The Shadow of Great Britain

266: Chapter 178: Rothschild’s Visit (4K8)_2 266: Chapter 178: Rothschild’s Visit (4K8)_2 Eld shuddered upon hearing this and raised his thumb, speaking in a strange tone, “This man sounds like an old Parisian.”

As soon as Eld finished speaking, another polite and orderly knock echoed from outside the door.

The door swung open, and Arthur looked at the gentle smiling face standing outside and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, “Mr.

Rothschild?”

Lionel Rothschild removed his black hat and greeted with a smile, “I’m terribly sorry for dropping by unannounced.”

Seeing his face slightly reddened by the wind, Arthur smiled and made way, asking, “Would you like to come in and sit for a while?

It’s November, and the weather outside is quite chilly.”

With such an invitation from Arthur, Lionel had no reason to refuse.

As the heir to the Rothschild Family’s London branch, his visit, though busy, was certainly for a reason.

Upon entering, Lionel first greeted Eld and Great Dumas, and after some small talk and a few cups of tea, a warmed-up Lionel finally began to get to the point.

He took off his white gloves and placed them on the table, smiling as he asked, “You might not be aware, but your friend Mr.

Disraeli and I go way back.

I’ve heard from him that you are planning to start a new literary magazine called ‘British’?”

Hearing this, Arthur roughly guessed what the other party was hinting at.

Although Disraeli’s father had him renounce Judaism at an early age to help his son integrate into British society,

after all, Disraeli was still Jewish by blood and also a quite famous social figure.

While Disraeli might not have the best reputation, for the Rothschild Family’s goal of continually expanding Jewish influence, being renowned was better than being obscure.

Moreover, being a proper Jewish young man, it was hardly surprising that the two could collaborate.

If Disraeli’s requests weren’t too excessive, the Rothschilds were naturally very willing to offer whatever help they could.

Arthur recalled Disraeli mentioning that he might seek sponsorship for the magazine from the Rothschild Family, so was Lionel’s sudden visit today about this?

Guessing at Lionel’s intentions, Arthur smiled and said, “Benjamin mentioned this to me as well.

He told me that aside from their keen interest in charitable and educational public ventures, the Rothschild Family is also considering venturing into the media and arts sectors.

And among all the Rothschild Family members, you are the one who understands art the most.

So let me guess, are you here today to contribute to the magazine or planning to advertise in it?”

Lionel replied with a laugh, “As for writing articles, although I have that intention, the works I produce really aren’t fit for distinguished gatherings.

Especially after seeing the content slated for the first issue of ‘British,’ I feel even more that my limited knowledge pales in comparison, so I’d rather not embarrass myself.

Arthur, you should know that my London Property Consultancy, even though it has some stable clients, lacks some renown in comparison to several major London property firms.

Based on my observations, ‘British’ will soon replace ‘Blackwood’s’ as the new benchmark in Britain’s literary world.

If I could advertise in ‘British,’ it would certainly bring a significant patronage boost to the company.

I have no doubt about that.

But obviously, starting a literary magazine initially presents some financial difficulties.

I heard from Benjamin that you might be a bit tight on funds now?”

Arthur, looking at Lionel’s smiling face, finally understood the day’s agenda.

It seemed he was not only hoping to place advertisements; if possible, he also wanted to acquire a part of the magazine’s shares.

Lionel, noticing the subtle changes in Arthur’s expressions, knew this negotiation wouldn’t be easy.

Initially, when Disraeli approached him, he thought it was just another impractical idea from his dramatic Jewish friend.

But once he learned Arthur was also involved, the magazine, named ‘British,’ quickly caught Lionel’s attention.

It’s well known that the Rothschilds never regarded business as merely business.

An investment of around a thousand pounds, compared to the family’s massive scale, was trivial.

But if this investment could continually harvest the friendship of the promising Scotland Yard officer, the rising star of Britain’s scientific community, and Arthur Hastings, even tying the Rothschild Family closer to him,

then even if this business resulted in a financial loss, the intangible benefits would fully compensate for the monetary setbacks.

In fact, after the fall of the Tory Party and discovering the Duke of Wellington’s lukewarm attitude towards Jewish emancipation, the Rothschild Family internally debated whether to shift their main political allegiance from the Tory to the Whig Party.

But such a significant political shift was clearly not a decision that could be made overnight within the family.