In the summer of 1836, Nicholas I planned a trip to Kharkiv to inspect military settlements. On the way to Ukraine, he decided to stop in Penza, which Governor Panchulidzev was informed about. The city was hurriedly prepared for the visit: garbage was cleared, beggars were chased away, and roads and houses were put in order. In Penza, the emperor inspected the garrison battalion, visited the prison, the establishments of the public charity order, the gymnasium, and the Gardening School. After lunch, he continued his journey in good health.

However, not far from Chembary, the tsar's health was in jeopardy. The horses ran the carriage downhill, the coachman fell, and the carriage overturned. Nicholas broke his collarbone and lost consciousness. He reached Chembary on foot and stopped at a local school. That night, they struggled to find Doctor Arendt, who had previously treated Lermontov. The doctor reported that the emperor would have to stay in Chembary for several weeks. Nicholas decided to govern the empire from this small town, which temporarily became the capital of Russia.

Officials, ministers, and military personnel were summoned to Chembary. Although Nicholas I was accustomed to Spartan conditions, he did not like life in the province. He even told the local officials that the local products were disgusting. It is known that he requested the governor for partridges, black grouse, woodcock, live fish, fruits, and 100 bottles of wine. After a few weeks, the emperor recovered and, thanking the hosts, set off for Petersburg.

After this incident, Nicholas I continued to travel quickly. In 1837, his carriage overturned again near Tiflis. This time, having learned from experience, he managed to jump out of the carriage. The incident in Penza taught him caution. As Gogol said, what Russian does not love fast driving?