The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1422: Chapter 215: Old Friends in Moscow (Part 2)

Desires are too shallow to surpass Carter, emotional debts are few, unable to learn from Dumas.

Those narrow-minded should not enter the Tower of London,

Alas! Emperor of the Great French Republic, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte!

Could it be that the women’s college really produced a ‘pure and unstained, cleansed and unadorned’ peculiar fellow who only focuses on studies, ignoring the beauties around him?

Why do I find that hard to believe?

Gogol’s thoughts were as chaotic as the Moscow winter snow.

He rubbed his forehead, trying to awaken from this endless flurry of thoughts.

However, the shadow of the carriage outside always lingered, adding a touch of irritation to his heart.

“Arthur Hastings…” he snorted inwardly, “What kind of mischief is this fellow up to now?”

The carriage slowly decelerated, and Gogol saw that the main building of Moscow University was within reach through the window.

As Gogol pushed open the door, a familiar voice came from behind.

“Mr. Gogol, it seems we’re traveling companions once again today.”

Turning around, Gogol indeed saw Arthur. He carried that same infuriatingly confident smile, with a few unmelted snowflakes clinging to his cloak.

Blackwell followed closely behind, the private secretary with many desires, wearing a cold expression, as if unperturbed by the heavens falling.

“Mr. Hastings, your interests are truly wide-ranging, from Druiysk to St. Petersburg, and now to Moscow University. What noble venture are you planning today? I recall you’re always wanting to meet Mr. Pushkin, so why aren’t you with him today, but with me?”

Arthur was not bothered by the little Russian’s sarcasm, instead generously spreading his hands: “I am here to visit my old friend Colonel Shubinsky, it has nothing to do with you. But you, Mr. Gogol, it seems you are here for even more important matters.”

“Colonel Shubinsky?” Gogol scrutinized Arthur suspiciously, perhaps too preoccupied, he accidentally revealed: “You aren’t trying to meet the Academic Director Duke Golitsyn through him, are you? Or perhaps, you’re planning to make some good out of the Ministry of Education…”

As soon as Gogol spoke, he realized his words were inappropriate. He abruptly stopped, slightly avoiding eye contact, as if struck by a chill wind. He hastily cleared his throat, attempting to cover up his slip with more words.

“What I mean is… Mr. Hastings, as a diplomat, I assume you must be quite busy. You must have some significant matters to attend to today?”

Arthur gave a slight smile, a cunning flicker in his eyes. He knew Gogol wanted to probe him, just as he wanted to probe Gogol.

He slightly raised his head, his tone becoming exceptionally calm and deliberate, as if each word was carefully measured.

“Mr. Gogol, your concern honors me greatly. As you know, the current British and Russian relations are at a delicate stage. Britain remains committed to promoting a vision of global peace and prosperity, and cultural exchange is undoubtedly the best bridge. As a cultural counselor, I often feel the burden——ensuring the exchange of ideas and creativity between our two nations, rather than allowing them to be blocked by language barriers and stereotypes…

“Enough, enough!”

Gogol interrupted Arthur as he started on his diplomatic talk, quickly cutting him off. As someone who once served as a minor official, Gogol knew if these fellows started on lengthy speeches, it definitely wouldn’t end in one or two hours.

He took off his hat and bid farewell to Arthur: “In that case, I wish you the best in promoting global prosperity.”

Arthur watched Gogol’s silhouette fade into the alleys near Moscow University, still wearing that signature smile.

He shook the snowflakes off his cloak, just raised his pipe, and saw Blackwell willingly lighting the fire for him.

Noticing Blackwell’s cleverness, Arthur couldn’t help but ask: “How do you think my speech was?”

Blackwell responded without batting an eye: “Very good.”

“You’re lying.”

“What else?”

Arthur stared at the silent Blackwell, as silent as the Sphinx, sighed helplessly and said: “Alright, at least honesty is better than foolishness. Henry, I’ll tell you, what I said earlier wasn’t good at all. Remember, lengthy speeches don’t help resolve matters, just like a trailing gown doesn’t help with walking.”

“Is that so?” Perhaps wanting to irritate Arthur, Blackwell feigned a sudden realization: “Since that’s the case, why did you say that speech?”

Arthur glanced at the uncomprehending Blackwell, repeating again: “Because lengthy conversations don’t help solve issues. Remember this, one day you’ll find it useful, especially when dealing with London’s Fleet Street.”

Arthur pulled out a small note from his pocket, on it was an address — Moscow, Tver Street No. 25.

But regretfully, Arthur had deceived Gogol; he wasn’t here to find Colonel Shubinsky, but rather to see a Moscow University student he had met in Leipzig — Herzen.

Of course, it wasn’t because Arthur didn’t value the great friendship between the Russian Military Police and Scotland Yard, but because Shubinsky went to St. Petersburg to pay respects to his mother-in-law for the New Year. They had agreed to meet up at Shubinsky’s manor for a proper gathering once he returned from St. Petersburg.