Under the arrangements of Nicholas I, Minister Nesselrode and Gorchakov Envoy, who should have been bitter rivals, now become the main and deputy negotiators for this discussion. Sometimes, fate truly works in mysterious ways.
After arranging the tasks, Nicholas I, supported by Duke Golitsyn, stood up and walked over to them. Seeing this, Grand Duke Constantine, Jomini, Nesselrode, and Gorchakov quickly rose from their seats.
Stepping slowly to face Nesselrode and Gorchakov, Nicholas I took Nesselrode's hand in one of his, and Gorchakov's in the other, and said with a hint of sorrow in his voice, "The future of the Russian Empire rests with you! I know there have been grievances between you two in the past, but I hope you can set them aside and work together in these negotiations!"
With that, Nicholas I handed Gorchakov Envoy's hand to Minister Nesselrode and continued, "Now, I want you both to swear before me that personal grievances will not affect the bigger picture!"
