Alexander has been meeting up with the heads of the powerful noble families in russian.
Alexander knows that Nicholas I is an absolute power, with no one to oppose him.
And some noble families, though rich and powerfule with vast landholdings and serfs, they are in no position to oppose the tsar.
Unless they all banded together and co-operated the chances of success in opposing the tsar is low.
So why risk that? After all Nicholas I hasn't done anything to warrant the displeasure of the nobility, other then his "small" reforms.
Many conservative nobles in the empire are dissatisfied with the tsars decision to grant major railway building rights to the crown prince, making the peasents richer. After all, it might give them some wrong ideas.
They would have voiced their displeassure already when the tsar started building schools if not for the fact that serfs won't be allowed to attend. But still, as mentioned it might give the peasents the wrong idea and rebel against their feudal masters.
So, imagine their surprise when the crown prince called a meeting with one of the most powerfule noble family in the russian empire, and several others more.
"Welcome your highness l make yourself comfortable would you like tea or coffee?"
"Tea will do, thanks."
The head of the house, Boris Grigoryevich Yusupov. Ordered the servant to bring 2 cups of tea, and the servant having brought the tea left.
"How is the tea your highness, Hopefully its to your liking."
"Not bad"
"Good to know your highness, the tea has been grown in china and brought here its called the dragon well tea. One of the highest quality teas available."
"I'm thankful, but lets get to the main point of why i've come to visit."
Hearing the words of the crown prince Boris gets serious and starts listening.
"As you have heard my father has decided to build schools, educating the peasents.
Now, I don't need to tell you what could happen. The peasents will rise and threaten us, its better to keep them ignorant. Wouldn't you agree."
Boris is surprised hearing this from the crown, thinking its way too suspicious.
So he gives his answer.
"Who knows your highness, the tsar is very wise and intelligent. Having great foresight, though his actions may be a bit... Contradictory to what he stand for it would be too presumptous of me to judge."
Alexander frowns when he heard what Boris said. But thats to be excpected, from what he can understand Boris only gave a slight hint towards his thoughts on the actions of the tsar. Whilst also basiclly saying nothing.
"I see... well, if you have any thoughts that you need to relay to the tsar feel free to ask"
"We'll see your highness."
With that, the meeting has concluded.
Its seems like gaining the trust of the nobles was a a bit harder then Alexander thought, but no worries if there is one thing tht Alexander is certain of is that there are not eternal friends, only interests.
And whether or not he can help secure their interests will affect their thoughts of him.
"Its been a pleasure to meet you."
"Same your Highness."
As thry shake hands Alexander leaves and gets escorted by a servant to his carriage, setting of to meet with various other nobles.
This month is bound to be a busy one.
---
"Busy you hear it!?
Im very busy right now and I don't have time to attend!."
Said the secretary, she has been stumped with work. From reviewing railway construction plans to managing the various companies, just endless paper work.
But. Its worth it, the salary his highness offered is more then enough to support her children and hire a nun to take care of them when shes not home. Ever since her husband passed away years ago...
"But its his highness, he requested you come see him immediatly"
The secratary, having heard that immediatly gets up and rushes to the office.
Inside she says Alexander patiently reading a book while warm sunlight lights up the room.
"Thanks for coming Irina, I know your are busy but there something I need you to do."
"No no no no your highness, I always have plenty of free time and the pay has already made me satisfied so I'm happy you called."
"Glad to hear, so I I need some of the profits from the Romanov Steel and & Railway Company to be used for the construction of 5 traditional orthodox churches as well for donating to the Yupusov family. Can it be done?"
"Yes your highness but we are short of money at the moment so some projects might nees to get delay3d or outright stopped."
Alexanders face darkens.
Money. Its all about money.
So he resolves himself and says.
"Its fine, stop the construction of the railways that are the leats important as well as open railway lines to the public as soon as possible so that some of the costs can be recouped"
As Alexander syas this he knows that the amount of money made from these railways won't be much but just enough to cover the operation costs. Sadly there is nothing he can about it for now since the peasents are still tied to their land.
"I'll get to it right away your highness."
Irina leaves, seeing her tired complexion Alexander sighs.
It seems like he needs to hire more people to helo him manage all these companies to carry out his tasks.
Anyways now unto the next agenda, Propoganda.
With his "Royal news" company now having reacched wide ebough coverage Alexander can start spreading information about himself. For example, glorifying his deeds like giving welfare to the poor and the construction of a church. Enhancing his reputation.
And for what reason you might ask? Well, read and find out.