The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 824: Chapter 382 Rain, Police, and the Tower of London—Arthur Hastings’s 1832_2

Blazing firelight, dark red blood, everything changed in an instant, my creative urge was completely unleashed at that moment. At first, I was still somewhat afraid of the stray bullets flying past my ears, but later, I no longer cared about anything. All I thought about was finishing this painting.”

Tennyson’s expression grew more dazed upon hearing this, and he spoke to stop Turner: “No, Mr. Turner, I respect you greatly, but you cannot publish such a work, it’s not right.”

Turner raised his eyes in surprise and said: “How do you know my work is not right? My God, it seems our inspirations indeed intertwined that night, and generated some incredible resonance. I was contentedly finishing my draft, just about to quit, but then I heard the thundering hooves of the newly arriving Guard Cavalry, and then I saw a leaping figure…”

Tennyson couldn’t help but hold his head in pain and hunched over, pleading: “Enough, Mr. Turner. I don’t want to recall any more.”

Turner saw Tennyson’s reaction and instantly understood where those sudden bursts of verses came from.

He supported Tennyson’s back and cautiously asked: “So, the police officer is the one you are mourning? The one currently being drastically attacked by Fleet Street, Superintendent Arthur Hastings? The reason you don’t want me to publish the previous work is that you’re worried it might further damage his reputation?”

Tennyson nodded slightly: “Mr. Turner, there’s a lot you don’t know in this.”

“Hmm…”

Turner did not say much more, but directly stood up and pulled away the curtain covering the massive painting beside him.

It was the foggy Thames River and the Tower of London illuminated by firelight along its banks. The rioting crowd held torches aloft, pursuing cavalry and police officers holding Civilization Canes followed closely behind. Fierce raindrops splashed on the dimly lit cobblestone road, creating bursts of splashes.

In the center of the picture, there was an empty space reserved for a black horse. A tall police officer leaped down, a beautiful yet sorrowful blood flower blossoming on his chest.

Tennyson stared at the painting for a long time, speechless for a long moment, and then he finally awakened from his dreamlike state and asked: “What’s the name of this painting?”

Turner sipped lightly from his teacup: “Rain, Police, and the Tower of London – Arthur Hastings’ 1832.”

Upon saying this, Turner turned his head and requested Tennyson: “If possible, Mr. Tennyson, could you take me to see Hastings? Even if… even if it’s just for a glance. That night was too dark, so I couldn’t see his appearance clearly. Perhaps it seems impolite, but I would like to paint a portrait of him as a final tribute for those of you who mourn him.”

…

London, Westminster, Whitehall, Home Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

After the Reform Act of Parliament was passed, Earl Grey accepted the King’s appointment that day, reinstating his position as Prime Minister and taking on the responsibility of forming the Cabinet.

Perhaps forming a cabinet seemed like a rather daunting task for the Duke of Wellington, but for Earl Grey, the process was unusually easy.

He didn’t even need to specifically convene the Whig Party members for another meeting; instead, he could simply resubmit the list of members from the previous Grey Cabinet to St. James’s Palace to complete the process.

Moreover, this meant that Viscount Melbourne would return to his position as Home Secretary.

At this moment, the languid gentleman sat in his office, temporarily vacated for a month, and standing opposite him was Charles Rowan, the Commissioner of the Greater London Police Department.

Viscount Melbourne looked up at the expressionless Rowan and sighed as he pursed his lips: “Rowan, can you explain this letter to me?”

He pushed the letter forward across his desk; it was the summary report Rowan had submitted yesterday regarding the London riot.

…

In summary, during the riot that erupted on June 5th, most officers at Scotland Yard displayed astonishing courage and exceptional ability in their duties. Among them, the police officer who showed the greatest loyalty to his profession, was bravest in quelling the riot, and made the most significant contribution should be Arthur Hastings, followed by the officers under his leadership.

According to subsequent investigations, Superintendent Hastings and his team handled the emergency incidents at the London Stock Exchange and the Tower of London superbly. I am honored to present this work report to Your Excellency, as it truthfully records how this brave officer of Scotland Yard acted with such fearlessness and wisdom in critical moments.

Superintendent Hastings has now become a model for the entire Metropolitan Police Force of London. He has made remarkable achievements in safeguarding public order and upholding the dignity of the law. What is even more commendable is that Superintendent Hastings has not demanded any rewards from His Majesty the King or the Government. Throughout, he has never sought any form of recognition.

However, I, Charles Rowan, as the highest leader of the Greater London Police Department, if I do not speak up for my subordinates and allow his honor to be tarnished, it would bring shame upon the entire police force. Hence, I boldly request the Home Secretary to adjudicate, whether my small request can receive His Majesty’s approval—if His Majesty truly believes he is deserving of praise.