Catherine and the Black Emperor

054. The downfall of the legislator

Sergei's seemingly complaining words surprised Elizabeth, and she turned to ask Besdutev.

How many people are there in Russia?

Besdov, steeling himself, slowly shook his head: "This number has never been determined."

"So, just like Saltykov said, if I were to issue a decree concerning the Russian people, I wouldn't have any legal basis whatsoever, would I?"

Besdov was about to say something, but Elizabeth didn't give him the chance.

"Population and people are part of your job, right?"

"Yes."

"Then let's begin preparations and put the census on the agenda. I remember Fyodor mentioned it."

Besdov nodded: "I will speak with him first and submit a complete report to you within three days."

Elizabeth nodded, thus ceasing her aggressive approach.

Besdudev was not embarrassed by the questioning.

He and Elizabeth were both aware of each other's intentions, but they were simply putting on an act.

Elizabeth knew he couldn't possibly give an accurate population figure; she was only asking him because so many courtiers were present, and she needed him to take the blame for "incompetence."

Surely this outcome couldn't be due to the Empress's lack of attention.

Moreover, population issues are precisely his job as Prime Minister.

So when Elizabeth asked him, Besdov didn't even give her a rough number, because Elizabeth already had the idea of ​​a census in mind, and doing something unnecessary would only invite more criticism.

"No wonder he was chosen to be the Prime Minister."

Sergei watched Besdudev leave with Elizabeth.

Besides having sufficient ability, the other party also had a thorough understanding of Elizabeth, and could immediately guess Elizabeth's intentions, something that even he could not fully grasp at his current level.

Soon, Fyodor was approached by Besdutev for an in-depth discussion about the census.

A complete report was delivered to Elizabeth two days later, and Bestov dared not take all the credit at this time, so Fyodor's abilities were fully demonstrated.

"Your Majesty, I think it's necessary to postpone the census. After all, the Ottomans and Prussia are currently making moves, and you should focus your efforts on the south."

Elizabeth put down the report and looked at the Privy Council member in front of her.

"Congressman Haridon, do you think the census problem isn't serious enough? I remember you were Besdudev's advisor on population issues, right?"

Harrydon nodded: "That's right. Precisely because I've always been concerned about the population issue, I think it's necessary to tell His Majesty not to waste his energy on such a trivial matter."

After a brief silence, Elizabeth nodded.

"You're right. The construction in the Ottomans, Prussia, and the south is indeed very important. Perhaps my body and energy are not enough to complete so much work."

Harrydon was overjoyed; he had persuaded the Queen!

"Your Majesty, you are extremely wise!"

Elizabeth smiled, and after Harrydon left, she looked at Razumovsky: "Just because I can't do it myself doesn't mean someone can't do it for me."

Knowing the Queen's suspicious nature, Razumovsky knew that Haridon was in trouble.

As expected, Elizabeth had her attendants summon Shuvalov.

"What have Representative Haridon done behind the scenes? I mean things detrimental to Russia. You should understand, Russia isn't just about the court, nobles, and landowners; it also has ordinary people and serfs!"

Hearing Elizabeth's warning and reminder, Shuvalov realized the seriousness of the matter, which made him immediately abandon his original idea of ​​helping Haridon cover up some secrets.

"Member Haridon maintains close ties with administrators and judges in certain regions, including Novgorod, Kazan, and Tula..."

"This does not satisfy me. I want you to make it clear that you are still capable of serving as chairman. Go and investigate, and give me the results as soon as possible!"

Shuvalov left Elizabeth's office.

"Haridon is doomed," he muttered to himself.

As the chairman of the secret council, he might not know everything about what Harrydon had done, but how could he be completely unaware? He had already been very subtle in his words to Elizabeth.

But now, Elizabeth is very dissatisfied with this answer.

"Let him die in the secret committee!" Shuvalov's eyes flashed coldly.

Although he had never been involved in human trafficking, he had received a lot of benefits from Haridon over the years. If Haridon implicated him, it would become a major handle against Sergei.

11 month.

A secret investigation report on Privy Councilor Haridon's alleged involvement in human trafficking, along with a complete chain of evidence, appeared on Elizabeth's desk. Subsequently, Shuvalov personally led the secret police to arrest him.

Human trafficking has always been a gray industry in various countries, but Elizabeth did not expect that it had become so serious in Russia, which greatly angered her.

For the first time, the issue of human trafficking appeared in the parliament as a matter of vital importance concerning the survival of Russia.

Ultimately, Shuvalov prevented Haridon from speaking, and the Privy Councilor did not leave the Secret Committee alive.

The unfolding of the human trafficking scandal also highlighted the importance of the census, and everyone in the court knew that a census was imminent.

In the office, Elizabeth summoned Besdov and Fyodor.

"Population, economy, construction, military... Besdov, you have too much work to do, it's overwhelming."

Besdov quickly followed up on Elizabeth's words: "Yes, Your Majesty, this was my oversight. I urgently need an assistant, and Your Majesty also urgently needs a capable minister to solve this problem."

He dared not oppose her now. In just a few months, Privy Council members Vasily and Haridon had fallen from power one after another, which made him truly realize Elizabeth's indifference and decisiveness.

Elizabeth was pleased with Besdutdev's pragmatism: "Very well, since you have this idea, then... Fyodor."

Fyodor stepped forward: "Your Majesty."

"From today onwards, you will succeed Haridon as a Member of Parliament, assisting the Prime Minister in handling population issues. The first and most urgent task is to conduct a census!"

"yes!"

On that day, a decree concerning the census was issued nationwide, and Privy Councilor Fyodor was appointed as the principal person in charge of the census.

Saltykov Residence.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency," Sergei said to Fyodor, who had come to offer his congratulations.

"Your Grace, you are too kind. This change in my life is entirely thanks to you. I never imagined that you could remove Haridon from power with just a few simple means, not only protecting my wife and daughters but also promoting me to a higher rank and title. I am extremely grateful to Your Grace!"

Fyodor has been in a state of excitement and exhilaration these days, often waking up laughing at night, feeling that it all is so unreal.

Originally, he was just an ordinary court minister, lower than the secretary-general of the secret council, let alone the vice-chairman of the council. But now, he has become a member of the Privy Council.

This is a higher official position than the chairman of the secret committee!

It was only Shuvalov's position as chairman of the special court that allowed him to surpass him; Sergei's position as vice-chairman was no match for him. However, his character and gratitude led him to come here immediately to express his thanks to Sergei.

"From now on, if the Duke has any requests, please feel free to give them."

"You're too kind, Your Excellency."