The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1451: Chapter 227: Russian Overseas Intelligence Station

”Wiping spit on one’s face? What do you mean?” Herzen couldn’t grasp Arthur’s cryptic expression: ”Are you saying that Duke Golitsyn might demand some form of compromise from Polevoy, like issuing an apology or acknowledging his radical actions?”

Arthur smiled slightly, placing the teacup back on the table, and spoke in a seemingly dismissive tone: ”You see, in Russia’s political climate, wiping spit on one’s face isn’t just an insult; it’s a strategy. I think if it’s just an apology statement, it’s far from enough; he must publicly support the current regime. For Polevoy, this might be a humiliation, but for those interrogating him, it’s precisely their proof of victory. What the Tsar fears is the influence of Polevoy and ’Moscow Telecommunications,’ while Duke Golitsyn wants to prove to the Emperor that there are no anti-government publications under his rule. So, I think nothing could ruin Polevoy’s reputation and strike a blow to the liberals more than making him write a piece like ’Russian Hercules Expels the Frenchmen.’”

”This...”

Herzen took a deep breath. Only now did he finally understand how insidious the means of the British Knight sitting across from him truly were.

However, he had to admit that Arthur’s idea might be close to the truth.

If the British police could think of it, certainly the Russian police and Constitutional Soldiers could contemplate it as well.

Why did Duke Golitsyn insist on bringing Polevoy back to the mansion for interrogation after his arrest, instead of sending him directly to the fortress in Petersburg?

He likely wanted Polevoy to yield, to concoct such a book to prove that ’Moscow Telecommunications’ and its editor had no problematic ideological inclinations,

If Polevoy really wrote such a book, he would not only be viewed as a traitor by his liberal peers, but he would also completely lose his reputation as an editor of progressive publications.

But, in doing so, how would he be any different from Kukelnik, who wrote ’The Divine Hand Rescues the Motherland’?

Seizing the moment while Herzen was deep in thought, Arthur stood up, retrieved his coat from the secretary, and took the initiative to bid farewell: ”I have said all I need to say, Mr. Herzen. You are a young man I admire very much. If you truly think my words can be of any help, then remember, since you have decided to be a Russian liberal, learn more from your Governor’s secretary, Mr. Zubkov, instead of learning from Polevoy, the editor of ’Moscow Telecommunications.’”

Herzen stood to see him off: ”Why?”

Arthur put on his overcoat and fastened his high hat: ”Because both are liberals, but Mr. Zubkov would never let himself be in danger. And Polevoy, he’s a brave gentleman. But now he has only two choices: either continue to be brave or become like Kukelnik. Frankly speaking, both options look foolish to me. Avoid harm before it starts and act cautiously; a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. Mr. Zubkov understands this principle, but Polevoy does not, and that’s the difference between them.”

”What did you say?”

Arthur didn’t explain to him. He gestured to his secretary, and Blackwell knowingly pulled out a copy of ’Mencius’ and handed it over.

Arthur said, ”This book was originally given to me by Mr. Pushkin, and I translated it into French. You can flip through it when you have time.”

With that, he and Blackwell walked out the door.

The boots crunched on the snow, and Arthur stood in front of the carriage, lighting a fire leisurely and exhaling slowly.

Blackwell stood beside him, asking in a low voice: ”Your time is precious, why spend so much effort on this naive little bureaucrat?”

Arthur glanced at his secretary, patting the snow off his coat: ”Have you forgotten? Our Captain Hutter urgently needs an assignment to escort the exiles to the Caucasus.”

”Then why did you advise him to be cautious today?”

Arthur spoke calmly: ”The first part was to tell him of Polevoy’s arrest, which is my objective. The latter part advising caution is out of personal friendship. Henry, do you think I’m a bad person? I never harm others, nor would I send anyone to prison without reason. No matter what happens, everything is a choice made by these young people themselves.”

He took a puff of smoke and continued: ”I am fair in my actions, neither biased towards liberalism nor actively opposing His Majesty the Tsar. I stand right in the middle of the scales, sometimes applying my weight to this side, sometimes to the other. To Herzen, I advise prudence and self-preservation. To the Russian government, I not only refrained from inciting young people but even advised them to restrain their emotions. Therefore, whether to Mr. Herzen or to the Russian government, I have done my utmost.”

If, after I’ve said so much, and Mr. Herzen’s little group still chooses to be reckless, then that’s not my problem. Fortunately, even in the worst-case scenario, I can at least remind Captain Hutter to take care of them on the way to exile. I have always admired the courageous, especially young people; it is the courtesy they deserve.”

Upon hearing this, Blackwell could only sigh in self-pity.

A swineherd, who at 25 became a respectable British Knight. Blackwell had always envied Arthur’s good luck, but now it seemed that mere good luck could hardly foster such a devious mind.