The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1560: Chapter 7: Talleyrand? Pitt the Younger? (3)

He paused for a moment, then looked directly at Arthur with a subtle tone and said, ”You should be aware that Palmerston won’t let you off.”

Sir Peel put the glass back on the table, crossed his hands on his knees, and calmly stared at Arthur: ”His Majesty the King has already expressed his dissatisfaction with you, did you know?”

Arthur was slightly stunned, frowning lightly: ”His Majesty the King?”

”Of course.” The Duke of Wellington nodded and said, ”Tsar Nicholas I has already expressed strong dissatisfaction to His Majesty the King. He believes that the British Government has turned a blind eye to your and Eckett’s actions, even tacitly approving them. This has greatly annoyed His Majesty, for he does not wish to provoke a direct conflict with the Russians.”

Sir Peel slowly said, ”Someone must take responsibility for the Caucasus incident, either you or David Eckett. Unfortunately, Sir David Eckett has a good relationship with His Majesty the King, so...”

The Duke of Wellington watched Arthur’s change of expression, nodding slightly with satisfaction, his tone easing a little: ”But if you accept this mission, the situation will be completely different. You will not only escape Palmerston’s pursuit but also occupy a crucial position at the court. If you succeed, His Majesty the King will hold you in high regard, the Tory Party will consider you an important ally, and the future Queen...”

The Old Duke chuckled softly, ”If you are truly outstanding, perhaps after she ascends the throne, she will appoint you to work at the Palace Affairs Hall. If it interests you, in the next two years, you might consider gaining a military position in the Army, and then maybe you’ll be appointed as a Royal Attendant Officer.”

The Duke of Wellington’s hints couldn’t be more obvious; what he insinuated was that as long as Arthur was willing to spend money, he could help orchestrate a substantial post in the Army to build his credentials.

Faced with the olive branch extended by the Duke, even if it was entangled with thorns, it was still hard to resist.

Whether it’s a position at the Palace Affairs Hall or the future of being a Royal Attendant Officer, these are rare opportunities.

Standing next to King William IV back then, it was the Royal Navy Attendant Officer, Colonel George Elliot, who awarded Arthur his honors. Early this year, he officially became the permanent Secretary of the Navy Department and was elected a member of the Navy Commission.

In just 4 years, he accomplished the leap from Captain to a key figure in the Navy Department, all thanks to his role as a Royal Attendant Officer and the support of His Majesty the King.

Now, such a good fortune has fallen onto his lap, not seizing it would indeed be foolish.

”Arthur, are you still hesitating?” Sir Peel’s tone was leisurely: ”You know, we won’t persuade you to do anything you’re unwilling to do... but if you don’t, things may become quite tricky.”

”Your Excellency, Sir, I accept this mission.” Arthur stood up, his tone restrained: ”But I hope to have some degree of freedom in my actions. After all, entering Kensington Palace is no easy task, and winning the trust of the Duchess of Kent requires meticulous planning.”

The Duke of Wellington showed a satisfied smile: ”You certainly will have enough freedom. When I was fighting the Peninsular War in Iberia, I similarly disliked the War Department and Foreign Office meddling in my affairs. Do unto others as one would have them do unto you, I assure you, we won’t interfere with your plan. As long as you accomplish the mission, you can determine how to proceed yourself. But that being said, no one minds a victory, but if you lose, you’ll be facing a court-martial.”

Arthur downed his glass of sherry, then stood up: ”Then, Your Excellency, Sir, I will quickly formulate a plan. As for Lord Brougham’s recommendation, I need some time to let him propose it voluntarily.”

The Duke of Wellington squinted slightly, his eyes showing a bit of interest: ”How do you plan to do that?”

Arthur smiled faintly: ”Lord Brougham is a spontaneous person, and at the same time, remarkably clever. Therefore, his greatest fear is missing out on a great opportunity. If Kensington Palace consults his opinion on the choice of candidate, I just need to make him feel that I’m the best choice, and he will naturally propose the recommendation. As for how to get Kensington Palace to seek his opinion, perhaps I should look for a way at Almack’s Club.”

Sir Peel chuckled softly: ”It seems you’ve already got an idea, that’s good. However...”

He paused in his tone: ”Remember, time waits for no one. His Majesty the King hopes to see results as soon as possible.”

Arthur nodded slightly, then turned and walked towards the door of the study.

As Arthur’s footsteps gradually faded, the Duke of Wellington, holding a wine glass, leaned against the fireplace: ”This young man is a dangerous character.”

Sir Peel leisurely leaned back in the armchair, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips: ”A dangerous character? Then, Your Excellency, why do you still choose to use him?”

The Duke of Wellington slowly paced to the window, gazing out at the gray, foggy streets of London: ”Because he is currently the most suitable candidate.”

”That’s true. But I must admit, I still have reservations about this young man.” Sir Peel covered his forehead, ”He’s smart and flexible, perhaps he’s even loyal to England. But his love for power is far more intense than what we estimated before... it’s becoming somewhat unrestrained.”

The Duke of Wellington smiled faintly and turned around: ”That is precisely the key to his potential success, isn’t it? Only those who truly desire something will go all out to fight for it. Besides, being loyal to one’s interest is hardly a vice.”

”Do you remember Talleyrand?” he suddenly asked.

Sir Peel raised an eyebrow slightly: ”Of course I remember. That cunning old fox, the most successful opportunist in French history. Throughout the Bourbon Dynasty, the Great Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire, and the restoration of Louis XVIII, he managed to secure high positions in each regime. Not just anyone could achieve that.”

The Duke of Wellington nodded slowly: ”Indeed, Talleyrand went from being a bishop of the Great Revolution to the foreign minister of the Directory, then became Napoleon’s chancellor, and finally turned into a key player in the Bourbon restoration.”

Sir Peel chuckled: ”If you’re comparing Arthur to him, that’s quite an exaltation.”

”I’m not saying that Arthur is on the same level as Talleyrand, but their ways of thinking are similar.”

”But you must admit, someone like Talleyrand is a double-edged sword. Once such a person becomes powerful enough, they’re difficult to control.”

The Duke of Wellington shook his head gently: ”But who can ever completely control anyone else? George III once thought he could fully control little Pitt, yet, in the end, Pitt governed Britain in his way. Talleyrand once served Napoleon, but ultimately, he led the Treaty of Vienna. I admire little Pitt because he was the one who promoted me. As for Talleyrand, we have been old friends for many years. Rest assured, Peel, believe me, dealing with such fellows is much easier than you think.”