Catherine and the Black Emperor

73. Word Rescue Team

"A servant lost her life when the fireplace collapsed while she was sleeping in the first-floor kitchen."

The major reported the situation to Sergei.

Elizabeth and her courtiers rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, and were relieved to see that Peter and Catherine were unharmed.

One by one, the guards carried many people off the rubble.

Upon seeing his aunt approach, Peter quickly went up to her, feigning concern: "Darling, are you alright? You worried me so much! What would I do without you?"

Catherine whispered to him, "You don't need to act anymore. You're not suited to be an actor. You don't need the Empress's help. Anyone can see through your clumsy acting."

Sure enough, Elizabeth looked at Peter's insincere and even somewhat ridiculous manner and said something to Ivan Shuvalov with resentment.

"If only he weren't buried inside!"

Ivan offered a few words of comfort.

He knew, of course, that Elizabeth was just saying that out of anger.

"Sergei, the rest of the work is up to you," Elizabeth instructed.

Clearly, Elizabeth had witnessed how the Grand Duchess and Duchess were spared disaster thanks to the other party's decisive action, and by saying this, she was also expressing her unwillingness to pursue the wrongdoing of her male lover, Razumovsky.

The collapse of the building was undoubtedly caused by Razumovsky's hasty construction on ground that was not yet completely frozen.

"Yes," Sergei replied, bowing.

His hard work over the past two years has finally led Elizabeth to change how she addresses him, which means he has truly gained her reliance and trust.

Elizabeth wanted to downplay the incident, so on the way back, shrewd ministers such as Besdov and Shuvalov pretended that nothing had happened.

Razumovsky was terrified. It was only through the Empress's caring and protective actions that he recovered somewhat from his despair, which had led him to consider shooting himself in the head with a flintlock pistol.

Ivan sat with his uncle Alexander Shuvalov, watching Razumovsky sob softly, and spoke in a low, resentful voice.

"This guy, all pretentious. The Queen should just throw a flintlock pistol in front of him and see if he has the guts to blow his own head off!"

Alexander Shuvalov responded in a low voice: "His shrewd change is inseparable from your pressure, but it also shows that you are gaining more and more favor from Her Majesty the Empress."

Ivan nodded: "I'll work even harder! A young man's physique is something an old man can't match!"

When Elizabeth could no longer hide her worry for Razumovsky and broke down in tears, Razumovsky finally understood why Ivan Shuvalov had won Elizabeth's favor.

These coquettish tricks may seem awkward and silly, but for Elizabeth, a woman who was busy with government affairs all year round, they were simple and effective.

This matter was never mentioned again.

Life returned to normal, one day after another.

9 month.

Ekaterina turned to Sergei for help. She could still communicate secretly with her mother, Johanna, but Mrs. Djogolokova was becoming increasingly strict with her and now forbade her from touching any paper or pen.

If she needs to write anything, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will write it on her behalf.

"Don't use that channel for now. After all, your servants can't deliver the letter to the designated place, and every time I meet you, Mr. Djogolokov searches me. I'll find another way," Sergei instructed.

Unfortunately, even though Mrs. Djogolokova tacitly approved his private meeting with Ekaterina, there was nothing she could do.

But fearing something might go wrong, she insisted that her husband search Sergei every time they met.

At first, Sergei refused in his capacity as deputy chairman, but this time Mrs. Djogolokova was very determined because she did not want her husband, children and family to be destroyed.

So even though it was very impulsive, she still wanted Sergei to agree to her request.

"It's alright, I can temporarily cut off contact with my mother so as not to cause trouble for you, Duke." Ekaterina shook her head.

"Your Highness, you underestimate me by saying such things. Don't forget, I specialize in secret work," Sergei said with a smile.

He soon found an opportunity.

Sakrosoma, a knight of the Cross Rescue Order (similar to the medieval Catholic military organization, the Knights Templar, who were only responsible to the religion and not to the king or local bishops), arrived in Russia and was warmly received by the Russian royal family.

When he was introduced to Catherine, the knight whispered something to her.

"I have a letter from your mother that I will give to you at a suitable time later. Also, you can reply through an Italian musician who will appear..."

At first, Ekaterina was terrified, especially if Mrs. Djogolokova saw her; then she would be doomed.

But the other party didn't see it, and when she learned that it was all Sergei's doing, she was relieved.

After reading her mother's letter, Ekaterina wrote a reply.

On the third day of the concert, while strolling among the orchestra, Ekaterina stopped behind the cellist, who immediately opened his coat pocket as if to take out a handkerchief.

Ekaterina quickly threw the crumpled letter inside, then turned and left.

"Thank you, Your Highness, you are truly amazing!"

"Sakrosomo greatly admires you. This is a good opportunity to establish a connection with the Red Cross, even though it's not a Russian force, it will be of great help to your mother," Sergei advised.

Ekaterina nodded solemnly.

Sakrosomo stayed in St. Petersburg for more than half a year, sending no fewer than five letters to Catherine, and no one discovered the secret.

Until their parting, Sacrosomo expressed his heartfelt admiration to Ekaterina.

"If you were in Russia, I would have supported you to become the leader of the Red Cross. Of course, even if we are separated, I will do my best to help you if you need anything."

Of course, this all happened the following year.

10 month.

Peterhof Palace on the Gulf of Finland.

Catherine and Peter have been living here for the past few months.

Peter still focused on his dogs and violin all day; at least he wouldn't bother with the rats anymore.

Catherine discovered a secret, and she told it to Sergei.

"Mr. Djogolokov and Mrs. Djogolokov frequently visited the main palace on the hillside and a small Dutch-style red brick house by the water, which was the 'Xiaoyaojin' Mansion."

Sergei gave a completely different answer: "I guess it was definitely not passion between the couple."

"Why? Isn't it just that they're seeking thrills in different places?" Ekaterina retorted.

"Is this exciting? I don't know. Why don't we find a chance to experience it firsthand?" Sergei asked innocently.

Catherine blushed and glared at him with her blue eyes: "Don't joke with me, Duke!"