Catherine and the Black Emperor

045. Smallpox

"There's something I need to remind the princess of," Sergei said.

"Your Highness, please speak."

If it were anyone else, even Prime Minister Bestudev, who used to call her "Princess," she would not hesitate to remind him that she was now "Grand Duchess." But with Sergei, her feelings were always complicated.

"That's right. Princess, please be as careful as possible when you speak with the Grand Duke in the future. It's best not to discuss sensitive topics, such as the matter of the former legitimate emperor."

Upon hearing this, Ekaterina's expression changed slightly.

"Princess, there's no need to be nervous. The Grand Duke knows about this with Her Majesty the Empress's permission, so it's normal for him to tell you. I've already covered it up with the secret committee," Sergei reassured her.

Ekaterina looked down at the book in her hands.

"Your Highness, you have helped me so much. The Empress forbids me from communicating with my father and from inquiring about my mother's health. You have helped me with all of this. I really don't know how to repay you."

"If our relationship required you to do something in return, we might already be strangers," Sergei said with a smile.

Ekaterina couldn't help but smile.

The neglect she suffered from Peter seemed to find solace only with him. Moreover, she didn't know why Peter was distancing himself from her. If it was just because he couldn't produce a new heir to the throne, he didn't need to treat her like this.

"It's getting late, I should go." Sergei prepared to leave.

Ekaterina nodded.

As he reached the door, Sergei suddenly turned around.

"Princess, there is one more thing. During this time, please keep some distance from the Grand Duke as much as possible. I mean, a necessary safe distance. I learned from Dr. Kalamaldi that wild animals carry many incurable viruses."

He didn't say anything more, but Ekaterina understood immediately; she knew very well what Peter had done to the rats.

"I cannot interfere with the Grand Duke's experiment on 'pain,' but thank you for reminding me. I will be careful and protect myself."

Sergei nodded and left.

His special reminder to Catherine was not unfounded, because Peter had historically contracted smallpox.

According to records, Catherine was not infected.

The problem is that history records Peter contracted smallpox in November 1744, and it is now December 1745. Undoubtedly, history has been changed because of him, not only for the better, but also for the worse.

Therefore, whether Catherine would contract smallpox became an unknown.

Hopefully, things won't spiral out of control.

Sergei walked out of the palace, paused slightly, then resumed his normal pace. As someone who worked in secret, he keenly sensed that someone was secretly watching him from behind.

The other party was not good at surveillance, or rather, had very little experience, which is why the astute Sergei was able to discover it immediately.

After he left, someone emerged from the corner of a palace wall; it was none other than Otto Brummer, the former Marshal of Holstein.

"Don't give me the chance!"

Brummer gritted his teeth.

Upon arriving in Russia, just as he had in Holstein, he was still highly valued and rewarded by Elizabeth, who held him in high regard. This gave him no reason to bully Peter for so many years.

But ever since Sergei brought the German princess back, he has been helping Peter to deal with him in every way, which has prevented Peter from succeeding in teaching Peter a lesson on several occasions.

What's even more infuriating is that the other party is increasingly valued by Empress Elizabeth, which indirectly diminishes his importance in the eyes of the Russian Empress.

The other party has now become the secretary-general of the secret committee!

Therefore, this made Brummer very resentful.

He was constantly looking for Sergei's weakness, and once he found it, he would make sure he was utterly ruined!

Smallpox, which Sergei had been on guard against for the past year, finally broke out.

One evening, Peter fell ill and was discovered by Ekaterina. Remembering Sergei's warning, she did not touch Peter and immediately sent a servant to fetch Dr. Kalamaldi.

A terrifying message spread throughout the Russian court: Grand Duke Pyotr Romanov had contracted hemorrhagic smallpox!

Sergei immediately ordered the secret council: "Block the news! No one is allowed to enter or leave the Winter Palace!"

Elizabeth was deeply pleased with Sergei's swift response.

She immediately ordered the Imperial Guard to be at Sergei's command, and to put the entire palace under guard and sealed off.

"Set up sentry posts at every gate! Everyone return to your posts and quarters, and await further instructions..." Sergei issued a series of orders, and the Guards sprang into action.

In the distance, Shuvalov was watching the smug Sergei when Otto Brummer walked over.

"Look, how much His Majesty trusts and values ​​your assistant. I am so glad that you, Chairman, have such a talented person."

Shuvalov gave him a cold look: "Brummer, if you're trying to mock me, you'd better think carefully about whether your background is clean after you came to Russia."

Blumer chuckled twice: "You're the chairman of the Special Court, after all. Don't be so easily amused. Of course, I'm not here to kick you when you're down. On the contrary, I find you, my capable assistant, quite unpleasant."

Shuvalov remained silent, while Brummer looked over at Sergei.

"Although Sergei is far from being able to shake your position and status, his existence does diminish your standing in His Majesty's eyes. I would be happy to help you resolve this problem."

"How are you going to solve this?" Shuvalov glanced at him.

Upon hearing this question, Brummer knew that the conversation would have a good outcome—Shuvalov was indeed somewhat wary or jealous of Sergei.

"Not yet, but I will keep a close eye on it. I'll take care of it. You, Mr. Chairman, just give it some time and listen for the good news."

"If you need me to provide manpower, contact me anytime." Shuvalov turned and left.

Brummer bowed to the other party: "Then I thank you in advance, Chairman."

After straightening up, he glanced at Sergei in the distance, sneered, and left.

After giving the orders to the guards, Sergei immediately led his men to Dr. Karamay's residence.

As he expected, the other party was quickly packing their luggage.

"Dr. Kalamaldi, I've had the carriage parked at the door removed. Where are you going? My men can take you."

Upon hearing this, Karamardi flew into a rage and stepped forward, pointing his finger at Sergei's nose.

"You...you...Duke Saltykov, do you know you're pushing me into the abyss? The Grand Duke has smallpox! If you insist on stopping me, don't blame me for—"

Karamardi attempted to make a threat, but was immediately intimidated by Sergei's murderous gaze.

He lowered his hand, and Sergei waved his hand behind him, and the guardsmen all left the room.

"You should know that we are all in the same boat. If you expose this, I will die, and you will not be able to leave Russia alive. Your wealth will be confiscated."

In Kalamaldi's eyes, his money was more important than his life.

"Absolutely not! These coins are my life!"

Sergei threw a bag of rubles onto the table: "Then you'd better protect your life!"

Kalamaldi glanced at the money pouch on the table: "I warned you all long ago, get rid of those rats!"

Sergei threw out another bag of rubles: "It's pointless to say anything more."

Kalamaldi shook his head: "This isn't about money!"

"I know this concerns your life, and this is your life." Sergei threw out another bag of rubles.

"Do you really have to do this?" Kalamaldi asked helplessly.

Sergei clapped his hands, and several guardsmen came in carrying a small sack of rubles. They threw it on the ground, and the crisp sound of the coins clinking together was so moving at that moment.

Sergei looked at Karamay.

"And now?"

"What else can I say? I am willing to serve Her Majesty the Empress and Russia."

"Then let's get started as soon as possible."

As Sergei stepped out of the room, a flash of murderous intent crossed his eyes as he glanced at the people inside.