The Shadow of Great Britain

640: Chapter 315: Made an Enemy_2 640: Chapter 315: Made an Enemy_2 At the time, Belgium was still under Dutch rule.

Therefore, the Russians sent a diplomatic document to the Dutch government, demanding that Valevsky be conscripted into the Russian army on the grounds that he was Polish.

The Dutch government did not wish to offend the Russians over this matter, but at the same time, they did not want to alienate the supporters of the Bonaparte family.

Thus, they tipped off Valevsky in advance, allowing him to pack his bags and leave Belgium as soon as possible.

Under the arrangement of his stepfather, Valevsky fled to London, where he lived for several years.

After the outbreak of the July Revolution last year, he was permitted by the July Monarchy to return to Paris…

Arthur raised his eyebrows upon hearing this: “You’re saying the July Monarchy allowed him to return to Paris?”

Louis nodded and said, “Yes, but Arthur, don’t get the wrong idea.

Just because Louis Philippe can tolerate Valevsky doesn’t mean he can tolerate all the Bonapartes.

Although Valevsky is Napoleon’s son, he is illegitimate, so naturally, he doesn’t have the right to inherit the titles and claims of the Bonaparte family.

At the same time, his identity is quite interesting, and one of the main reasons the July Monarchy values him is for his Polish heritage.

I heard from my uncle that not long after the Polish uprising broke out last year, Louis Philippe secretly sent him to Warsaw.”

The Polish provisional government also quickly entrusted him with a significant role, appointing Valevsky as a diplomatic envoy to visit Paris and London, hoping to seek military allies from Tuileries Palace and Buckingham Palace to jointly confront Russia.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Talleyrand while playing golf.

He slightly pursed his lips: “It seems Mr.

Talleyrand has kept much from me!

If that’s the case, I can understand why Viscount Palmerston was so unfriendly towards him.

It’s not just because His Lordship borrowed Lady Levon’s luck at the casino and won twenty thousand pounds; it’s because the French Government intends to fool the Foreign Office.

Under the guise of freedom and progress, they invite Britain to help Poland achieve independence alongside France, only to find out in the end that the newly independent Polish government is pro-French.

If this were to succeed, domestic liberals would surely sing praises.

Unfortunately, it is our Foreign Office that decides foreign policy.

And what’s worse, the current leader of the Foreign Office is the cunning Viscount Palmerston.

Although he likes a good reputation as well, he would certainly not engage in such an unstable venture.”

Returning to the subject, I have noticed that Poland seems indeed very close to France.

I often hear ex-Army commissioners from Scotland Yard say that during the Napoleonic Wars, the most formidable of all French vassal state armies were the Polish.

Those Polish legions caused them endless hardship in various battles, big and small.”

Louis joked: “Don’t just envy France for having Poland’s assistance; wasn’t the British Royal German legion quite formidable too?

And the Poles weren’t the harshest towards the Britons; they particularly relished fighting the Russians.

When my uncle embarked on the Russian campaign, nearly a hundred thousand Polish soldiers volunteered to join the fight.

But you are right about one thing: these Polish soldiers were indeed very valiant.

I even think that Marshal Davout’s illustrious military achievements were greatly due to his long-term command of the Polish legions.”

Arthur also smiled: “Maybe next time we should let the British Royal German legion and the French Polish legion have it out in a separate fight.

I reckon that in no more than four weeks, the Germans would have the Polish thoroughly defeated.”

Louis gave a wry smile: “I don’t think so; you’re underestimating the Polish.”

Great Dumas interjected with amazement: “What surprises me the most is that there are so many Bonapartists in Poland.

But then again, I can understand their perspective.

After all, compared to the Tsar, choosing a Bonaparte as king seems pretty good, especially since this Bonaparte is half Polish by blood.”

Arthur spoke up: “Let’s get back to Mr.

Valevsky.

Do you know where he is now?”

Louis replied: “I truly don’t know…

The last message I received from him, he was still fighting in Warsaw.

However, I haven’t received any information about him for a long time since Warsaw fell…

By the way, this book.

That Polish assassin Korwatzek, it’s quite possible that he formed a friendship with my cousin during the Warsaw uprising.”

Arthur gazed at the cover of the book for a while before standing up and saying, “In a few days, I’m due to return to London to report to the Central Health Committee and the Lord Chancellor’s office, among others, about the recent developments in Liverpool.

I might use this opportunity to have a chat with Mr.

Talleyrand.

I believe the old man definitely knows Mr.

Valevsky’s whereabouts.

If even he doesn’t know, then your brother has most likely fallen into Russian hands.”

Louis also stood up: “Do you need me to accompany you?”

Arthur shook his head: “No, Louis, your identity is too sensitive.

If I take a member of the Bonaparte family with me to the French Embassy, the Foreign Office might think a Scotland Yard detective has defected to the French Government.

I don’t want to cause such a misunderstanding.”

“This…” Louis asked with a furrowed brow: “Are you saying the Foreign Office has its own spies?”