The Shadow of Great Britain

299: Chapter 194 Arthur, You Must Survive to the End (4K4)_2 299: Chapter 194 Arthur, You Must Survive to the End (4K4)_2 The Duke of Wellington burst out laughing upon hearing this.

He said to Arthur, “So, do you now believe that our Government of Britain is actually quite incorruptible?”

The Red Devil, leaning against the card table, couldn’t help but nudge Arthur with his elbow and winked at him, saying, “Did you hear that?

The path to riches is right before your eyes.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur merely smiled and responded, “I feel that such a tactic by Mr.

Talleyrand would not work in Britain.

The military intelligence of the Royal Navy isn’t valuable because even if the enemy knows it, it’s useless; they are bound to lose no matter what.”

Arthur’s words once again burst the others into hearty laughter.

The Duke of Wellington, wiping tears of laughter, said, “It seems the Whig Party made a wise decision in letting you manage the Police Intelligence Department.

At first, I thought you, a promising young man, might not want to take on this job that can’t easily be boasted about when done well and can bring much censure when done poorly.

But it turns out you are quite enjoying it quickly.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur simply replied, “Actually, the work at Scotland Yard is quite similar, so for me, it’s just adding a bit more work content, nothing serious.”

Talleyrand got up and said, “Indeed, compared to your current job, your future job will be much easier.

But your current experiences are indispensable because, in this world, there are no misfortunes that smart people cannot learn from, and no reckless person can turn them into fortuitous injuries.”

“Your experience now is merely helping yourself find out whether you are really smart.

If you are, you’ll soon not need to deal with these troublesome trivial matters, but can, like me, just speak casually on anything you like.

As for the hard work of implementing those ideas, that will have to be done by the young people who follow you, trying to prove their own wisdom.”

With that, Talleyrand looked up and made a suggestion to the Duke, “I’ve heard that you have a curious new device here that can play symphonies on its own; why not show it to me?

If it’s interesting, perhaps I should buy one to take back to Paris.”

The Duke of Wellington, not refusing and being good friends personally with Talleyrand after securing France’s concession of Belgium, was very accommodating to his old friend’s requests, “If you could make Louis Philippe give a little more, perhaps I could arrange to send a few phonographs to you free of charge.”

Upon hearing this, Talleyrand merely raised his eyebrows playfully, “A few phonographs to buy me off?

My lord, you rate me too cheaply.”

“It’s not the same,”

the Duke of Wellington interjected, “you see, you don’t know.

Our Mr.

Hastings is one of the contributors to the patent of the phonograph.

By the way, he’s also a well-known pianist who recently participated in that sensational concert in London.

If we arrange it through him, besides the phonograph, you might even get a copy of the rare record from the Coburg concert, which is now nearly frenzied over in every art trade market across London.”

“Oh?

Is that so?”

Talleyrand glanced back at Arthur, “Indeed an interesting young man.

Well, for the sake of the records, I’ll consider it.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas couldn’t help but stand up from the card table and said, “You plan to betray national interests for a useless record?

I recall you just told me in front of everyone that you loved France more than Napoleon did.”

Talleyrand merely laughed, “Oh come off it, Alexander, do not twist my words.

Also, never bring up patriotism in my presence; it gives me a headache.

Every time someone advocates patriotism, it’s either for taking people’s money or their lives.

In appreciation of Mr.

Hastings’s ability to joke, your warrant is canceled.

Live well in London, Alexander, and stop causing unnecessary trouble.

It’s no good for anyone.”

With that, Talleyrand and the Duke of Wellington left, leaving Arthur and Great Dumas alone at the card table.

Great Dumas stood silently for a long time, overwhelmed with mixed feelings.

He suddenly turned around only to find Arthur collecting coins one by one from the card table.

He slumped into his chair, stretching his arms towards the ceiling as if venting his frustration, “Alright, Arthur, laugh at me, mock France.

Whatever you say in the future, I won’t argue anymore.

Look, these are the kinds of men who have been navigating French politics for decades!

Yet, in France, many still regard him as a role model for life and career.

France, this beautiful and rich land, is truly rotten to the core.”

Usually, Arthur would have jumped at the chance to tease Great Dumas, but today he uncharacteristically refrained from any mockery.

“Don’t be so pessimistic.

A person like Mr.

Talleyrand, wherever he is, can always make his way.

You might not believe it, but I think if he had been born in Britain, he might have even become the Prime Minister.

If the Duke of Wellington had a fraction of his friend’s cunning and smoothness, he wouldn’t have stepped down.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas frowned, “Arthur, what do you mean?

Why does it sound like you actually admire him?

Why would you have a good impression of a corrupt criminal, a shameless traitor?”