The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 811: Chapter 378: Britain, Do Not Cry for Me (Part 3)_3

“You are the one who’s crazy!” Great Dumas took the officer’s gun from his waist: “Do you think I, Alexander Dumas, am a man who can be restrained by a woman?”

Louis defended Great Dumas: “I assure you, Alexander is not sick, and even if he were, I could control him. You two just mentioned street riots? At such a time, as his secretary, I can’t stay away from him. From a duty perspective, I share life and death with him.”

Dickens looked around the room and glanced at Great Dumas who was loading bullets into the handgun, then suddenly asked: “Alexander, tell me the truth, what exactly are you planning to do?”

However, before Great Dumas could answer, the voice of Officer Tom sounded from the hallway: “Everyone, attention! I’ve just received an order from the headquarters of the Greater London Police Department through the local precinct. Inspector Hastings demands that Chief Frank lead officers with odd-number badges to stay at the Astley Theatre, while those with even-number badges join me to reinforce the Tower of London!”

“The Tower of London?” Louis bit open a gunpowder bottle with his teeth: “Let’s go, Alexander, we’re heading there too!”

Without hesitation, Great Dumas was about to step out but felt his clothes being pulled from behind.

Great Dumas turned around to see his son, who had sworn to teach his father a lesson, holding his clothes.

Little Dumas appeared somewhat afraid of his father. He glanced at his frightened mother, swallowed hard, and stiffened his neck to ask his question: “Da… Dad, where are you going?”

Great Dumas tore his clothes free from his son’s grasp, patted Little Dumas’s face, and said: “Kid, I’m going to the revolution. Learn from your father, you’ve got a long way to go!”

…

London No.1, Apsley House.

The white-haired Duke of Wellington once again donned his military uniform, and in the torrential rain of London streets, this veteran who had fought alongside Napoleon on the battlefield effortlessly mounted his steed.

Several of his generals from the Waterloo era were already waiting in front of his mansion.

Holding the reins, Wellington looked at the flames burning in the sky and asked: “What’s the situation now?”

Viscount Henry Harding bowed slightly and reported:

“The rioters causing trouble near the Greenwich Woolwich Arsenal are being suppressed by the ‘Gallop Riders’ Royal Horse Artillery Regiment and the Royal Artillery Regiment guarding the vicinity. The Royal Horse Artillery Regiment has 4 companies attached, while the Royal Artillery Regiment has 4 battalions with a total of 32 artillery companies. Not to mention this rabble, even Napoleon’s Old Guard couldn’t withstand a volley of this many cannons. If not for concerns about social impact and damage to city streets, these rebels would have already been blown to pieces. Your Excellency, what do you think…”

Wellington raised his hand and interrupted: “Unless absolutely necessary, do not authorize firing. I don’t plan to use Napoleon’s experience in London for now.”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

At this, Wellington further inquired: “What about the Greater London Police Department? Is Mayfair their responsibility?”

General Murray, standing by, answered: “The Greater London Police Department reacted quickly. After the riots began, they immediately started gathering forces and dispatching reinforcements from all directions. After the Woolwich Arsenal was besieged, Commissioner Rowan led the mounted police to Greenwich. They’re currently driving the rioters hiding in the alleys of Central Street. Additionally, due to the narrow roads of the East District, making it difficult for cavalry to maneuver, it’s now being handled by Scotland Yard.

Regarding the protesters in the Mayfair District, in accordance with proximity principles, it’s being dealt with by the ‘Piccadilly Butcher’ Guard Cavalry Regiment stationed in Hyde Park. They have deployed one company each on Oxford Street and Baker Street, with two companies remaining as reserve at the base. If you need, we can lead them out now.”

Wellington looked towards the East, where the Tower of London lies. Amidst the smoky air, he sensed an unusual aura: “Honestly, I despise this feeling of being led by the nose. Since they dare to choose the battleground here, they must be prepared.”

Marquis Henry Paget of Anglesey nodded slightly, holding the reins: “They likely aim to drag us into the Tower of London as you once dragged Napoleon into Waterloo. From a prudent perspective, I suggest we wait a bit longer to gather more forces. The Tower of London has guards and the Coldstream Guards of the Second Guard Infantry Regiment stationed there, so it should hold for a while. Just twenty more minutes, we will receive reinforcements from the Third Guard Dragon Cavalry Regiment ‘Old Canary’ and the Seventh Guard Cavalry Regiment ‘St. Mary’s Guards,’ additional four cavalry companies.”

Wellington took out his pocket watch and glanced at it: “Paget, you know my temper. You’ve commanded cavalry for long, endured Waterloo, so I’m giving you only fifteen minutes.”

…

On the banks of the Thames River, a silent and resilient fortress stands across the great river.

Beneath the night sky, the Tower of London remains unshaken, like a calm and profound observer silently recording the most intense chapter of this nation’s journey towards the future.