"...I will command the secret police to guard outside the Gatchina Palace to prevent Paul from escaping. Count Zubov will lead the officers to enter the Imperial Palace at dawn under the guise of reporting urgent military affairs. Then proceed to Paul's chamber via the side door. Rest assured, we have our people along the way..."
After Count Palen finished speaking about the coup plan, Zubov immediately frowned and said, "Wait, isn't the Crown Prince involved in the action?"
Count Palen smiled, "His Highness is merely a frightened young man. He will wait for the abdication decree in his room."
The group recalled Alexander's usual submissive demeanor before Paul I and ceased insisting — having him command the coup might lead to retreating out of fear.
Then, a dozen or so people in the room began to vow, pledging to "sacrifice their lives to save Russia's future."
The south side of the Gatchina Palace.
