Catherine and the Black Emperor

029. The plan begins

Sergei went to the secret committee.

After talking to him that day, Shuvalov threatened Felicie's life, and Gemma became his informant. Since he had instructed Gemma beforehand, she readily agreed and promised Shuvalov.

Gemma has already told him what happened last night.

From the moment Gemma handed the poison to Shuvalov, he was certain that Gemma had completely gained Shuvalov's trust.

This trust will significantly reduce any suspicion that Gemma was the one who poisoned him the first time.

Even if Lestok were to implicate Gemma after his capture, Shuvalov would not believe it. He would only be convinced that Lestok, as the chief physician, had tampered with Sofia's body during her examination, and then, seeing that Frederica was not dead, had seduced Gemma to take her life again.

"Shuvalov's arrogance will be the best weapon to cloud his judgment!"

When Sergei learned that Shuvalov had asked Gema to spy on him, he couldn't help but laugh.

Shuvalov could never have imagined that Mattrena had nothing to do with him, and that Gemma was the one who belonged to him.

So Gemma was given the order to "be Shuvalov's eyes and make him a blind man who always misjudges the situation at crucial moments."

"Hopefully, this love-struck fool won't become beyond redemption," Sergei muttered.

When Gemma reported the secret to him yesterday, she once again begged him to let Lestoker go, which showed her unwavering devotion to love.

He promised Gemma that he would help her if Lestoker wouldn't betray their love.

But he had no doubt about the outcome.

Upon entering the secret committee, Sergei met Shuvalov, and there was another person there, Besdudev.

"After this period of tireless efforts, I have discovered that Lestoker and Marquis Laschetadier always manage to disappear right under my nose," Sergei reported to Shuvalov.

"You mean you've discovered a secret French outpost?" Besdov stood up from his chair, understanding the implication in the other's words.

"I think so," Sergei nodded.

"Where?" Besdutev pressed.

"The Cittadella Market, but I don't know the exact location," Sergei said, pointing to a point on a map of St. Petersburg.

He didn't reveal the tavern's name directly, otherwise the secret police would have raided it. There was another crucial part to his plan—to let Gemma see Lestoker's true colors.

Shuvalov stood up: "It's time to put Gemma to good use."

"Who is Gemma?" Besdutev turned around.

Shuvalov said expressionlessly, "Frederica's servant, Lestoker's mistress, my informant."

"A servant? That's more than my status." Besdutev looked surprised.

"What's your plan?" Shuvalov asked Sergei.

At this point, Sergei didn't hold back: "We need to get Lestoker to expose the conspiracy and evidence to us, as well as the exact location of the French stronghold. Felice can cooperate with us."

"Who is Felice?" Besdutev was bewildered.

Sergei replied, "An Italian, a performer, a clown, Gemma's father."

"I don't know if I'm involved in this secret operation or not. Why do I know nothing?" Besdutev said, feigning emptiness.

Shuvalov patted him on the back to comfort him: "None of that matters. As long as we can thwart the French plot and bring down Lestoc, it's all worth it."

Sergei added, "Not only Lestoker, but also the Marquis of Laschetadier."

A smile returned to Besdov's face.

Shuvalov was equally delighted: "Sergei, you've done a fantastic job! Once it's done, I will personally report to Her Majesty the Empress and recommend you for credit!"

"Chairman, there's no need for that. This is all thanks to you and the Prime Minister. I merely relied on the power of the Secret Committee. Please don't let me enjoy such success, lest I become arrogant and incur His Majesty's displeasure." Sergei bowed, his words sincere.

Shuvalov and Besdudev exchanged a glance and readily agreed.

They would love to have one less person to share the spoils of victory with.

After Sergei left, Besdudev sat down again and spoke with Shuvalov.

"Saltikov is a pragmatic man. He knows that these skills alone will not earn him His Majesty's favor. On the contrary, by taking a step back, he can gain the respect of you, Chairman."

Shuvalov said meaningfully, "And you, the Prime Minister, will be even more at ease if you acknowledge his status as a prospective son-in-law."

Besdudev's face turned incredibly grim: "Shuvalov! You'd better understand, I have no daughter! Of course, I very much hope that you, madam, can bring me a lovely little one!"

Shuvalov shrugged dismissively: "Let's get on with the important matters."

Besdov originally planned to talk to Sergei after the operation was successful and agree to his relationship with Agafia, that is, to approve of their relationship.

Given that the other party was very pragmatic and possessed outstanding abilities and wisdom, he could disregard Sergei's womanizing ways, and he was absolutely confident that his prestige as Prime Minister would deter the other party from ever engaging in philandering again.

But now that Shuvalov knows about Sergei's relationship with Agafia, it means that Sergei can no longer be used by him, and may even become a sharp sword that Shuvalov uses to stab him.

As Besdudev departed, he murmured to himself, "Sergei and Agafia's relationship ends here!"

Shuvalov watched the Prime Minister's retreating figure, a barely perceptible smile flashing across his face.

"Trying to plant a spy in the secret committee? Wishful thinking! Now Sergei is mine alone!"

Two days later, everything was ready, and the plan against the French began to be implemented.

As night fell, Sergei, having finished dinner, returned to his room. Beside the window sat a harpsichord that had just been imported from Italy. He sat down at the piano and began to play.

Peter, the older brother, looked on with curiosity at his younger brother who had suddenly come to understand music.

Meanwhile, in the palace...

The door to Lestoker's office was pushed open, and Gemma rushed in in a panic.

"Frederica didn't eat the poisoned dessert. I was caught by Matrena when I poisoned it, and the Princess suspects me. The secret committee will be here to arrest me soon!"

Lestoker remained calm and reassured the other party, "Calm down, I'll arrange a carriage, you leave immediately!"

"Counselor, and my father too! I can't abandon him! Please, you promised to help him escape with me!"

"Go find your father right now!"

After Gemma left, Lestoker returned to his desk and quickly wrote a letter.