The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 820: Chapter 381: Starting from the New Century (5K6)

The important objective of war is to seek political outcomes, not military success.

——Theodor Monson

In the midst of a storm, generals clad in meticulously tailored deep red uniforms rode their horses leisurely on the cobblestone-paved streets of London. The kerosene lamps by the roadside swayed under the assault of the rain, and the rain fell like dense arrows, mercilessly hitting the badges on their chests and the copper buttons of their coats, making a soft sound as if narrating the countless stormy days they had experienced on the battlefield.

They remember the last time they experienced such a rainy day on the battlefield, a place called Waterloo.

Although the rain had soaked through their uniforms, revealing the stern contours of their bodies beneath, each person maintained a steady and powerful posture, as if entirely unaffected by the harsh weather.

Everyone remained silent; at such moments, the generals did not know what to say.

They were all waiting for the man walking ahead of them to speak up, the old man who had led them to defeat Napoleon and the First French Empire.

It was as if the Duke of Wellington had sensed the wishes of his subordinates. Holding the reins in one hand, he spoke without turning his head.

“Gentlemen, though I am reluctant to admit it, I must say that I intended to organize a successful rear-guard action, but the situation that occurred in London tonight has already indicated our failure. Over the past week, after continuous retreats, I withdrew to a small hill behind, attempting to establish a Tory government, one that could maintain order and uphold the country’s stability, while introducing a more moderate reform bill. However…”

The Marquis of Anglesey and others, hearing this, couldn’t help but exclaim: “Your Excellency, you mean to say, you are not actually opposed to reform?”

The Duke of Wellington straightened his back and shook his head slightly: “No, I have always been a staunch opponent of parliamentary reform. But, if they insist on it, I am willing to make some concessions. However, now, none of that matters anymore. Because the actions demonstrated by these Tory political elites during this rear-guard action regarding parliamentary reform can no longer meet my expectations of them.

After such a long period of resistance, they still cling to their consistency, a peculiar flaw that only appears among the petty bourgeoisie, hindering the possibility of helping a moderate reform bill pass. Yet at the same time, they refuse to step forward as a firmly opposed faction of reform.

Last night, I had Lady Abbotsnot invite them all to the Carlton Club for dinner. The next day, I summoned more people, but you understand, in the current crisis, if some people think it has nothing to do with them and want to remain detached, it’s very difficult for others to go against their will and take charge.

After a week of hard work, I regretfully announce to everyone that as of now, only two people are willing to join the cabinet, and those two people are here today. They are the loyal, reliable, and always trustworthy Quartermaster General Major General George Murray and the cool-headed, analytical first-rate staff officer Major General Henry Harding.”

As the Duke of Wellington said this, everyone couldn’t help but glance at these two colleagues beside them.

They slightly lowered their heads and softly replied: “Your Excellency, you have exerted your utmost effort for the birth of the new government; the failure to form the cabinet is not your fault.”

The Duke of Wellington did not respond to their consolation but continued to state: “As you all can see, after a stifling week, our breakout attempt has already declared defeat. I am very sorry to tell everyone that I failed to break through the Whig blockade in the House of Lords, and now, this protracted siege is nearly over.

You know my character, as well as my temper and command style. Most of the battles I’ve fought in my life have been against overwhelming odds; because I can’t afford losses, I usually prefer to swallow a minor defeat with minimal losses rather than win a victory with casualties over ten thousand. And this war, if we insist on victory, will cost all of Britain’s people.

Just tonight, the first sacrifice has appeared, a distinguished young man who could have lived for decades longer, continuing to dedicate himself to His Majesty the King and this country. However, just now, he fell in a riot near the Tower of London. In an environment filled with social hostility and surrounded by an enraged Lower House, we have little room to maneuver.

In this situation, I am prepared to sacrifice my principles as a Royalist. Because I do not serve a particular faction, but I serve the King; factional struggles have now greatly harmed national interests. I know many within the party criticize me for being inconsistent on the Catholic emancipation issue, but this is the basis of all my actions. Since I have accepted the King’s salt, no matter how urgent and dangerous the situation ahead, I will not refuse.”

Hearing this, the generals couldn’t help but lower their heads; their emotions seemed very downcast.

Suddenly, someone asked: “Your Excellency, do you mean you intend to persuade His Majesty the King to agree to a substantial increase in Whig seats in the House of Lords?”

“No,” said the Duke of Wellington. “I firmly oppose making His Majesty act against his will, but at the same time, I will not change my stance against parliamentary reform. However, my opposition will no longer be voiced in the House of Lords.”