The Shadow of Great Britain

292: Chapter 191: Special Commendation (4K8)_3 292: Chapter 191: Special Commendation (4K8)_3 This solution greatly exceeded Britain’s psychological expectations, Talleyrand was almost explicitly indicating that as long as Britain supported Belgium’s independence and geographically lifted the encirclement surrounding France, France wouldn’t mind if Belgium’s new government was pro-British.

Such a tempting offer, Duke Wellington and Viscount Palmerston, of course, agreed immediately, as they could not think of any reason to refuse.

And as Britain turned to support France, realizing that this conference might become a protracted tug-of-war, Russia’s stance obviously loosened, which essentially confirmed that Arthur’s intelligence was reliable.

And Talleyrand’s concessions also implied that the vague reports about France that Arthur handed in this morning had no issues.

For a temporary organization without any appropriations, a young man of twenty to accomplish such great deeds, it was no wonder that Duke Wellington appreciated him.

He patted Arthur on the shoulder and said to Viscount Palmerston, “I think the greatest gain for Britain at this London conference might not be Belgium, but Arthur Hastings.

Scotland Yard has unearthed a rare diamond for us.”

Viscount Palmeston also nodded in agreement with a smile, then suddenly turned to Arthur and asked, “Mr.

Hastings, I wonder if you are interested in taking a position at the Foreign Office?

Perhaps you are not aware, but the Foreign Office actually has its own intelligence department, of course, their work is not comparable to yours.”

If it were someone else, they might have accepted the invitation at once.

But for Arthur, he did not like a boss with such clear-cut positions like Palmerston, not to mention this guy’s nickname, ‘the brute foreman.’

Almost every department Palmerston had worked in had some not-so-good news coming out of it, the man was not only a workaholic with too much energy to expend, but also demanded that his subordinates must do the same.

Working under him has never been considered a good job.

What’s more, even if he wanted to switch allegiances, Arthur felt he had many options, whether it was the in-favor High Chancellor Lord Brougham or the out-of-office Sir Peel; with one as a mentor and the other as a former colleague, any of them seemed closer than Palmeston.

However, he also did not want to directly dampen the other’s spirits, after all, it was well-known that Palmeston had a vengeful nature.

Arthur smiled and replied, “The matter of departmental transfers is not for me to decide alone, perhaps you should discuss this with Viscount Melbourne.

However, even if I continue to work at Scotland Yard, I can still contribute to the Foreign Office, just like at this London conference.”

Palmeston, hearing this, also understood Arthur’s intentions, but he did not take it to heart, “Rather than speaking with Viscount Melbourne, I would rather discuss you with Lord Brougham, who knows much more about you than William does.

But after all, His Lordship is a famous odd fellow, and I fear he might take offence if I snatched away his student.

So, it’s better to let it be.

Mr.

Hastings, the music last night was very pleasant, and the phonographs from Wheatstone & Co.

are top-notch as well.

With that, I hope we will meet again sometime.”

With these words, Viscount Palmerston touched the brim of his hat and then boarded his carriage and departed.

Arthur watched him leave and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

The Duke, seeing his expression, couldn’t help but smirk and then raised an eyebrow as he said, enigmatically.

“Inaction is a virtue, and enthusiasm is a vice.

Knowing when to wait is a tactic in politics; patience can often bring about a strong position.

When the opportunity arises, one should seize it actively.

But while waiting, it’s fine to be somewhat careless and relaxed.”

On hearing this, Arthur was first taken aback, then quickly asked, “Your Grace?”

The Duke of Wellington, seeing his reaction, merely asked, “Do you have plans tomorrow night?

If you’re meeting a lady, I won’t keep you.

If it’s with a gentleman, then cancel it.

I’m hosting a dinner at my residence tomorrow evening for some of my friends, including your former boss Sir Peel and the very author of what I just said, Mr.

Talleyrand.

Would you be interested in coming over to sample our chef’s cooking?”

Perhaps worried that Arthur might decline, the Duke added expressly, “Believe me, talking with them will be of help to your future development, especially listening to Mr.

Talleyrand talk about his experiences.

This might be even more valuable than the power and esteem you are about to receive.”