I'm playing whack-a-mole in Siberia

Chapter 3 The Sad Prince

Alexander was not a brave man. After becoming the crown prince, Alexander lived with Maria and their children in the Gatchina Palace on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. For this reason, Alexander was nicknamed "The Prisoner of Gatchina" by the newspapers. .

The conditions in Gatchina are far worse than those in the Winter Palace. Alexander’s family lived in an attic in Natchina. The room was so narrow that even a piano could not fit in. The outside of the attic was heavily guarded, and there were five posts per step. Every step of the way made Maria and her children envious of the living conditions in the Winter Palace.

Compared with the attic in the Natschina Palace, George's bedroom in the Winter Palace was large enough to hold a ten piano.

Although George is a prince, because of Catherine's identity, he has no right to inherit the throne.

It is precisely for this reason that Yaer is particularly fond of his youngest son George, especially in education. Yaer attaches no less importance to it than the deceased Crown Prince Nicholas.

George was also very smart. Before Ya Er was assassinated, George had already learned Russian, English, French, German, and Greek. Except for the fact that due to his age, he had not yet had time to take courses with more strenuous physical activities, he studied all language-related classes. George got excellent results in all the courses.

This is not special treatment given to George, it is the same for all princes.

Although the old tsar did not pay enough attention to the princes other than the crown prince, the basic education was still very complete. The princes not only had to learn languages, but also mathematics, law, geography, finance, military, etc.

In their spare time, princes also actively participate in physical exercise. Riding, boxing, fencing, shooting, swimming, etc. are all required courses.

The original intention of the old tsar was to hope that even if the princes could not become tsar, they could still become qualified grand dukes and contribute their strength to the empire.

As for the effect, it varies from person to person.

Alexander always loses focus when he's studying, either because he danced all night to catch up on sleep the night before, or because he's hungover and can't cheer up.

In this way, the learning effect can be imagined.

"You are the emperor of the empire. You should discuss state affairs with the imperial ministers. I will handle the affairs of the harem!" Maria did not give in. This was her right.

Catherine was never like this.

Before Alexander II married Ekaterina, Alexander's sister Olga was worried that Ekaterina would interfere in internal affairs. The Tsar said in a letter to her sister: Dolgorukova does not care about political affairs. , also does not socialize, and only focuses on taking care of him and the children.

This is really rare.

Unlike Catherine who was not interested in political affairs, Maria's idol was another Catherine, Catherine the Great.

There are only two czars in Russia who are called "the Great", namely the fourth czar Peter the Great and Catherine the Great.

Catherine the Great was talented, managed the country well and made outstanding achievements during her tenure, making Russia at that time the most powerful country in Europe.

"You are not the owner of this palace yet, so - stand down!" Alexander's attitude towards Maria was as simple and rough as what was rumored to be.

Like Maria, who had a crush on her, Alexander also had his own crush before marrying Maria.

This political marriage was a tragedy for Maria, and equally unhappy for Alexander. Alexander also closed off his feelings because of the political marriage.

Although the relationship was not that good, Maria still had to give face to the future tsar in front of several important imperial ministers.

But before leaving, Maria gave Ekaterina a hard look and gave her a "wait for me" look. Then Maria left with her head held high, like a proud big white goose. .

Alexander looked back at Ekaterina with a determined look on her face, her head as big as a bucket. Like Maria, Alexander didn’t like Ekaterina as his stepmother, but Alexander’s emotions were not as direct as Maria’s.

Faced with Alexander's scrutinizing eyes, Ekaterina did not flinch, and she did not even take off the knife from her neck.

Alexander didn't say a word, turned around and left the room filled with the smell of blood. He needed to discuss with the imperial ministers how to deal with it.

"There is no doubt that we cannot let Duke Yuryevskaya be harmed and must ensure her safety." The Foreign Minister was the first to express his position. There are many princes and nobles in Russia, but not many like George's family.

Anyway, the salary for the title is not given to anyone.

Milyugin didn't speak, his expression and eyes were full of meaning.

How to protect?

This is the Winter Palace.

After Alexander III ascended the throne, the Winter Palace became Maria's world. Maria could let whomever she wanted to die, and whoever she wanted to die, die whenever she wanted.

"For the Duchess, St. Petersburg is a sad place. Maybe the Duchess wants to go somewhere else to relax." The Grand Duke's words were euphemistic, meaning to send the person away.

The method is feasible, but only if Ekaterina is willing to cooperate.

Looking at Yekaterina's resolute attitude just now, it's not easy to send her away.

"If Prince Yurievsky is willing to help, the matter will be easily solved-" The Grand Duke hit the nail on the head, and Prince Yurievsky was referring to George.

The grand duke is old and mature. This is not to ask George to help persuade, but to use George's three brothers and sisters to threaten Ekaterina.

Ekaterina may have a death wish, but she never wants to see the three George brothers and sisters harmed.

Tiger poison doesn't even eat seeds, let alone a little woman like Ekaterina.

Alexander had to go to find George himself. If Maria was asked to go, Maria might kill George directly.

Catherine suffered major blows one after another, and George didn't sleep all night.

After understanding his situation, George wanted to take the initiative and struggle to survive. But then George realized that the 9-year-old child was too weak and couldn't even get out of the door. Taking the initiative was a joke.

In order to prevent George from running around, Anna arranged for several rich and powerful maids to watch George. Even George was followed when he went to the toilet. George could not object because this was not to monitor George, but to protect George's safety.

George also had no private space. Three-year-old Ekaterina cried all night. Eight-year-old Olga was also crying because she didn't see her mother. George had no experience in raising children and was so busy that he didn't even eat dinner. , and I don’t dare to eat it because I have been poisoned too much by TV dramas and I am worried that my food will be poisoned.

After finally coaxing Olga and little Ekaterina to sleep, the hungry George was speechless and asked the sky.

Damn, people always hugged each other when they traveled across time. Why is it so miserable when I get here?

　The new book issue is guaranteed to be updated twice a day, at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., additional updates are subject to availability~
  　　
  　
  (End of this chapter)