"In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way"
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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The days passed swiftly, and the day of the banquet finally arrived.
It was decided it'd be held in one of the royal estates slightly outside St. Petersburg.
The hall was filled with glittering chandeliers, gilded columns and long tables adorned with fine crystal glasses and flowers.
There was music in the background and the atmosphere was festive but serious.
The guests arrived one after another and began talking between themselves. It was exactly what you would call an elite banquet.
Everyone present in this hall was either an aristocrat or known cultured man.
But some figures' entrances caused quite a fuss.
Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich.
Their personalities were just the opposite. Sergei was a staunch autocrat and conservative. He was deeply religious and not many people liked him.
While Vladimir, even though not openly liberal, deeply appreciated the arts, education and modernization. He had a good reputation and was actually liked by almost everyone other than the conservatives.
These two brothers caused even more fuss than the three ministers Nicholas had especially invited.
The last one to arrive was of course, Nicholas. While everyone was discussing and laughing, a Guard announced:
"His Imperial Highness, the Tsarevich and Grand Duke, Nicholas Alexandrovich!!!"
Everyone's attention shifted to Nicholas. The handsome Crown Prince walked confidently. He looked good, dressed in a formal military uniform with his sash and medals gleaming. Even though his stature was average, his upright posture and his deep blue eyes portrayed an absolute confidence. They gave away an air which was anything but ordinary.
He confidently walked to the head of the room and began scanning everyone.
He nodded to his uncles, the Grand Dukes and the three Ministers he had invited.
After everyone sat down, Nicholas delivered a heartfelt toast, balancing deference to the Tsar with his vision for the Empire:
"To His Majesty, my father, the Tsar and Autocrat of all Russians, whose wisdom and strength have guided our nation to greatness! And to you all, who serve tirelessly for the glory of Russia!
May we together bring prosperity and progress in the coming year!
For the Tsar!! FOR RUSSIA!!!"
He rose his glass while locking eyes with Mendeleev and other like-minded individuals, signaling interest in their ideas.
Nicholas already had the targets clear in his mind and he would make sure to meet them tonight.
"FOR THE TSAR! FOR RUSSIA!!!" everyone responded.
After that, the evening went on smoothly. The first people Nicholas went to meet were of course the Grand Dukes.
He payed respects to Grand Duke Vladimir first, since he was the older one. Vladimir was a good person, and he had grown to like Nicholas so he warned him:
"Nikolai, I heard the rumors of your plan to gather men of science. It is a noble idea, one that our empire sorely needs. But be careful - ideas are powerful things. They may not always serve the master who wields them. Just look at France."
"Do you not think we are capable of managing this, Uncle? Instead of hesitating and living in fear, we could make Russia the beacon of progress" responded Nicholas
"Capable? Certainly. But you must tread lightly, especially with your father watching, Nicky. Reform, when presented too boldly, is often mistaken for rebellion. Let your actions speak softly, but their results echo loudly" advised Vladimir.
Nicholas didn't say anything for a moment. He was still digesting his uncle's words. Being a modern man, Nicholas still hadn't fully adapted to the deep cruelty and the severe ruthlessness of this era. Then, he thanked his Uncle.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Uncle Vladimir. For I shall keep your wise words close to my heart and mind."
The conversation with Sergei had the same context. That went to show both of the Grand Dukes cared for Nicholas, the Tsar and the Royal Family. But their advices on how to be careful deviated just like their personalities.
"Nikolai, your father has entrusted you with a great responsibility. But mark my words - progress is a dangerous weapon. What may appear as a tool to strengthen the empire could sow the seeds of discontent among the people." he said.
"Uncle, I understand the risks, but we cannot remain stagnant while the world evolves. Our rivals - Germany, Britain and even America - surge ahead in industry and science." Nicholas faithfully responded.
"And what has this so-called progress brought them? Revolts, instability and a population with too many questions. Russia's strength relies in its unity under the Tsar. Do not let the noise of the modern age distract you from this truth." countered Sergei.
"I am tired of people calling us the 'Backwater of Europe', Uncle. I wouldn't mind if those were just dirty rumors but speaking of science, technology and innovation, those words are true to some extent. But I understand your words and I will think deeply about them. Thank you."
Sergei wanted to say one last thing but in the end, he chose not to. He just sighed and gave a nod to Nicholas.
Then, Nicholas moved to the Ministers' table.
There, he had some small but pleasant talk with Minister Durnovo and Minister Vannovsky.
But his talk with Minister Witte was of course much more interesting.
"Your Highness."
"Count Witte. How have you been?"
"I am good, thank you for asking, Your Highness. I heard about your association. Whatever you need, you have my utmost support, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Sergei. Right now, I can't include you in this project. It would be a political blunder and it could implicate both of us. You know how complicated it is." said Nicholas while smiling regretfully.
"But I want to ask you something else, Sergei. Have you been following the American Crisis?"
"Yes, I have, Your Highness. At the moment, I am trying to figure out how long it will last." Witte responded with a serious face.
"I will tell you how long it will last Sergei.
I am sure it will last at least until the middle of 1895. And it's worst period is yet to come. That period will be from this Spring(1894) to the beginning of 1895.
And that's exactly what I want to talk about, Sergei. You also know what national economic crises represent for other foreign powers and investors.
Chaos brings opportunity. And I believe we must grab this opportunity which doesn't come often. The prices in the USA are currently at an all-time low. This is our opportunity to rope in experts, technology, tools. Damn it, even whole factories. This is our chance to give a major boost to our Industrial sector and all the fields releated to it. If we just open the dam, we will have thousands of railway and industrial experts flooding in.
I want you to prepare a full report and present it to my Father and the cabinet. In the next cabinet meeting I will also support you."
Sergei's eyes widened. For a moment, his mouth was left gaping as he didn't know how to react to this initiative. After a good minute, he straightened his back and stated:
"I will heed your advice, Your Highness. For the good of Russia. Thank you for telling me these words. I will take over from now on."
Nicholas nodded smiling and left the table, leaving Sergei in deep thought.