The Crescent of the Sultan

Chapter 19 Negotiations are determined by strength



Napoleon's raids on Russia's borders were not only a military challenge, but also posed a serious political threat to Russia.

From the beginning of reforms by Peter I to Catherine's annexation of the Crimean Khanate. The Russians have experienced countless challenges, including victory and defeat in the Northern War, the game of carving up Poland, and the iron-blooded Russo-Turkish War. It was the repeated tribulations that allowed the European countries to recognize the strength of the Russian Empire.

But this battle was beyond Catherine II's expectations. She never thought that she would be defeated at the hands of the Ottomans.

But the current situation no longer allowed her to hesitate. Gustav had captured the entire Russian Finland and was approaching St. Petersburg. She had to mobilize her troops to defend against this damn villain!

Ekaterina rubbed her brows tiredly. She was 58 years old, and time had left too many traces on this woman.

The wind and snow on the way to St. Petersburg for the first time, the insistence on learning Russian language and etiquette under the moonlight night, the neglect of Peter III, and the confusion when everyone pushed him to the throne. She had survived everything, and there would be no surprises this time.

The Queen slowly raised her head and once again regained her former heroic appearance. She waved gracefully, and Foreign Minister Plehanlov came as she was summoned.

"Please send a note to the Ottoman Empire government to send Kutuzov to negotiate the signing of the armistice agreement and give him full authority."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

In Odessa, Kutuzov is waiting for the Sultan's summons outside the Ottoman army camp.

His overall mental state was not good at this time. For him, Rumyantsev was not only a commander, but also a mentor. The departure of this old general gave him a heavy blow.

But he had no time to be depressed. The Queen's mission still had to be completed, and Gustav was still wreaking havoc in the north.

"Russians, come in, His Majesty wants to see you." An Ottoman soldier shouted in a arrogant tone, still muttering: "These Russians, why didn't General Napoleon get rid of them all?"

Taking a deep breath, Kutuzov resisted the urge to take action and walked into the tent.

It's not that Selim deliberately disliked Kutuzov, but mainly because of the position of the Ottoman Empire, he was destined to have no peaceful life with Tsarist Russia.

Rather than giving them face, it is better to frustrate the other party first, which can be regarded as a little psychological warfare in the negotiation.

"Hello, Kutuzov, this is the first time we meet. Let me introduce you to my name. My name is Selim, Selim Osmanoglu, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire."

Selim smiled gently, looking at Kutuzov in front of him, thinking what would happen if he wiped him with a knife here?

Kutuzov was greatly surprised. The Sultan did not look like a strong person, but such a Sultan led the Ottoman Empire to win the war, although Kutuzov was not willing to admit it. .

“Your Majesty, the purpose of my trip is to reach an agreement with your country.

First, we hope that the Ottoman army can withdraw from Russian territory in time, give up its claim to Georgia, and release our prisoners without compensation.

Second, the two countries maintain their original borders and do not require compensation from each other.

Third, the Ottoman Empire government should declare a ceasefire as the common will of both countries. Considering the huge harm the war has caused to their citizens, both sides decided to cease the war in the event of a draw.

Of course, we will not let your country's sacrifice be in vain, and you will also receive our capture and the friendship of the great Russian Empire. "

Selim almost laughed when he heard Kutuzov's truce plan.

Selim complained in his heart: "Although at the beginning of the negotiation, both sides were asking for sky-high prices, but this is too outrageous."

Complaints are all complaints, if you dare to ask for a high price, I will give you a little tug.

"General, don't you think that your armistice plan is too outrageous?

Gustav of Sweden has already reached the Svatelpol Fortress, and we have already entered northern Ukraine.

The current situation in Russia is not good. How about I give the general a plan.

First, Russia gave up all territory in Ukraine and the Caucasus and recognized the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire.

Second, Christians in the Ottoman Empire, regardless of their sect, are just as subjects of the Sultan as Muslims, and the Russian tsar will never be allowed to interfere in our internal affairs under the guise of protecting Orthodox Christians.

Third, the Russian army committed heinous atrocities in the Ottoman Empire and required reparations for reconstruction, totaling twenty million rubles.

Fourth, I haven’t thought about it yet, so I’ll leave it alone for now. "

Selim said with a smile, and Kutuzov on the opposite side said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, are you not planning to negotiate?"

Pfft, Selim finally couldn't hold it back this time and burst out laughing. Kutuzov's face across from him became even more gloomy.

"Okay, I won't tease you anymore, let's all show some sincerity. After all, I'm not in a hurry."

Selim stretched and looked at Kutuzov opposite.

He is not a weirdo like Peter III. To return the friendship of the Russian Empire, why don't you be more direct and marry Ekaterina to me? In this way, wouldn't the friendship between the two countries last forever in the future, just like Aragon and Kass? As dear as Tilia.

After a long silence, Kutuzov said: "Russia cannot cede territory or pay reparations. We can recognize the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire in Georgia and give up our claim to the protection of Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire.

But the Ottoman Empire must immediately withdraw from our territory and recognize the undeniable dominance of the Russian Empire over Ukraine. "

"The first few items are fine. As for Ukraine, you haven't forgotten whose territory it was originally."

Selim was still smiling, but there was a bit of chill in his smile.

Kutuzov said again: "Your Majesty, do you really not want peace talks?"

"Don't get excited, Kutuzov. It is impossible for the Ottoman Empire to admit this. I can accept everything else."

The two sides talked for a long time about the armistice agreement, and finally came up with a preliminary draft of the "Odessa Armistice Agreement," which is as follows:

First, the great Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the great Empress of Russia decided to cease the war, considering that their peoples had been ravaged by war for a long time.

Second, the two sides maintained their original borders and made no indemnities to each other. At the same time, the great Russian Empress respected the Ottoman Empire’s sovereignty over Georgia.

Third, the great Russian Empress recognized the Ottoman Sultan as a great ruler and no longer regarded herself as the protector of the Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire.

After several revisions, Turkey and Russia simultaneously issued the armistice agreement on September 7, 1788.

The war between the two countries came to an end immediately, and when Gustav III, who was far in the north, heard the news, he couldn't help but sweat for himself.

I saw some book friends asking the group, the group number is 866261215, this book will have its first recommendation at 12 o'clock tonight, and following the reading is really important. Staying on the latest chapter for 30 seconds counts as one follow-up, so please give me more support


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