"Thankfully we mentioned it today," Talleyrand said, limping along with Zubov toward the outside, his head turned slightly, "However, I think this may actually be a good opportunity for you."
Zubov did not quite grasp: "What opportunity are you referring to?"
Talleyrand lowered his voice: "Since you assumed the role of Commander of the Guards, you have not yet achieved victory in a major battle.
"If you can defeat the Persians this time, gain a large territory in the Caucasus region, or even march into Persia, I believe the Tsar would certainly look at you in a new light."
Zubov's mind was instantly stirred.
As an ambitious lover, his greatest wish was to surpass Potemkin, the Tsar's most favored.
He was more handsome than Potemkin, knew better how to amuse the Tsar; the only thing he lacked was military accomplishments.
Potemkin had secured Moldavia on the western Black Sea for the Empire; he himself would seize the Caucasus on the eastern coast!
