The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1401: Chapter 208: Russian Old Beijing_3

Bichulin said angrily: “It’s not my economic problem, but the Missionary Group’s economic situation that’s problematic. According to the Orthodox Church in Russia, priests are not allowed to engage in commercial activities, especially unauthorized trade. But our Missionary Group has long been short of funds, and if we’re not allowed to do some small businesses, forget about missionary work, even eating would be a problem for dozens of us. The Eastern Orthodox Church was aware of our difficulties, so they turned a blind eye to our business. However, later on, due to my administrative issues with the Missionary Group, there was a conflict with the Church, and they reported my business to the Emperor, saying that I dishonored the religious image, and conspired to have me exiled to Siberia. If it hadn’t been for the Decembrist revolt sparking the new Emperor’s comprehensive review and purge of the Eastern Orthodox Church, I might still be stuck on that damned Valaam Island playing Russia’s Robinson.”

Arthur jested: “Does it sound like the drifting life isn’t very pleasant?”

Bichulin pointed at the snowflakes swirling in the sky: “Do you see these goose down snowflakes from heaven? Winter on Valaam Island is ten times colder than this, and I spent five years there without finding my Friday!”

Arthur consoled: “Look on the bright side, at least your fate is much better than Robinson; you only stayed on a deserted island for five years before returning to the civilized world.”

Bichulin recalled the past and was still indignant: “But at least Robinson’s wandering on an island was due to natural disasters, while my exile was purely human misfortune.”

Arthur noticed Bichulin’s nose turning purple from the cold, and suddenly remembered he should invite the gentleman in: “Sorry, chatting with you always makes one forget the time. How about we go inside? My office has a boiling stove, we could brew the samovar and enjoy some sweets as we talk?”

Bichulin, hearing this, suddenly remembered the purpose of his visit today: “No, it’s not entirely your fault. Conversations are indeed interesting; I almost forgot that I came to invite you to our private gathering today.”

“Private gathering?” Arthur couldn’t help but smile: “Will Mr. Pushkin be there?”

“No, he won’t be there this time.” Bichulin replied: “Yesterday, the Emperor just approved him to publish ‘Pugachev History’. Of course, as usual, the Emperor added many annotations on Pushkin’s original manuscript, so Pushkin is busy revising his draft.”

“Sounds really unfortunate…” Arthur said: “I hate it when someone marks up my finished manuscript.”

Bichulin nodded: “Me too, but this time is different. This time, the Emperor granted Pushkin a loan of twenty thousand rubles for publishing ‘Pugachev History’, so he’s quite happy even revising his manuscript.”

Arthur, upon hearing this, felt slightly disappointed: “In that case, I suppose I shouldn’t bother him tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? You don’t need to visit tomorrow.”

Bichulin took out an invitation from his pocket: “Even though I don’t know why, when the minister learned I was going to visit you after work today, he asked me to bring this invitation along to you. Tomorrow evening, Count Nesselrode, our Foreign Secretary, is hosting a ball at his house, Pushkin will also be there. You’d better practice the Mazurka dance tonight; I assure you, the Mazurka dance will be more useful than the Waltz at a party in St. Petersburg.”

“Count Nesselrode?” Arthur was momentarily stunned before accepting the invitation: “Besides Pushkin and me, who else will be at the ballroom dance?”

“Hmm… I’m not sure about the rest. But…” Bichulin contemplated for a moment: “Dukes like Suvorov, Kotschubei, and other famous personalities in St. Petersburg are surely invited… Besides them, there might be some cultural figures.”