The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 821: Revised: Chapter 381 Since the New Century (5K6)_2

Speaking of this, Wellington’s horse suddenly halted: “I will be absent from tomorrow’s parliamentary reform vote in the House of Lords, and I hope that all who are loyal to this country will do the same as I.”

The generals, upon hearing this, pursed their lips, sighed, and then replied loudly: “Let God bear witness, your wish will be fulfilled.”

…

“The Duke of Wellington has withdrawn his opposition to the parliamentary reform bill”

“Old Nose ordered his subordinates: collective about-face!”

“Over half the seats in the House of Lords were vacant during the parliamentary reform vote at Westminster Palace”

“The amendment for the representation of the people of England and Wales was officially passed by the House of Lords on the morning of June 6”

“Fifty-six decayed districts with populations under 2000 were abolished, thirty-two towns with populations between 2000 and 4000 were reduced to one seat, sixty-five seats were added to county districts, and twenty-two new industrial towns were given two seats each”

“After the reform passes, the number of eligible voters in Britain will surge from 478,000 to 814,000”

“The passage of the reform bill means that 16% of adult males nationwide will gain the right to vote”

“This is destined to be an extraordinary summer, the Whig Party has presented the Britons with a victory that even Napoleon could never achieve”

“It is believed that last night’s riots in various parts of London resulted in hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths due to trampling, fighting, and other violent incidents”

“Despite this unfortunate event, it is worth celebrating that we have achieved our ultimate goal through relentless struggle”

“Scotland Yard suffered heavy losses in maintaining order, with many honorable officers being either injured or killed”

“We encourage the public to strive for freedom, but we must also condemn the mobsters who resorted to disgraceful means during the street violence incidents”

“Among the many misfortunes last night, the only consolation is that Arthur Hastings, the public enemy, has received his due retribution”

“It is believed that this cunning Catholic, before being shot through the heart, ordered the police force to fire upon innocent demonstrators”

“Faced with reporters’ inquiries, Scotland Yard refused to comment on the situation of Chief Inspector Hastings”

“Lastly, we are very pleased to inform everyone that today’s weather in London is, cloudy turning sunny”

…

London, Westminster, outside Bentham’s residence, the cheers of the young people rose wave after wave.

Hats tossed by them were flying everywhere in the sky.

At this moment, each of them wanted to share this joy with the widely revered old man.

They wanted to rush to Bentham’s side and tell him that the goal he had fought for all his life—parliamentary reform—was finally achieved today.

But to their disappointment, Mr. Bentham’s butler Andrew told them that the old gentleman had gone to the countryside to recover due to poor health.

Meanwhile, out of their sight, a youth with noble Bonaparte blood had already circled to the back door and, under the guidance of butler Andrew, arrived at Bentham’s study door.

This was not Louis’s first visit here, but compared to the last time, something seemed to be missing around him.

Louis pushed open the door, looking at Bentham, who was leaning on the recliner, hesitant to speak.

A unhealthy flush was apparent on the old man’s face, he seemed in good spirits, even managing to raise a hand in greeting to Louis.

However, this did not mean that his health was without issue; his slender arms and sunken cheeks spoke otherwise. A gust of wind from the window billowed his white shirt, his body no longer supporting the wide coat.

Everyone understood, yet everyone concealed it from themselves—they did not want to face the fact that Bentham was now burning his final life force.

Andrew stood at the door, hesitating whether to enter, but in the end, he abided by the agreement with Bentham, standing firmly there.

Bentham recognized Louis and spoke: “It’s you? I think I’ve seen you before, you’re Arthur’s secretary? That young man from France?”

Louis walked to the spot where Arthur used to stand, removed his hat and greeted: “Nice to see you, Mr. Bentham, honorary citizen of France recognized by the Great Revolution Government.”

Upon hearing, Bentham couldn’t help but chuckle: “If this were said by a British, it would likely be a mockery. But given your French heritage, I know you’re using the highest words you can think of to praise me. Thank you, young man. If we had met earlier, I would have had much to say to you. But now, let Arthur come, he needs to fulfill his promise to me.”

Louis, hearing this, fell into silence.

He took a deep breath, seemingly contemplating how to speak to the old man.

“Mr. Bentham, Arthur has fulfilled his promise, you should have heard the cheers, those folks still have the energy to cheer, the parliamentary reform has passed. He comprehended the principle of utilitarianism profoundly, London University had a good student. He exchanged personal betrayal to you for the greatest happiness of this society.”

At this point, Louis felt his throat clenched, his Adam’s apple moved: “I remember you saying in the newspaper that Nature has placed mankind under two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. And Arthur’s pain has now turned into Britain’s joy.”