Chapter 100 0501 Double Wedding

Chapter 100 0501 Double Wedding

Chapter 100 A Double Wedding (Part 050)
The ceremony was not necessarily a "grand" one, but it was grand.

The arrival of all these dignitaries from St. Petersburg once again made the church itself seem crowded if the seats were to be arranged. Standing was also a burden for some older noble ladies.

That’s it, and the scene is already very crowded.

The Guards are still on duty at the scene as usual to ensure the absolute safety of the Winter Palace.

The reason why the Putin Regiment was more trusted than other guards was that in all the palace changes in Russia, they stood on the side of the descendants of Peter the Great. When the empress launched a coup, the first to take action was the Izmailov Regiment, which was the regiment that followed Grand Duke Constantine to Italy and Switzerland this time.

In terms of loyalty, although this Guards Regiment has the problems of the Guards, they generally do not appear easily, and their punches are always heavy.

The Guards soldiers who are on duty today also have rewards prepared by Tsar Paul, which are paid in addition to their monthly military pay. With such an emperor, it is no wonder that the soldiers are so loyal in carrying out orders.

"It is not easy to trick these soldiers into fighting against their emperor, Count."

It is clear that the commander of the Putin Regiment, Lieutenant General Tarezhin, was involved in the conspiracy, but what is ironic is that it was Tarezhin who was the first to swear allegiance to Paul when the empress was dying, and with the trust of the tsar himself, he climbed to the position of commander of the Guards.

Count Palen and Count Nikolai Panin of the Diplomatic Academy were all able to climb to high positions with the favor of the Tsar. Count Palen was even earlier. When Paul was still in Gatchina, he had already taken advantage of the trust of the then crown prince to seize power.

Not to mention what they were eating, every one of them had held an important position by virtue of the flattery in the court and the trust of Paul himself. After sitting at the table, their butts were already raised up, their heads were on the plates, and they wanted to eat the plates as well.

"Especially since our emperor has been promoting young officers recently. We should find a way to get rid of the major of the 1st Battalion. Young people promoted by the tyrant himself will not join our camp."

"Don't worry, Count Palen. You don't understand how dangerous what we are going to do now is. It is not easy to gather officers who oppose the tyrant. Among the generals on duty at the palace next year, many are the Marshal's men. No matter how we hint to the Marshal, he will not move."

"That old man only cares about his own honor on the battlefield. He was loyal to the Queen in the past. Now, no matter how the tyrant humiliates him, he will not join. We naturally have no appeal in the army."

When Count Palen said this, it was also the crucial moment for the groom to enter the cathedral. According to the arrangement this time, the bride was waiting on the stage, and the two princes of Württemberg and Mecklenburg entered together, holding hands with their brides in front of the Tsar and the Queen, and then officially announced their marriage under the blessings of the matchmaking priest and the Patriarch.

At this time, because there are so many people and so many opinions, it is actually suitable for conspiracy, and people's attention is focused on the newcomers.

Especially Lieutenant General Tarejin, who was still able to move freely and connect with the members who had already joined the conspiracy on the scene.

"So what are you going to do? If possible, we can seek the support of Count Zubov, who is very familiar with the British ambassador, Lord Whitworth. You know, the British are not happy about the tyrant's withdrawal from the alliance."

"That will have to wait until he destroys himself and the British realize that Russia is not on their side. The British cannot be trusted. We still have to develop our members in secret."

After hearing this, Count Panin turned to look at Admiral de Ribas, who was chatting with someone from the Admiralty nearby. He was talking very loudly, distracting the attention of those around him and focusing it on him.

Paul on the stage did not know that his close ministers were actually planning to rebel against him. Instead, he and Queen Maria handed both daughters over to their son-in-law on the stage.

Paul was still saying something to the newcomers, and at this time, the clergy needed to come on stage.

As we all know, the Orthodox clergy are dressed like "mages", especially the wide robes.

When Solovyov was in the Grenadiers, someone joked that the patriarchs and metropolitans all wore this attire, and that the Grenadiers had taken away their bishops' hats.

This kind of joke is still within controllable limits. After all, it does not involve God. Moreover, the Orthodox clergy's clothing and rituals are luxurious on the surface. Most of them are ascetic inside. As for the Catholics and Protestants in the Western Church, some of them appear to be ascetic on the surface, but in fact they are as luxurious as the Eastern Church.

The angle from his side was not good, and in order to prevent the new major from noticing what they were doing, Tarezhin arranged him to serve as a guard in the front row where Grand Duke Constantine was. There was such a large space in the church that even if someone was talking, it would not be obvious that they were plotting something.

Many of the royal ladies and court maids in front were wiping their tears. After all, Alexandra and Elena were almost the same age as them and they often played together. Now they were married. Although due to the occupation of Württemberg by France and the agreement with Mecklenburg, they had to live in St. Petersburg for a long time before finally leaving.

However, at this time, there was some reluctance, especially for the two earls who were often with Elena. They were raised by the empress and queen, and had a very good relationship with Elena.

"Mishka, do you have an extra handkerchief?"

Solovyov had never seen the "little devil"'s tear glands so developed, so he took out the handkerchief he had just changed this morning from his jacket pocket.

"You should note that today's wedding is just a ceremony. There will be a banquet and a dance afterwards. In the evening, you will still be the maid on duty at His Highness' place."

The "little fairy" had always been skipping work, but at this time, I don't know how she talked to the head lady-in-chief, but she was arranged to be Elena's maid on duty. She was lazy but not clumsy, and she was still very attentive when taking care of Her Highness.

Regardless, today little Count Palen returned from abroad.

Of course, she didn't know that while her sister was not clear with her stepfather, she was also frequently corresponding with the young captain of the cuirassiers. And judging from the wording, the younger sister's words in the letters were obviously a bit childish, more like a child.

The family tradition in her family is not right. Although she herself is a bit crooked, she is still somewhat reserved and does not do things casually.

But it is precisely because of this that I will suffer a disadvantage in this competition with my sister.

Maria's dress is also very fashionably dressed. She is not as bold as her sister, but she is more proactive in her actions.

Just when the "Little Fairy" was about to take up duty for her good sister Elena, she had already agreed on a date with the little Count Palen. After the ball, Admiral De Ribas also had an entertainment event at No. 1 Million Street. After playing cards, if he wanted to stay there overnight, he would take the opportunity to launch a night attack.
And this "little goblin" in front of me, who seems to be very smart but becomes a "silly girl" at the critical moment, is still thinking about breaking the kettle at the right time.

As for the process of the subsequent banquet and dance, it was the same as the dance held by the Tsar before.

However, Solovyov was not assigned to duty this time, and the entire battalion came down to rest. Only the most loyal grenadiers of the three guards regiments were left to carry out the duty in the palace. He was released, and the soldiers also had extra meals today, and they also had wine.

However, as the Royal Guards, in order to prevent drunkenness and trouble, the items prepared for them were all high-end.

"Captain, this stuff isn't strong enough. Please be kind and get us some vodka."

"I really don't have that. If you want to drink vodka, wait until you are relieved from your duties in the New Year. There will be unlimited supply then. But you have to be able to drink."

"Yes, our emperor married off his daughters, and married off two of them at the same time. Little Sasha is finally married off. She is the little darling of our regiment, right, brothers!"

Someone was still whistling. Solovyov didn't know that these old soldiers, because of their love for the Tsar, were okay with the Crown Prince and Grand Duke Constantine, but as for the Tsar's five daughters, these old guys had received some favors from them and regarded them as their "little darlings".

Another point, which Solovyov thought was more important, was that the Putin regiment’s military song did not forget to beat the Swedes.

"Okay, brothers, when you're done eating, go back to the barracks. I'm finally given a day off today. After returning from the expedition, I can finally go home and lie in bed!"

"Little battalion commander, it's time for you to have a girl in your bed. Although you are young, your status is rising in value."

Solovyov didn't intend to pay any attention to them. He walked out of the Winter Palace and returned home along his usual route.

At the gathering at No. 1 Million Street, because it was held at the residence of Admiral de Ribas, the salon was being held, but at the same time they were also inciting and planning.

"Don't keep any records of today. The tyrant is still very popular. To deal with him, we must first alienate the Crown Prince from him and make the officers in the Guards hate him. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve our goal."

Count Panin made it clear, but to really put it into practice, we also need to see who among the Guards and the garrison in St. Petersburg are dissatisfied with the Tsar.

He called Paul a "tyrant" because Tsar Paul intended to improve relations with the French Republic. The count claimed that he wanted to overthrow the "tyranny", but in fact he was an extremely reactionary politician. He also mentioned in passing that he was closer to Britain. As the vice-president of the Academy of Diplomacy and a member of the Privy Council, he repeatedly wanted to leave his own traces in foreign policy, and "his opinions must be listened to." Such a person may say that he wants to overthrow the tyrant, but in fact he is in power in his own department. That is the real despotism.

These people wanted to overthrow Paul's rule, probably hoping to get a Tsar who was easy to control and would listen to their opinions. What they saw now was that the crown prince could still meet their demands.

But they only saw the outer side of Alexander, a natural actor who, despite his indecision and weakness, also hid many of his qualities.

As for this evening, it might be even more lively in the new suite prepared for the newlyweds in the Winter Palace.

The "little fairy" herself didn't have to serve Elena, but she had to order the servants to do things. Now, according to Her Highness's request, she filled the bathtub with boiled hot water.

"Katya, come in and take a shower together."

"Your Highness, I have to be on duty today."

"You are usually not in the palace, and you are often not seen in the maid's room. It is only because we are good sisters that you are willing to be here, right?"

"Yes, Maria has to attend an event today, so she's not here."

"You are the best. You are with me at this time. How is the water temperature?"

"It won't burn you. The water temperature is just right. It's just that when you come out of the shower, you will be steaming hot, and your palms and soles will be full of wrinkles. And before you dry them, Elena, wrap yourself in silk and spray yourself with lavender perfume. Your Paris will definitely be moved."

"You have no experience, and yet you come to give me advice. I once asked that major about you. I wanted to hook up with you in Moscow. But that idiot, if you don't lock him up in the room, it won't work."

"I have no interest in him now, Elena, but you told me that His Majesty intends to marry me to the Prince of Georgia"

"Father is prone to impulsiveness sometimes, so you shouldn't take it too seriously. If you are proactive enough, you should put some effort into Pavel. The Guards Cavalry Officer is very attractive. Help me undress. I want to take a bath."

She would no longer be needed here. The Countess would go to the maid's lounge, which was close to the bridal chambers of the two newlyweds. She could come over immediately if needed.

This one was also very strange. Because of the weird atmosphere at home, he usually skipped work and now returned to the Winter Palace.

Of course, in the future, all the attendants around Elena, except for the servants and a few close attendants brought from St. Petersburg, will be replaced by people from the German court. Considering the interests of Russia, the huge dowry of Tsar Paul's daughter, and the fact that Frederick Louis was fascinated by Elena, her life there should be smooth.

But for her sisters and best friends, it may be difficult to see her.

And Tsar Paul, who had married his daughter, was still worried and asked the old nanny he sent out to report to him.

Knowing that his daughters seemed to have had a very happy evening, he felt relieved and went to bed.

"Tomorrow morning, Kutaisov, you will convene a meeting of the Diplomatic Academy and ask the academy to prepare a notice for Britain and France. Also, although Bavaria is seeking marriage for their prince, Catherine is too young. Both the queen and I are against this marriage. As for Maria's issue, if the royal families of some countries have opinions about my daughter having had smallpox, they don't want a vase to be placed in their court! They should put themselves in her shoes. The princess of their own country can't get married in her forties. The little princess who wants to pursue her own love has to be restricted by the parliament to the age of marriage. I have only heard of such a family! However, it's good for you to know this. I know you can keep it secret. But don't do the kind of thing of accepting benefits from others and then seeking jobs for them. The reward I give you is more than 1200 gold rubles!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will pretend that I didn't hear anything you said."

Paul then went to bed contentedly, but he didn't know that the British hated him, and that the domestic conspiracy group was even on the same street with him.

(End of this chapter)