The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1353: Chapter 191: The Sound Man

For someone who cannot understand the subtleties in a glance, no amount of explanation will be of any help, because such a person is inherently unsuited for politics.

——Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

Great examples can always cause an entire generation to either fall or advance. If a person like Napoleon Bonaparte emerges in an era, then all those around him face a choice, either to feel inferior in his presence and disappear in silence for fear of his greatness or to fully express their own power by following his example, reaching a point of indulgence. The people around Napoleon can only become his slaves or his rivals. Such an outstanding figure doesn’t tolerate mediocrity over time. In this respect, Arthur Hastings is much like Napoleon, except that he usually calls his slaves: my friends.

According to his own account, during his early years of interaction with Talleyrand, there were a few words that benefited him for a lifetime — The so-called ambition of a person refers to fully showcasing one’s intelligence. And there are usually two ways to elevate one’s position in the world, the first is through one’s own ability, and the second is by taking advantage of others’ foolishness. A distinguished position is like a high cliff, only eagles and lizards can climb up.

So is he an eagle or a lizard? Perhaps neither, perhaps both.

The heart of an eagle is bound in the body of a lizard, ultimately creating this strange species that even Darwin cannot easily classify.

——Stephen Zweig “Arthur Hastings: The Ambition Driven by a Rational Prisoner”

The moment Arthur’s words fell, the air in the room seemed to suddenly freeze, and time appeared to be held in place by some invisible force. Only the faint flickering of candlelight and the ticking of the clock filled the room, while Hutter stood there quietly, with his eyes slightly lowered, yet his heartbeat suddenly accelerated.

He took a deep breath, slowly loosening his slightly tightened fingers, as if forcefully pressing the inner longing back to the depths of his heart.

Then he nodded slowly, his voice steady, as if devoid of any emotional fluctuations: “Although I don’t know where you got this information, I think you are a trustworthy person. However, an important position like the Second-class Secretary at the Embassy in Russia, I am afraid there must be quite a few requirements for the person taking office, right?”

Arthur did not look at Hutter but smiled and poured him a cup of red tea: “Of course, this is an important post. Sir Arthur Hastings, although a kind person, has always had high standards and strict requirements for his work. For example, this person must be proficient in both Russian and English. And due to the close connection between the embassy and the Moscow Company, he must be very familiar with the commercial work of the Moscow Company and Britain’s affairs in Russia.”

Hutter agreed wholeheartedly: “Of course, there can be no ambiguity about this.”

Arthur comfortably sat by the fire, sipping a cup of tea: “Moreover, the approach to work must be flexible.”

Hutter nodded repeatedly: “Indeed, gentle, friendly, seasoned, all indispensable.”

Arthur raised a finger: “Especially, they must be reliable.”

“Reliable?” Hutter was initially taken aback, then immediately sat up straight: “Yes, they must be reliable.”

Arthur noticed that not only did Hutter agree with him, but he also began imposing requirements on himself, and the British old agent instantly realized that the other party had fully understood his underlying hints.

Arthur put down his teacup and crossed his legs, saying: “Indeed, as you said, as the Cultural Counsellor to Russia, I have the duty and responsibility to recommend a fully qualified Second-class Secretary to the Earl of Dalmo, the Ambassador to Russia.”

“No, Colonel!” Hutter suddenly interrupted Arthur.

Arthur frowned slightly: “What’s wrong?”

Hutter replied seriously: “I’m not trying to criticize you, but by adhering to a rigorous nature, I must correct a trivial error in your speech earlier — it’s not that you have the responsibility to recommend a Second-class Secretary to the ambassador, but that Sir Arthur Hastings has the responsibility to recommend a Second-class Secretary to the ambassador.”

“Oh…” Arthur smiled apologetically: “That indeed is my mistake, Richard. I must say, you seem very reliable.”

Raising his hand in salute, Hutter said: “You know, Colonel, in our line of work as constitutional soldiers, that’s how it should be.”

After speaking, Hutter continued: “However, I still appreciate your praise for me. But may I venture to ask, among all the people you’ve met in your life, how reliable do you rank me?”

Arthur did not directly answer Hutter’s question; instead, he stood up, with his back to Hutter, warming his hands by the fire: “You see, Richard, the essence of our work is not finding the right answer, but finding the right question. Sometimes, if you’ve found the right question, there’s no need to provide an answer. For instance, if the Emperor wants you to arrest some Polish people, and you did just that, then you haven’t done your job well. Because the Emperor doesn’t mean to go against the Poles, but rather he’s concerned that someone is plotting to overthrow his government. If you know in advance where the problem lies, then naturally, there’s no need to do the trudging chores.”

Upon hearing this, Hutter first rubbed his face, took a deep breath, then raised his head and drank the red tea in his cup in one gulp.

“By the way, Colonel, let’s switch the topic.” Hutter smiled: “How many more days do you intend to stay in Druiysk?”