Chapter 39, The Approach to Handling Bureaucrats

Winter Palace

Upon receiving the news of Bismarck's assassination attempt, Nicholas I's fury was instantaneous. An envoy of a nation being attacked in St. Petersburg was a slap in his face.

"Investigate, conduct a thorough search. I must have the assassin found!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" the Minister of Police hurriedly replied.

After a pause, Nicholas I asked, "Is Bismarck dead?"

Due to the chilly relations between the two countries, Nicholas I had never even seen Bismarck's face, let alone cared about his well-being.

But now the situation was different. If Bismarck was not dead, there was still room for maneuver; it would be manageable once the assassin was caught.

If he was dead, then the Russians would once again become a laughingstock internationally. Unable to even protect visiting envoys, the British would likely not miss the chance to kick them while they were down.