Chapter 1368: Borrowing a Path to March

"But what?"

Councilor Naleishi looked at that position on the map with some hesitation, but ultimately said: "There is a bit of a problem."

Naleishi pointed to a country near Tsarist Russia on the map of Europe and said: "If we send troops from here to occupy Poland."

"Then our Tsarist Russia would be like a wall separating Frederick II and Hamid's forces, and we could also obtain Poland's ports to receive reinforcements from France by sea."

Once these words were spoken, the entire Upper House fell silent, contemplating the feasibility of this plan.

If it were feasible, this plan would absolutely be a Surprise Unit raid.

But the only problem now is...

Elizabeth I looked at the spot where Naleishi's finger had landed, her brows slightly furrowed: "Councilor Naleishi, you know it is impossible for our Tsarist Russia to send troops from this place!"

"This is our neighbor, Sweden's territory," Elizabeth I said in a deep voice.

"Don't forget, they are a neutral country and will absolutely not allow themselves to be involved in this war!"

Naleishi pressed his palm onto the map and said in a deep voice: "I know!"

"Not only do I know, everyone knows that it is impossible for our Tsarist Russia to strike from this place, but if we can send troops from here, it will be a Surprise Unit, something no one would expect."

Having said this, a flash of determination crossed Naleishi's eyes as he swept his gaze over everyone present.

"I believe that this plan is currently the only choice for our Tsarist Russia!"

At this, Elizabeth I also fell into silence; indeed, if they could send troops from Finland, the war situation for Tsarist Russia in Finland would be completely reversed.

They would also be able to seize Poland's ports and obtain aid from France.

But would Finland agree...

Elizabeth I looked toward Osilev, and Osilev shook his head; he had no Method whatsoever to make Finland grant passage.

Elizabeth I then looked at Councilor Dolgorukov; when it came to matters of diplomacy, the Dolgorukov Family was the most adept.

Councilor Dolgorukov pondered for a moment and said: "Our Dolgorukov Family can go to negotiate with the Swedish Royal Family."

Elizabeth I was slightly stunned, not expecting Councilor Dolgorukov to agree so readily.

They had just joined forces to reject Councilor Dolgorukov's proposal.

Dolgorukov seemed to see through Elizabeth I's thoughts, chuckled, and said indifferently: "With national affairs at stake, we naturally prioritize national affairs."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will certainly persuade the Swedish Royal Family to agree to our conditions, though I do not wish for any matters within the country to hinder our Dolgorukov Family."

Elizabeth I's expression was somewhat complex; he was using retreat as a means of advancement to gain power.

However, since they still needed the Dolgorukov Family to do some things, Elizabeth I immediately said: "You can rest assured about that; we shall propose a motion immediately."

"We fully support the Dolgorukov Family in visiting the Swedish Royal Family; we shall begin the vote now, who is in favor, who is opposed," Elizabeth I said indifferently.

Yet all the councilors present felt a tremendous amount of pressure.

The Naryshkin Family should have strongly opposed this motion, which had a hundred benefits and no harm for the Dolgorukov Family.

But, not a single person opposed it.

Elizabeth looked around and nodded; fortunately, the internal strife within Tsarist Russia had not yet escalated to an external level.

"Good, Councilor Dolgorukov, you should be at ease now."

Councilor Dolgorukov did not answer; this proposal seemed to have all sorts of benefits for them, but in reality, it had no practical benefits.

Simply put, it was empty talk, nothing more than drawing a cake to satisfy hunger.

However, Dolgorukov's vision would not be angered by this, as that would be too lacking in vision; only if Tsarist Russia could weather the current crisis.

Could they then talk about future interests.

Before long,

Dolgorukov went on a mission to the Swedish Royal Family.

The Swedish royal family cordially received this envoy from Tsarist Russia.

Gusita of the Swedish Royal Family saw Dolgorukov and said cordially: "My dear Tsarist Russian envoy, my noble friend, what matter has brought you to me?"

Dolgorukov performed a salute and said indifferently: "Respected King, I have a marvelous proposal that can allow you to obtain land and water in the south."

Gusita laughed but did not say much; he knew the current situation in Europe was exceptionally chaotic and complex, and they, Tsarist Russia, were now invading Poland.

Moreover, Poland was right to their south; the land and water in the south referred to Poland's territory.

Although Gusita very much wanted to obtain Poland's territory, Sweden, as a neutral country, could not be drawn into the war.

"Apologies, we in Sweden have no interest in this."

Dolgorukov laughed and said again: "Perhaps I conveyed the meaning incorrectly, noble Swedish King; we in Tsarist Russia have come with sincerity, and hope the Swedish King will not refuse."

Gusita sneered and glanced at Dolgorukov: "You don't think the Tsarist Russia of today is still the shadow that once hung over Europe?"

"Peter I is already dead, and your current Tsar is Elizabeth; what great achievements can a female emperor have?"

"Weak Tsarist Russians, the men are all dead, and you actually let a woman rule; it is truly a disgrace!" Gusita said mercilessly.

Facing Gusita's sarcasm and ridicule, Dolgorukov did not show the slightest dissatisfaction, but instead smiled and said indifferently.

"So, the noble Swedish King does not intend to cooperate?"

Gusita did not even look at him and said straightforwardly: "Of course, your Tsarist Russia has already weakened, and we in Sweden, as a neutral country, will absolutely not participate in the war!"

Dolgorukov nodded, put on his hat, and expressed his apologies indifferently, saying: "I am truly sorry to have disturbed you."

After Dolgorukov walked out of the Swedish Kingdom, that very night, Gusita was assassinated and died.

No one knew who the killer was.

The successor to Sweden was Gusita's son, Gusita II.

The first policy he implemented upon taking office was to form an alliance with Tsarist Russia, allowing Tsarist Russia to carry out some military activities in Sweden, including but not limited to those.

After receiving this news, Dolgorukov sneered.

He was indifferent to Gusita's death; the country of Sweden was still maintaining the system of the previous century.

Destruction was only a matter of time, and besides...

Sweden once declared itself a vassal state of Tsarist Russia.

When Peter I was alive, the Dolgorukov Family, in order for Tsarist Russia to dominate Europe, had planted countless spies and assassins in their neighboring countries.

The purpose was to slaughter the rulers and replace them whenever these countries did not obey.

The news was quickly and secretly sent back to Tsarist Russia.

The Tsarist Russian side immediately dispatched an army to Sweden, intending to bypass Sweden and enter Poland.

At this time, Frederick II and Hamid had not yet realized that danger was approaching.