The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 951: Chapter 39: The Picky Lady

”This is Sir Arthur Hastings. Speaking of which, both of you are stars in the police community, except one of you serves Paris while the other serves London.”

In the midst of the ball’s dazzling lights, an intermediary introduced Arthur to Henry Jissoke, the Police Chief of Paris.

In fact, from the moment he stepped into the banquet hall, Jissoke had already noticed this young man who stood out in the crowd.

Perhaps it was the discerning eye honed over two years as Police Chief, Jissoke always had the ability to pick out potential criminals or legitimate ones from a crowd.

And Arthur, clearly belonged to the latter.

The firm law supported his upright posture, and his sharp gaze seemed to be evaluating not the elegantly dressed guests, but a group of prisoners who might fall into his grasp at any moment. The smile at the corner of his mouth during conversations made him appear humble, but in reality, it was all a facade, for a policeman would never truly open up to his target.

Whether he spoke with you gently, like the passionate Romeo in Shakespeare’s play, or harshly, like the grotesque matricidal Roman tyrant Claudius, it was all part of the mask he wore. All of it was to extract a piece of evidence from your mouth.

As for what lay beneath this fickle mask, no one knew, nor did he wish for anyone to know. The novelty cane, the beautiful monocle, the diamond cufflinks, the tie pin, and the wide silver ring embedded with Roman coins were all his tools of deception.

A fellow known as the ’Bloodhound’ in London, did he really think that dressing himself like a polished, affluent gentleman could hide the scent of blood on him?

To the calculating Jissoke, this was simply child’s play.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you here, Sir, though it’s our first time meeting and we have no prior acquaintance. I must admit, even from across the English Channel, you have greatly assisted me, and the Parisians as well. Victor has mentioned your name to me more than once, and your experience and advice on cholera prevention have saved countless lives.”

Arthur shook the hand extended by Jissoke, not paying too much attention to this highest-ranking officer of the Paris police force. It wasn’t out of intentional disregard, but because his mind was mostly preoccupied with matters concerning Louis tonight.

”As everyone knows, the relationship between French soldiers and British soldiers has always been terrible. However, under your leadership, this animosity has not spread to the police force. Communication between Scotland Yard and the Great Paris Police Hall has always been smooth, and good international dialogue has aided both parties’ growth. If there is any credit to be given to my suggestions in cholera prevention, the greatest credit belongs to your thorough analysis of my opinions and your firm belief in their usefulness. Every day, large amounts of advice are given, but the most difficult task is choosing the useful ones and giving them support.”

Jissoke noticed Arthur’s distraction immediately, yet he could still provide such an answer even when absent-minded.

What did this indicate?

It indicated that this 24-year-old young man was already quite adept at playing this game. Not only was he a competent police officer, but he could also transform into a slick-talking politician at any moment.

Though young, just these few words revealed why he was able to befriend Talleyrand.

’The secret to pleasing people in this world is to let those who can’t do things teach you how to do things,’ and ’The use of language is merely to conceal thought,’ two of Talleyrand’s famous sayings had been thoroughly grasped and comprehended by him.

According to the documents Jissoke had reviewed in the carriage, this young man was born in the most conservative area of Britain, Yorkshire, yet he studied at the University of London, founded by Whigs. After graduating, he joined Scotland Yard, despised by liberals, and rose through the ranks with the support of the Tory Party. After the fall of the Tory Wellington Cabinet, he deftly switched allegiance to the Whigs to ensure a smooth transition for Parliament’s reform...

History can indeed be so similar!

Though this young man was still very young, and his story was far less tumultuous than those of great figures from the past, a careful analysis reveals a path quite similar to Talleyrand’s.

Talleyrand, a six-dynasty elder of France and a bishop excommunicated by Rome, spent his life either placing bets or on his way to place them, yet he never bet wrong. He almost betrayed every employer, turning every former employer into a gift for the new one.

If asked what Talleyrand had not betrayed in his lifetime, one would have to say that the only thing he never betrayed was that nebulous concept—France.

It was akin to Sir Arthur Hastings’ famous saying under the Tower of London—We are here for Britain.

”An outstanding young man, Talleyrand understandably appreciates him.” After just one meeting, Jissoke had already formed a preliminary judgment in his heart.

Jissoke affectionately pulled Arthur closer and said, ”Are you accustomed to life in Paris? I just heard from Victor that you seem to be involved in the publishing business. I happen to know some cultural luminaries, some of whom are also considering publishing English translations...”