The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 793: Chapter 372: In the Name of the King_3

The Reform Bill had passed the House of Commons, yet it was rejected in the House of Lords, and they came to me again, urging me to urgently confer fifty Whig nobles into the House of Lords. Such a childish proposal, one can only imagine I could never agree. But I was so considerate of them, and they did not show the slightest consideration for my difficulty, instead launching a mass resignation of the Cabinet at the first disagreement.

These past few days, when I strolled out of the palace, I could hear jeers directed at me everywhere. The banking sector threatened to initiate a strike, and every household in Birmingham had posters in their windows that declared, ‘Unless the bill is passed, this resident will firmly refuse to pay taxes.’ I heard that newspapers and magazines across the country had ceased to publish, as those cunning printers were too busy to take their orders. All printing presses were full, busily printing various protest slogans and posters to make a fortune in these chaotic times.

Seeing all this, I thought to myself that the Whigs could ultimately not be trusted. That is why I summoned you to my side, yet when I offered the Prime Minister’s seat, I looked around and saw not a single person daring to take the post. If you firmly believe that the reform is not beneficial to Britain’s development, isn’t this a great opportunity to prove your point?

From the standpoint of a Royal Navy Marshal, if my sailors detect an enemy ahead, the most straightforward solution is to open fire, not to simply shout. The French won’t just raise their hands and allow us to capture them without a fight.

The first rule of Royal Navy combat is to seize the windward position before battle begins. In all the navies of the world, only we prefer the windward position; most others prefer leeward because it allows them to disengage quickly if the battle turns against them.

For the Royal Navy to take the windward position means that we have never considered the possibility of retreat. Once we engage the enemy, we only have two options, first, to smash them head-on, and second, to chase them downwind after smashing them.”

Speaking thus, King William IV partly challenged and partly accused them, “I don’t understand why you ignore the excellent tactics of the Royal Navy and instead choose to emulate the second-rate navies like those of France and Spain.”

As King William IV spoke, suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a straight figure standing at the door of the study, a figure clad in bright red, none other than Wellington dressed in the uniform of an Army Marshal.

Elliot stood behind the old Duke, chuckling awkwardly, “Your Majesty, I meant to inform you, but… you were too engrossed in your speech, so…”

The Duke of Wellington’s boots landed on the red carpet of the study. He kneeled on one knee, pressing the Order of the Garter on his chest, “Your Majesty, I am deeply sorry that the recent turmoil has caused you displeasure. As your most loyal subject, this is my neglect.”

King William IV quickly helped him to rise, “Wellington, I’m not referring to you. Your actions during this time have been seen by all; no one can doubt your loyalty to this country and to the monarchy. I am indeed annoyed, but my ire is directed towards those wavering reeds.”

The King tried to lift the Duke up, yet the Duke did not wish to rise. He reflected on himself, “If the soldiers do not carry out orders, you may blame me as their commander, and I do not dare to shirk the responsibility. I do not know what will happen next, but…”

Wellington paused, then replied solemnly, “The only certainty I have is that, no matter what happens in the future, whatever difficulties we face, I will always stand by your side and do my utmost to rescue you from trouble. I understand Harrowby and Peel are unwilling to come forward at this time, but if they won’t organize the Government, then leave this problem to me. I’ve been entangled in troubles all my life, and I don’t mind encountering one more.”

“Your Grace…”

“You…”

Earl Lyndhurst and Crook exchanged glances, wishing to tell the Duke that his stepping forward at this time was too sensitive, but before they could speak, they swallowed their words. They also realized that in the current situation, perhaps the only person of authority willing to come forward was the Duke of Wellington himself.

If he didn’t do it, then who else could take on the task?

This thought made them both feel somewhat despondent.

“Alas…”

William IV, holding Wellington’s hand, looked at him with a mixture of hope and reluctance, “Wellington, are you sure? I have great respect for you, a man who truly fought for his country. The things you have earned over half a lifetime… those medals, honors… if care is not taken, things could turn out badly… Shall we think it over, perhaps there’s someone else, hmm… Eldon? Newcastle? Or perhaps…”

“Your Majesty, you needn’t trouble yourself,” Wellington replied. “I have considered all possibilities and believe that my forming a Cabinet now is the only solution. As for the medals, the honors, I care not about them; I only care whether you and this country can safely make it through this crisis.”

Hearing this, William IV fell silent for a long while. He turned away, his back to the Duke, hesitating for a time before finally closing his eyes, steeling his heart, and picking up the Sword of Honor from the desk, “Alas!”

He turned around, gazing at Wellington’s impassive face, and suddenly raised the blade to rest it upon the Duke’s shoulder.

“Wellington, I, William IV, by the grace of God, in the name of the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, command you to become the new Prime Minister, and grant you all powers to select the members of the new Cabinet.”

The Duke of Wellington, with one hand on his chest, knelt half-bowed: “Your command is my duty, Your Majesty!”