Catherine and the Black Emperor

044. Secretary General

The Black Emperor's affair began to escalate, and over the course of a month following the wedding, people were gradually brought to the secret committee.

The range of people involved is vast, including members of parliament, members of the Holy Council (church organization), counts, foreign envoys, as well as scientists, professors, poets, playwrights, gardeners, painters, craftsmen, and so on.

In a room, Naryshkin spoke with absolute certainty.

"Sergei and I were at the wedding the whole time; we never left!"

"Are you sure?" The secret police officer behind the table looked up.

"I stand by my word, I vouch for Sergei with my life!"

In another room, Sergei remained equally calm.

As an advisor to the secret council, his position was extraordinary, and the only person who could interrogate him was Shuvalov.

"I can testify that Naryshkin was there," Sergei replied.

"I know that, but I didn't want to talk to you about it. Your suspicion and motives are greater than Naryshkin's." Shuvalov stared at him intently.

Sergei's gaze was calm: "If you put it that way, then I'm no longer on the list of suspects."

"Actually, I don't know if it was the right choice to let you join the secret committee. You're thriving here, and to be honest, it has made me feel much more relaxed. But at the same time, you've also made me feel dangerous." Shuvalov's smile slowly faded.

Sergei sensed a cold glint in the other man's eyes.

"The Secret Committee is merely the sword in the Chairman's hand; the Special Court is the Chairman's gun." Sergei said with a respectful expression. "My success in the Secret Committee is all thanks to your high regard, Chairman."

Seeing Sergei's composed yet submissive demeanor, Shuvalov's smile returned.

As the other party said, what truly gave him great power and made him feared by Besdov and Apravshin was his position as chairman of the special tribunal.

As for the secret committee, if it weren't for his favor, why would those old men show Sergei any deference or provide him with any conveniences?

"Getting back to business, once you leave this room, your suspicion will be cleared. However, you will also receive a very important task, which will directly affect our standing in the Queen's eyes."

Shuvalov handed him a piece of paper.

Sergei looked at the gold-embossed black paper that had returned to his hands: "The Black Emperor..."

In the next room.

Mikhail of the Academy of Sciences faced the interrogation with great ease: "I was with Count Razumovsky the whole time at the wedding, before the Empress left. You can verify that yourself."

In the next room, the playwright was trying his best to prove his innocence.

There are more than 20 such interrogation rooms, and as soon as someone leaves, another person comes in.

But the investigation was destined to yield nothing.

10 month.

"The Grand Duke invited Mikhail of the Academy of Sciences to visit his laboratory, where he discovered rats that had been nailed to a table and dismembered."

"In addition, the Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke had a quarrel, and their relationship is deteriorating every day."

After listening to Ulyana's report, Sergei kindly reminded her.

"Remember to stay away from those dead rats; they carry diseases, so don't get infected."

"I understand, Your Highness!" Ulyana nodded emphatically.

Sergei noticed that the other person had changed into brand new servant's clothes.

The form-fitting satin fabric hugged Ulyana's slender body, revealing her tall and smooth figure. Her well-defined curves made the young woman extremely alluring.

Even though her clothes were slightly loose, Peter was able to spot Ulyana among the many maids at a glance, which shows how good her figure is.

Modern clothing perfectly showcases a person's figure.

There are many servants in the Winter Palace, but not many are truly beautiful. Ulyana is one, as are Gemma and Matrena, all of whom have the potential to become servants.

The servants were the lowest rung of the Winter Palace. From servants to stewards, attendants, and finally stewards of attendants, this was the highest they could normally reach in their lives.

Under Sergei's gaze, Ulyana lowered her head shyly, her cheeks flushed.

"Nice clothes."

Sergei gently patted the other person's shoulder and turned to leave.

If he were to devour her at this moment, Ulyana would not offer the slightest resistance.

But this will inevitably arouse the other party's desires and affect their loyalty to him.

Everyone has a different personality and understanding, so we should treat each person with different attitudes and methods.

If it were Agafia, he would have already executed her on the spot.

Watching the Duke leave, Ulyana gently fanned her burning face.

11 month.

"Her Majesty the Queen summoned Matrena yesterday because the Grand Duke and Duchess had found out they were sleeping in separate rooms. Matrena was called in to inquire about the reason, and the Queen even said that they did not act like a married couple at all."

Sergei listened to Gemma's report.

"Oh, right, the Queen also had her servants lock the Grand Duchess and Duchess in a room these past few nights, forbidding Matrena and me from opening the door for them," Gemma said, suddenly remembering something.

"Just do as instructed. If the Grand Duke gets angry, let him vent his anger on the Queen's attendants."

"clear."

12 month.

"The Grand Duchess has recently taken a passion for reading."

Listening to Gemma's report, Sergei understood why Ekaterina had done what she did.

Because Ulyana told him that Peter had told Catherine about Elizabeth's imprisonment of the former legitimate emperor, Ivan VI, in the fortress.

The other party clearly did not want to fall into an abyss, so they focused on doing things that could prove their indifference to politics.

Of course, even when she was still Sofia, Catherine loved reading and learning.

After Gemma left, Sergei pondered for a moment before finding Ekaterina.

"Your Highness, it's been a long time." Ekaterina was happy to see Sergei and put down the book she was holding.

"have not seen you for a long time."

Catherine asked curiously, "Your Highness, what have you been doing all this time? I haven't seen you visit the Grand Duke or meet with me in a long time, and I've rarely seen you at the Winter Palace."

"The work on the Secret Committee is quite busy. My main job has now changed from being Her Majesty's attendant to the Secretary-General of the Secret Committee," Sergei replied.

"Really? Congratulations then." Ekaterina was happy for the other person.

The Secretary General is no small figure in the Secret Committee. He reports directly to the Chairman, Shuvalov, and is also the Vice Chairman, making him the third-in-command.

Could it be that Sergei will one day replace Shuvalov and become the big man in charge of the huge Secret Committee?

Given their abilities, they might actually be able to do it.

No.

It is definitely possible!