After reading through the letter personally penned by Nicholas I, both Alexander II and Gorchakov fell into silence.
At the same time, a look of guilt appeared on Alexander II's face. He knew that his previous promises to Commander Gorchakov, that he would persuade his father, Nicholas I, to delay the attack, had already collapsed.
Now, they had no choice but to consider how to lead the army to attack Sevastopol.
After a brief silence, Alexander II apologized to Commander Gorchakov, saying, "Commander Gorchakov, I am very sorry!"
"Your Highness, this is not your fault!" Gorchakov replied with a bitter smile to Alexander II. "It was me who focused solely on the military difficulties, neglecting the economic and political hardships!"
Although Gorchakov's words seemed to take the blame for Nicholas I, the Russian Empire's genuine financial difficulties were indeed a problem they had to face.
