The Shadow of Great Britain

406: Chapter 234: Tycoon Harrison (4K4)_2 406: Chapter 234: Tycoon Harrison (4K4)_2 Barnes, who had seen his fair share of turmoil, simply smirked and shook his head, “No, that hasn’t happened.

When I first joined The Times after graduating from Cambridge, Britain was still fighting the Napoleonic Wars.

Back then, I followed the Royal Navy’s press gangs for a few on-site interviews.

The scenes were much more intense than today.”

The press gangs would sneak into villages under the cover of night, when everyone had gone to bed, then they’d identify a house, break down the door, and drag the men out of their beds.

As for the women who lost their husbands, they couldn’t even care whether they were dressed or not, and would rush out bare naked to punch and kick at the press gangs, crying and cursing.”

Hearing this, the young reporter couldn’t help but express his shock, “My God!

Was impressment really that barbaric?

How could those people from the press gang be so heartless as to do such a thing?”

Barnes replied, “Of course they could be ruthless.

For every sailor they recruited, they received two to three pounds from the Navy Department as an impressment subsidy.

If they were strong enough, those guys would probably have wanted to tie up every adult male in Britain and throw them onto the ships.

Many of the Royal Navy’s two hundred thousand sailors came about this way.”

At this point, Barnes couldn’t resist cracking a joke to Officer Ledley standing nearby, “Compared to the Royal Navy’s press gangs, the Scotland Yard officers are certainly more civilized in their law enforcement.

That’s progress for you.”

Upon hearing this, Harrison quickly defended himself, “Mr.

Barnes, I think you must be mistaken.”

“Of course,” Barnes nodded, “So could you explain what exactly is going on with this lady here?”

“I…” Harrison began, sweat beading on his forehead as he paused then chuckled awkwardly, “Mr.

Barnes, I’m a businessman, you know Harrison brand perfume?

That’s my business.

Several esteemed members of the Cabinet are my stable customers.

If you ever need anything in that regard, you can order directly from me.

Though I know that changing one’s usual perfume brand isn’t easy, so how about I send some samples your way in a few days?”

Slippery Eel Ledley, hearing this, also quickly stepped up to smooth things over, “Mr.

Harrison, I don’t believe you, as a responsible and honorable Member of Parliament, would be involved in such things, especially since you are a devout believer.

The Gospel of Matthew says: Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.

It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away.

It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”

“If anyone says such a devout believer as Mr.

Harrison would commit adultery, that must be a slander to his reputation.

I suppose, you must be here to discuss business with this lady, right?

Considering how successful your business is, it’s understandable that you provide one-on-one services to certain major clients,” he concluded.

“Exactly, yes, you’re right, Officer,” Harrison said as if he had grabbed a lifeline, his face dripping with sweat, “I indeed came here to discuss business with this lady.”

The young reporter queried, “But how do you explain being naked?”

Harrison, racking his brains and thinking on his feet, clapped his hands with a broad smile, “Ha, that’s a business secret.

It’s precisely by this tactic that I’ve managed to grow my perfume business so big!”

“Oh?” Barnes raised an eyebrow, “Could you elaborate on that?”

Harrison, with sweat dripping down his forehead, replied, “The key to a successful business is, in front of my major clients, I always maintain complete transparency.”

Puzzled, Ledley asked, “Does that include sausages too?”

“Exactly!” Harrison glared at him, forcing the situation, “Young man, do you know why your shoulders are still bare except your badge?

Whether in business, politics, or police work, maintaining honesty with those you serve is paramount.”

No sooner had Harrison finished speaking than laughter broke out beside him.

The blonde beauty covered her mouth and winked at Harrison, “Dear, I actually think the same.”

Upon finishing her words, Harrison’s face turned the color of liver.

He gasped for breath, then suddenly added, “Mr.

Barnes, you must be aware of Poland, which has recently been a hotspot area, widely reported by major newspapers.”

Barnes asked, “While I do sympathize with the plight of the Polish people, what does this lady have to do with Poland?”

“Exactly!”

Hearing Barnes express sympathy for Poland, Harrison immediately emphasized, “Actually, this lady beside me is Polish.

You must know, our Cabinet’s attitude towards Poland has been abysmal, Viscount Palmeston wouldn’t even spare a penny for the suffering Polish people!

As a politician, I always aim to improve the lives of people worldwide.

What the government won’t do, I, Bernie Harrison, will take the lead!

You might not know, but I have decided to provide this representative of Polish expatriate women with long-term, stable, and high-quality perfume, and also sponsor them with additional funds for living!”

Upon hearing this, Ledley couldn’t help but applaud and cheer, “Well done!

Mr.

Harrison, although as a Scotland Yard officer I cannot express a political stance, I do support you in this matter!

You are Britain’s pride!”