The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1543: Chapter 263: London Incident_3

The King tapped his knee with his fingers, still with some hesitation: ”But can he do it? I’ve heard that he can’t even manage his own Home Office subordinates, he’s quite weak in character. Arthur Hastings, do you remember that young man? He caused quite a bit of trouble under Melbourne, and if it weren’t for Minister Rowan’s later report, I wouldn’t have known that young man was so difficult.”

”Capable people are all difficult, that young man is already quite amiable. Do you recall General Thomas Picton who died at Waterloo? If we talk about temper alone, Picton is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, he was a rude, foul-mouthed Devil, but that didn’t hinder his bravery and prowess, nor did it stop people from respecting his talent and loyalty.”

Wellington smiled faintly, a hint of seasoned light flashing in his deep-set eyes: ”Moreover, Your Majesty, having a weak character and being unable to manage subordinates is also another advantage of Viscount Melbourne. Melbourne won’t be as aggressive as Grey, he won’t forcefully implement any radical reforms, nor will he insist to the end on crucial issues. Compared to Grey, he is more like a manager than a leader. Also, he was invited twice to serve as Governor of Ireland during the Canning Cabinet and Goldrich Cabinet periods, and he knows how to handle the Ireland issue cautiously. During his time as Home Secretary, he successively embraced advice from Peel and Hastings, and gently dealt with the aftermath of the Swine riot. All in all, his stance is not firm, his views aren’t prominent, he acts with flexibility, has no desire or ability to change the status quo, and he is happy to accept guidance, respects professionals, and likes to involve experts in national affairs...”

King William IV was silent for a moment, the light shadows of the fire flickering on his face.

He understood Wellington’s implication: Viscount Melbourne would not challenge the King’s authority, would not be as tough as Grey to force a coup, nor would he be difficult to control like Peel.

Thinking about it carefully, Melbourne indeed seemed not a bad choice.

The King stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the gray sky outside the palace, sighing softly: ”Alas, it seems I truly have no other choice.”

He looked back at Wellington, a slightly sarcastic smile appearing beneath his alcohol-soaked nose long due to years of heavy drinking: ”Did you already guess that I would eventually accept this suggestion?”

The Duke of Wellington smiled indifferently and bowed slightly: ”Your Majesty, I merely offer advice that is most fitting for the current situation, and the decision-making power always remains in your hands.”

King William IV couldn’t help but snort, waving his hand as if dispelling the displeasure in his heart: ”Alright, I shall summon Viscount Melbourne and see if he can shoulder this responsibility.”

His gaze fell on Wellington, half-jokingly, ”But you have to promise me, that if that old sleepyhead really can’t do it, you won’t refuse, and you’ll have to come in as the fallback.”

The Duke of Wellington paused slightly, bowed deeply to the King: ”I shall not disappoint Your Majesty’s trust.”

The Old Duke was about to bid farewell to the King, but King William IV suddenly stood up and said: ”Wait a moment, Wellington, I forgot to ask you something.”

Wellington stopped his steps: ”Glad to alleviate Your Majesty’s worries.”

King William IV gestured for the Attendant to pour the Old Duke a glass of Sherry: ”Speaking of, do you know about my sister-in-law, Victoria of Saxony-Coburg-Saalfeld?”

The Old Duke’s heart sank: ”Has something happened to the Duchess of Kent?”

King William IV snorted, the old king said angrily: ”That woman! She dares to prevent me from seeing my heir, my dear little niece Victoria!”