Servant of the People in Kyiv

Shcherbitsky sneered and berated, "Do you think it's still useful for us to muddy the waters now that the Western media and consulates of various countries have gotten involved? Istromina, you need to use your brains. We don't need to obey the Kremlin. That will only make us Gorbachev's doormats!"

Istromina turned pale with fear and spoke incoherently, "We... then... I'll call Minister Novikov right now."

After saying this, Istomina twisted her waist and left.

Half an hour later, Novikov walked into Sherbitsky's office. Sherbitsky was sleeping on the table. Novikov didn't dare to disturb him, so he sat on the sofa on the side and waited.

After about an hour, Shcherbitsky suddenly sat up, rubbing his temples while looking at Novikov and frowning, "How long have you been here?"

Novikov looked at the clock on the wall and smiled, "About an hour."

"It's already two in the morning?"

Shcherbitsky said gravely, "Have the people gathered under the statue of the Motherland dispersed?"

Novikov said cautiously, "Most of them have left, but I heard from them that they will gather for a demonstration tomorrow. If you don't let us disperse, my people can only watch from afar."

"That's good."

Shcherbitsky nodded and said, "You've investigated Haniyev thoroughly. He's a smart man. Although his donation of radiation-proof clothing ahead of time does suggest he knew about the Chernobyl accident, the investigation has concluded that the nuclear power plant accident was a complete accident. Both the motive and the evidence indicate it was purely accidental. Haniyev is also a young man with a clear resume and outstanding work ability."

Novikov frowned and said, "Yes, this young man must have been too impulsive this time. Now the Western world is paying attention to him and the nuclear power plant. Does Moscow have any new instructions?"

Shcherbitsky sneered, "Two hours ago, right after you delivered Haniyev's confession, our dear General Secretary Gorbachev called me personally. After learning that Haniyev wasn't a spy or a traitor, he was afraid of the Western free world and told us to release him first and deal with him after the nuclear power plant accident was resolved."

Novikov looked at Shcherbitsky and asked, "What do you mean? Are you really going to let him go? What will we do with him later? Send him to the Far East, or find a crime to arrest him?"

Sherbitsky looked at Novikov dissatisfiedly and whispered, "Don't be so rough. I have to release him, but I have to wait until I meet Haniyev tomorrow. If he is willing to work for me, everything will be fine. If he doesn't obey, you can find a way to send him to the Far East after this!"

"Yes, Secretary Shcherbitsky."

Shcherbitsky nodded and said, "I'm going to bed now. In the morning, you'll bring Haniyev to have breakfast with me. Remember to keep it secret. Also, starting tomorrow morning, you'll have to let the citizens of Kiev know that both arresting Haniyev and releasing him were Moscow's decisions. Maybe Gorbachev won't admit it, but as long as the citizens of Kiev believe it, that's all that's needed."

Novikov's eyes lit up, and he smiled. "Now, because of that Reuters report, the people of Ukraine and Kiev are furious with Moscow. This morning, you wouldn't let me suppress the news, wouldn't let me arrest Haniyev's lover and friends, and instead asked me to help spread the leaked information and even helped distribute the newspapers. You didn't want Gordi to manipulate and deceive the people. You wanted to protect the people of Kiev, so you used Haniyev."

Shcherbitsky smiled slightly, rubbed his temple, and said, "Go quickly. When you bring Haniyev here tomorrow, you can tell him something appropriately."

Novikov stood up and said, "I understand. You should have a good rest."

Chapter 057 Personal Honor and Disgrace (4)

Although he was taken to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Haniyev was prepared for torture and interrogation. However, for some reason, except for the intimidation and restriction of personal freedom during the initial interrogation, he was not even allowed to urinate. After noon, everything got better.

So Haniyev, who lived in a single room, went to bed early on the evening of May 1st after giving his confession.

But he had not experienced too many major events after all, so he thought about it for more than an hour before falling asleep.

Although it was difficult to fall asleep, Haniyev still felt very comfortable after falling asleep.

Although he still had some strange dreams, Haniyev slept very soundly because he did not wake up naturally in the morning, but was pushed several times before being woken up.

Opening his eyes, Haniyev looked sleepily at the large brim of the hat in front of him, thinking: It's a strange face, I didn't see him yesterday...

"Mayor Haniyev, please get up immediately and take care of your personal hygiene. I will take you to see Minister Novikov in ten minutes."

The man in the wide-brimmed hat threw Haniyev's personal belongings to him and said.

Haniyev frowned, thinking: Novikov? Who is that... Oh... The First Minister of Internal Affairs!

Although he had just met the First Minister in the conference room two days ago, Haniyev did not think that it would be good for the Minister to meet him in person, but he had to meet him regardless of whether it was good or bad.

So Haniyev hurriedly sat up, put on his clothes, ran to the bathroom to deal with some personal issues, then washed his face, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair with water.

Finally, he touched the prickly stubble on his chin, shook his head, and whispered, "Maybe I look like a hardworking old man serving his country, with a sense of vicissitudes of life. It's a pity that I'm not an actor and don't have the opportunity to act in front of the people of Ukraine and the world. Otherwise, this look might add a lot of points, like a certain driver."

The armed police officer from the Ministry of Internal Affairs took Haniyev out of the detention room quickly, walked through a corridor and entered a room.

Haniyev was winding his watch when he saw that the man standing in the room was Novikov, the First Minister of Internal Affairs, whom he had met.

Novikov is actually only about forty-five or forty-six years old. He doesn't look very old, but his hair is a little thin. He is not tall and is even a little thin. However, his eyes are very bright, making him look tall and strong.

After Haniyev came in, Novikov looked at him carefully. When he came closer, he said calmly, "You are Haniyev, the heroic mayor of Ukraine who spoke up for the people."

Seeing Novikov smiling and speaking in a relaxed tone, Hanif's mind solidified. He then respectfully stepped forward and extended his hand, saying, "Dear Minister, please don't make fun of me. I just don't want my family and friends to be exposed to radiation in vain. I also don't want the citizens I just rescued from Pripyat to be exposed to radiation along with the citizens of Kyiv and put their lives in danger."

As Haniyev had expected, Novikov shook his hand and nodded, saying, "Although you are young, your beliefs are quite firm and you are not dogmatic. You know how to use all resources to achieve your goals. You are a rare talent."

This handshake signal and words of praise made Haniyev certain that his previous plan should have been mostly successful. At least the foreign media must have reported on him, and he had become a figure that Western countries and media paid attention to. So no matter how angry the Soviet side was, they would not dare to touch him.

Thinking of this, Haniyev breathed a sigh of relief and felt more confident.

Novikov took a look at Haniyev's clothes and appearance, nodded with satisfaction and said, "That's not what I said, your image is not bad, not bad."

Haniyev was stunned and asked, "Minister, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to go out for an interview?"

Novikov glanced at Haniyev with interest and whispered, "You want to be interviewed? Maybe soon you can, but not now. I want to take you to see someone who will evaluate you with the words I just said."

Haniyev's heart sank, and he thought to himself: The person who could make a big shot like Vinovikov come to check on me personally and then bring me to meet him must be a well-connected person, and there are not many such people in Ukraine.

Novikov smiled slightly and said, "It seems you have guessed which important person wants to see you."

Haniyev asked cautiously, "If my guess is correct, it's Secretary Shcherbitsky, the First Secretary of Ukraine. Does he want to see me?"

Novikov nodded in satisfaction and said, "Yes, you guessed correctly. Our secretary wants to meet you in person and wants you to have breakfast with him.

Yesterday I had already investigated all your basic information. You are very smart, young man. You have established contact with Reuters a long time ago. You also reported the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion through your classmate Anato, the new head of Reuters' Kiev office. Yesterday, you reported the Soviet authorities' false information through the information told by Natasha.

And your girlfriend Natasha, your classmates Pristin, Sergei, Vyshevsky... your family... your old subordinates... they all followed your orders and spread the truth about the radiation early this morning, hoping to prevent the May Day parade celebrations.

You had made a careful plan long ago, and you knew you would be arrested, so you asked them to cheer for you outside, to spread propaganda, and even to mobilize university students and scholars who support Ukrainian independence...

Your methods aren't sophisticated, but they're very effective. Before I found out the results of my investigation, I couldn't imagine you had such a meticulous plan and long-term arrangements. I just thought you were simply trying to blow the whistle and release the real data and nuclear radiation information..."

Novikov paused and looked at Haniyev with a gleam in his eyes.

After hearing what Novikov said, Haniyev broke out in a cold sweat. He always felt that he had done everything carefully and correctly. Even if he couldn't conceal it completely, he could always conceal some details. Even if he couldn't conceal it, he wouldn't let the Ministry of Internal Affairs investigate and find out everything in less than a day.

Haniyev originally thought that he could wait at least ten days or half a month before the Ministry of Internal Affairs could gradually investigate his layout and arrangements, but looking at Novikov's playful smile, Haniyev sighed and said in his heart: I was careless, I didn't expect Novikov and his gang to be so powerful.

Thinking of a possibility, Hanif asked anxiously, "You have already investigated it clearly. What about Natasha, Anatole, Pristin and the others..."

Novikov said coldly: "Don't worry, I didn't catch them."

"Luckily, you didn't betray me. You're not a foreign spy, nor a traitor who's leaning towards the West. You have no selfish motives. You could even say that what you did was very brave and selfless. If not, you probably wouldn't have lived to see tomorrow. Even if Western media were paying attention to you, we could let you die peacefully, claiming you were 'sick from severe radiation exposure while leading the Pripyat disaster relief effort.'"

"If that's the case, Western countries and media can't save you, let alone verify the facts for you, don't you agree?"

As he spoke, Novikov glanced at Haniyev coldly.

This change in attitude from hot to cold made Haniyev feel nervous and he couldn't help swallowing.

Haniyev felt that his brain had become a little dull.

Just as he was thinking about what to say, he saw Novikov gently wave his hand, and his stern face turned into a smile like a spring breeze entering the harbor, and he said: "Don't worry, our Secretary Sherbitsky won't let me touch your friends, nor will he let me touch you. He admires you very much, so he is willing to meet you.

Secretary Shcherbitsky asked you to have breakfast with him. This is a good opportunity for you. You are a smart person. I don’t need to teach you what to say during breakfast. You should hide it from him because you have no secrets in front of him. Just tell him whatever he asks..."

Haniyev's shock gradually subsided, but he still couldn't suppress his uneasy mood.

Although he had long dreamed of getting the attention of bigwigs like Sherbitsky and Gordiu, after he blatantly used foreign news agencies to lift the lid this time, Gordiu and Sherbitsky must have hated him to the core.

Haniyev's heart began to beat fast at the thought of meeting such a big shot. Haniyev had never expected that Sherbitsky would want to see him. Haniyev had never met a national leader, not to mention that he was a person who disobeyed them.

However, Haniyev remembered that Novikov had been nice to him all day, and Sherbitsky had personally ordered not to touch him and his relatives and friends. That meant that Novikov had no obvious ill intentions, and he thought that maybe he had something else to say, so he felt a little bit of anticipation in his heart.

Without waiting for Haniyev to recover, Novikov glanced at his watch and said hurriedly, "We're running out of time. I'm taking you to the Mariinsky Palace now. It's almost 7 a.m., and Secretary Shcherbitsky should have finished his morning exercises and be washing up and getting ready for dinner."

Twenty minutes later, Haniyev drove into the courtyard of the Mariinsky Palace in Novikov's luxurious Seagull car.

Although the Seagull sedan has been discontinued for eight years, many Ukrainian ministers still regard it as a treasure. After all, it was the car used by Soviet ministers in the past. Now that the ministers of the Soviet republics use it, it reflects a certain status and dignity.

It was also the first time for Haniyev to ride in this car, which was a bit old but still rare and precious in the Soviet Union. However, he was still a little nervous and could not fully enjoy this ministerial car.

Chapter 058 Personal Honor and Disgrace (5)

Mariinsky Park on Shkovichina Street in the center of Kyiv is the only park in Kyiv that citizens cannot enter and exit freely because there is a historic royal palace in the park.

The Mariinsky Palace is surrounded by the Mariinsky Park, with only a government building located parallel to the southwest.

At the end of the 18th century, this Baroque palace was the Ukrainian Governor-General's Palace. Later, during the Soviet era, it was built into an agricultural school and then turned into a museum.

In recent decades, it has become the office and residence of Ukraine's top leader, and in the future it will become the presidential palace after Ukraine's independence.

Novikov personally led Haniyev into the historic palace. After walking through a golden hall, they turned into a corridor full of paintings and decorations, and then entered a room guarded by two armed police officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This is a restaurant with candle racks, clothes racks and sinks.

There was a long table in the middle of the room, and in front of it were five square tables, each of which had three iron plates on it.

Each plate was filled with a variety of food, including roast pork chops, smoked sausages, lamb legs, steak, eggs, potatoes, cod, prawns, vegetable soup and two tin kettles, one with a piece of tape labeled "Milk" and the other "Black Tea".

This kind of dining environment is very good, and the atmosphere is like a buffet.

Behind the long table was a small round red pine table. Behind the table sat an old man with slicked-back hair, black eyebrows and white hair. He was wearing a blue shirt and no suit jacket, and was cutting a steak with a knife and fork.

Haniyev saw him and recognized him as Ukraine's First Secretary Shcherbitsky.

Novikov walked over and said, "Your Excellency, Secretary, Haniyev is here."

Shcherbitsky glanced at Haniyev, pointed to the two seats in front of him, and said, "You guys should sit down and eat with me. Take whatever you want."

Although Sherbitsky possessed the same corrupt traits as other Soviet leaders, this was a fine tradition that began in the Stalin era. This corruption included political corruption, financial corruption, and power corruption, and was a comprehensive corruption.

Therefore, Sherbitsky's children and even grandsons were arranged to work in various departments of the Ukrainian Central Committee, and his grandson even worked as a staff member in the Ukrainian Central Party Affairs Office.

This arrangement was very common in the 1970s and 1980s, so no one thought there was anything special about leaders arranging jobs for their relatives.

Compared with the corrupt officials in Ukraine and Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the current Ukrainian First Secretary Sherbitsky just ate a few more dishes at dinner, which is not out of line at all.

Haniyev understood the principle of making the best of one's situation and thought to himself: I've seen big scenes before, and now that the old man has spoken, I might as well eat something good first.

So Haniyev agreed and took a plate and a knife and fork, and without hesitation took a piece of lamb leg, followed by some pea salad.

After sitting down with the food, Haniyev looked at Sherbitsky and saw that he was concentrating on struggling with the beef on the plate. Then he carefully cut a little mutton and put it in his mouth.

Shcherbitsky said calmly, "You seem a little nervous."

Haniyev was very smart. He saw that Shcherbytsky might want to talk to him about something, so he followed Shcherbytsky's words and said, "You are the supreme leader of our Ukraine, the supreme commander of our Ukrainian nation, and the pillar of our Soviet Union.

I have heard of your great deeds since I was little, and now seeing you in person, how can I suppress my inner nervousness? I hope you can forgive me for my impoliteness."

Shcherbitsky seemed to have rarely heard someone use such high-level words to flatter someone. He smiled at Haniyev and nodded, saying, "You're quite an interesting young man, quite entertaining."

When Novikov saw Secretary Sherbitsky smiling, he thought to himself: This young man, Haniyev, is very good at talking. He made the old secretary so happy with just a few words. I should learn from him.

With Haniyev's flattery and his way of flattering without being too explicit, Sherbitsky liked him very much. So when Sherbitsky finished eating the steak and took out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, the atmosphere had become very relaxed.

Sherbitsky was already very satisfied with Haniyev.

He originally thought that young people like Haniyev were idealists, rigid in their work but passionate about the revolutionary cause. Although stubborn, he was loyal to the Soviet Union. However, he was not loyal to a particular leader, but to the Soviet revolutionary ideals.

But now that he had actually met this young man, Haniyev, Sherbitsky changed his mind again. He felt that Haniyev was a very good young man with good vision and language skills. More importantly, he was not as simple and impulsive as he thought.

Sherbitsky was very surprised when he thought that this young man was not a simple-minded person, but he did something simple-minded.

He took a sip of milk and asked, "Haniyev, why did you leak the information? Is it really like you said in your confession, that you simply didn't want your relatives, friends, and the citizens of Kyiv to be exposed to radiation?"

If that was the only reason, I think you should have left radiation protection suits for your family and friends, and they could have asked for leave to not come out for the parade yesterday. None of this would have affected your family, and there was absolutely no need for you to do that."

Haniyev nodded and said, "Nothing can be hidden from your wise Secretary Shcherbitsky. I dare not hide it from you. In fact, the reason I am willing to risk my future to expose this issue is not only to protect the millions of people in Kiev, but also to protect you."

Shcherbitsky's eyes seemed to gleam with a gleam of brilliance. He asked, "A mere regional leader like you, are you capable of protecting me? What do I need you to protect?"

Haniyev put down his knife and fork, his eyes firm as he said, "My abilities and official position really can't help you much, but when I learned the other day that the information released by Moscow was false, and that they also asked the citizens of Kyiv to continue the parade and celebrations on May Day, I thought of a terrible consequence.

That is, if the May Day parade continues, as long as the citizens of Kyiv are infected with various diseases due to radiation within a year or half a year, the true data and situation of this nuclear radiation will soon be made public. By that time, as the executor of deceiving the citizens of Kyiv, millions of Kyiv citizens and tens of millions of Ukrainian people will regard you, a Ukrainian hero, as an evil person who betrayed the Ukrainian people and even harmed the Ukrainian people.

But the General Secretary, far away in the Kremlin in Moscow, can rest easy, because you issued this specific order, and you will naturally bear the consequences. Even if you say you followed Gorbachev's orders, I believe he will never admit it."

Shcherbitsky's expression remained unchanged as he continued, "What does that have to do with you?"

Haniyev nodded slightly and said, "It really has nothing to do with me, but I can't remain indifferent knowing the truth.

I know that the government's deception of the masses to continue the march is tantamount to deliberately persecuting our comrades. This should not happen in our Soviet, and once the truth gets out, it will inevitably shake the foundation of our country.

The march will harm hundreds of thousands or even millions of citizens of Kyiv, and the ones who will suffer in the end will be the Ukrainians and you, the leader of Ukraine.

I know the Kremlin's decision is wrong, and I don't want Ukraine's leaders and hundreds of thousands of citizens to be ruined by a worthless general secretary. So I'm willing to sacrifice myself to save the people of Kyiv, to save you. I can't let you become a sinner in Ukraine, and I can't let Kyiv become trash abandoned by Moscow."

Chapter 059 Personal Honor and Disgrace (6)

Haniyev sincerely told Sherbitsky the motivations, original intentions and true thoughts behind his actions.