Solovyov in Tsarist Russia 1796.

However, literacy education requires a high cost.

Besides the schools planned to be built, the quality of teachers is also very important; for example, it's unclear how many Belikovs will be needed for Greek instruction alone.

Moreover, religious courses were still required in schools in Tsarist Russia to some extent.

Sometimes, religious and scientific topics cannot be discussed together.

Paul had encountered this before. He wouldn't be too upset if the priest messed around with him or sprinkled ash into bread, but he would get furious if the priest questioned or challenged religious authority.

For example, the content for higher grades far exceeds the four thousand years of the Bible.

Even priests were to be provided with supplies. Solovyov was more worried about their level of education and their bad habit of sneaking out for a drink whenever they had free time.

The most typical examples are the pastors in the French countryside, and the few Orthodox churches in Beijing who do nothing but sell church materials.

Strictly speaking, Solovyov's proposed educational initiatives still require the cooperation of the officials.

Russia is different from Prussia. Prussia's FW king, despite suffering defeats and a significant weakening of the country, cleared away many obstacles. After the war, he even implemented compulsory education in the countryside and basically abolished serfdom.

In Russia, not only were there small landowners who opposed the abolition of serfdom, but these landowners also strongly opposed newcomers who had been promoted to hereditary nobles due to military merit and civil service positions.

On the contrary, the great nobles had much less prejudice against these people. They might mock their origins, but they respected the status they had attained.

The nobles also realized that the current level of productivity was seriously hindering them from making money. If they relied solely on their estates, it was indeed a slow way to make money, and many of them were heavily in debt.

However, if you want to develop industry, the investment amount is very high.

If they're going into business, they're worried about losing money.

Russia is a place where there are many abstract things.

Of course, there are good people among them.

"Sir, it's a letter from Count Bezukhov."

“It’s Pierre? Great, give me the letter.”

Solovyov had been waiting for news that Pierre's railway line was fully operational.

This letter mentions the railway from Moscow to St. Petersburg, which finally began operation in 1823. Although the speed was still relatively slow and only a few carriages could be attached, it was already able to carry passenger traffic and, under appropriate conditions, freight transport, delivering goods to cities along the route.

However, the train's transport capacity was insufficient to meet the demand, so horse-drawn carriages still accounted for a large proportion of transport from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Solovyov suggested that Pierre poach people, and unsurprisingly, he managed to recruit Stevenson.

The British proposed a solution to Pierre: to improve the structure of the steam engine and increase its efficiency to a certain extent compared to the previous models.

After seeing the drawings, Solovyov recognized at least the design standards of 1860.

Such steam locomotives were still usable in the 20th century, and their design allowed diesel locomotives to replace them in most areas.

In some small places, this little train can also be set up.

As Solovyov read the letter, he always felt a glimmer of hope.

Of course, ironclad warships are just freebies.

It's not that the steelmaking process is bad, but rather that the current power system is substandard.

If anyone wanted to build pre-dreadnoughts and airship bombers in the mid-19th century, sorry, it was simply impossible. Even soft-bodied airships couldn't achieve high speeds until the late 19th century. The development of Zeppelins also took ten years. The strength of materials couldn't keep up, hydrogen production couldn't keep up, the propulsion system couldn't keep up, and the technology to ensure that hydrogen wouldn't explode in the event of engine overheating was lacking. So, this thing couldn't be made.

The same problem applies to soft-bodied airships; if the airbag is damaged, it would be perfect for watching "Raise the Red Lantern" late at night.

However, if the technology of steam locomotives had made a breakthrough in the early 19th century, the current steam engine power would still be suitable.

In his letter, Pierre also suggested that Solovyov name the locomotive, since he had been involved in bringing in talent for both Russian steamships and past steam locomotives.

Solovyov thought and thought, then turned his neck to the right and saw the statue of the Virgin Mary.

In his Crimean estate, there is a replica of the Smolensk Our Lady, made of precious metals, gemstones, and mosaics, which Katya, who is not usually very extravagant, insisted on bringing home.

"The Virgin Mary, Russia, Motherland."

"Sir, do you have any ideas?"

“The name ‘Mother of Russia’ is very fitting. I will write to Pierre, and he will be satisfied, and the Emperor will be satisfied as well.”

Importantly, the Empress Dowager, who sponsored the Tsarskoye Selo Railway, would certainly not have any objections. Solovyov was initially disliked by the Empress Dowager, but later gained a good impression because of his good relationship with her daughters.

Even if he knew that he had slept with both Maria and Catherine, and that Maria had given birth to his daughter, he probably wouldn't be furious.

After all, the fact that she was fighting with her daughter-in-law at home to elevate her son's mistress's status was already outrageous enough.

Solovyov also wrote down the appropriate reason for "being a mother of Russia" below, mainly for propaganda purposes.

In addition, he prepared backup plans, such as "for the motherland".

"How does this sound, Valodya?"

“My grandfather served the Grand Marshal, and I serve you. According to my grandfather, you and the Grand Marshal are very different in personality. Alexander Vasilyevich was always happy, while you were always worried.”

"Yes, I'm always calculating, unlike the Grand Marshal, who inspires the brothers to move forward; I'm calculating the brothers' strength."

Essentially, Solovyov had done too much of the work of a staff officer and adjutant, which made it difficult for him to change his mindset. When Suvorov recognized his talent, he also pointed out his shortcomings.

"But you are indeed very capable."

"Is the old man alright?"

"He's doing well in the countryside, but he sent someone to tell me that someone needs to look after the old house in Moscow."

“That old man!” Solovyov knew about Suvorov’s old house in Moscow, where his loyal servant was to guard the house. He couldn’t say anything, but Arkady and his sister had discussed it and bought back the old house.

Having a loyal old servant there wouldn't be a problem, but given Mr. Prohol's age, someone would have to be specially assigned to take care of him.

That doesn't matter. It's just a little money. As long as his grandson doesn't go and visit his old house after he dies, that's fine.

Solovyov actually disliked building memorials; a statue or a memorial was enough for him.

The fan-made statue in Mars Square is a clear example, though it doesn't quite resemble Suvorov.

If there is a commemorative pillar for him in the square in the future, that would be enough. With reliefs carved on all four sides below, simplicity would be best.

Some things, like the Arc de Triomphe, are so spectacular that they have led to the country's downfall.

However, it cannot be ruled out that Nikolai might suddenly decide to build a triumphal arch in the future.

Even after Pierre received his suggestion on naming the train, there were still some interferences.

Nikolai didn't know who was last named on his elder brother's decree of succession. He was currently touring Moscow according to Alexander's wishes, and Pierre's railway company was naturally a place he had to visit.

Once the letter is sent, it will take several days to travel from Moscow to Crimea, even with express delivery from the relay stations, not to mention the need for a reply.

At this time, the railway in Crimea was not yet operational. The next step for Pierre was to build a railway that would run from Moscow to Kursk, then to Kharkiv, and connect with the local railway network in Luhansk.

On the other hand, the road leading to Smolensk is entirely through forests and swamps, making construction somewhat difficult. Therefore, despite the presence of the Belarusian station, there is no intention to extend the line to Minsk.

However, connecting to these industrial areas naturally requires a more powerful engine.

Looking at the scale model that had already been made, Nikola also wanted to shovel coal for the locomotive.

It looks much more impressive than the little train that the boss ran in Huangcun before, and the later full-size locomotive. The body is thicker and sturdier, and it has a big nose structure.

This means that the steam engine used was more powerful.

"Count, does this carriage have a name now?"

"Your Highness, not yet. I wrote a letter to Count Solovyov to ask for his opinion. I think he will reply soon."

"That's fine!"

There's no way around it; the knowledge Nikolai has now is all thanks to the teachers at the Solovyov Joint Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. He'll definitely listen to any opinions Nikolai might have.

Solovyov's reply arrived a few days after Nikolai had arrived in Moscow.

The name is quite concise.

Nikolai had some ulterior motives: to divert attention from the current awkward contradictions within the country. He also wanted to improve the treatment of serfs and provide them with protection. However, the fact that a lord who killed a serf had to pay a large sum of compensation to the family was already the limit of such protection at present.

Solovyov's choice of this name for the locomotive certainly fueled this idea.

Nicholas now has this idea: to cultivate a kind of Russian patriotism that can be used by both lords and serfs.

Although this is progress compared to those conservative nobles, Solovyov would probably be quite angry if he knew.

Because if serfdom is not abolished and the freed peasants are not properly resettled, there will eventually be huge problems, and the development of productive forces cannot be guaranteed.

Although some serfs under the protection of enlightened nobles are now craftsmen and have even developed many skills and inventions, they are still far from being abolished.

Solovyov's ideas differed somewhat from Nikolai's.

Therefore, at the end of the letter, he mentioned his own views for the first time, something he would not have done before.

"Your Highness, there are some things below that you should be careful of."

Pierre reminded Nikolai, who, having lived long enough to understand matters of productive forces and relations of production, should be able to identify who developed these theories, but would never connect the bearded lawyer's bearded son with Solovyov, who held the same viewpoint.

If the development of productive forces is constrained by the old system, then the old system needs to be changed. Solovyov put forward some opinions on abolishing serfdom.

Although only Nicholas and Pierre saw it at first, considering that Pierre's circle involved all aspects of Moscow, and that Nicholas's attendants were not without progressive leanings, there are no secrets that stay hidden forever, and it was bound to be revealed eventually.

Solovyov still put forward his own views, which surprised the members of the Northern Association.

Unlike their constitutional monarchy, where the Southern Association consistently sought to overthrow the Tsar, Solovyov addressed the core issues.

All three sides advocated abolishing serfdom, but Solovyov's proposal was more thorough. Considering his past experience guiding the nobles, especially his relationship with Pierre, he suggested that Solovyov withdraw from the manor and focus on industry and commerce. Solovyov also served as the governor of Crimea, guiding production and construction in the south.

The big bad fox is still the big bad fox; his fox tail has finally been revealed.

For the people in both associations, it was actually an encouragement.

Solovyov's true intentions were actually limited to the reform of serfdom and the development of productive forces. If it weren't for the fact that railway construction, the development of more powerful locomotives, and the laying of a railway network centered on Moscow were involved at this critical juncture, and that his policies needed to be implemented, he wouldn't have made his position known to others so early.

Of course, the bearded man is 5 years old now, and it will be 25 years before he and another bearded man make their declarations. It's all still a long way off.

The two associations are now meeting frequently; they are going to hold a meeting in St. Petersburg to discuss this unexpected situation.

In their view, Solovyov was still a comrade who could follow their path, after all, he had put forward both the practice and the theory, it was just that the idea of ​​accumulating productivity was indeed incomprehensible.

Solovyov was relatively cautious about political systems, because if Russia were to fall into chaos at this time, it would only benefit the British, and there would be no obstacles on Britain's path to becoming the global hegemon of the 19th century.

Even he only advocated abolishing serfdom first, and making proper arrangements for the tens of millions of serfs and free people in this huge country before discussing the next issues.

Konovnitsyn Jr. also understood this well. He would often go to Solovyov's residence in St. Petersburg, where he could not only borrow Solovyov's manuscripts but also see his eldest daughter, Lisa.

Katya was very satisfied with Konovnitsyn. He was a Guards officer, ambitious, the son of her husband's comrade-in-arms, and from a good family. She knew her daughter wouldn't suffer if she married him.

However, she remained completely unaware of what these young people were doing. After all, she was merely a court lady who held salons at home and cared for her children; she didn't possess much political acumen. (End of Chapter)