Chapter 2213 - 251: As You Wish, Prime Minister

Although after processing the briefings in the afternoon it’s supposed to be his free time, our Sir Arthur still isn’t idle. He’s either off to the University of London to intimidate Wheatstone, or he’s at a café ordering a cup of tea while writing his manuscript.

During this period, he sometimes uses it to maintain social relations, such as stopping by the White House of the Shanghai Military Department to see if his old friend Mr. Carter is diligently performing his duties, or grabbing a fishing pole to join Dickens on the upper Thames River to discuss ideas for new books.

Of course, maintaining the normal operation of the intelligence system is also a very important part of his responsibilities, so sometimes he inspects the work at the Nightingale Mansion in Covent Garden Market, or clandestinely visits Miss Flora Hastings at Kensington Palace.

What?

You ask if he can rest at night?

My God!

The nights are the busiest times!

The theater newly acquired by Imperial Publishing has just opened, thus every show requires Sir Arthur to preside in person. Sometimes he alone isn’t enough; Sir Arthur has to bring other shareholders of Imperial Publishing to review together.

And on weekends, they are even more packed with various large-scale tasks.

Whether accompanying the young master of the Rothschild family to the countryside to hunt foxes, or joining the bigwigs of the Financial City to play cricket and golf, these are indispensable parts of Sir Arthur’s journey to the ranks of the middle-class profession.

And in such a laborious schedule, Sir Arthur also has to flexibly use his brain cells during carriage rides, seizing every opportunity to ponder on century-long plans like "Keeping the University of London Great Forever" and "The Inevitable Success of the Cause of Liberalism."

However, even when Arthur’s schedule is already so tight, he still insists on visiting Buckingham Palace at least twice a week. How selfless and loyal he is; Sir Arthur is simply the embodiment of knightly spirit in the mortal world!

Because in Sir Arthur’s view, accompanying the little girl at Buckingham Palace is not a duty, but a charitable endeavor.

And from Buckingham Palace’s perspective, especially in the eyes of the eighteen-year-old queen who is eager to include Arthur into her circle of friends, Sir Arthur’s bi-weekly visits are never enough, just like the budget of the Royal Navy.

In contrast, the customized Prime Minister who accompanies at meals and drinks, riding, reading, official business, and dancing, Viscount Melbourne, is the true "permanent royal furniture."

Arthur looked at the elderly and solitary gentleman before him, slightly bowed his head: "Here I am, Your Excellency."

Melbourne pointed to the armchair by the fireplace: "Sit down."

Arthur was about to sit down, but before his rear touched the cushion, Melbourne spoke again: "You have stirred up London again today."

"If Your Excellency refers to the Goettingen professors’ arrival, I..."

Melbourne raised a hand to interrupt: "What you said at the dock yesterday was very good. The newspapers have elevated you above even the Cabinet. However, His Majesty William’s brothers do not like the current scene."

Arthur raised an eyebrow, but did not interrupt.

Melbourne continued, "They feel Britain... is too proactive, too enthusiastic, especially towards the seven German professors."

Here, Melbourne paused, tiredly smiled and said: "Of course, it may also be because they think you are too popular."

Melbourne placed the newspaper on the table, his thumb still pressed on the headline — "The Freedom Dock: Seven Gentlemen Salute London."

"You know, Arthur... some things, from afar seem like a victory, but up close, it’s a trouble being dragged up the stairs. That scene yesterday, the professors saluting you amidst the crowd, the populace cheering for you... In terms of morality, of course, I’m happy for you."

Arthur sat upright in the armchair, awaiting his next sentence.

"But politically speaking, I must kindly remind you, every action you take now can easily be interpreted by the opposition as government behavior. The Lower House has already construed your speech at the dock as our official stance today. There are even newspapers proclaiming: The true representative of the government’s courage is not in White Hall, but on the steps of the dock. It’s been over a year since I’ve heard anyone praise the government for having ’courage’."

At this point, Viscount Melbourne drew a sheet of paper from the table and placed it before Arthur: "This is a protest note handed to me in person today by the Hanover envoy to Britain. They express deep regret over recent events and hope the British Government will act with prudence to avoid encouraging the German Liberals. Arthur, what kind of response do you think is appropriate?"

Arthur glanced at the protest note: "Is Your Excellency hoping for my response, or hoping for a response on behalf of the government?"

Melbourne reclined on the chair back and smiled gently: "If you’re willing to undertake the responsibility of responding on behalf of the government, that would certainly be best. After all, at present, you can reassure them more than the government that we have no intention of interfering in German affairs."

Arthur gently closed the protest note: "But if I speak out, the opposition will say the government is speaking through me, engaging in shadow diplomacy."

"Indeed." Melbourne nodded slightly: "But if the government speaks out, they will say the Cabinet is using the professors’ commotion to shift focus from Canada."

"Your Excellency," Arthur spoke slowly, "Issues must be resolved one by one. If you refer to the Canadian issue, I can see the Earl of Dalmo, but I cannot promise he will immediately assent. At least, not until he sees he can truly get things done. Regarding my stance on the matter, I have already stated my position before Her Majesty the Queen a few days ago. If we only send him as a symbol, a facade... it will not only fail to save Montreal, it will not even save the opinion in London. The Earl of Dalmo is willing to undertake, but he must carry authority, not just luggage."