The Shadow of Great Britain

623: Chapter 309: The Bigwig of the East India Company_3 623: Chapter 309: The Bigwig of the East India Company_3 “No, no, no, Mr.

Dumas, although forming the anti-French alliance is an achievement, the main credit for facilitating this task does not lie with the Foreign Office, but with France.”

“How so?”

The secretary took a sip of tea and said, “You see, good and bad are often highlighted by contrast, and in terms of setting the stage, France has always done quite well.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas couldn’t help but retort, “But sir, when France was busy setting this stage, you would have still been a citizen of the Hesse Grand Duchy of the German states, wouldn’t you?”

The secretary shrugged and said, “To be exact, at that time my father was a Hesse mercenary serving the joint sovereign federation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Kingdom of Hanover.

If you insist on pointing out my German heritage, well yes, I indeed have it, but so what?

I am now a glorious British gentleman.”

Great Dumas found himself at a loss with such a person and gritted his teeth as he said, “Perhaps I should let Heinrich hear these words of yours…

oh no, that would not do…

the lad might end up envying you.”

The secretary asked, “Hmm?

From what you say, there is a German here?”

Arthur nodded and said, “Indeed there is, but rest assured, he is not from Bavaria.”

“Thank goodness,” the secretary sighed in relief.

“But dealing with Bavarians actually isn’t too bad; at least it’s not as tiresome as dealing with Austrians.

On this point, I rarely find common ground with Viscount Palmerston.”

Arthur asked, “Hmm?

Does Viscount Palmerston have a particular dislike for Austria?

That’s quite odd, usually, he is seen to be quite close to the Russians; their relationship is so close that I thought he was a supporter of the Tsar’s autocracy.”

The secretary nodded and said, “No, Mr.

Hastings, you are mistaken.

His Lordship’s preferences are not divided along ideological lines but rather along personal affections.

He likes Russians because Lady Liv has been of great help to him, and his dislike for Austria is due to Metternich.

Of course, his disdain for France is not far behind, and apart from deep-seated national sentiments, the French ambassador Mr.

Talleyrand has also played a significant role.

As you know, parliamentarians are creatures that live in the midst of news and public opinion, so Viscount Palmeston inherently dislikes any figure who overshadows him.”

“In the realm of diplomacy, the twin stars of Europa who can make it rain or shine over the head of Britain’s Foreign Secretary are naturally Metternich and Talleyrand.”

Arthur, stroking his chin thoughtfully, said, “From your lips, I always hear some interesting anecdotes.

I’ve heard Viscount Palmerston has fortified the Foreign Office like a fortress impervious to leaks, and anyone daring to leak information would be severely punished.

Therefore, out of concern for a friend, I won’t pry any further.”

Upon hearing this, the secretary just smiled: “Mr.

Hastings, don’t take such rumors too seriously.

If there is a major leak in the Foreign Office, the leak can only come from His Lordship himself.

You see, unlike the Royal Navy, the government is a ship that usually starts leaking from the top.

So to hell with it.

I value our friendship far more than this job in my hands.

An assistant undersecretary’s position at the Foreign Office is trivial, after all, I can’t be promoted anyway.

You know how it is, the top undersecretary positions are usually reserved for the parliamentarians.”

Hearing this, Arthur smiled and extended his hand: “My friend, please forgive my forgetfulness, what is your name again?”

The secretary didn’t mind Arthur’s minor oversight at all and, shaking Arthur’s hand, smiled in reply: “Auguste Schneider, I’ve really enjoyed our chat, Arthur.

Although I would like to continue, I must go and organize Mr.

Napier’s upcoming schedule.

However, before I leave, I’ll give you one more piece of news.”

Arthur asked, “Is it about the Foreign Office?”

“Hmm…

no,” Schneider began, “to be precise, it’s the East India Company offering their services, with the Home Office and the Customs Head Office giving their nod of approval.

They want to send extra hands to assist you in continuing the investigation of the Liverpool customs issue.”

“Oh?” Arthur inquired, “Who might that be?

Do you know?”

Schneider smiled and said, “The chief professor of political economy from Haileybury College of the East India Company and his team of students.

Oh, and this professor has an interesting nickname, which I’m sure you’ve heard of.”

“What nickname?”

Schneider stood up, straightened his coat, and said, “‘Population’ Malthus.”