Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796

Chapter 513 025 Before the battle but without changing generals, Solovyov decided to go home to accompany him.

In fact, Solovyov went to several warships next and heard news that he was not satisfied with Khanikov.

At the same time, the fleet commanders seem to be dissatisfied with the relatively younger Chichakov as the navy minister, and they each have their own channels to express their opinions.

The Black Sea Fleet is relatively far away, but what is strange is that the person currently serving as commander of the fleet there is still a Frenchman.

Even the current commander of the French fleet, the Marquis of Traversi, a fellow countryman of Solovyov's stepmother, has resigned. The one who plans to take over the command of the Black Sea Fleet is also the Duke of Richelieu.

This is also caused by the strange system of the Navy. There are always admirals from foreign countries. In addition, training is often related to the British.

Solovyov stayed in the fleet until May. After listening to the opinions of junior officers and sailors, he wrote a report and placed it on Alexander's desk.

"Your Majesty, that's it. The situation of the Baltic Fleet is generally the same. In the past few years, military expenditures have often been invested in the army. When our enemy becomes an enemy that must be dealt with on land and sea, it is inevitable. There will be people who have opinions, and even some people’s minds haven’t changed yet.”

After Alexander read it, he thought for a moment and then spoke.

"Since this is the case, it is natural that some actions must be taken."

"Your Majesty, we can have the frigates of the Baltic Fleet patrol near Gotland and the Åland Islands to detect the current movements of the Swedes."

Chichakov said this because he wanted to get back some ground for himself.

Since Solovyov had already raised the issue of funding when he spoke, as well as matters involving the fleet leadership, Admiral Khanikov's current responsibilities are very problematic.

"Which ships to send, Chichakov, you are the Minister of the Navy after all, Solovyov is just a supervisor, and he is also a member of the army."

"You can let the Lady Tragedy go. This ship is in good service and they can complete this mission."

Alexander also agreed with what he said, but the people on the ship were also transferred.

Lazarev, who was still a trainee officer, was transferred to the battleship "Grace" to continue serving. This ship also serves as the flagship of the Baltic Fleet and is preparing to join military operations in the Baltic Sea.

But what puzzled both Chichakov and Solovyov was that Alexander did not immediately choose to change the fleet commander.

Ushakov is on his way from Tambov's manor these days. He does not have a family of his own. He acts like Suvorov, always moving back and forth with a few loyal old servants.

If he is just a naval adviser, in fact, it would be enough to remove Khanikov from the position of fleet commander. Compared with Ushakov, who has always been courageous, this man's navigation skills are good, but his courage is far behind. .

It was just a mess on Gotland Island. Obviously, the Baltic Fleet was unwilling to pick it up. Considering this, Chichakov only sent a few frigates to explore the situation on the front line.

After all, he was also a captain of the Baltic Fleet, and his father was also an admiral, so he somewhat understood the situation.

When Solovyov saw this situation, he naturally didn't say much. He was only responsible for getting the things at hand done.

As for the navy's affairs, he really didn't want to interfere too much, as long as he didn't cause trouble.

But before that, he also had to put his words first.

"Your Majesty, we should also consider that the British will interfere now."

"Your prediction is correct. According to the intelligence sent by France, a British army has arrived in Sweden, but it has not landed yet. The specific situation is unknown."

If Alexander knew what King Gustavus was doing, he would also be secretly happy.

The British sent a 14,000-man expeditionary force led by Sir John Moore to Sweden. In addition, a squadron of the Royal Navy was active here.

Then, Sir Moore was arguing with Gustave over how to use the British army.

What the British mean is that these lobster soldiers like me will either be used to help you defend, or they will be used as a bluff on Finland's flanks to prevent the Russian army from continuing a large-scale attack.

And King Gustav is still thinking about his plan to attack Denmark!

It was only because the Russian army was progressing so smoothly, and all of Finland except Lapland, was almost captured by the Russian army at this time, that Gustav made up his mind to keep the British army. If history were to be restored, it would be Moore. The knight led his army to Spain, but was about to be defeated by the French.

Those who were able to maintain fierce resistance were actually the guerrillas formed spontaneously by the Finns, which caused huge trouble to the Russian army with poor military discipline under Bookholder.

But these had nothing to do with Solovyov. When the "Tragedy Goddess" was about to set off for patrol, he left Petersburg again and returned to his manor on the shores of Lake Ladoga.

The reason is also very simple. Katya is about to give birth. This is his first child after getting married.

Because Katya is the granddaughter of Prince Kremsky, Solovyov always attracted much attention when he married her, which also caused some rumors among the nobles in Petersburg.

Under such circumstances, there were still many people visiting his home.

There were so many guests, and my stepmother was very happy. She was French and loved the hustle and bustle.

But Count Sergei had a sullen face, like a mask of pain.

After all, in Russian customs, when a woman is about to give birth, the more people know about it, the more pain she will bear. Although this is a superstitious saying, so many people came at once.

And Solovyov was also embarrassed. He had just returned home and this happened.

Countess Strodianova was still reliable. This talented woman found many reasons and invited most of the guests back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as I said, the countess needs to rest, and Her Majesty the Queen Mother is going to hold a reception in Peterhof Palace recently, and is also considering the list of guests."

"Since Countess Sofia said so, we all know it, but Katya is the granddaughter of old Prince Vasily after all, and we all received favors in the past."

But Solovyov's second brother-in-law Nicholas didn't think so. He held Solovyov and said.

"My grandfather took good care of them, but when my father lost power, no one spoke up to help him. Misha, they came together again after seeing you and your sister being favored in the palace."

"People are like this, seeking benefits and avoiding harm. In Russia, we have no shortage of chameleons. They had a look of disgust on their faces a second ago, but now they know you are useful to them, and they are smiling and welcoming you. Even our aunt Praskovya, is she plotting anything recently?"

"If there is any, it is probably some undistributed property left by grandpa and uncle. Some of it is for Katya, and it came to your house with the dowry. I don't want to care about these things. Going to Vienna to be a diplomat, even if it is just the current trainee status, is much better than being with these people."

"Kolya, when you get there, give this letter to Princess Bagration. As for the content."

After Solovyov told Nicholas these things in his ear, he also laughed.

It must be said that Katya's two brothers are very handsome, but Nikolai is still the most handsome and humble.

It's just strange that although he is so handsome, he has never pursued any noble girl, and there is no news that he likes anyone now.

Come to think of it, the relationship between Prince Vasily and Solovyov cannot be so close.

"How is it?"

"Well, if that's the case, it can indeed avoid some embarrassing things. Anyway, the princess can't always be in Vienna. If she continues like this, it will have a bad impact. After all, she was raised by Her Majesty the Queen."

"Peter Ivanovich is commanding the war in Finland and is not here. He really hopes that his wife can come back, instead of continuing to stay in Vienna and only bringing back bills."

"In addition, you have to take good care of your sister. Although Katya is married, she is so young and we are still worried about her. And you have also heard that Vasya always fails in pursuing girls because he is a soldier and Finland is in that situation."

"Don't worry about this. I am unlikely to go to Finland during this period. His Majesty seems to be interested in deeper cooperation with France. My identity is sensitive and special, so I can't participate. You can help our ambassador to inquire about the news in Vienna."

"Of course."

Nicholas then put away the letter and waited until Countess Sofia sent away those nosy guests. Now those who are still willing to stay are the closer relatives and friends.

When Katya was in the palace, there were a few good friends among the maids. They stayed and could help. In fact, they were all experienced. After all, when Louisa gave birth in the palace, she always needed someone to help.

In addition, there was Pierre who came to Petersburg recently for business. But he was still like that. Sometimes when he spoke.

"How is she now?"

"Katya is fine now. The doctor said there is no need to be so anxious. We need to see the state of her body."

"Well, I have also had this painful experience. I mean, the kind of nervous and anxious waiting, you know."

"Okay, Pierre, if you help us, go wash your hands with Kolya, and then prepare the cart. Also, the delivery table must be cleaned first."

"Okay then."

Pierre also knew that Solovyov would not say it directly, but would choose some ways to resolve it.

It is obviously a very stupid behavior to express it directly.

As for Katya's situation, Solovyov still needs to ask the doctor in person at this time.

"How is my wife?"

"She is healthy and flexible, and there is no problem with the position of her pelvis. I am just more worried that the baby is too heavy, or that she is pregnant with twins, which is still very dangerous for the mother. But the good thing is that we have encountered this kind of thing several times in St. Petersburg, and you should have this experience yourself."

"Yes, when I was on duty in the palace, I helped the doctor of the Guards deliver the baby for Her Majesty the Queen."

"Since you understand, this is good. Sometimes it may depend on the degree of opening of the mouth. At least there is nothing wrong today, and the Countess can still have some food."

The reason why Soloviev was relatively calm before was that he could not make his relationship with his lover public, or because they were far away from each other, he did not feel this kind of tension.

Now it was his turn, and he was still a little nervous, but became clumsy.

Prince Vasily had to arrange for his father-in-law and mother-in-law to stay, and they had traveled from Moscow.

When the doctor went to the lounge, he could not calm down and decided to walk in the yard.

Pierre saw him like this and accompanied him out.

"Thank you, Pierre, for staying at this time."

"As a friend, I can help with this kind of thing. As I said just now, Nikolai and I will set up the delivery table and ask for a doctor later."

"Now I am also thinking about what I should do. Have you heard about what happened in Finland?"

"I have heard a little bit. Count Kamensky wrote to Moscow, saying that the fighting in the front has been very fierce."

"Stupid Buckholden, such people should not be employed anymore. We are always full of stupid people here. They don't have the sense of responsibility like Andre, but they are fighting for power. Andre may have said something similar to you, but I feel tired and can't leave this circle. You are an upright person and should not be involved in too much politics. It is actually good to have a position as a senior court attendant. You should do those good things. Things, not us, who are conspiring and fighting all day long."

"But I can't completely leave this situation, and you should know what I've been doing recently."

"Pierre, you even joined the Freemasons, and others think it's a mysterious organization, but this kind of secret society is just that. Sometimes the people in those organizations are not reliable. I still said just now that they can't be involved in politics. In addition, what should your wife do?"

"It's like this now, what else can I do? Andrei once told me, but the die is cast."

"I will always have a way for that family. Now I'm upset, Katya may give birth tomorrow or even today, and there are many places where I can't help you plan anything, but not everyone in the Kurakin family is like Alexander Borisovich."