The Shadow of Great Britain

400: Chapter 232: Prime Minister’s Peak Duel (6K)_2 400: Chapter 232: Prime Minister’s Peak Duel (6K)_2 Disraeli sighed, “Otherwise?

Alexander, you probably don’t understand that hypocritical old fool.

He is not only deaf and blind but also wears dentures.

Not a single word that comes out of his mouth is trustworthy.”

From my observations of him during this period, if he claims you are his friend, then he definitely wants to get something from you, or he is already prepared to launch an attack on you.

And now, Poland is clearly in the position of a friend.”

Great Dumas paced back and forth in the office, “No, we should do something for Poland.

Perhaps I should also go and talk to Mr.

Mitskevich, to voice something trivial for the Polish people who are in deep trouble?

Arthur, could you reserve a page for me in the next issue of ‘The Economist’?

What do you say?”

“Of course.” Arthur, holding his cup, warmed his hands and asked, “But…

Alexander, do you understand economics?

Although I think it’s fine to add some personal opinions to ‘The Economist’, you should still talk a little about economics and wrap it in a professional exterior, right?

Like value theory, monetary theory or something.”

Dumas was unconcerned, “I don’t understand, but my stockbroker does!

I’ll have him write some stuff about economics for me, and I’ll just add the political commentary afterward.”

“Stockbroker?” Arthur asked, “Are you using your article fees to speculate on stocks?

Alexander, even though you’re wealthy now, you shouldn’t be throwing your money into the water!

Even if you want to play the stock market, you should at least talk to our major shareholder, the Rothschild Family, first.”

Dumas nodded, “Yes!

It was Lionel who introduced me to that stockbroker; he said that fellow’s trading ability is on par with his.”

When Disraeli heard this, he immediately knew who Dumas was talking about, “You don’t mean Jacob, do you?”

Dumas looked stunned, “How did you know?”

“Really Jacob?!” Disraeli frowned, “Jacob and I grew up on King Street, and since his family is Jewish too, we naturally know each other.”

Arthur asked, “Who is this Jacob then?”

Disraeli’s tone sounded somewhat defiant, yet tinged with envy, “Jacob is nobody special, but he bears a surname that is quite prominent throughout the whole of Britain and even Europe’s economic circles.”

Tennyson also wondered, “What’s his surname?”

Disraeli sighed, “His surname is Ricardo, his father being that very successor to Mr.

Adam Smith—David Ricardo.”

Hearing this, Dumas’s mouth fell open in surprise, and after staring for a moment, he straightened his collar and puffed out his chest before addressing Arthur, “Now, can I publish an article in ‘The Economist’?

Editor in Chief of ‘The Economist’, Mr.

Arthur Hastings?”

Arthur shrugged, “Of course, no problem.

If I were to keep refusing under these circumstances, I’m quite worried that supporters of Mr.

Ricardo might slap ‘The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation’ right across my face.

But, Alexander, do ask Mr.

Ricardo if, when ‘The Economist’ features the article, he would allow me to credit Jacob Ricardo’s name as well.

Excuse my impertinence, but the surname Ricardo in the realm of economics is akin to the surname Dumas in popular literature.”

Dumas readily agreed, “Of course, no problem.

I understand your point.

This is for the sales of ‘The Economist’, and even more for the Polish people.”

As soon as Alexander finished speaking, Arthur leaned against the desk, calculating and muttering, “Mill plus Ricardo, now I’ll see who dares question the professionalism of ‘The Economist’.”

Dumas laughed heartily, “Not just those two, don’t we also have Louis Bonaparte and a Polish Prince?”

Hearing this, Arthur corrected, “Alexander, you need to understand, ‘The Economist’ is being questioned because of those two.”

Here, Arthur stretched out his hand to pull Disraeli closer and lightly patted the documents in Disraeli’s hand, whispering, “Benjamin, you should know.

Parliament is going to be dissolved, and there’s no point in your hounding Lord Russell of the Whig Party for over a month now.

Lord Russell is indeed important to the Whig Party, but he’s not on the same level as Viscount Palmerston.

Whether you can secure your place as a Tory Party candidate depends on this wave.

The more troubled his expression, the more secure your standing in the Tory bloc.”

“Arthur, of course, this is for the Polish people!

As a politician committed to the cause of liberty, as a Briton with youthful aspirations, it is my undeniable responsibility!”

Disraeli first shouted excitedly for a while, shoos Dumas and Tennyson out to discuss the next issue’s article of ‘The British’, then softly closed the door of the office and approached Arthur with a smile, patting him on the chest with the back of his hand.

“I must say, Arthur, you really did me a solid this time.

You probably don’t know, but a shining new star has recently emerged in the Tory Party.

Damn it, if I hadn’t laid the groundwork in the party for a good while, I might really have been toppled by him.”

Arthur, leaning against the window and smoking, said, “Another new star?

So Bernie Harrison is completely out of hope now?”