The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1708: Chapter 64: The Millennium Fox (Part 3)

The Duke of Wellington reclined on the sofa: ”Mr. Disraeli, I can understand Sir Arthur’s caution, but I must remind you that there are already enough people adopting a cautious attitude towards the Conservative Party. What we need now is not another bystander.”

”Your Excellency!” Seeing that the Duke of Wellington was about to lose his temper, Disraeli quickly spoke up in defense of Arthur: ”I think his intention is not disregard, it’s just... I believe Sir Arthur has always been very cautious about his public image, especially at this critical moment when he has just restored the reputation of Scotland Yard and is getting close to the Royal Family. I feel he may be reluctant to prematurely label himself with any party affiliation.”

Sir Peel nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing with Disraeli’s defense: ”Diz, we understand, I’ve known Arthur for a long time, perhaps earlier than you. His caution is a virtue, not a burden.”

But the Duke of Wellington still did not relent: ”A virtue? Perhaps. A knight who does not enter the fray can keep his armor shining; a neat appearance is indeed a kind of virtue. Mr. Disraeli, I do not doubt your loyalty, nor your wisdom. But I must remind you of one thing: If Sir Arthur Hastings indeed places such importance on the future of the nation, as visionary and ambitious as you say, he should understand that, in such critical times, not taking a stance is, in fact, taking a stance. I have high hopes for him, and I do not doubt his courage, but...”

Sir Peel, hearing this, couldn’t help but cast a glance at the Duke of Wellington and interrupted him: ”Your Excellency! Didn’t we agree? Please trust my judgment this time.”

The Duke of Wellington was briefly taken aback by these words, then shook his head: ”So be it, you are the party leader.”

Disraeli, hearing this, felt his heart skip a beat, though he kept his face outwardly calm.

”I understand Your Excellency’s expectations.” He forced himself to speak, in a tone both sincere and cautious: ”I also believe Arthur does not refuse to join the Conservative Party; he just doesn’t want to make a hasty decision.”

Seeing perspiration on his forehead, Sir Peel knew there was no need to press him further, so he rose to see him out: ”Alright, Diz, let’s call it a day. Congratulations again on your victory in Tower Hamlets. Take this time to prepare well, for greater challenges lie ahead.”

”Challenges?” Disraeli was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood: ”You mean... you’re planning...”

Peel didn’t spell it out; he merely smiled: ”The Government needs some youthful blood.”

He kindly placed a hand on Disraeli’s shoulder: ”Young people always feel they’ve come into the game too late, so... this time, I am planning to be a bit early.”

He gently pushed open the door and personally escorted Disraeli to the corridor, his pace unhurried, much like a mentor bidding farewell to a student.

”Your Excellency... I...”

Disraeli seemed to have more to say, but in the end, nothing could surpass a deep bow: ”I assure you, I will do my utmost, and in the end, I will certainly bring him along at the most suitable time.”

Sir Peel nodded slightly: ”No rush, and besides Sir Arthur Hastings, I also place great value on you.”

With that, he waved his hand, signaling the attendant to drape a cloak over Disraeli, watching as he left Carlton Mansion.

Meanwhile, inside the booth at the Carlton Club, the Duke of Wellington, who had been holding back for a long time, couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

”Did you see how grateful he looked? He almost knelt on the spot.”

Peel gave a soft cough: ”He wasn’t that dramatic, but... he did put on quite the performance.”

”So did you.” The Duke of Wellington squinted his eyes: ”That line of yours, ’The Government needs some youthful blood,’ even made me believe it.”

”You don’t believe it?” Peel turned around and shrugged: ”I really do intend to give him some stage.”

”And that young Arthur?”

”No harm.” Sir Peel returned to the sofa, crossing his legs: ”After all, neither you nor I expected him to readily agree. Besides, after all the hard work he did to get into Kensington, would it not be a waste to call him back now? Letting him know that we remember him is quite enough.”