Chapter 53

The sky was clear and blue, with white clouds gathering; a red sun leaped out from the horizon, radiating brilliant light, and the red clouds danced in the sky.

The Winter Palace stood majestically in the square, magnificent and dazzling. Since its reconstruction in 1839, it has become even more grand and splendid, a masterpiece of human craftsmanship. The walls were snow-white, the luster was brilliant, the window patterns were intricate, and the eaves were delicate. On the broad and flat Winter Palace Square, a huge Alexander Column stood tall, shining with a silver-white luster under the sunlight. The column, 47.5 meters high, 4 meters in diameter, and weighing 600 tons, was made from a single piece of granite and stood on the foundation by its own weight, without any support. At the top of the column, a large angel holding a cross stood gracefully, with a vicious and withered snake under its feet, symbolizing the emperor's great victory over Napoleon.

The Winter Palace is located on Palace Square in St. Petersburg, a grand imperial palace symbolizing the power of the Russian tsar. It was designed by the famous Italian architect Rastrelli and is an outstanding example of Russian Baroque architecture in the mid-18th century. Initially built between 1754 and 1762, it was destroyed by fire in 1837 and rebuilt between 1838 and 1839. It is a three-story building, about 280 meters long, 140 meters wide, and 22 meters high, forming a closed rectangle with an area of 90,000 square meters and a floor area of over 46,000 square meters. To commemorate Tsar Alexander I's great victory over Napoleon's army in 1812, the Russians erected the Alexander Column in the center of the square, 47.5 meters high, 4 meters in diameter, and weighing 600 tons, made from a single piece of granite, standing on the foundation by its own weight without any support. At the top of the column, a large angel holding a cross stands gracefully, with a vicious and withered snake under its feet, symbolizing the emperor's great victory over Napoleon.

Although Qing Ying's visit was merely a courtesy call, Tsar Nicholas II used a high level of etiquette to receive the 12-year-old prince to showcase the grandeur of the Russian Empire. The flags of both countries were raised on the top of the Winter Palace, fluttering in the wind; the well-dressed guards stood on both sides, looking down with pride. The three grand archways in the center were all opened, and a long red carpet ran through the palace. When Qing Ying, dressed formally, appeared on the square with his entourage, the band immediately played a festive welcome song.

Facing this foreign occasion for the first time, Qing Ying felt a bit nervous, but he still maintained a smiling face and talked freely. Seeing Qing Ying remain calm and composed in such a grand setting, the elderly Mediterranean man, who served as the guide, was secretly amazed and led Qing Ying into the Winter Palace through the central gate.

Passing the statue of the giant god Atlas at the entrance, the view suddenly opened up: the corridor, over 7 meters high, was lined with two rows of yellowish marble pillars, towering and majestic, with a grand and imposing atmosphere. The ceiling, as white as jade, was adorned with vivid murals, blending various painting styles seamlessly. Along the main path, a variety of sculptures and jade statues were displayed, each illuminated by a large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, crystal clear and lustrous, creating a scene that felt like being in a painting.

Compared to the scenery in the Summer Palace, the layout of the Winter Palace, though equally luxurious and opulent, lacked the subtlety and elegance of Eastern civilization and exuded more of the strength and passion of a warrior nation. Mighty deities and wild beasts were found everywhere in the murals and sculptures. As Qing Ying walked beneath them, all his杂念 were dispelled, and a sense of solemnity arose in his heart. He felt a genuine anticipation for the upcoming meeting with the "uncle" Nicholas II.

Historically, Nicholas II was a tyrannical ruler who oppressed and exploited the people, suppressing the masses more harshly than his father, Alexander III. During his 23 years of rule, the Russian people suffered greatly, especially after the Russo-Japanese War, when the revolutionary tide to overthrow the tsarist tyranny surged and never ceased. Nicholas II, long influenced by his father's reactionary rule, not only failed to comfort the suffering people but also regarded them as enemies, carrying out several inhumane and brutal suppressions and massacres. Although he was mediocre and tyrannical, known as the "Cruel Nicholas" by the people, he was very good to his family. His wife, Empress Alexandra, was deeply involved in politics, and Nicholas II never criticized her, instead showing deference. For the Russian people, he was not a good ruler, but for his family, Nicholas II was undoubtedly a good father and husband.

As Qing Ying was lost in thought, he had already reached the end of the long corridor, and a large door stood before him. The elderly Mediterranean guide stepped forward and slowly pushed open the door. Qing Ying stepped in, accompanied by the Mediterranean man dressed as a butler. As soon as they entered, they noticed that the layout of the room was significantly different from the previous corridor.

The walls were inlaid with jade and gilded with gold, making the entire room look luxurious and magnificent. Even though Qing Ying had visited the undamaged Summer Palace half a year ago, he was still deeply impressed by the opulent scene before him. In the center of the room, a young emperor sat casually on the throne. Seeing Qing Ying enter, he smiled and slowly stood up, walking towards him.

Is this the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II? Qing Ying couldn't help but focus his attention and carefully observe the man before him. He was dressed in a dark blue Western-style suit, with golden threads winding around his shoulders and chest, enhancing his noble and dignified appearance. He was tall and slender, with a young and handsome face, which, under the cover of brown beard, added a touch of maturity.

In the highly developed information age, Qing Ying, as a passionate BB party member, had long been familiar with the appearances of the monarchs of the First World War through the internet. Compared to the images from the future, the Nicholas before him was clearly younger. If it weren't for his nearly 1.9-meter height and the brown beard, he would look no different from the Russian Prime Minister Medvedev 30 years later. Compared to the plain-looking George V and the left-hand-withered Wilhelm II, Nicholas was tall and handsome, making him stand out among the three imperial cousins.

As Qing Ying carefully observed his "uncle," Nicholas was also examining the young cousin he had never met. Individually, the young man's features did resemble his cousin Wilhelm, but when viewed as a whole, his handsome and delicate face had nothing in common with Wilhelm's ordinary appearance. Thinking that his arrogant cousin Wilhelm could produce such a beautiful son, Nicholas felt both jealousy and envy: Could a person with congenital polio actually benefit the genes of their offspring?

After a long moment of eye contact, Nicholas suddenly burst into hearty laughter, instantly dispelling the slight sense of unfamiliarity between them. He raised his right hand, patted Qing Ying's left shoulder, and said in fluent German, "Little Eitel, what do you think of Uncle's Russian Empire compared to your father's German Empire?"

PS: Indeed, I'm not good at writing scenery. I spent a lot of time, but it was in vain... Considering that the previous chapters were all over 3,000 to 4,000 words, please forgive the author for this 2,200-word update.

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