Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

At the mention, Voronzo and the other Russian ministers immediately bowed their heads in fear, not daring to breathe.

Alexander I casually waved his hand: “What are you all nervous about? I’m serious.”

He stood up from the broad soft chair and looked at Count Arakcheev: “Currently near Tbilisi, whose military strength is greater, the Ottoman Empire or Persia?”

Arakcheev, as the most responsible official of the War Council, remembered the various front-line battle reports thoroughly, and promptly answered: “Your Majesty, it’s the Turkic Army from Charca, with more than 30,000 troops. Moreover, they received a batch of sophisticated cannons from Europe a few months ago.

“Now, only the last line of defense remains on the southwestern side of Tbilisi.”

Alexander I nodded and instructed Voronzo: “Hand over Tbilisi to the Ottomans. Then, hand over the area from Kartli to Imereeti entirely to the Persians.

“However, we must retain control of the northern part of Gori.”

Voronzo was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, but then his eyes lit up.

Tbilisi is in central Transcaucasia and also the largest and most prosperous city here, guarding military routes, one could say it is the essence of Transcaucasia.

While Kartli and Imereeti are in Western Georgia, belonging to Western Georgia—they are outwardly subservient to Eastern Georgia, hence the Kakheti Kingdom, but have always leaned towards the Ottomans at heart.

The Tsar handed over Tbilisi, coveted by the Persians, to the Ottomans, yet allowed Persia to control Western Georgia claimed by the Ottomans.

Once Russian forces withdraw from Transcaucasia, Persia and the Ottoman Empire will soon be at war.

No matter who wins, first they won’t be able to harass Russian territory anytime soon, and secondly, the winner will certainly have consumed substantial forces. When Russia resolves its western issues and marches back to Transcaucasia, it will face a weakened enemy.

As for Gori City, it’s a city on the southern slope of the Caucasus Mountains, with the northern Rivari Pass being the only route from Russia southward into Transcaucasia.

Since Russia generously gave up almost all of Georgia, neither Persia nor the Ottoman Empire will likely trouble themselves over the small place that is Gori.

Voronzo bowed respectfully: “Your Majesty, your strategic wisdom is comparable to Peter the Great! This will easily resolve our dilemma in Transcaucasia and lay a solid foundation for ultimately reclaiming Georgia!”

Alexander I squinted, enjoying the admiration from his subordinates, yet deliberately ignoring the fact that the strategy of “cross-abandonment of Transcaucasia” was originally suggested to him by George Canning, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom.

After finishing discussing the Transcaucasia direction, the Tsar turned to the ministers: “Next, we can concentrate forces against the Poles.

“How many troops can the Gudovich Corps spare for the western front?”

Guldanov, Russian southern army commander, quickly responded: “Your Majesty, approximately 10,000 infantrymen and around 2,000 Cossack cavalry.”

“So few?”

Alexander I furrowed his brow but wasn’t surprised.

Originally, the Russian army suffered heavy casualties in the battles at Tbilisi, and many corps will need long rest before regaining combat power. Additionally, enough troops must be stationed in Gori—no one can guarantee that the Ottomans will indeed adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

Sparing 12,000 soldiers is the utmost limit.

Arakcheev added: “Your Majesty, the more than 30,000 recruits we summoned in the Ural and Moscow have completed training, and can reach the vicinity of the Dnieper River by year-end.”

Only then did Alexander I’s expression ease somewhat.

If Kutuzov can receive more than 40,000 fresh troops, including over 10,000 experienced veterans, the western front will undoubtedly become very secure.

He immediately thought of another issue: “What about logistical supplies? Can they be assured?”

Arakcheev and Finance Minister Vasilyev exchanged a glance, hesitantly responding: “If we count the batch of supplies the British will bring next month, it should support a year’s consumption on the western front.”

The Tsar pursued further: “Can we ensure the Poles sign a ceasefire agreement within a year?”

The study fell silent.

Whether from spy reports from Poland or front-line officer descriptions, all Russian high-command knew Poland was currently in a state of military fervor, and no one could guarantee when they’d agree to ceasefire.

Alexander I coldly demanded: “I am waiting for an answer.”

Count Arakcheev gritted his teeth, stepped forward: “Your Majesty, unless we quickly defeat Kosciuszko’s main forces, if Poland receives aid from France, the war might last several years.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Actually, this is a battle plan I and the staff formulated two months ago.” Arakcheev took a deep breath and said, “But we must first abandon the front lines from Vitebsk to Mskislav…”

Every Russian minister in the room inhaled sharply at the remark.

The two places Arakcheev referred to are both forward defenses on the eastern banks of the Dnieper River. If all abandoned, Polish troops will reach the Smolensk Fortress directly.

If this medieval fortress falls, Moscow will be extremely vulnerable.

Moreover, after seizing Vitebsk, the Polish army could divide forces northward, encountering no defensive terrain before reaching the Novgorod Fortress—

And Novgorod is only 180 kilometers from Saint Petersburg.

Alexander I calmly regarded Arakcheev: “Please, continue.”

…

Paris.

Palace of Versailles.

In the Crown Prince’s reception room, the Countess of Debrinac courteously curtsied to Joseph, while her gaze flicked toward the endlessly talking Talleyrand, deliberately raising her voice: “Your Highness, your guests are ready to depart.”

Joseph nodded apologetically: “Please inform her… well, him, I’ll be right there.”

According to the prearranged itinerary, he was to set off for Brest today, with Queen Mary also to disguise and accompany.

However, many significant matters have arisen recently; Talleyrand and General Bertier were early at his side reporting, and it was nearly half past ten, yet only the opening had been discussed.

Joseph gestured toward the door at Talleyrand and the others: “Let’s discuss it en route.”

Talleyrand limped along beside the Crown Prince, continuing the previous topic: “Your Highness, based on my and Ziya’s analysis, as long as we provide Constantinople a loan of 3 million francs, they have a significant probability of halting grain exports to England. At least, they will raise prices to our desired level.”

Joseph merely smiled: “Why make them stop? I think this deal is excellent.”