Vasily III's ruthlessness lay in his treatment of his own family, such as his nephew Dmitry, whom he ruthlessly eliminated. Ivan IV, on the other hand, spared no effort in eliminating his ministers. His tragic childhood left a deep imprint on the transmigrator's heart, instilling in him a belief that the nobility must never rise to power.
Madness and malice, like spring grass, quickly clouded Ivan IV's mind. For a considerable period afterward, Ivan IV remained indifferent to all worldly pleasures, firmly gripping his scepter and crown. His mind was focused on only two things: loyalty to God and the killing of his enemies.
Clearly, his enemies were also contemplating the same thing: how to replace Ivan IV with a more loyal and reliable puppet.
Grinsky and Belsky secretly plotted to gather the power of several other powerful dukes to form a coalition, much like the Duma used to check the Tsar, creating a new force in the power vacuum left by Shuysky's death.
"So, who should we try to win over? Everyone in the court is focused on our two families. Excluding the faction led by Irene's relatives, there are very few Grand Dukes left. Most importantly, these candidates must hold military power."
Grinsky offered two names for consideration.
"Ivan Kurbosky and Vorontsov."
"Ivan Kurbosky, I can understand, after all, he's a Duma member. But Vorontsov? Wasn't he a favorite of Ivan IV?"
Belsky asked, puzzled. "Shuysky beat him like a dog in front of the Tsar."
"Shuysky was the one who harmed him, not us. Now that Shuysky is dead, we can win him over. Vorontsov is a good pawn; we shouldn't miss this opportunity."
Grinsky and Belsky reached an agreement. Although they now had to obey the Tsar's orders, they began to prepare a plan to overthrow Ivan IV's rule. In any case, only one could survive—the powerful Grand Duke or the young prince.
Meanwhile, all was calm within the Kremlin.
Ivan IV had summoned Tuchkov, and having regained the Tsar's favor, Tuchkov began frequenting the court again. He even seemed to be developing into one of Ivan IV's favorites, yet Tuchkov felt he had never truly known Ivan IV.
This time, when the Tsar summoned Tuchkov to the Kremlin, he sensed something amiss.
Since Ivan IV reinstated Tuchkov, he had noticed that the Tsar was no longer the timid heir apparent of three years ago, but had become a cold and cruel monarch.
Every meeting was a tense affair for Tuchkov.
When he saw Ivan IV fiddling with a stick in the prince's bedchamber, Tuchkov was surprised. He slowed his pace, approaching Ivan IV, careful not to disturb his enjoyment.
He whispered, "Your Majesty."
Ivan IV looked up, patted Tuchkov on the shoulder, and smiled as he offered him the staff, saying calmly, "Grand Duke Tuchkov, take a look at this."
Tuchkov took the staff from the Tsar and realized it resembled a spiked club, intricately carved with patterns.
"Your Majesty, what is this…?"
Tuchkov, unsure of Ivan IV's thoughts, hesitated, "If Your Majesty desires a suitable weapon, you can simply give the order."
The Tsar shook his head; he had no interest in weapons.
Historically, after the death of Empress Anastasia, the Tsar had always carried a scepter, its tip studded with countless sharp nails, resembling a spiked club, its handle also carved with numerous patterns.
When speaking to people, Ivan IV would affectionately stroke the handle with his fingertips while gazing intently at them. When enraged, he would thrust the tip of his scepter at his opponent, usually wounding them first, then watching with glee as they fell to the ground, bleeding and struggling until they bled to death. Clearly, he was imitating that historical madman who enjoyed killing and then feigned repentance before an icon of Jesus.
"Grand Prince Tuchkov, I've had an idea lately. Now that I'm grown up, it's time to tour the land. If I don't travel, how can the people of Russia feel the presence of their emperor?"
"Hmm?"
Hearing that Ivan IV wanted to leave the Kremlin to tour the country, Tuchkov was somewhat surprised. The young emperor had never cared about politics before, yet now he was taking the initiative to do so. Recalling the methods used to eliminate Grand Prince Shuysky, he felt uneasy.
"But Your Majesty, now is not the best time to tour the borders. Our border conflict with the Tatars is not over yet, and the Volga River region will continue to be harassed. Furthermore, there will be considerable opposition within the Kremlin."
The barbaric Tatars still frequently raid the Volga River basin, plundering the local inhabitants. Tuchkov feared that the Tsar's tour would create a power vacuum in Moscow. Moreover, swords have no eyes; on the battlefield, no one could guarantee the safety of the young Ivan IV.
Tuchkov had staked everything on Ivan IV; if anything happened to the Tsar, his career would be over.
"Then take our army, Grand Duke Tuchkov."
Ivan IV had considered everything; he planned to use this tour to address several major problems within the Grand Duchy of Moscow: the corruption of power, the empty treasury, and a corrupt exploitative class.
He casually brandished his club and uttered a chilling statement to Tuchkov.
"The Grand Dukes are becoming increasingly arrogant. I need an opportunity to expose their true colors. Only when I make a mistake will their restless hearts begin to carry out their plans for subversion."
"Then…"
He raised his scepter and made a waving motion towards Tuchkov's head.
Tuchkov dared not move. He could feel the terror of the sharp iron nails dangling before him. The Tsar's words were not casual remarks; he could sense the oppressive presence of an iron-fisted monarch in Ivan IV's words.
The rudiments of a tyrant were slowly emerging.
Ivan IV said softly, "Use the scepter to smash their heads without leaving a single one alive."