The Shadow of Great Britain

425: Chapter 240: Conversation with the Foreign Minister (5K)_3 425: Chapter 240: Conversation with the Foreign Minister (5K)_3 Just at that time, I embarked on my Grand Tour of Europe.

Ha-ha, although I said it was for educational travel, you understand, I was actually running away from my debts.

From this, you can see that even if you don’t have much money, even if you are in debt, you can still undertake a Grand Tour.

It’s just a matter of bringing fewer servants, eating simpler food, and keeping your hands under control to avoid meddling with those art auctions.

After all, not every member of the nobility is as extravagant as the Earl of Oxford.

You must have heard of his shocking expenses during his travels, haven’t you?

He spent 4,500 pounds in just four months.

Keep in mind, that was the late 16th century!

Back then, the national revenue was only around 350,000 pounds.

Spending 1.3 percent of the nation’s income in four months, I fear even Britain today can’t find a noble who is more adept at squandering wealth.

Arthur asked, “So, when you began your travels, did you choose a path radically different from that of the Earl of Oxford?”

Palmerston nodded, “Exactly, but as per British tradition, France was certainly on the itinerary.

But as you know, when I graduated, France was in the throes of revolution, and whether it was Western Europe, Central Europe, or Southern Europe, none were peaceful.

So I chose to head east, you see.

Upon reaching Poland, I was warmly received by its people, all living happily under the protection of Russia, until that man-eating devil from Corsica shattered their peace and tranquility.

Arthur, are you familiar with Poland?”

Seeing Palmerston finally getting to the point, Arthur grinned and replied, “I don’t know much about Poland.

I haven’t even stepped out of Britain in my life, so how would I know about a land so far away?

However, I do love reading the newspapers, and lately, the topic of Poland is abuzz everywhere, aren’t they?

The Russians have occupied Warsaw and committed numerous wartime atrocities there.”

At this, Palmerston just waved his hand and said, “The papers do have their own reasoning, of course.

But those journalists holed up in their little rooms understand nothing, know nothing, and can only speculate in secret about what’s happening in the far east—things like wartime atrocities.

But tell me, in any war, who doesn’t die?

They have never pondered this with their withered little brains.”

Arthur asked, “So, are you saying that the newspapers are making things up?”

“Whether they’re making things up, don’t we just have to see if they’ve ever been to Poland to know the truth?”

Palmerston confidently stated, “Arthur, I’d bet that none of these newspaper journalists have ever been there personally.

And the man who truly has been to Poland is sitting right before you.

Although I support Britain’s freedom of the press, I am strongly opposed to those who disregard facts and spread false news.

The introduction of a free press policy was indeed correct, but was suddenly releasing it to this extent perhaps too liberal for the media?”

Arthur nodded and said, “Certainly, Scotland Yard is also committed to upholding press freedom, but occasionally we are responsible for screening and banning certain illegal publications, such as those that do not strictly comply with the Stamp Duty, or those which promote depravity, like pornographic literature.”

Palmerston nodded in agreement, “Right, Scotland Yard has always done a good job in that regard.

But I think articles with factual errors and those detrimental to social harmony should also be included in Scotland Yard’s enforcement scope.

But to circle back, Arthur, are you familiar with the ‘Economist’ magazine?

It’s rather popular in London these days, the serialized stories are truly entertaining, a fine tool for the public to pass the boring times.”

Upon hearing Palmerston bring up ‘Economist’ on his own, Arthur felt assured, but before confirming it, he decided to play along for a bit longer.

Arthur responded, “Of course I know the ‘Economist’.

Your Lordship, you might not be aware, but I also serialize a novel there.

Have you read ‘Hastings Case Files’?”

“Of course!

I never miss an issue!”

Palmerston chuckled, gesturing towards Arthur, “I knew that series had something to do with you.

It’s all about Hastings, all about the legendary detective of Scotland Yard.

Even if this novel wasn’t written by you, it must have been based on you.

To put it another way, at the very least you should know its author.”

Agares, pushing up his glasses, commented, “Right, he does know him.

We’re quite acquainted.”

Arthur glanced at Agares and continued smiling, “So, do you have any dissatisfaction with the ‘Economist’?”

“Dissatisfaction?

Not at all,” Palmerston said reassuringly.

“However, since you’re the author for the ‘Economist’, I hope you could have a serious talk with their editorial department.

For instance, remind them to correct factual errors in their magazine.

The ‘Economist’ is indeed a good magazine, but the recent supplement they launched, ‘The Economist’, it’s just…

Arthur, have you read ‘The Economist’?

Some of the Polish views expressed there are a bit too imaginative.

And how can they place the articles of the Polish people alongside the propaganda of the Bonaparte Family?

Although I don’t wish to speculate wildly, I feel that perhaps, they might have accepted sponsorship from the French?

Ha-ha, Arthur, please forgive my use of such shocking language.

But you may not know, if someone is found to have suspicious contacts with the French, in the eyes of the Foreign Office, it might initially be viewed as treason.”