The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 686 - 333 Britain’s Diplomacy Decision_3

Viscount Palmeston smiled and nodded, "Actually, it’s not just that, but also his approval for Indians to be promoted to senior colonial officers."

Earl Ametstead raised his white eyebrows, "So, his raising the salaries and status of Indian judges and promoting English in courts and higher education institutions are not important then?"

"Those are certainly important as well, but..."

Viscount Palmeston smiled in response, "On this point, I think he has done very well. As I said before, I believe it is Britain’s mission to spread advanced civilization to barbaric lands. If he plans to replicate Britain’s advanced systems in India, I have absolutely no objection."

Earl Ametstead slightly nodded, "It seems not all your views as the Foreign Secretary are flexible. However, on this matter, I must remind you that India is not Britain. It has many times more land and people than Britain, so not all systems can be directly copied."

Of all Bentinck’s reforms, only the abolishment of the independent law-making powers of the governorships of Madras and Mumbai was the most necessary. India needs a strong central government to be better managed, and having four or five sets of independent laws that do not govern each other is detrimental to our commercial interests."

Upon hearing this, Palmeston merely smiled flatteringly, "It seems that our common ground is not just limited to one point, as I also quite agree on this matter. However, within the Whig Party, there clearly are some colleagues who hold different views from mine. Given my position, it is difficult for me to point this out to them directly. If you would take the time to have a good talk with the three esteemed gentlemen of the Indian Administration Committee, I believe we could definitely make some progress."

It was only after a long conversation that Viscount Palmeston revealed his true intentions, which slightly displeased Earl Ametstead.

He said, "Even if you had not brought this up, I would still have gone to discuss it with the Committee and the members of the Privy Council, because I am consistent in my views and do not change them lightly."

As he said this, Earl Ametstead lightly patted Viscount Palmeston’s arm, "Henry, sometimes I wonder, if you had been the one sent to China back then, things would definitely have succeeded. Do you know why? Because you would surely have agreed to kneel before the Chinese Emperor."

Viscount Palmeston’s face changed instantly upon hearing this.

Today, he had invited Ametstead to the Foreign Office for a fine reception with good tobacco and tea, and had also spoken a lot of nice words.

Unfortunately, this semi-retired Tory veteran was characterized by a lack of desire and spoke his mind freely, doing and saying whatever he wanted.

Upon seeing Palmeston’s change in facial expression, Ametstead burst into hearty laughter, "Henry, don’t be angry, I’m not insulting you, I’m praising you. Actually, when I returned from China, I also visited Napoleon’s place of exile, Saint Helena Island. After listening to my experiences as an envoy, Napoleon told me that if he were me, he would definitely kneel and kowtow respectfully to the Chinese Emperor, as that is adapting to local customs. He was very flexible, just like you and Canning."

Having said this, Earl Ametstead did not give Viscount Palmeston a chance to respond, and hummed a cheerful tune as he led his attendants out of the grand hall of the Foreign Office.

Seeing the old man’s sprightly steps, it seemed as though the severe rheumatism he had contracted in India had miraculously improved greatly.

Viscount Palmeston watched the old man’s retreating figure for a long time, taking several deep breaths. His clenched fist slowly loosened.

The Civil Servants in the Foreign Office, seeing the Minister’s demeanor, all remained silent as mice, passing quickly beside him with their heads bowed, afraid that any slight noise might provoke his anger.

In the silent hall, only Palmeston’s low mutter filled with anger could be heard, "If it weren’t for your old age, I would definitely challenge you to a duel!"

The veteran Civil Servants at the Foreign Office exchanged glances, each reading a familiar flavor in the other’s eyes.

A duel among Ministers was also considered a traditional event preserved at the Foreign Office, and the last duel involving Cabinet Ministers...

Oh, perhaps it is not accurate to say the last, rather, the last pair of dueling Ministers was Viscount Castlereagh, who had established the European coordination principle, and Sir Canning, who succeeded Castlereagh as Foreign Secretary.

Seeing the Minister’s demeanor, everyone couldn’t help but worry about whether they could leave work on time today.

Just as they were figuring out how to calm Palmeston down in time, a familiar face suddenly entered the hall. It was none other than Mr. Schneider, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Foreign Office, who had met Arthur in Liverpool.

Schneider, evidently unaware of the subtle shift in the atmosphere, walked towards Viscount Palmeston with a smile on his face.

Just as everyone thought this lad was bound to be in big trouble today, a look of surprise and a smile suddenly appeared on Viscount Palmeston’s face.

"Oh? My sweetheart has arrived?"

Upon hearing this, Schneider merely coughed awkwardly yet politely, "My lord, at least for today, you better not address Lady Livin by that title, especially since the Russian Ambassador, Count Livin, also accompanied her to the official residence."