VVD0D95
Banned
Chapter 99: Tsar
February, 1710
Alexei, Tsar of Russia took a deep breath. He was finally a man, a married one at that. He had spent much of his time trying to balance his actual feelings with how he felt the state needed him to be. The impression he’d been given of his father, as an ambitious man who had a problem with drink, meant that he himself drank nothing but beer, and even that in moderation. He avoided anything else, and as such he knew most of the court did as well. His wife was someone he had known since childhood and he loved her dearly, his dearest Anna. But now, the time had come to assert his own authority over the council and remind her father who was in charge.
“We have read through the reports.” Alexei said. “We are very impressed with the work that you have all done to bring about change to the Empire. Most especially you, Boris.” He saw his father by marriage smile. “The development of a proper road network and the improvement of the sanitation systems is no mean feat. We know the Boyars spent much time trying to prevent this work, and so that it has succeeded is a credit to you.” Well, perhaps that was not going to make reminding his father by marriage of who was in charge easier, but it was at least the truth.
“Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty.” Boris said bowing his head. “Of course, none of this would have been possible without Your Imperial Majesty’s blessing.”
Alexei nodded and then continued. “Now the important thing is that we maintain the balance of the roads and the sanitation system. We cannot allow for them to degrade, for if they degrade, what will that say about us? We want clear maintenance of each object within the system for both and we want regular reports on them.”
“Of course, Sire.” Boris said.
Alexei then turned his attention to another matter that had peaked his interest. “Now, we know that the Swedes had been considering waging a war against the Prussians, has this actually gone ahead?”
Foreign Minister Gavril Golovkin nodded. “It has, Sire. It appears King Charles found his reason for war and the invasion of Prussian Pomerania began some weeks ago.”
“Who is likely to win that war?” Alexei asked.
“It is hard to say, Sire.” Golovkin replied. “The Swedes have a very good army, but the Prussians have experience in the type of fighting that will be needed in Pomerania.”
“And what type of fighting is that?” Alexei asked.
“Depending on where they fight, it will be a lot of hill fighting, which means infantry will be important and surprise attacks will be the main style for the day.” Golovkin said.
“So, the Swedes could eventually be beaten?” Alexei asked.
“It is a possibility, Sire. But not a certainty.” Golovkin said.
“And if he is smart, King Charles will draw the Prussians out into the lowlands where his cavalry will be far more effective.” Boris said.
Alexei considered this. He had contemplated moving on the Polish to assert his authority, but if the Swedes were busy killing themselves in Prussia then perhaps that was a decision best left for another time, instead he said. “There is a new Khan in Crimea, a man who holds his throne on the balance of the Sultan’s whim. We know from your reports Golovkin that he is not well liked by his own people, we are considering sending a force there to demand tribute.”
Boris spoke then. “A wise decision, Sire. The army is well armed and prepared for dealing with the Crimean Khan. Furthermore, the Sultan is busy fighting an invasion from the Safavid Persians, therefore will not be able to truly deal with the crisis as it emerges.”
Alexei nodded and said. “We shall want a list of possible commanders to take charge of this expedition before the day is over.”
“Of course, Your Imperial Majesty.” Boris replied. Alexei would wait and see who the man put before him and if he wasn’t satisfied, he would lead the army himself.