The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1640: Chapter 39: The Duchess’s Reluctant Request (Part 2)

In an instant, the Duchess felt a bit annoyed.

Treating someone like Arthur shouldn’t be just a few idle chats at the ball. He should at least receive a formal invitation to Kensington Palace, and it must be a full afternoon with dinner.

If Victoria could secure the clear support of this leading figure at Scotland Yard, a cultural and artistic icon, a leader of electromagnetism in Europe, and a direct disciple of Lord Brougham, it would certainly influence many groups’ first impressions of the future queen.

The Duchess of Kent racked her brains to make a good impression on Arthur, but in reality, she didn’t need to work so hard.

Because no matter what she said, the virtuous Sir Arthur would agree; both sides had demands of each other, so naturally, business was good.

Thinking it over, the Duchess decided to pick a topic that might interest Arthur, gradually guiding the conversation toward her daughter.

She deliberately avoided using German and French, instead taking up a somewhat unfamiliar English: “I heard that you are recently promoting education, the new Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of London? Lord Brougham truly has vision, choosing you in one fell swoop.”

Arthur handled educational topics with ease. If it wasn’t for his young age, he could even assign himself the title of an educator.

At the University of London as Dean of Academic Affairs, having been a National Special Representative at the University of Gottingen, and delivering hundreds of unanimously approved academic reports at Moscow University.

Britain, Germany, Russia, which of these countries’ prestigious schools hasn’t Arthur visited?

Faraday, Gauss, Ohm, Ampere, Poisson…

Arthur chatted and laughed with them.

If you do not have a theorem or scientific unit named after you, how could you dare call yourself a researcher of Natural Philosophy, and how could you speak before a knight?

The Duchess of Kent handed over the conversation comfortably, and Arthur naturally continued smoothly.

“I have nothing to repay Lord Brougham’s trust; he believes I can manage the University of London well, so I can only fulfill my duties diligently.”

Arthur replied lightly, “However, I believe Lord Brougham’s choice is not only based on my past achievements and scientific accomplishments but also on my good relations with my colleagues in the field of Natural Philosophy. After all, education is a collective endeavor; relying on one person alone is certainly not feasible. Although I regret not being able to invite Mr. Faraday to join the University of London, fortunately, Mr. Wheatstone accepted our invitation. With his help, I believe the University of London will soon build Europe’s top-tier electromagnetic laboratory.”

Upon hearing this, the Duchess of Kent was slightly surprised and said, “Isn’t the electromagnetic laboratory at the University of London led by you? In the field of electromagnetism, aren’t you Britain’s second only to Mr. Faraday?”

Arthur smiled and shook his head: “Your Highness, you are probably listening to rumors from the street. I know many enthusiasts of Natural Philosophy favor me, which is why they have given me the title of Britain’s second. But in reality, there are many outstanding electromagnetic scholars in Britain, Charles Wheatstone being one of them, I believe he is evidently the better choice to lead the laboratory.”

The Duchess of Kent did not believe Arthur’s words, for Faraday had once praised Arthur’s outstanding talent in her presence.

She clearly remembered the original words of the leader of science at the Royal Society: “I have no doubt that if he wants to devote the majority of his energy to research, it is only a matter of time before he surpasses me. The greatest flaw of Arthur, like his teacher Lord Brougham, is the lack of concentration in doing things, not having the perseverance to consistently delve into one area, but it is undeniable that both are equally talented.”

“You are truly humble, no wonder so many people adore you.” The Duchess of Kent half genuinely and half flatteringly praised: “For ordinary people, it is already quite difficult to shine brightly in a field. However, your name spans so many areas, and what is even more valuable is that you have succeeded in all the fields you are involved in.”

Big-mouthed General Cockran suddenly spoke up as if he had thought of something: “Right, Your Highness, weren’t you worried about the examination matter earlier? The Archbishop of Canterbury and the London Bishop as examiners in grammar and religion, His Majesty the King had no objections, Miss Tarlioni examining dance, there are no doubts from St. James’s Palace, choices in art and music should also pose no problem, but only in Natural Philosophy and history…”

Conroy next to him also woke up from his thoughts upon hearing this and turned to the Duchess to inquire: “Your Highness, I think General Cockran’s idea is indeed worth considering. What do you think?”

Arthur was puzzled by their conversation: “Examination? What are you all talking about?”

The Duchess of Kent cast a consulting glance at Conroy, and after noticing his slight nod, she began to explain.

“You must know that over the years, I have been devoting myself to nurturing Victoria, hoping she will become a competent queen in the future?”

“Of course, everyone believes you are an excellent educator.”

“Thank you for your acknowledgment. However, whether my education is excellent or Victoria learns well cannot be just a matter of words, but should be determined by exams. Hence, to let the citizens of London, to let the entire people of Britain know whether their future queen is up to the task, and also to ensure His Majesty the King has full confidence in his successor, I hope the Archbishop of Canterbury and the London Bishop can serve as chief examiners, specifically organizing an academic examination for Victoria, and report her various achievements to His Majesty the King. If necessary, I even hope to bring the report card to the court meeting for the Privy Council Advisors to collectively review and supervise.”

Arthur had guessed that given the Duchess of Kent’s stringent attitude towards the Crown Prince’s education, there would inevitably be exams or similar quantifiable standards involved.

However, what was unexpected was that the Crown Prince’s education not only included small classroom tests but even final exam results were to be presented at the court meeting.

For Princess Victoria, this would naturally be pressure, but for the teachers, the pressure might not be any less than that of the candidate.

Conroy added, “Kensington Palace submitted the examination application to His Majesty the King a week ago, but the Royal Palace has been slow to reply with consent. Sometimes it’s due to examiner scheduling conflicts, sometimes it’s said that the subjects for examination are not comprehensive, and recently it is believed that some examiners’ levels cannot match the high standard education for the British Crown Prince…”

Conroy did not fully elaborate, but it did not hinder understanding.

This matter ultimately boils down to King William IV being unwilling to publicly conduct the examination.

If Victoria performs well, it not only overshadows him but also fuels her mother’s arrogance and boosts the Duchess of Kent’s reputation.

If Victoria performs poorly, although it would be a blow to the Duchess of Kent’s face, if the Crown Prince proves unworthy, how much dignity could the King maintain?

Moreover, Britain had just completed parliamentary reform, and there were still some voices advocating the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican government domestically. If news spread that the Crown Prince is unfit, it would become a talking point.

Furthermore, the specific selection of examiners also generated controversy.

From start to finish, the examiners appointed by Kensington Palace were all designated by them personally, and William IV detested this act of disregarding his kingly power, not allowing him to intervene in the education of the Crown Prince.

Therefore, whether the examination would eventually take place, whether it would be publicly or privately conducted, he intended to delay it, taking the opportunity to disgust Kensington Palace.

But even though William IV employed delaying tactics, Kensington Palace’s enthusiasm for hosting the examination showed no sign of waning; the Duchess of Kent persisted in attending Victoria’s education for ten years, thus she had full confidence in her daughter’s educational situation.

Victoria not passing the examination?

That was never within her options.

Having set her mind on the examination, in order to convince William IV, she was willing to compromise on the choice of examiners.

Of course, to prevent William IV from deliberately appointing examiners who would make it difficult, they also planned to retain some options.

The result of her discussion with Conroy was to select multiple candidates from reputable social figures connected to Kensington Palace, expanding the list of available examiners, no longer strictly designating subject examiners, and hand the final decision over to William IV.

Kensington Palace took a step back, thus providing some leeway for William IV, and preventing this Sailor King from raging against the walls of St. James’s Palace.