Zubov quickly bowed to Count Osterman:
"What on earth has made you so angry?"
The latter waved his hands forcefully, but his voice grew a little softer:
"Just now, His Majesty the Emperor has already decided to negotiate with the Persians over the partition of Transcaucasia, in exchange for Persia's continued support for the expedition to India."
Zubov's face darkened, and he hurriedly asked:
"Did you try to dissuade His Majesty?"
"Of course! Even Count Kutaisov and General Arakcheev tried to persuade His Majesty, but it was no use at all. Someone even got whipped for it."
Zubov and Balik exchanged glances, hesitated for a few seconds, and then turned to leave the palace together.
Kutaisov is the Tsar's confidant—if even his words are useless, people like them, disfavored by the Tsar, would have no chance at all.
October 26, 1797.
