Paskevich had successively suppressed uprisings in Poland, Chechnya, and among the Cossacks; he could truly be called an expert in such matters.
Though he had rendered Russia countless services, his failure in Poland had disappointed Nicholas I. If he wished to win the Tsar's favor again, he had to produce some results.
Besides Paskevich, quite a few Russian generals harbored similar thoughts. They all saw this as an excellent opportunity to win glory and build their careers.
After all, Russia had won battle after battle against the Ottomans before. Going to the Balkans was practically picking up military merit for free. In Russia at this time, the weight of one's achievements depended to a great extent on how highly the Tsar valued them.
And the rebellion in the Balkans had undoubtedly drawn the Tsar's utmost attention. For anyone hoping to soar to great heights, this was unquestionably the finest opportunity.
Yet there were also voices of opposition within Russia. The advocates of Greater Slavism were in fact strongly opposed to retaliating through slaughter.
"Your Majesty, the Slavs of the Balkans are also your subjects. They have only just returned to Russia. Could you not pardon this offense of theirs?"
These words immediately provoked dissatisfaction among Russia's entire upper echelon. It was not merely the military officers seeking glory; the civil officials led by Prime Minister Alexander Ivanovich Chernyshev were equally displeased.
"Ponegin, what nonsense are you spouting? His Majesty is the master of all Russia. If he pardons the Balkan people, would that be fair to Russians in other regions?
If rebellions can be tolerated and indulged, will they demand to carve up land and set up their own domains next?"
At the time, advocates of Greater Slavism in Russia generally held no high office. Even Ponegin, their opinion leader,