Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796

Chapter 398 040 Return of the Round-the-World Fleet

The expeditionary fleet had already departed from St. Petersburg long before the war with Napoleon began, even when the Russian fleet was negotiating with the Governor of Haiti in the former French colony of Saint-Domingue.

Now, the fleet is returning quickly to the Baltic Fleet base in Kronstadt, completing Russia's first circumnavigation of the world in the early 19th century.

According to the estimated time, in early 1806, the Admiralty had already reported the fleet's final return plan. Since the "Nadezhda" also undertook the task of replenishing supplies to the Russian Aleutian base, the ship would return after reaching Kamchatka, so it could not return with the "Neva".

The two ships acted separately, each carrying back goods traded in Guangzhou, in addition to some precious furs and walruses, which were recently obtained by the Russian-American Company through hunting in the Russian American colonies.

As for when to return, the Admiralty gave Alexander a time between July and August, and if he caught up with the wind, the speed would be even faster.

It should be taken into account that the Neva had undergone a transformation before sailing, and the bow was no longer the same as when it was completed, but a clipper bow made of wood, which could greatly increase the speed.

The Nadezhda did not undergo a corresponding modification, and when the two ships were in formation, it actually limited the speed of the Neva.

On the way back home, since the Nadezhda would be about a month later, the Neva could also choose to sail at full speed, especially when approaching Kronstadt.

"Sir, our speed has reached 13 knots."

"That's not bad, it seems that this modification is still useful."

As the commander of this voyage, Crutzenstein and Lisyanski commanded the two ships to carry out activities respectively. Although the two cooperated well on the surface, they were also competing secretly and expressed dissatisfaction with each other.

Lisyanski did not support the modification of ships, because "fast sailing ships" were generally "faster", and Crutzenstein still modified the ship before departure.

Although the facts cannot be proved, because the two ships returned at different times and were assigned different tasks, one thing can be confirmed: the clipper ship sailed faster, not only in the actions of the naval fleet, but also in scientific research and commercial transportation.

Shortly after reaching the maximum speed, the lookout shouted.

"Look, it's land, we're about to reach Kronstadt."

Next, there was a cheer. The "Neva" was the first to complete this round-the-world voyage. Although it was not comparable to the previous voyages, it had fired crew members and fought with natives in the middle. But now it is considered completed, unlike Magellan who died halfway, or Captain James Cook who became a dish on a certain voyage.

The mission went very smoothly, but among several important tasks, except for selling a batch of goods in Guangzhou, none of them were completed in the end.

This is very bad. Before departure, the Russian ambassador to Japan was arranged, and it was obvious that the shogunate did not buy it, and even almost detained the ship in Nagasaki.

As for Guangzhou, although there was a similar dance, the Governor's Office of Guangdong and Guangxi didn't need this ship, so they just released it quickly. Under normal circumstances, the speed of handling departure procedures was not so fast.

Alexander received a report from the Navy Department on the same day, when he was resting in Peterhof Palace.

"It's really time to come back, but it's just such hot weather."

"But your Majesty, according to the law of monsoon, it's quite appropriate to return at this time. A few months ago, they were still waiting for the wind to return in St. Helena. If they didn't return from Guangzhou in advance, the speed would not be so fast."

"So, what should be done?"

The question was finally kicked to Sergei Kuzmich. As the Minister of War, he actually had to assist the Navy. Speaking of the War Minister of Tsarist Russia, he looked like the Minister of War for a while.

There was no way. During the Empress's period, Paul was the Minister of the Navy. Therefore, this department did not seem to be very important. The most managed thing was to resettle those retired officers and sailors, and issue pensions and benefits, making it more like a veterans' business department.

"Your Majesty, I think you should board this ship at the right time to pay tribute to our glorious sailors who have accomplished this feat."

Anyway, this statement is not painful, and Alexander will accept it soon.

Then, when arranging the attendants to board the ship, Alexander specifically mentioned the continuous schedule.

"Count Rumyantsev can go to express his condolences first, and we will board the ship in two days and listen to the report."

He arranged it this way because everyone would remain quite curious afterwards, but Solovyov was very dissatisfied with this arrangement.

On the one hand, he had to board the ship as Alexander's attendant first, and then he had to accompany Nicholas again as his teacher.

These days, he is not very willing to board the ship, not because of all the inconveniences, but because the time spent on the transport ship between Kronstadt and St. Petersburg is all on the road.

The recent summer time is still quite precious. Taking advantage of the longer daytime, Solovyov is still laying the foundation in his own house.

The construction speed is not very fast, but he is personally completing the design drawings and making some simple composition and decoration plans.

No one could have imagined that Solovyov, who was so brave on the battlefield, secretly wanted to build his manor into a rococo style.

Unexpected, but considering that he was quite proud of the young widow Madame Recamier, if he didn't get married, he might have to pick up this lady and stay for a while after the completion.

Well, it sounds like she would be envied by the young officers of the Guards in Petersburg. That lady is really beautiful. It's a pity that most of the officers of the Guards are uneducated, and Suka is not one of them to succeed in the world.

This voyage was initiated by Count Rumyantsev. Speaking of which, the Queen Mother and him had been exchanging letters, and they were even somewhat ambiguous.

It was only fitting that he was the first to offer condolences.

As for Alexander, he called Solovyov over and still had some issues to talk about.

"Your Majesty, you summoned me here at this time. What are you going to do?"

"You should already know the news about the return of the Neva. Don't be pretentious here, Solovyov, I want to ask you some questions."

"Your Majesty, since we are sailing around the world, China issues will always be involved. I can provide suggestions in this regard."

"Yes, you are an expert on China issues, but this time it also involves contact with Japan. When Count Rumyantsev comes back and submits the report, we will also discuss this issue."

Obviously, Alexander was quite excited. After all, this was considered to be in contact with China. Kruzensten had a personal relationship with Drummond, the representative of the British East India Company in Guangzhou. Although Golovkin did not do well, this time around the world When sailing, as long as it can pass through the ports along the way, it will definitely reach Guangzhou.

"Your Majesty, at times like this, I can't help but think that the Chinese government has always adopted a 'non-stick pan' attitude. When frying steak, there will be no crust on the bottom of the pan."

After hearing this, Alexander was slightly unhappy, but considering that Solovyov's judgments were always very accurate, he still motioned for him to continue speaking.

"Since our voyage this time was able to complete the mission and bring back a large amount of precious cargo, it can be proved to some extent that we will go directly to Guangzhou through Aleutian and Kamchatka, where we can make a profit by selling the goods. But it is also It should be noted that the Chinese government, just like our local governors, will inevitably set some conditions in the first negotiation, and I am still very not optimistic about future actions. "

"You are always so pessimistic. If Lisa wants to find you a wife, I'm afraid it will be hard for other girls to fall in love with you. You always need a positive and optimistic young man to be that girl's husband."

"Your Majesty, this is just in the name of reality."

Alexander had heard some rumors that Napoleon was strong and liked to use reality to suppress people. Although Solovyov was not so aggressive, he especially liked to show the truth.

"Why have you imitated Bonaparte?"

The Tsar himself was a little curious. If he knew the complicated relationship between Solovyov and Napoleon, this chain would become abstract.

"Your Majesty, if you say so, there are many people in Petersburg who will imitate the Corsican. Their ideas are not the same as mine. There are pro-British 'British fanatics' and pro-French 'French fanatics.' I’m a realist, I don’t lean into either camp.”

Alexander didn't say much. The guy didn't answer the question at all, but introduced himself.

"Well, I think the report will come out soon. Besides, I think you should also know something about Japan's issues, right?"

Shogunate? Although Solovyov had some knowledge of Japan, the first person to become bald was the Tsar himself if Alexander continued to pluck the hair out like this.

"Although I am not an expert on Japan, I still understand the situation in Asia."

"Then you should be on call at any time. We still need experts."

"Your Majesty, then I will take my leave for the time being."

When leaving the office of the Little Hermitage, Solovyov also saw Count Rumyantsev.

However, the two of them were not walking on the same path. Solovyov gave way to avoid a direct encounter.

I don’t know who he learned this from.

As for what's next, he also needs to get familiar with the terrain of the Winter Palace, get out of the palace, and quickly go to the Guards headquarters.

When we get there, we also have to arrange security work in Kronstadt, which he is more specialized in.

As for Alexander, he received Rumyantsev's report in his office.

"If this is the case, in the distant East Asia, it seems that these countries are not very supportive of opening their ports and can only conduct mutual trade at designated locations and in accordance with their wishes."

"Yes, Your Majesty. The trade in Guangzhou can proceed smoothly, and we have a good relationship with Mr. Drummond of the British East India Company. Only then can we sell some goods through the British trade route."

Obviously, the official attitude of the Qing Dynasty, the background of the imperial court and the governor's office of Guangdong and Guangxi, were obviously consistent.

"Then, they were so eager to let us leave the country, and the exit procedures were very fast."

"Your Majesty, it cannot be said that it was a complete failure. It is just that Solovyov needs to be brought back. Although the contents of his national letter can be recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is still a problem, which is that many incidents must be explained."

"There is no need to worry. The distance from Petersburg to the capital of China is so far, and the time for our business group to go from Irkutsk to Kyakta and then to Beijing is not at this time."

Distance can make people have enough patience, and Alexander is more concerned about the situation in Europe. He receives weekly letters from the ambassador in Berlin to get the latest developments in Prussia.

France and Russia are actually in a state of armistice. The "Neva" returned so smoothly all the way. In addition to the support of the British Royal Navy, French officials gave navigation permission.

In this way, the journey is indeed smooth. As long as the weather permits, there are not many pirates on the African coast, so you can sail at will.

As for the problems in Asia, Russia's double-headed eagle is not actually aimed at Siberia, but more attention should be paid to the south.

Some time ago, representatives sent by the Serbian rebel army also came to Petersburg and returned with Alexander's adjutant Paolucci.

In this Russo-Turkish war, a big fight is inevitable. The Ottoman Empire has declared war on Russia and has begun to mobilize their army, which is seriously understaffed and underpaid, to prepare for a confrontation with the Russian army along the Danube River.

As for whether they have the offensive ability, in fact, it can be seen from the repeated defeats in past wars. Without that ability, the Ottoman Empire has been worse than the last generation since Suleiman the Magnificent.

But the threat from the French, in this case, the problem of the Far East is indeed not important.

As for the national certificate and national ceremony, it is true that they can also be readjusted.

Solovyov, who is in the Guards headquarters, is still deploying a battalion to strengthen port defense, but he doesn't know what he has worked hard to do before, and he is afraid that adjustments will be made.

The leaders in Russia are indeed no different from leaders elsewhere. They all like to increase their power temporarily.

This is like a "bad character" that can be extended to the whole world. It is indeed universal. Solovyov complained in his heart and could only accept it this way. After all, his current status is not even a general.

"You have to accept this situation, even if it's me."

When Grand Duke Constantine spoke to him like this, it was obvious that people with higher status would inevitably do the same.