When Sergei Yulievich Witte heard the news of Emperor Alexander III's passing, he was particularly sad and depressed.
If it weren't for the late emperor's exceptional promotion, Witte might still be a local bureaucrat in Kiev, waiting to climb the ranks in an orderly and seniority-based manner.
"This is something that brings me great sorrow."
Despite his grief, government affairs had to continue as usual, so he was discussing some issues with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivan Nikolayevich Durnovo.
Both understood each other from a position of loyalty and patriotism, so when they talked about some topics related to the late emperor, they still sighed with emotion.
"Sergei Yulievich, what do you think of our new emperor?"
Apart from the sorrowful topics, Durnovo also asked Witte about his opinion on the new emperor, Nicholas II.
"I have discussed state affairs with him. As far as I know, he has little experience but is accumulating it quickly. He is not confused; in my impression, he is a kind, studious, and well-mannered young man. I have rarely seen a young man with better demeanor than Nicholas II. His insignificant shortcomings due to lack of experience will be easily forgotten."
Witte continued, "I believe that shortly after the young monarch takes power, the ship of state will continue to sail smoothly as usual."
Durnovo looked at Witte profoundly after hearing his description.
"Sergei, I'm afraid you have misjudged the character of this young emperor. I know him quite well. Let me tell you, his accession might bring us many unexpected things in the future. Remember my words: if he succeeds, he will be Russia's new Peter the Great; if he fails, he will become another Paul I."
"..."
Durnovo, the reason you know the new emperor's personality so well is probably not due to detailed and keen observation, but because you, as the Minister of Internal Affairs, are responsible for inspecting all correspondence.
Witte thought to himself.
"But soon I will no longer hold the position of Minister of Internal Affairs."
Durnovo frankly told Witte.
"Why is that? You are fully capable of continuing in this role."
"Because Empress Dowager Maria often complains to her son about me opening her private letters. Given the Empress Dowager's dissatisfaction, I am unlikely to continue in this position."
In Russian court customs, the Empress Dowager's status is higher than that of the Empress, and she also has a significant influence on the Emperor. Empress Dowager Maria, now 47 years old, still has active political vitality.
Shortly after the meeting with Minister of Internal Affairs Durnovo, Witte also met with Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev.
Born in 1827, Pobedonostsev was undoubtedly a white-haired old minister. In terms of age, Nicholas II was the fourth Tsar he had sworn allegiance to in his lifetime.
He was also extremely saddened by the sudden death of Alexander III.
"My greatest fear is that Emperor Nicholas, due to his youth and ignorance, will be unable to see through the malicious temptations from the Western world."
As Nicholas's tutor, Pobedonostsev held a pessimistic view of his future.
Since the old professor had already expressed such an opinion, Witte just shook his head and did not continue the conversation.
"He was a devout Christian, a loyal son of the Orthodox Church, and an honest, steadfast, and righteous man. He passed away very peacefully. His main concern before his death was not his own suffering but the pain his death would bring to those around him and his beloved family."
"Undoubtedly."
"Indeed."
When Witte rushed to Nikolaevsky Station to meet the hearse, his speech resonated with many ministers present.
After the hearse entered the platform, the young Emperor Nicholas II got off the train, followed by two fair-haired ladies.
"Is that young, beautiful, and well-proportioned woman Princess Elena?"
The people standing nearby whispered.
"No, she is Queen Alexandra of England."
This surprised many present. This sister of Empress Dowager Maria looked much younger, just like her sister.
After the Empress Dowager and her sister got off the train, following them was the future Empress of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna. She was also beautiful but had a different kind of charm compared to Queen Alexandra. Young, noble, and adorned with dazzling jewels, she earned the admiration of those present.
After this, the Cossacks carried out the late emperor's coffin, and the funeral procession immediately began to move along Nevsky Prospect, across Liteiny Bridge, towards the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The entire Nevsky Prospect and the road to the Peter and Paul Cathedral were crowded with mourning citizens, with the military lining the route.
According to the pre-arranged ceremony, at the front were the sorrowful Emperor Nicholas, his mother Empress Dowager Maria, and Queen Alexandra. Following them were the Prince and Princess of Wales and other Russian grand dukes and foreign relatives.
The ministers formed two lines behind them, followed by the choir and clergy.
The body of Emperor Alexander III was placed in the Peter and Paul Cathedral for public viewing, with the Emperor and ministers taking turns to guard the vigil until the funeral.
People from many places came to pay their respects continuously, although due to the poor preservation techniques of the time, his body had already begun to decay.
On November 7, the funeral began.
"Mother, don't you want to rest for a while?"
After the long ceremony, Nicholas noticed his mother's trembling body and supported her arm as he spoke.
"No... I will wait until the ceremony is over."
She stood, straight and strong.
It wasn't until the archbishop was about to finish reading the sleepy eulogy that Minnie's spirit began to collapse.
She screamed, "Enough! Enough!"
The sorrow was evident, almost like a hysterical outburst, and she fell into the arms of her sister Alexandra.
"Do you need me to handle the subsequent meetings and funeral arrangements?"
The days of vigil had also taken a toll on Nicholas, and his weary appearance worried his chubby uncle Bertie, who offered to take over the entire ceremony.
"No, I'm fine. This is something I can do."
Nicholas's earnestness won the approval of the Prince of Wales.