Under the arrangements of Nicholas I, Minister Nesselrode and Gorchakov Envoy, who should have been bitter rivals, now become the main and deputy negotiators for this discussion. Sometimes, fate truly works in mysterious ways.

After arranging the tasks, Nicholas I, supported by Duke Golitsyn, stood up and walked over to them. Seeing this, Grand Duke Constantine, Jomini, Nesselrode, and Gorchakov quickly rose from their seats.

Stepping slowly to face Nesselrode and Gorchakov, Nicholas I took Nesselrode’s hand in one of his, and Gorchakov’s in the other, and said with a hint of sorrow in his voice, "The future of the Russian Empire rests with you! I know there have been grievances between you two in the past, but I hope you can set them aside and work together in these negotiations!"

With that, Nicholas I handed Gorchakov Envoy’s hand to Minister Nesselrode and continued, "Now, I want you both to swear before me that personal grievances will not affect the bigger picture!"

The words of Nicholas I stirred a feeling of resentment in both Nesselrode and Gorchakov.

Although Nesselrode and Gorchakov had indeed engaged in corrupt dealings and undermined each other, there was no doubt that they both loved the Russian Empire.

(In the hearts of most of Russia’s nobility, corruption and embezzlement didn’t contradict loving the Russian Empire. Anyone with hindsight knows that if the Russian Empire falls, the parasites feeding on it would no longer live well.)

Nicholas I’s demand for an oath was nothing short of an insult to them.

However, even with their grievances towards Nicholas I, Nesselrode and Gorchakov Envoy still swore as he wished.

After the oath was completed, Nicholas I ordered Gorchakov and Nesselrode to shake hands.

The two, whose enmity had lasted decades, now had to put aside their prejudices and shake hands under the Tsar’s decree.

"Pleased to work with you, Gorchakov Envoy!" Nesselrode said to Gorchakov with a forced smile, emphasizing the word "Envoy."

"Pleased to work with you, Minister Nesselrode!" Gorchakov reciprocated with a fake smile, and he also suffused his final words, "Minister Nesselrode," with a sarcastic tone.

Unaware of the underlying tensions, Nicholas I believed they had reconciled and were working in harmony; his gaze softened with relief.

After "settling" the issues between Nesselrode and Gorchakov, Nicholas I asked Duke Golitsyn to help him over to Marshal Jomini and Grand Duke Constantine. He sighed and looked disappointedly at Grand Duke Constantine: "Constantine!"

"Yes!" Constantine replied quickly, sensing the urgency.

"How should I arrange matters so that you will be satisfied?" Nicholas I’s words carried a hint of despair.

"I..." Constantine opened his mouth but said nothing, merely gazing at his father silently.

After a moment of staring silently, Nicholas I said to Constantine: "How about this! Poland is in need of a Governor, and you shall go there to assume the role!"

"Ah?" Constantine’s face was full of surprise as he urgently asked Nicholas I: "What about Prince Paskevich?"

"He is no longer with us!" Nicholas I responded calmly to Nicholas I.

"When did this happen?" Constantine hurriedly asked.

He remembered that when he left St. Petersburg, Prince Paskevich was serving as the Commander-in-Chief in Finland. How could he have died in just a few months?

"Just recently!" Nicholas I said with a hint of choking up. "On his way back to St. Petersburg to report, Paskevich was attacked by bandits (actually Finnish insurgents), and both he and the soldiers protecting him were killed!"

"Bandits?" Grand Duke Constantine gritted his teeth and said: "How dare they! How dare they kill an Imperial Prince! Are they not afraid of the Imperial Army destroying them all?"

Looking at his impulsive son, Nicholas I’s eyes revealed concealed disappointment.

Compared to Alexander (the eldest) and Nikolayevich (the third), Constantine’s shortcomings were too significant.

If not for the need for a Prince to oversee Poland, he would not send Constantine there.

Currently, in the entire court, Nicholas I trusts no one but Duke Golitsyn, who saved his life, and his wife and children.

In his eyes, everyone else seemed eager to take his life.

"They are a band of desperados; why should they fear an Imperial Prince! Fortunately, we have wiped them out to honor Paskevich’s spirit!" Nicholas I sighed and said.

Fearful for Constantine, Nicholas I further advised him that when appointed as Governor of Poland, he should focus on maintaining stability and avoid escalating tensions.

"Though Poland is experiencing some unrest due to the removal of most Imperial troops, it remains relatively stable. Your task is to soothe their emotions, not provoke them excessively..." Nicholas I earnestly instructed Constantine.

"Rest assured!" Constantine confidently promised Nicholas I.

"Good!" A faint smile finally appeared on Nicholas I’s face as he patted Constantine on the shoulder for encouragement.

Afterwards, Nicholas I once again asked Marshal Jomini if he could stay.

Marshal Jomini repeated his earlier words, and seeing no other option, Nicholas I had to agree to Marshal Jomini’s request to leave.

However, since France and Russia were at war, Jomini could not return to France and had to stay in the Russian Empire for a while.

During his stay in the Russian Empire, Jomini was exempted from any military involvement.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Marshal Jomini hastily expressed his gratitude.

Once all matters were resolved, Nicholas I subtly dismissed them. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Apart from Grand Duke Constantine and Duke Golitsyn, everyone else left Tsarskoye Selo, and even Constantine was sent by Nicholas I to visit the Empress.

Only the weakened Nicholas I and Duke Golitsyn remained in the room.

"Duke Golitsyn, do you think Russia needs a reform?" Nicholas I cautiously asked Duke Golitsyn.

"Your Majesty, I believe the Empire indeed needs reform!" Duke Golitsyn stated unequivocally, then added: "However, this reform should be led by you, and not by the lower classes as in France."

"But many people outside Tsarskoye Selo hope for a reform similar to France!" Nicholas I said to Duke Golitsyn.

"Your Majesty, their purpose is to undermine Russia, thus achieving their treasonous goals!" Duke Golitsyn sternly denounced the traitors.

Given Duke Golitsyn’s status and his current resolve against traitors, it was hard for anyone to associate him with the leader of the largest insurrection in France.

"Yes! Their sole aim is to bring down the Russian Empire; they’re the most despicable parasites!" Nicholas I angrily said, then abruptly added: "Recently, the Third Hall uncovered an arms smuggling case!"

At Nicholas I’s words, Duke Golitsyn’s heart skipped a beat, "Your Majesty, this matter belongs to the Third Hall; it would be better if I avoid it!"

"No need!" Nicholas I shook his head and said, "You saved my life and belong to the most loyal family of the Empire! Why wouldn’t I trust you?"