with their combined talents, both men would secure a place within the national bank.

9 month.

"Your Highness, you told such a wonderful story! I've never heard such an interesting tale before!"

"And Your Excellency, your hunting dogs are so strong and majestic! Don't let them bite foxes anymore; they can even kill bears. This is making a mountain out of a molehill!"

In the garden, several young people sat together: Peter, Ekaterina, Naryshkin, and a handsome young man who had charmed Ekaterina and Peter.

Sergei and his brother Peter then walked over.

"Sergei, why are you so late? We've already drunk half of our wine!" Peter (the Grand Duke) waved to Sergei as soon as he saw him.

"Your Majesty, I'm not one to renege on my promises. I'll make up for it all right away!" Peter (the older brother) immediately had a servant open a new bottle of wine and declared that he would pay for the whole bottle himself.

Peter (the Grand Duke) introduced the young man to Sergei: "You've met before, Zakhar, my good friend."

Before Sergei could speak, the young man said, "I've met him before, but it's a pity we only met once. If I had known that Prince Saltykov would become the vice chairman, even if I was carrying out the Empress's mission at that time, I would definitely have had a drink with the prince first."

Catherine advised, "Count Chernyshev, you've misspoke. Do you befriend Sergei because of his position as Vice Chairman?"

"Of course not, it's just that I really didn't expect the Duke to have such a status. After all, Your Highness, you don't know this, but the Duke's favorite thing was women. He was the most famous womanizer in St. Petersburg!"

Sergei smiled slightly: "I am different. From the first moment I saw you, Count, I knew you could accomplish your diplomatic mission brilliantly. Sure enough, Her Majesty the Queen was very satisfied this time."

"Right?" Zakhar said with a smile.

Sergei nodded: "Yes, so you, Count, must be careful with your eyes. See a doctor often, and get early detection and treatment, otherwise you could go blind."

Peter (the older brother) laughed heartily.

Peter (the Grand Duke), Naryshkin, and the others were startled. Seeing Peter (the older brother) laughing heartily, they couldn't help but laugh as well. Even Catherine was trying hard to suppress her laughter.

Zakha's face flushed red and then turned pale, and he sat back down.