The sun never sets in America

Chapter 451 Eastern Roman Empire

"Quick, get up there!!"

"Flag!!"

Hundreds of old-fashioned Russian soldiers wearing gray military uniforms, holding a double-headed eagle flag symbolizing the Russian Empire, slowly climbed up the stairs lit with oil lamps.

The top floor of Sophia Cathedral arrived when a ray of sunlight shone on everyone's faces.

"Plug it in, plug it in!!"

"Click", when the double-headed eagle flag, symbolizing the highest honor of the Russian Empire, was inserted into the dome of Sophia Cathedral, the breeze blew, the flag fluttered, and the double-headed eagle wearing a crown floated lifelikely, and its eyes changed from sharp to sharp. There is only one Sophia Cathedral left to reach the Holy Land! !

"Whoosh", the wind blowing from the direction of the Mediterranean is getting louder and louder. The double-headed eagle flag on the dome of Sophia Cathedral continues to expand with the sound of the wind. Under a ray of sunlight, the double-headed eagle is so dazzling. So exciting.

The streets of Istanbul were filled with Russian soldiers searching.

"Get out, Ottoman pig!!"

While the Ottomans in Istanbul watched with trembling fear as the Russian army showed "great mercy" outside, on the railway in Asia Minor, a "No. 77" train, which was protected by the Russian army 24 hours a day along the route, after seven consecutive days of After driving, we finally stopped at Istanbul Railway Station.

“The true God will not forgive you!!”

A young Ottoman woman was dragged into a house by several Russian soldiers, screaming miserably.

"Yes, Your Majesty!!"

This kind of thing is very common throughout Istanbul, and the top Russian military officials are not surprised by this kind of thing. After all, they have done this before.

But in fact, during wartime, the Russian army's military discipline was actually very strict and would not be as indulgent as it is now. The reason for this is because of the unique military system of the Russian army.

The entire Russian army seems to have been liberated from the previous state of strict military discipline. It is similar to the Russian army before being taught a lesson by the Han army in the early days. It even seems to have traveled back to the state before the Black Sea War.

"Your Majesty, when our army first entered the city, they strictly protected these two places. The double-headed eagle flag is still flying on the Sophia Church..."

"Let me go, let me go!!"

Several Russian soldiers kept discussing whether it was better to have money or precious metals to preserve their value.

For this group of people, the top brass of the Russian army adhere to the attitude of squeezing as much as they can, but there must be a limit to this thing. After all, they are also human beings, not real livestock. Even if they are better looking, they are livestock. When working, they must Give me something nice to eat from time to time.

(Alluding to the looting of the rich and aristocratic cities and some Russian military officers)

After the series of handshakes ended, it was time to take a group photo. Nicholas, standing in the middle, was wearing an emperor's military uniform with gold threads and gold labels. He was so conspicuous in the gray, matching his big beard and the look that he had never seen before. I was so confident that I looked so "dazzling".

So under such circumstances, the "indulgence" of drinking vodka has become inevitable.

"Xikojin, why do you need money? Osman's money has long been of no use. Just ask for gold, gold is more cost-effective!!"

If the Russian army on the first three days were hungry wolves and beasts, then the Russian army on the fourth day became "gentlemen" and a truly civilized army.

“I think silver will work too!!”

Nicholas nodded with satisfaction, and then whispered: "The mansions of various countries must be protected and nothing will happen!!"

This indulgence lasted for about three days in total. Every night, you can see Russian soldiers who were drunk and sleeping on the streets, as well as the voices of looking for women everywhere.

Several Russian soldiers, carrying guns, drove out the poor Ottomans who could only hide in the inner room and tremble, and conducted a so-called "search."

Listening to the Tsar's "beating", Linkelov immediately realized something, and then promised: "We will definitely improve, and those who violate military discipline will also be sent to military courts!!"

When the Ottomans, who were hiding everywhere, cautiously poked their heads out to check, they saw something that would be unforgettable in their lives.

The cities were better. After all, they had received a certain amount of education. This group of people was also the largest group of grassroots non-commissioned officers and even officers. As for the serfs, they were simply another type of people, or another type of "livestock".

This indulgence lasted until July 12, the fourth day of the occupation.

When it was all over, Nikolai said to Linkelov, who was sitting next to him:
"Have the Royal Palace and Sophia Cathedral in the city been protected?"

General Linkelov, who had just been appointed as the commander of Istanbul city defense, led a luxurious officer corps composed of hundreds of senior officers, like soldiers undergoing inspection by the general, standing on the platform meticulously without saying a word.

Nicholas looked at the scene in front of him, raised his hand slightly, waved with a friendly expression, and then began his handshake task.

In the Russian army, only people from noble or landowner backgrounds were qualified to be officers. Most of the ordinary soldiers came from serfs or ordinary urban families.

Although in the eyes of these officers, these people are all "grey animals" who can be sacrificed at any time, the so-called dignity and the so-called morality are dispensable to these people.

"hurry up!!"

While Linkelov was speaking, he kept peeking at the face of the "Tsar's father" opposite him. When he saw satisfaction on the Tsar's face, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Click", the door opened, and row after row, Tsarist Guards soldiers wearing the royal double-headed eagle medal filed in and directly took over the defense of the entire train station.

When Nicholas' figure walked out of a certain carriage, slogans of "Long Live the Tsar" and "Your Majesty" continued to echo throughout the platform.

The gray "animals" who diligently clean the streets, as well as the doors and windows of the houses that are constantly being repaired, and even the shabby clothes of the local newsboy, the Russians took the initiative to purchase a new set of clothes for him.

"Hand over the money, the ring, all!!"

Nicholas said "hmm" and then continued:
"Remember, from today on, no more bad things will be allowed to happen in this holy city, and it can no longer be stained with blood!!"

This approach of yesterday's robber and today's "good man" simply refreshed the Ottomans' concept of invaders.

As for those "lucrative" but immoral things, they can be done in the name of legality in the future.

Linkeloff stretched out his left hand and saluted Nikolai.

Nikolay said nothing, but he expressed his attitude. After all, for Russia at this time, what is most important is money, "face", prestige, and an attitude that can be seen by the whole of Europe.

As for the so-called Ottomans, who cares.

After all, you can’t look too ugly when eating, as the Tsar’s family also needs to be embarrassed! !
When it was all over, Nicholas got on the carriage heading to the inner city of Istanbul.

Nicholas, who was sitting in the carriage, had a completely different attitude from the reserved attitude he had just now. He showed a smile for a while, and showed a fascination for a while. It felt like a loser who had been secretly in love with the goddess for many years and finally got everything he had dreamed of. .

The wedding night is just around the corner, how can you not be happy! !

.............................................

“What’s wrong with those Russians? Why are you so serious today??”

"Oh my god, what are they doing!!"

"No, true God!!"

When the huge True Temple was blown up, all the Ottomans howled.

This matter was basically controlled within the city of Istanbul. As for the outside world, it was out of their control. In other words, the Russians also wanted to minimize the impact of this matter.

Early the next morning, looking at the ruins of the real temple that were being pulled away, the Ottomans could no longer suppress their anger towards the Russians, and kept throwing stones and everything they could throw at them.

It's just that these people were all arrested in the name of "violating safety regulations". What awaits them will be the beautiful "Western Siberia", and Tudou's life is waving to them.

Yes, Tsar Nicholas said there should be no bloodshed, but that did not mean that these unstable elements could not be captured in the name of legality.

And the demolition of the true temple itself is a kind of screening. Screening and eliminating those hard-core people will naturally leave behind "good people" who can be cooperated with.

This situation lasted for five days until the sixth day, which was July 19th.

The reason why it was that day was because the next day, July 20, was about to usher in the most important moment in the history of the Russian Empire. …………

Inside the majestic Sophia Cathedral, Orthodox priests wearing burqas and white hats woven with gold threads stand in two rows. At the top is a cross that has been sleeping for hundreds of years. Its history can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire. It was the "symbol" of the Eastern Roman Empire at that time.

"The light of God shines upon the world..."

“God’s saints on earth…”

When this "Saint" was sung in the mouth of the priest, the door of Sophia Cathedral opened, and Nicholas, who was dressed in a gorgeous dress with a skirt, walked into the church that had been sleeping for hundreds of years, carrying the equally noble and gorgeous Queen Mary. The core holy place of Orthodox Christianity, Sophia Cathedral.

Every step Nicholas took was very calm, which was completely inversely proportional to the excitement in his heart.

When standing in front of the Orthodox Patriarch Shirachenko, Nikolay couldn't help but look at the huge cross behind him. The vicissitudes of history could be felt with just one glance.

Shirachenko relaxed for a while before speaking at the suggestion of his subordinates:
"The great God spreads wisdom and life to the world..."

"The country was born in the world, and then the monarch was born. The monarch controls the rights in the world..."

After talking a lot of nonsense from the Orthodox Church, Shirachenko began to ask Nikolay:

"Nicholas, are you willing to take responsibility for the glory of God??"

"I do!!"

"Are you willing to abandon yourself for everything in the world??"

"I do!!"

The seemingly simple questions and answers are actually the European theocracy's training of royal power, showing God's aloofness and oppression at all times.

When all this was over, a crown worn by an unknown Byzantine emperor was taken out of the holy box.

Looking at the golden crown in front of him, Nicholas had tears in his eyes. At this moment, he seemed to recall what his father said to him when he was a child: "Russia is not our true identity, Rome is, you must always remember it!!" "

When he reaches middle age and becomes a father, Nicholas can feel his father's unwillingness at that time, and now he is about to end all this, end all suspense, and realize this centuries-old dream for the Romanov family.

When the crown fell from Shirachenko's hands to Nikolai's head, the whole church sang the song "Saint" again.

Putting on the crown, Nicholas felt a "power" that he had never experienced before. That kind of power was inexplicable, just like he was born with it.

Queen Mary, who was beside him, also wore a gemstone crown that symbolized the queen. Together with the already expensive dress, she looked more like a queen.

When it was almost over, Shirachenko shouted again:

"Nicholas Pavlovich, Roman Emperor, Russian Tsar, Grand Duke of Moscow, Guardian of the Orthodox Church..."

"Nicholas!!"

"Nicholas..."

When Nicholas's name was sung loudly in the church, the chants of "Long Live the Emperor" began to ring out from the ranks of officers who had been waiting outside the church.

He was even more excited than when he shouted "Long Live the Tsar" a few days ago.

For these noble-born officers, nothing is more important than this moment. As a Slav, a group of people despised as "slaves" by the European mainstream, at this moment, they completed the most gorgeous transformation in history. From then on From now on, the word "Rome", which symbolizes glory and dignity, will always be with them, and the insulting word "Slavic" will disappear from their dictionary forever.

As for those so-called "Slavic compatriots", it has nothing to do with them.

In fact, this can be seen from the question in the Sophia Cathedral. Nicholas's titles include dozens of words, everything is included, but there is no such crucial thing as the original Slavic protector, which was first regarded as an identity. recognized title.

And now, the Tsar became the Emperor, the Empire became Rome, but the Slavs were removed.

In the Sophia Cathedral, the one-hour coronation ceremony finally came to an end. When Nicholas took over the short golden staff symbolizing the emperor's power from the hands of Orthodox Bishop Shirachenko, his back turned to the cross and his face faced Open church door.

Outside the gate are those officers with noble status, Russian nobles who have dared to come all night long.

Even today, nobility without counts and above, as well as officers with the rank of major general or above, are not allowed to participate in this enthronement ceremony that is destined to be glorious in Russian history.

Nicholas held a golden scepter in his hand. The huge ruby ​​​​on the scepter was extremely dazzling under the reflection of the sun. Holding it in his hand, it seemed to hold the "future" and even the "hope" of the empire.

Nicholas held the golden scepter, looked at the opposite side with firm eyes, waited calmly for dozens of seconds, and then slowly opened his mouth, saying in a strong and open tone:
"I am Rome, Rome is me!!"

"Boom", like a thunder, exploded in everyone's heart.

"Long live, long live the emperor!!"

"Long live the Roman Emperor..."

"Long live the great Emperor Nikolai Pavlovich!!"

"Rome, Rome!!"

.........

When the huge chants and the endless "Roman sound" entered his brain, Nicholas was trembling all over his body, but he couldn't see it because the ceremonial robe was too big.

But if you look carefully, you will find that Nicholas' hand holding the golden scepter is constantly trembling slightly, and the corners of his mouth are involuntarily curved upward.

"Rome!!"

"Rome!!"

The bright sunshine shines on the dome of Sophia Cathedral, and the double-headed eagle flag becomes more "dignified" than ever before. Even the day when Istanbul was invaded and hung up, it cannot be compared with this moment.

The whole city of Istanbul was filled with cheers from Russians. Whether it was the soldiers or the Russians who had traveled thousands of miles from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other big cities, they were all proud of everything Russia had done at this moment.

More importantly, they became Rome and Romans. This identity, like blood, constantly stimulated all Russians into madness.

.........

"Crash!!"

The fireworks in Istanbul that night were so dazzling and dense, and they never stopped from the moment it got dark.

Even when these fireworks were being made, a Russian army logistics officer once said:
"We still have enough gunpowder. There is no use in keeping these things anyway. Why not use them all and celebrate that great moment!!"

The former Sultan's Palace has now become a joyful place for Russians, filled with men and women changing glasses and laughing loudly.

Wearing the most expensive clothes in their lives, they shuttled from dance floor to dance floor. Everyone was like a lit firewood, constantly exuding the smell of hormones.

In a room on the top floor, Nicholas looked at the "bright" city of Istanbul through the window, and he fell into a wonderful feeling.

It's like he really became a god, a "saint", and a perfect monarch! !
(Nicholas was canonized as a saint by the Orthodox Church)

Perhaps at some point in the future, future generations' evaluation of him will not be limited to the failure of the Black Sea, the failure of serfdom reform, or even the poor military and outrageous conscription.

But this moment, but talking about the moment when Nicholas ascended the throne, just like Napoleon, if he had not become the emperor, he would at best be a soldier with a record of performance, not the so-called military god in people's minds.

At this moment, Nicholas finally felt what Napoleon felt back then, the feeling of seeing the whole of Europe as nothing.

So much so that tonight, at this very moment, he loudly announced to the people on the dance floor:
"Starting from zero, Istanbul will return to its original name..."

“Constantinople!!”

(End of this chapter)