Catherine and the Black Emperor

046. The Rebellion at the Hay Market

Academy of Sciences.

Scientist Mikhail led a team to Peter's laboratory.

They were wearing protective suits and masks, but even so, everyone was filled with fear.

"Duke, you have a lot of nerve."

Mikhail glanced at Sergei, who was following him, and the secret police behind him.

At this time, everyone else kept their distance, but Sergei not only didn't hide, he followed them and personally supervised the cleaning and disinfection work.

"Hurry up," Sergei urged.

Upon entering Peter's laboratory, Mikhail immediately gave orders to everyone.

"All the wild animal carcasses were wrapped in burlap sacks and sprinkled with lime powder!"

"Collect and burn everything the Grand Duke touched, and sprinkle lime powder all over the walls and floors!"

Everyone immediately sprang into action; some filled books and other items, while others disposed of the rat carcasses.

As a servant was filling a sack, he saw a pure gold snuffbox. Just as he tucked it into his sleeve, someone grabbed his arm. He looked up at the person, his voice trembling.

"Your Highness... Your Highness!"

Sergei took the snuffbox from the man's sleeve, threw it into a sack, and waved to the man behind him. Two secret policemen immediately came over and arrested the servant. No matter how much the man struggled and begged, Sergei remained unmoved.

Mikhail and his other servants felt a chill run down their spines as they looked at the young man, who was completely encased in a protective suit.

Mikhail had no doubt that even if he were a nobleman and the youngest scientist at the Academy of Sciences, if he had done what he just did, Sergei would have taken him to the fortress without hesitation.

Anyone who goes in there will either die or be severely injured!

"Mikhail, I hope you can ensure the work here goes smoothly," Sergei said.

"What happened just now won't happen again," Mikhail quickly assured him.

Sergei nodded, left the laboratory, took off his protective suit and mask, and headed to Peter's suite.

"Did Dr. Kalamaldi complete his mission?"

"It was finished this morning. Dr. Kalamaldi said that now it's up to the Grand Duke's fate," the secret policeman replied.

"Then send him to meet God, and let Him bless the Grand Duke's life!"

"yes!"

A few days later, Kalamaldi contracted smallpox and died in the outer room of Peter's suite. Sergei ordered his body to be put into a sack and burned, along with a small bag of paper money that Sergei himself had written for him—Heaven and Earth Bank vouchers.

1746 October.

That day, Catherine was summoned by Elizabeth.

Peter's condition hasn't improved, and I so wish I could hear that you're pregnant.

Catherine shook her head: "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I'm sorry to disappoint you. It's very difficult to conceive so quickly."

Elizabeth seemed to have anticipated this situation and did not get angry.

"You'd better understand that if Peter dies, the Russian throne will be shaken. Without an heir, rebellions will break out throughout Russia, and your position as Grand Duchess will vanish in an instant!"

Ekaterina listened to the other party's blatant threat and expressed her own attitude.

"I believe Pyotr Romanov will survive. I was by his side, watching him do experiments, and I didn't get sick. I don't think I'll disappear from this world because of smallpox!"

Elizabeth looked at the young and beautiful girl.

"You speak like a scholar, and you possess wisdom beyond your years, so... give me an heir."

2 month.

"Everywhere you hear rumors that the heir is dead, and that Your Majesty is on the verge of death." Shuvalov stood respectfully before the table.

"What else?" Elizabeth's face was cold.

"It is said that King Frederick is marching from Prussia to seize the throne and unify Russia."

"Bang!"

Elizabeth slammed her hand on the table, furious.

"These vicious wolf cubs! Don't they know they are Russian citizens? How dare they create such panic in Russia! Or are the people who are creating this chaos French or Austrian?"

Shuvalov handed over a report.

"In a hotel in Hay Market, a retired major rallied the crowd to petition for the release of the former legitimate emperor, Ivan VI."

By the end, Shuvalov had fallen silent, for Elizabeth's gaze was so cold and indifferent that it filled him with dread.

The Russian empress's anger had reached an unprecedented level.

Razumovsky promptly reassured Elizabeth, "If Peter survives, the people will calm down."

"Who knows what will happen if he dies! Those people will be more than happy to launch a rebellion! Shuvalov, summon your secret committee and prepare to fight for your Empress!"

"The secret police are assembled and await Your Majesty's orders!" Shuvalov bowed.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Elizabeth looked at him.

"An elite force needs an elite leader. I have to admit that Sergei, who has a certain level of combat skills, is more suitable than me to be the commander of this mission."

Elizabeth laughed: "Shuvalov, it's rare to see you put aside your pettiness."

Shuvalov smiled and said, "To be honest, I do want to go. After all, smallpox is much more dangerous than rebels."

"Alright, it's settled then. I feel at ease sending Sergei. Tell him to severely punish those rebels! Severely punish them!"

"yes!"

Secret Committee.

Sergei looked at the report on the Hay Market protests, where names were accurately recorded, including more than 20 "small leaders" led by a retired major.

He put down the report and took another document from the top of a stack of papers, which was about retired Major Yuri's personal information.

"Secretary-General, the operation has been arranged." A secret police officer entered.

"We'll move out in two hours; let it get dark first."

"Yes."

After the secret police left, Sergei looked at the personal file, his eyes gleaming.

Before long, he got up and left, finding a servant in the Winter Palace.

"Pimian, how's your relationship with Matreena going lately?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm doing well."

A handsome young man answered with a smile, his heart filled with joy as he spoke of his beloved.

She felt extremely grateful and respectful towards the man before her.

A year ago, he was alone and destitute in the market town of Sitney, sleeping on the streets. It was Sergei who saved him from death on the day he was about to freeze to death. Not only that, but six months ago he was given a job, and at the wedding of the Grand Duke and Duchess, he found the love of his life.

In Pimen's view, Sergei was like a second parent to him!

Sergei nodded.

"I need you to do something for me."

Pimen immediately nodded: "No problem!"

"You haven't asked me what I'm going to do yet."

"Whatever Your Highness wishes to do, I will do it without hesitation and will never refuse."

Sergei smiled. "It's not that serious, but there is indeed some danger. Go to the hay market now..."