Chapter 703: All or Nothing
General Koreshenikov wasn't particularly surprised by the Polish surrender.
Poland had suffered heavy losses on the front lines, and surrender seemed inevitable. What caught him off guard was that the King himself had sent a representative to offer it. Such tasks were typically handled by the military command, with the monarch merely signing the agreement—after all, this would be recorded in history as a moment of shame.
Piattoli, the King's secretary, seemed flustered. Clasping his hands nervously, he explained:
"To be frank, His Majesty's situation is quite precarious. You know, His Majesty and the Tsar share… a certain rapport."
He hesitated before continuing.
"From the beginning, the King never wanted to oppose the might of Russia. But those parliamentarians, seeking more power, forced the army to march against you. This was never His Majesty's intention."
Koreshenikov sneered.
"Then let His Majesty deal with his troublesome parliament first."
"That is exactly what His Majesty intends to do." Piattoli nodded quickly. "Restrict the parliament, abolish the constitution, restore noble privileges—everything will return to the way it was. But to achieve this, His Majesty needs the great Russian Empire's assistance."
Koreshenikov narrowed his eyes. If they could use the Polish King to undermine the parliament, it might trigger a civil war within Poland. This would undoubtedly make the conquest far easier for the Russian forces.
Historically, Russia had managed to crush Poland in a mere month by relying on the Targowica Confederation, which sowed internal discord and divided the Polish government's forces.
"So, what does His Majesty propose?" Koreshenikov asked, intrigued.
"Surrender." Piattoli answered without hesitation. "Once His Majesty formally surrenders to your forces, Poland's resistance will collapse. The parliamentarians won't stand a chance against your army."
Koreshenikov suddenly burst into laughter.
"Do you think I'm so easily fooled? Don't think I don't know this is just a ploy to delay my advance!"
Piattoli all but begged:
"General, I swear, this is no deception. His Majesty will demonstrate his sincerity and humbly beg the Tsar for forgiveness."
"Sincerity?" Koreshenikov scoffed. "By sending you here to spout empty promises? Or by delivering a worthless document to Saint Petersburg?"
"No, there are still generals loyal to His Majesty within the army. Soon, you will witness the troops that once opposed you now bowing to your command. Of course, His Majesty only asks for a little time—three days. In three days, you will see the results."
Koreshenikov hesitated, but before he could respond, Piattoli added:
"Of course, if you refuse to trust His Majesty's sincerity, he may have no choice but to discuss this matter with General Morikov instead. While Kyiv is a bit farther from Saint Petersburg…"
The veiled threat struck a nerve.
Whoever secured the Polish King's surrender would be hailed as the hero of the Russo-Polish War. Koreshenikov's superior, General Morikov, was already leading the primary offensive. If Morikov also claimed this achievement, Koreshenikov would be all but forgotten.
He recalled a report earlier that morning about low ammunition supplies. Waiting three days could also serve as an opportunity to replenish logistics.
"Fine, I'll give you three days," Koreshenikov said coldly. "But if this turns out to be a ruse, I will make you pay dearly for it."
Three Days Later.
In a small village under Russian control, King Stanisław II climbed out of a carriage, shading his eyes from the bright sun. He silently repeated to himself: Three days down. Warsaw still needs 37 more.
Spotting General Koreshenikov surrounded by guards, the King approached with a humble smile and addressed him in Russian:
"I believe we met at the Winter Palace ball. You remain as distinguished as ever, General."
Koreshenikov nodded.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. I even recall your performance there. Now, where is your proof of sincerity? Don't tell me it's just a document with your signature."
The King gestured to another carriage behind him.
"General Bilak, please step out."
The carriage door opened, and a square-faced, blond man emerged, followed by three other officers. Koreshenikov's pupils dilated in shock.
The lead man was none other than General Bilak, commander of the Polish forces defending Minsk. The others were his senior officers.
Bilak approached with a forced smile, raising his hat in salute.
"It is an honor to meet you, General Koreshenikov.
"Your tactical brilliance has earned our deep admiration. Were it not for the parliamentarians' coercion, we would never have opposed your army.
"Now, His Majesty has given us a chance to make amends. I will order the Minsk forces to surrender."
One of the Polish officers behind him added eagerly:
"Our troops can even serve as your vanguard, helping you capture Pinsk and advance all the way to Warsaw!"
Koreshenikov's heart soared.
The Polish King wasn't bluffing! With nearly 30,000 Polish soldiers surrendering, he could march straight to Pinsk, outpacing General Morikov's advance.
Grinning, Koreshenikov replied:
"Excellent. Please have your men march to Borisov, where they will be disarmed and officially surrender."
"At once, General," Bilak replied, bowing slightly. But then, a hesitant expression crossed his face.
"What's the issue?"
"Some of my men are troubled. We've killed many brave Russian soldiers during this unfortunate war. They fear retaliation…"
"I can guarantee their safety," Koreshenikov assured him.
Bilak nodded but pressed on.
"To be honest, General, they hope for a formal pardon from the Tsar. I've tried to reassure them, but you know how it is. Most of my officers and soldiers have never encountered the grandeur of Russian authority. To them, only the Tsar's decree carries true weight."
Koreshenikov gripped his sword hilt tightly, sneering.
"So, you're still trying to deceive me?"
"No, not at all!" Bilak exclaimed. "I've brought tangible proof of our sincerity." He gestured to the distance. "The first portion of our arms has already been delivered to a clearing two miles from here."
At that moment, a Russian cavalryman rode up and whispered a report to Koreshenikov, who raised an eyebrow.
"Seventeen wagons?"
"Yes, General," the cavalryman confirmed.
Bilak eagerly elaborated:
"They contain flintlock rifles, tents, and uniforms. More are on the way. Please inspect them at your convenience."
King Stanisław II chimed in at just the right moment, his tone respectful:
"You see, General, this is the extent of my sincerity.
"Soon, I will personally travel to Saint Petersburg to present my letter of surrender to the Tsar. Once the Tsar grants clemency, General Bilak's forces will fully submit to your command."
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