Catherine and the Black Emperor

81. Acquitted

7 month.

"Following the court's ruling, Sergei Saltikov is found not guilty and is released immediately!"

"Sergei Saltykov is hereby reinstated as Deputy Chairman of the Secret Committee!"

Anastasia ran over and hugged her husband, tears streaming down her face. Her parents, her brother Peter, and Naryshkin and others also rushed over, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Ekaterina silently got up and left the scene.

She was relieved and happy about Sergei's acquittal and reinstatement, but there was no need for her celebration here.

Outside the courthouse, one person was already waiting for the other.

"Your Highness." Shuvalov turned around.

Making him personally declare Sergei innocent would tarnish his status as chairman, so he decisively delegated the task to his subordinates. Even so, the damage to the court's authority still infuriated him.

Ekaterina nodded in acknowledgment.

"We are all relieved that Prince Saltykov did not commit treason, but I still have to ask a question: Your Highness has remained aloof throughout, was it because you trusted Sergei's abilities or to avoid... getting yourself into trouble?"

"In any case, it seems I don't have much in common with the Chairman," Ekaterina replied calmly.

As the Grand Duchess walked away, the smile on Shuvalov's face gradually faded.

The so-called common topic naturally refers to the cooperation between the two parties.

After all, he failed to eliminate Sergei in this conspiracy and lost many capable subordinates. Moreover, in the court, he also had to deal with an extremely troublesome enemy like Besdudev.

"In that case, we have no choice but to turn to the Grand Duke!" Shuvalov made up his mind.

He was reluctant to get close to Peter unless absolutely necessary, as Peter's stupidity was common knowledge in the court. But now he was certain that Catherine was still closely associated with Sergei.

Besdudev enjoyed Elizabeth's deep trust.

He's the one being most severely hampered right now.

He wants to take it to the next level, but that will be extremely difficult.

Grand Duke Peter seems to have become his only supporter.

"In the end, it is the Grand Duke! The Empress's health is deteriorating day by day. Peter, as the heir to the throne, is the true ruler of Russia, and Peter... hates Besdudev!"

Hearing the faint sounds of cheerful laughter coming from inside the courtroom, Shuvalov's gaze darkened, and he left with a cold snort.

Sergei went home to rest for a day.

Actually, after reaching an agreement with Shuvalov, his living conditions were already quite good. Shuvalov even did not object to the doctor his father Ivan found. However, physical pain is not so easy to recover from.

Seeing her husband's many wounds, even though most of them had scabbed over, Anastasia burst into tears again.

"I'm a little hungry," Sergei could only try to distract his wife like this.

"I'll go make you something to eat!" Anastasia ran to the kitchen.

The morning was relatively quiet, but in the afternoon, officials came in droves, bringing gifts to congratulate Sergei. It seemed that they were congratulating him on his acquittal, but the main purpose was actually to reinstate him to his original position.

This shows that the other party is still a favorite of the Empress, and after this incident, Sergei's status will only rise higher.

"I knew it! How could my lord, so loyal, possibly betray his country?"

"That's right, sir, you are in the secret committee, safeguarding the country's security. The accusation of treason is completely fabricated!"

"Yes, yes, yes..."

Sergei accepted all the visiting officials and gifts offered to him.

At this point, openly accepting gifts will not only not offend Elizabeth, but will make her even more pleased – that's human nature.

"Make sure you remember the names, titles, and gifts in detail," Sergei instructed the steward.

He may not remember who visits him, but he must know who doesn't!

As evening fell, the guests gradually departed, and the mansion returned to its tranquility.

When her parents and brother returned to the neighboring house, Sergei picked her up and carried her back to the room amidst Anastasia's exclamation.

An hour later, Sergei lay on the soft bed, with a warm, soft body in his arms.

Anastasia gently touched the gruesome wounds, her green eyes revealing sorrow, while Sergei slowly stroked her hair.

"This is a man's honor."

"I don't want my man to be anything special," Anastasia shook her head.

Sergei remained silent.

Not long after Anastasia fell asleep, he got out of bed and went to the window, gazing at the night view outside and lost in thought.

This time, he achieved a complete victory.

Not only did he eliminate Shuvalov's capable subordinates in the secret committee, but he also resolved the crisis that Shuvalov had meticulously planned. Now the committee is completely under his control!

But he still has a lot to do, and as time goes by, he must become more resolute.

On the bed, Anastasia opened her eyes and looked at the figure standing by the window.

She was asleep, but when she felt Sergei get out of bed, she woke up, but didn't make a sound to disturb him.

What kind of person is he?

Even though they were now husband and wife and lived together, she still couldn't fully understand the man beside her. He had too many secrets, and even when she asked, he would explain them to her.

But now she dares not ask, because the more she asks, the more secrets she discovers, so many that it seems the entire city of St. Petersburg cannot contain them all.

She didn't know what he wanted to do.

She knew what he was determined to do.

She only hoped that she could be safe and sound.

The next morning, Sergei put on his official robes. Wearing them again, his gaze was even more focused, a fierce spirit forged through the trials of blood and fire.

His identity and plans meant that he would never have the opportunity to go to the battlefield, so he had to demand even more of himself.

He went to the Winter Palace and met Elizabeth.

"Saltikov, you've suffered." These were Elizabeth's first words to Sergei.

"Your Majesty, it is worth any hardship to prove that I have not betrayed Russia." Sergei bowed.

Elizabeth smiled with satisfaction.

She had to admit that Sergei was the most outstanding among the young people, and he had helped her a lot over the years, whether it was the census, port trade, the construction of the bank, or the secret work he was in charge of.

That's why she took it so seriously when she learned that Sergei might be a traitor.

The more important a person is, the more she believes it's better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.

Therefore, she was already prepared to sacrifice Sergei.

Fortunately, Sergei was ultimately found innocent.

"I hereby bestow upon you the titles of Senior Advisor to the Construction Bureau, Deputy Royal Steward, and Deputy Commander of the Hunting Corps!"

The ministers present were all taken aback upon hearing this.

Everyone knew that the Queen would compensate Sergei for his acquittal, and some speculated that he might be directly promoted to chairman of the secret council.

But Besdov, Apravshin, Razumovsky, and others were well aware of this.

Elizabeth, in order to curb the power of this young courtier, would not do so, so she could only compensate him with other official positions.

There are various speculations, some say it's a civil official, some say it's a soldier, and others say it's from a court position.

But no one expected that the Empress would bestow three titles upon him at once!

And each one is extraordinary!

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Sergei bowed again.

Elizabeth stepped forward and personally handed the letter of appointment to Sergei, smiling, "Do a good job and don't let me down."