The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1391: Chapter 205: The Highest ‘Etiquette’ of the Tsarist Court (Part 3)

The specific content of the national document, everyone present actually knows clearly in their hearts.

Generally, in situations like this where a protest is expressed, most monarchs choose not to appear to avoid embarrassment and prevent some challenges that do not accord with etiquette, handing the matter over to the foreign minister.

But today, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Nesselrode, is merely standing beside the Tsar without saying a word.

Evidently, as Pushkin once said, he’s merely a supporting actor in the realm of diplomacy.

Earl of Dalmo’s clever response did not satisfy the Tsar; today he intends to extract a definite answer from the Earl of Dalmo’s mouth, to see whether the British attitude is truly as resolute as they presume.

He knowingly asked a question, which Earl of Dalmo wished not to directly reply: “What does the content of the national document roughly say?”

“It concerns some contentious issues within the Ottoman Empire’s territory.”

“Specifically? Is it about that restless Egyptian Pasha Ali, or something else?”

“Your Majesty, specifically, the national document mentions certain recent agreements between your country and the Ottoman Empire. Out of deep concern for peace and balance in Europe, our government deems it necessary to offer some opinions on this.”

The Tsar’s gaze became sharper, and he spoke slowly: “Balance? I’d very much like to hear your country’s definition of this word. Is it the independence of the Ottoman Empire, or, say, the free passage of certain countries’ fleets in the Black Sea?”

This sentence was like an arrow, piercing directly into the Earl of Dalmo’s heart. He knew well that responding directly might anger the Tsar, making the conversation harder to maintain within polite bounds. However, silence was not an option either, for that equated to direct concession to Russia. If the news returned home, certainly it would prompt the journalistic frenzy of London’s Fleet Street.

In this delicate moment, Arthur lightly coughed, drawing the Tsar’s attention.

He humbly lowered his head slightly, then said in a calm and clear voice: “Your Majesty, our government fully understands that the agreement between your country and the Ottoman Empire involves your core interests. We do not intend to interfere but hope that in certain specific actions, both sides can maintain communication to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.”

Tsar Nicholas I squinted slightly, as if scrutinizing every word Arthur said: “Communication? You must be the newly appointed Sir Arthur Hastings, it seems your country has sent a culture attache skilled in expression to help me understand your concerns.”

Arthur smiled slightly: “Your Majesty, my duty indeed includes cultural exchange, but culture is closely linked to diplomacy. Britain and Russia have historically resolved differences within the framework of peace and cooperation, a tradition we hope will continue.”

The Tsar gently tapped the armrest with his knuckles, and the sound echoed in the silent reception hall.

He looked towards the Earl of Dalmo, with a hint of subtle sarcasm in his eyes: “Very well, fitting for a cultural attache, Ambassador Your Excellency, it seems your young colleague understands better how to phrase things.”

Tsar Nicholas I stood up, with the Imperial Guard behind him instantly straightening their posture.

He descended the steps, his gaze once again scanning the British delegation: “Since the national document is submitted, I will consider its content. But I must remind you all—Russia’s interests, especially the safety of the Black Sea, will not tolerate any threat!”

Such strong language instantly widened the eyes of the delegation members; out of diplomatic composure, none erupted on the spot, but it didn’t hinder them from boiling with anger internally.

The Earl of Dalmo’s lips trembled a couple of times, seemingly wanting to say something.

But before he could speak, a familiar voice sounded beside him again.

Arthur spoke: “I fully understand your stance, however, the first and second-class battleships currently being constructed on Peterburg Shipyard’s dry dock if used only in the Black Sea, seem rather overqualified. If you would clarify the facts, I believe both the Earl of Dalmo and I would be very willing to explain to His Majesty the King and the Foreign Office why you are building so many warships.”

Tsar Nicholas I’s heel landed on the ground, staring at Arthur for a long while: “You’re asking me why I am building so many warships?”

Arthur did not retreat at all: “Your understanding is very correct.”

The Tsar chuckled: “I do it so that nobody dares to ask me such a question in the future.”

Arthur took a deep breath, though he had long heard from Talleyrand that certain diplomatic occasions might encounter very embarrassing situations.

For instance: Hearing that Talleyrand was planning a rebellion, hence rushing all the way back from the battlefield, and loudly scolding him, with all sorts of foul language, was Napoleon. Or perhaps, someone like the Tsar whose words are quite deserving of a punch, yet not openly punchable.

Nonetheless, hearing about it is ultimately just hearsay; encountering it oneself inevitably brings the urge to clench one’s fist and give a couple of bangs to his face.

Professional matters should be left to professionals; Napoleon might fight wars, but he made a mess of diplomacy, probably because he, too, liked to make pompous remarks everywhere. This bunch, unless taught a lesson afterward, might still think that their original declaration sounded very cool.

The relationship between nations is indeed based on real interests, but this does not mean that inside there are solely real interests. After all, you can’t guarantee that every national representative is rational. When faced with situations of indecision, the weight of each side’s stance could entirely depend on political tendencies and personal grievances.