Chapter 603: Different Battlefields
Polish commander Lieutenant General Kościuszko, seeing the enemy cavalry on the move, immediately instructed the officer beside him to have his four cavalry squadrons ready to reinforce at any moment.
The Winged Hussars were a symbol of the Polish army. They had to ensure victory in every battle, at least until the decisive battle with the Russians. Therefore, Kościuszko would always wait until the battle situation became clear and victory was assured before deploying the newly formed Winged Hussars, allowing them to establish their prestige by finishing off the enemy.
Of course, the Winged Hussars themselves were elites chosen from thousands of cavalrymen. Their equipment and pay were the highest in the Polish army, and their morale was astonishingly high.
As soon as the Serbian cavalry clashed with the Winged Hussars, they were scattered. Winged Hussars commander Antoni Madaliński immediately detached a squadron to pursue the enemy cavalry. The other soldiers circled north, regrouped, then, wielding their red-hilted sabers, charged into the Serbian infantry.
An hour and a half later, Kościuszko watched the enemy forces, who had already fled out of sight, and ordered a halt to the pursuit. Prince Poniatowski's orders to him were to train the army in real combat as much as possible. He estimated that nearly a thousand Serbians had been captured or killed in the recent battle. If he continued the pursuit, he might wipe them all out, and then there would be no more opportunities for live combat training.
Suppressing his inner guilt, he turned to the Austrian commander beside him and said, "Our reconnaissance of the north bank of the Sava River wasn't detailed enough. Further pursuit could easily lead us into an enemy ambush."
The latter was already accustomed to his cautious command style, immediately praised him effusively, saying nothing else.
Meanwhile, the Winged Hussars, escorting over three hundred Serbian captives, returned to camp in high spirits. The feathers on their backs gleamed in the setting sun, and the surrounding Polish soldiers all looked at them with envy and reverence.
Regardless of the Winged Hussars' battle achievements, their impressive appearance alone was enough to make all the soldiers drool.
The effects of the practical training were also very significant.
These new recruits, who had just arrived from Poland, had previously only completed the most basic drill and shooting training, but after fighting in real combat for several months, they had clearly shed their rookie awkwardness.
Their combat effectiveness might not have been very high, but at the very least, they wouldn't forget to reload their ammunition just because someone died nearby. That was roughly equivalent to two years of training in the barracks.
...
Petersburg.
Winter Palace.
When Platon Zubov saw the old face of Stanisław II appear at the doorway, his mood immediately turned as dismal as having walked all day through a muddy field in late autumn.
Catherine II also seemed somewhat surprised, looking at Stanisław II, who bowed respectfully, and said, "I thought you would be busy for a long time, presiding over the legislation back home."
"Oh, you know, it was supposed to take a long time," the elder King said, looking back at the Tsar with a sincere expression. "But the longing in my heart made it impossible for me to focus on anything. So, as soon as I signed that paper, I rushed back immediately."
Catherine II glanced at the young Count beside her, seemed to feel a bit awkward, and waved him off, signaling him to leave. Then she turned to the elder King and said, "Stasi, perhaps you should seriously inquire about the Polish Constitution. From what I understand, this law has caused many upright nobles to suffer unjust treatment."
"Oh, Your Majesty, could we perhaps discuss the Constitution later?" the elder King said, gesturing to a servant by the door to bring his guitar. He continued, a hint of eagerness in his voice, "On my journey back to Warsaw this time, I composed this piece while thinking of you. I simply must play it for you right away. Oh, I've named it 'Amours Interdits'."
Catherine II smiled warmly and nodded. "I am quite eager to hear it."
The guitar music began to play, slowly filling the room, as if gently stroking the softest part of the Tsar's heart, captivating her instantly.
This piece was almost synonymous with the guitar in later generations. Its Chinese name was "Romance of Love," gentle and melodious, like a lover softly whispering sweet, ordinary memories into one's ear.
After Stanisław II received this piece from the French Crown Prince, he prepared to use it as his trump card.
And today was the day to use it.
He knew very well that the new constitution had eliminated many long-standing problems in Poland and would allow Poland to recover, perhaps even ushering in a new era of strength. At the same time, the constitution inevitably touched upon the interests of the great nobles and Russian influence. If the interests of these "vampires" were not reclaimed, Poland would only remain forever weak.
Therefore, although Russia ostensibly claimed not to interfere with Polish legislation, it had secretly been directing pro-Russian factions in Poland to obstruct the creation of the constitution.
This was also why the Polish Constitution had been in preparation for over a decade, only to be born with such difficulty now.
Once the Polish Constitution was passed, it would inevitably anger Russia.
What Joseph had not told him was that historically, only one year after the Constitution of May 3 was passed by the Great Sejm, Russia had brazenly invaded Poland.
Currently, although Joseph had instructed the Poles to reduce the radical clauses in the constitution as much as possible, and kept a close eye on the Targowica Confederation, which had acted as Russia's "guide" during the Second Partition, the risk of Russian military intervention remained very high.
Soon, the piece concluded. Catherine II savored the moment for a full five or six minutes before finally opening her eyes and gently applauded the elder King.
"You are in no way inferior to those geniuses in Vienna. I would like to hear it again."
"This is my gift to you, Your Majesty. You may listen to it as many times as you wish."
Stanisław II immediately repositioned his guitar.
Afterwards, he played pieces like "My Heart Will Go On," and then, as was their custom, began reminiscing about their sweet past with the Tsar. It wasn't until dusk that the latter, tired but content, ended this special "date," appearing to be in an excellent mood.
Stanisław II put away his instrument, preparing to leave, but then Catherine II spoke. "There's still some time until dinner. Why don't you tell me about the Polish Constitution? Didn't you just return from Warsaw?"
The King of Poland paused. 'What must come, will come,' he thought.
He turned, a smile on his face. "Your esteemed Majesty, there's truly not much to say about it. You know, Poland is simply too poor. The ministers discussed it at length and believe that those below need some security and hope. Only then will they work harder to earn money and pay taxes. Oh, and this will also contribute to Russia's strength."
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