Prime Minister Chernyshev's words gave Nicholas I a splitting headache. In a relatively peaceful period, military spending reaching such heights was indeed excessive.
But the problem was that Russia could not stop moving forward. Enemies were everywhere, both within and without. Cutting military expenditures now—was that not courting death?
"Then tell me, what should we do now?"
Russia's Pro-British Faction immediately sensed an opportunity and spoke up at once.
"Your Majesty, we can establish protectorates in the Balkans and have members of the imperial family serve as Archdukes to soothe the local people's unrest. That way, we can save a vast sum in military spending."
"You want me to give up Constantinople? You damned coward, get out of here at once!"
Nicholas I's greatest dream at this moment was to retake Constantinople. How could he possibly accept such a suggestion?
Nicholas I had always wanted to make the enemy submit through an unceasing offensive. In his view, establishing protectorates in the Balkans would give those rebels a chance to catch their breath—it was no different from protecting the Ottomans.
That Pro-British minister was driven from the court by the Tsar's guards, and his political career would most likely end there.
The other officials could only look at one another. They had no wish to follow in his footsteps, especially at such a critical juncture.
The Tsar clearly had no intention of adopting a conciliatory policy. Yet they had fought for years without seeing any improvement. If they chose to support the Tsar in continuing the war and it still failed to produce results, they feared they would not escape disaster either.
"Your Majesty, we have held on for this long; we cannot simply give up now! Since our supplies cannot support too many troops, then we should send reinforcements within