Witnessing the significantly diminished anger of Nicholas I, Menshikov finally breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that maintaining a golden silence had allowed him to narrowly escape the first day unscathed.
Next, it depended on how Menshikov would explain (or shirk responsibility) to Nicholas I.
If he managed to pass the blame successfully, Menshikov could escape unscathed, but he certainly couldn't count on retaining his dual governorship of Crimea and the Caucasus.
If he failed to pass the blame, Menshikov would be awarded a one-way ticket to Siberia, specially prepared by Tsar Nicholas I.
Although Nicholas I, as the leader of the Russian Imperial nobility (Tsar), would not easily confiscate the properties of erring nobles like the Great Eastern Empire, exile to Siberia was an essential measure.
When the Decembrists attempted a palace coup and were defeated, Nicholas I also executed only the ringleaders and exiled the rest to Siberia.
