"...I will have the Secret Police stationed outside Gatchina Palace to prevent Paul from escaping. As for Count Zubov, he will lead the officers into the Imperial Palace at dawn under the pretext of reporting urgent military affairs. Then, through the side door, they will proceed to Paul's bedchamber. Rest assured, our people are in place along the way..."
After Count Palen finished laying out the coup plan, Zubov immediately frowned and said, "Wait a minute, isn't His Highness the Crown Prince taking part in the action?"
Count Palen smiled slightly. "His Highness is just a frightened young man. He will stay in his room and wait for the abdication decree."
The others recalled how Alexander was always timid and submissive in front of Paul I and gave up insisting—forcing him to lead the coup would likely make him shrink back out of fear at the critical moment.
