The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 715 - 344 The Eve of France

The torrential rain skewed across the streets of London, large raindrops pattering against the stone-paved campus of the University of London, veiling the entire school in a layer of misty vapor.

On the open promenade, the sound of boots hitting the ground echoed one after another, as several Scotland Yard policemen wearing white gloves, cloaked in capes, clad in tight breeches, and armed with officers’ swords appeared at the end of the walkway.

Arthur took the pipe from his mouth, the smoke from his nose quickly melting into the chilly air.

Louis also removed his cigar, leisurely releasing a puff of smoke, "How should we broach the topic with Mr. Chopin later? He has just settled in London, yet now we must unwillingly send him to Paris, into the hands of Louis Philippe. Honestly, I don’t believe it’s a good choice."

Arthur removed his gloves and rubbed his frozen hands, replying calmly.

"That’s still better than staying in London. Although I’m unclear about the specific reasons behind their actions, our government does not intend to lend a hand to Poland, nor does it plan to accuse the Russians — that much is certain. Although His Majesty the King greatly appreciates Frederick’s talent, you have to understand, Louis, Britain is not France, the King cannot arbitrarily overrule the collective decision of the Cabinet. Besides, even if he had the power and audacity to do that, it would not be over Frederick that he would break with the Cabinet."

Louis merely asked, "Do you think this is a good thing? Britain is supposed to be the exemplar of the winds of world freedom; you should be standing on the side of law and justice."

Arthur glanced at Louis; of course, he understood the other’s subtext.

However, he didn’t completely point it out but instead gave a bland reminder.

"Law and justice are, of course, worth pursuing, but only those particularly lacking in them would so deliberately flaunt themselves. And now, the one who most needs to claim this title worldwide is the King of France, Louis Philippe.

This man is a political skeptic of the 19th century, as well as the 18th century, possessing no beliefs of his own and not trusting that anyone else has convictions. Essentially, he is someone avid for power, fond of shameless courtiers. Though he has been crowned king, the legitimate Royalists of France sarcastically call him a barricade king because his crown was granted by the mob behind the barricades."

But, we also must bear in mind, he also embodies the cunning and pragmatism of the middle class, even if he lacks higher goals. Such character and foundation have resulted in a rule stripped of virtue and dignity, like managing a nation as one would a general store.

Fortunately, from the current news across the English Channel, this king with a pear-shaped head is very aware of his situation; he has great self-knowledge. Therefore, he doesn’t hope to accomplish much; in his heart, as long as he can firmly suppress the legitimate monarchists and the radical republicans, while ensuring that the constitutionalists among the activists and the resisters balance each other out, he’ll be sure to keep his crown from falling to the ground.

I know he may not genuinely want to do anything for the Polish, but he desperately needs some loud slogans to gather some progressives from around the world and maintain them in his gilded cage with high official posts and generous rewards.

In such a case, whenever guests arrive, or when citizens visit his royal palace, he could proudly point to his ’collections’ and announce to everyone, ’The Citizen King of France is the leader of the world’s forces of freedom. France has missed out on this many times, but with the July Revolution of 1830, you finally made the right choice.’ freewebnσvel.cѳm

Arthur clapped Louis on the shoulder and said, "Louis, I know you don’t like him, nor do you want his cabinet to gain one more exhibit. But for someone like Frederick, who has lost his homeland, Paris can assure his safety and a better life far more than London.

I wouldn’t want political matters to cloud your judgment of objective facts. You must understand that you are now not only a member of the Bonaparte family but also an officer of Scotland Yard, and the ’Police Regulations’ regarding political neutrality are not just for Britain."

Louis retorted, "Aren’t you letting personal feelings influence your judgment right now?"

Arthur smiled admiringly, "You’re right, Louis, but the ’Police Regulations’ do not specifically mention this, and besides, I always feel a little personal feeling isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If there were no personal feelings amongst Britain’s legislators and enforcers, the repeal of the ’Bloody Act’ would never have been pushed forward.

Moreover, if it were just me personally, having some personal feelings won’t hurt my friends. If today it were you in Frederick’s place, Louis, I assure you, I would send you to Paris just the same. Regarding that, I can swear to God that all I have said is true. Of course, if you think that’s not sufficient, I could also swear to the Devil."

Louis could only respond to Arthur’s shoulder with a resigned punch, "You don’t have to go that far; what kind of person you are becomes clear after spending enough time with you. Alexander surviving, Mr. Wheatstone’s wealth, and Mr. Disraeli quickly emerging from a life of disappointment, all those were possible with your help. But my situation is different from theirs. Nevertheless, I still really appreciate your sincerity, even if your help is merely verbal."