Catherine and the Black Emperor

010. Testing

Razumovsky put the glass back without even taking a sip.

Sergei's keen insight surprised him.

Without keeping him in suspense, he nodded and said, "The Turks and Croats attacked the southern part of the Astrakhan region. Five years ago, our country recaptured Azov. In retaliation, the Turks, who controlled the coastline, prohibited our ships from passing through the Black Sea and killed many of our merchants."

Sergei continued, "So the Sudanese sent an ambassador this time because they are afraid we will declare war."

Memories flooded my mind; this year marked the year of Prussia's rapid rise in Europe.

England, Austria, and France all wanted Frederick of Prussia to direct his attacks at Russia.

The real mastermind behind these actions by Türkiye and the Croats is France.

Razumovsky cast an admiring glance at Sergei.

"You certainly have a brilliant mind and vision. If you can use it for good, I mean assisting Her Majesty the Queen, your future will surely be glorious and bright."

Sergei knew the other person was teasing him about his womanizing ways, so he pretended to be embarrassed.

"Count, you're exposing my weakness."

"I'm telling the truth."

After a brief silence, Sergei asked, "Count, could there be other countries behind the Turks and the Croats?"

Razumovsky remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was greatly surprised.

"How so?"

Sergei analyzed with a serious expression: "If Türkiye does not want to be involved in the war, it can completely stop the Kyrgyz people's killings, or at the very least, prevent Russian ships from passing through the Black Sea."

"They killed someone, then sent an ambassador to apologize, going through all that trouble and losing face for the country, all just for revenge and to vent their anger?"

Sergei was well aware that the attack was funded by King Louis XV of France and aimed at putting Russia and Turkey at war, so that Frederick of Prussia could stab Elizabeth in the back instead of attacking France.

Louis XV simply did not understand that since the death of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI of Austria four years earlier, Frederick had launched an attack and occupied Silesia (the Austrian region), and had been harboring resentment ever since.

Even if Russia and Türkiye went to war, Frederick would not dare to stab Elizabeth in the back, otherwise Prussia would be caught in a pincer attack by Austria and Russia.

Sergei, of course, would not say these words aloud.

At least not now, otherwise he would be suspected of eavesdropping on state affairs and be directly arrested and taken to the fortress.

"Perhaps, only the Sultan of Türkiye and the Croats know the answer, but for us, the Turkish ambassador's apology on behalf of the Sultan is enough," Razumovsky said with a smile.

The two then chatted about some light topics, which, while seemingly about Russia's mountains and seas, actually touched on a lot of geopolitical and military matters. Sergei's knowledge and quick thinking once again amazed Razumovsky.

"Your Majesty, you would never guess that Sergei's political acumen and forward-thinking are absolutely outstanding among all the noble sons!" Razumovsky and Elizabeth said.

"I couldn't be that decisive, but I didn't expect him to be able to see that there were other countries behind the Turks."

Elizabeth felt that her beloved's words were somewhat exaggerated, but she also acknowledged that Sergei had a sharp mind.

"Look at all the good things Louis has done! And yet Lestoc is still hoping that the Grand Duchess will be a French princess. I've been merciful enough not to send him and the French ambassador back to France!" Elizabeth was furious at the mention of France.

Just then, the bedroom door was pushed open, and Peter walked in leading two long, thin white hunting dogs.

Elizabeth looked at him incredulously: "Peter! You came to me with your dog!"

Peter replied matter-of-factly, “King Frederick always had dogs with him on important occasions, one on his left and one on his right. It’s an old aristocratic custom, Aunt.”

"Don't call me aunt! Frederick is German, and you are the heir to the Russian throne. Russians don't let dogs into their houses!" Elizabeth said angrily.

Peter arrogantly declared, "Once I ascend the throne, I will change the Russian way of life. I will ban bad traditions and establish the correct ones—"

Before he could finish speaking, Queen Elizabeth interrupted him: "Are you an idiot? Who would speak like that when the current Queen is well? What are you doing here?"

Peter sat in the chair opposite his aunt: "I have already chosen a wife."

He gestured to Naryshkin, who then held up the portrait.

Queen Elizabeth looked at the portrait of the Polish princess: "Don't you like the German princess?"

"dislike."

"But that German princess is related to you by blood," Queen Elizabeth still advised.

Peter shook his head firmly: "No! I want to marry the Polish princess. I have never started a family before, but now I will have one. I will love my family, my wife, and my children very much."

Elizabeth looked at him dismissively, narrowing her eyes: "So you want a family that's all yours?"

The Russian Empress, already suppressing her anger, slowly walked up to Peter.

"I hope you'll always remember what I'm about to say: you will never own anything that truly belongs to you!"

"You have no right to say that!" Peter suddenly stood up and slammed his fist on the table. "I am Peter the Great's only grandson! The rightful heir to the Russian throne!"

Queen Elizabeth's eyes turned icy: "How rude! Peter, how dare you speak so loudly in front of me!"

She turned to look at Razumovsky, her voice high-pitched.

"Prepare the carriage!"

……

When Sergei learned that Elizabeth and Peter had suddenly left the Winter Palace, and that Naryshkin had gone with them, he realized something was wrong and quickly found Ulyana.

"The Grand Duke led the dog into the Queen's bedroom and had Naryshkin bring a portrait of the Polish princess."

Upon hearing this, Sergei immediately understood.

It was Peter's idea to walk the dog, which would annoy Elizabeth.

Peter sought out Elizabeth with the portrait of the Polish princess.

As for leaving the Winter Palace...

Elizabeth's ideal Grand Duchess is Sofia, and she would never agree to the Polish princess. Peter's outspokenness will only fuel Elizabeth's anger.

"This trip was Elizabeth's last-minute decision!"

Having reached this conclusion, Sergei immediately returned to the manor and found his brother Peter washing his hair in the backyard. Despite the cold weather, Peter seemed completely unaffected.

But it is not important.

"The afternoon party? Aren't you not going?" Peter (the older brother) asked, looking puzzled.

"I'll be a witness and see if you're really bragging, saying you can drink the Grand Duke under the table." Sergei moved a little further away to avoid getting splashed by the guy's shampoo.

"What a joke! I'll definitely outdrink the Grand Duke! Just you wait and see, Sergei!"

The two went to Peter's (the Grand Duke's) room to wait for someone, and waited until evening. Peter (the Grand Duke) walked in looking completely lost.