alternatehistory.com

Recently I came across this.
In pursuit of the commercial bounty that might flow from relations with such a highly developed state, Ivan Petlin, Russia's first envoy to China in 1618, had returned with a letter of invitation to trade. But unfortunately the Russians were unable to find anyone to translate it until 1675! That lapse in linguistic competence within the Russian foreign service had such drastic consequences for their later relations that seldom has the lack of a little academic knowledge meant so much. For even as hostilities arose, the negotiation of a bilateral trade agreement — the Kremlin's original objective — remained the principal motive behind Russia's bellicose acts.e acts.
So, if this is true what happens if the Russians can translate the letter that Petlin brings back? The comments to the article by commentor slawkenbergius suggest the impact would have been minor.

Also anyone read the book reference in the link? It sounds rather fascinating.
Top