The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1131: Chapter 110: Police Rule on Campus (Part 2)

This is the dilemma faced by all German students upon graduation.

Supporting or opposing the student movement is a matter of political stance, a matter of ideology.

In other words, supporting today and opposing tomorrow is no big deal.

However, obtaining a recommendation letter from the school is a real-world issue, concerning a respectable life and social status.

Missing it today may mean such a good opportunity won’t come tomorrow.

As a graduate of the University of London, Arthur understands all too well what students like Bismarck want.

It’s just that most young people haven’t yet experienced society, sometimes stiffen their necks for so-called dignity and say that it doesn’t conform to their principles, and they won’t do those despicable things for a jury position.

That’s why Arthur approached Bismarck first, because this guy is one of the few talents among University of Gottingen students opposing the Frankfurt garrison incident, and his thoughts align with what Arthur is about to do, so there’s no principle issue.

What Bismarck has to overcome now are, at most, some moral qualms.

But fortunately for him, Bismarck is not only facing pressures from home but is also deeply mired in financial difficulties.

More fortunately, these two problems seem to be non-issues for Arthur.

Arthur watched him sit as silent as a clam, didn’t start speaking but chuckled lightly and then picked out a shiny ducats coin from his coat pocket, flicking it lightly with his thumbnail, as the coin flashed past Bismarck’s eyes and landed in the tavern keeper’s hand.

Arthur finished the last sip of his beer, placed the glass down and stood up: “There is no reason for students to invite teachers in this world. Otto, you’ve picked a good tavern, the beer here is nice, but I have things to do, so I won’t stay long.”

Arthur picked up his coat from the chair’s back, buttoned his hat and was about to step out when he heard Bismarck’s hurried voice behind him.

“Uh, Professor Hastings!”

Arthur showed a playful smile, turned half his head and asked: “What? Could it be that Germany also has a custom of a drinking spree? You want to take me to a second round?”

“A drinking spree?” Bismarck was puzzled for a moment: “What’s that?”

“A game invented by London drunkards.” Arthur turned his body and said: “Precisely speaking, drunkards randomly pick a street, head into each pub they come across for two drinks, and drink their way from one end of the street to the other, that’s a drinking spree.”

Bismarck chuckled wryly: “That might disappoint you, Gottingen doesn’t have many taverns.”

“Hmm… you’ve got a point.” Arthur took out his pocket watch, opened the cover and glanced at it: “Furthermore, Prussia doesn’t have many courts either.”

Upon hearing these words, Bismarck, even knowing Arthur was teasing him, found himself at a loss due to his yearning for a court position.

He stood up, moved the chair for Arthur to please him to sit back: “Are you in a rush? I know you are a professor of electromagnetism, but the school hasn’t started even one electromagnetism course right now, what do you typically busy yourself with?”

Usually unruly, Bismarck suddenly made a 180-degree change, becoming reverent and respectful towards his teacher.

As an educator, Hastings School Director couldn’t help but be delighted by the student’s rapid progress.

He sat back on the chair, and before he could speak, he saw Bismarck raise a hand and shout to the owner: “Excuse me, sir, another two beers. Yes, a black lager and an apple cider, Professor thinks your homemade brew is very good.”

Arthur took off his gloves again and placed them on the bar: “Indeed, due to the department arrangement issues, I currently have not started a separate course at the school. However, at present, the academic committee is studying whether to add a Natural Magic course taught by me at the Philosophy College and the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.”

Upon hearing this, Bismarck almost spat out the wine he was drinking: “Cough… Natural Magic course? What are you planning to teach in that course? Alchemy or conjuring fireballs?”

Arthur had anticipated this reaction from the boy, for when he himself first heard the name of this course, he wasn’t much better off.

Arthur explained: “Natural Magic is actually Bologna University’s term, they are the earliest university in Europe to offer the course. In the 16th century, their Theological Seminary had already opened this course. However, although it’s called Natural Magic, this course doesn’t teach you to conjure fireballs or fly on brooms, it primarily teaches experimental science, demonstrating to students the reflection and refraction of light, free fall experiment, inertia experiment, and so on.

While I was in London, I apprenticed under Mr. Michael Faraday, working with him as his assistant on numerous experiments. Some were in electromagnetism, others in electrochemistry and optics. If I were to purely lecture on theories, firstly, I’m not adept at those, and secondly, it would be extremely tedious for students to learn, so I think offering a Natural Magic course at the University of Gottingen with me is quite an appropriate choice.”

Bismarck took out a handkerchief and wiped wine-stained chin: “Given that, why don’t you call it Experimental Science directly? The name ‘Natural Magic’ is truly misleading. At first hearing, enrolling in this course almost sounds like you’re preparing for the stake.”