The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1425: Chapter 216: Medal? Oh, It’s Just the Tsar’s Small Favor_2

Herzen couldn’t help but admire, “It looks really beautiful. This medal must have cost you quite a bit, right?”

If Arthur hadn’t been knighted before, he might have thought Herzen was mocking him for buying his medal.

But in fact, there was no malice in this statement. According to Russian law, those who receive medals must pay all the necessary costs for casting the medal and the Sword of Honor to the Medal Bureau.

Britain actually has similar regulations, but they usually apply only to high-level honors like the Garter Knight and Knight of Bath. Combat medals and lower-ranked medals don’t require payment. It’s said that those knighted as Garter Knights have to pay a hefty one-time entrance fee of several hundred British Pounds.

However, even with such a high entrance fee, Arthur still has never heard of anyone refusing the honor of becoming a Garter Knight.

Arthur’s title as a Junior Knight actually also required a fee to complete the related administrative procedures according to normal procedures.

But this fee was waived by King William IV, stating that: Sir Arthur Hastings has made long-term outstanding contributions in the fields of science, art, culture, and promoting social progress.

Even more surprisingly, when Arthur received the Second-Class Saint Anna Medal, Tsar Nicholas I also waived the awarding fee, and the reason given was exactly the same as the King’s.

Most people would just laugh when they learned of this, but for Herzen, who was unaware, he felt that Arthur being exempt from the awarding fee was completely reasonable.

Herzen commented, “It seems you’ve enjoyed the same treatment as Mr. Humboldt.”

Arthur had a good impression of the president of the Berlin Academy of Sciences, who once attended the electromagnetic conference in Gottingen. He asked, “Does Mr. Humboldt also have a Saint Anna Medal?”

Herzen nodded: “He has a First-Class Saint Anna Medal. The reason you’re a Second-Class, in my opinion, is mainly because you haven’t led any scientific exploration projects for the Russian government like Mr. Humboldt. If you had, and completed the geographical survey of Siberia as he did, you’d definitely get a First-Class as well.”

If it were someone else overshadowing Arthur, he might be indignant, but with Humboldt holding a First-Class medal, Arthur really had nothing to say.

After all, this greatest geographer of the 19th century, a pioneer in meteorology, geomorphology, volcanology, and the geography of plants, had footprints across three continents of Europe, Asia, and America, delved deep into the Amazon, ascended Mount Vesuvius three times, thoroughly investigated Indian cultures, traversed fifteen thousand kilometers across Siberia, and even donned a diving bell to dive beneath the Thames River.

One could say that none of these places are where people would willingly go.

To award him a First-Class Saint Anna Medal, it was not so much a high honor but rather too low.

If one had to choose a place among those Humboldt had been to, Arthur would only be willing to go to Siberia.

But the problem is, the Tsar might not agree.

To send a British diplomat to Siberia?

Who knows what kind of trouble he might stir up!

Herzen joked, “You didn’t come all this way to Moscow just to see me, did you? I’m a rather conceited young person, but I don’t think I have that kind of allure. Even if you came for my family’s tea, it can’t be for me.”

Arthur chuckled, “It’s the Maslenitsa, not quite suitable for a foreigner like me. Staying in St. Petersburg was really dull. I just remembered I have a young friend like you in Moscow, and I also have a lecture at Moscow University after the Maslenitsa, so I decided to come and have a look first.”

“You have a lecture at Moscow University?” Herzen laughed out loud, “I can already imagine the scene. The Moscow Natural Philosopher Society will most likely hold a grand welcome for you in the school’s auditorium, with the governor, high chancellor, various military and civil officials, and privy council members all attending. You’ll see them with sashes over their shoulders, dressed in full official uniforms, even the professors with tricorn hats under their arms will impressively wear swords and sit in rows below. You better be mentally prepared.”

Arthur was taken aback by Herzen’s description: “It’s just an ordinary lecture, does it really need to be that grand? It’s me coming to Moscow University, not our ambassador, the Earl of Dalmo.”

Herzen waved his hand: “Not an exaggeration at all. Mr. Humboldt was caught off guard by this, making him quite embarrassed. You see, although your fame isn’t as big as Mr. Humboldt’s, you have the added distinction of being a diplomat. I bet the Moscow high society is already starting to inquire who Sir Arthur Hastings is.”

At this, Herzen, with a hint of sarcasm, muttered, “Each one a member of the Natural Philosopher Society, yet they don’t know who Sir Arthur Hastings is, maybe they don’t even know Michael Faraday. Ha… You see, that’s our Moscow Natural Philosopher Society for you.”

Hearing this, Arthur didn’t dare to agree but could only comfort, “About this, you don’t need to be too concerned, because I also hear similar complaints within the Royal Society.”

Herzen widened his eyes, seemingly skeptical: “You’re serious? The Royal Society as I remember it has always been a place full of talents!”