The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1810: Chapter 106: Sir Arthur Points Out the Path Forward (2)

Fortunately, under God’s blessing, ever since the parliamentary reform of 1832 until this year, London has been bustling with many affairs for these three years.

So Scotland Yard has not conducted a large-scale sweep of the relevant venues for three years now.

After three years, although Sir Arthur Hastings, the Assistant Police Director of the Greater London Police Department, is no longer in his position, this 25-year-old former leader of Scotland Yard has continued to pay attention to Scotland Yard’s development.

To this day, the Police Intelligence Department of the Greater London Police Department still invites this seasoned former leader to revisit and hopes that this founding and pioneering figure in the policing department can offer advice and direction for the future development of Scotland Yard.

At the beginning of the meeting, Charles Field, the officer who was promoted for his merits in solving the Golden Cross Station Royal theft case and is now temporarily presiding over the day-to-day operations of the Police Intelligence Department, first expressed the sincerest gratitude to the former leader on behalf of the department.

Acting Director Chief Inspector Charles Field pointed out that Sir Arthur Hastings is a bystander and participant in the formation and growth of the Police Intelligence Department. He is a foundational figure and witness to the department’s development and is an indispensable valuable asset and crucial force for the department. It is because of Sir Arthur Hastings’ contributions that the department’s foundation is solid today.

Inspector Thomas Plunkett, Assistant to the Director, emphasized that Sir Arthur’s rich experience, deep commitment, upright conduct, dedication to his post, courage to take on responsibilities, and willingness to contribute have always quietly supported the development of the department even after his departure. He proactively imparted work experience and assisted in the growth of young cadres, making significant contributions to the department’s development.

Upon witnessing this scene, Sir Arthur could not help but be moved and unreservedly shared his valuable policing experience.

Sir Arthur pointed out that issues of morality are crucial to the image of London and concern the spiritual health and moral order of the citizens. Although the harm may not be as overt as heinous crimes, the insidious and pervasive nature of such trends necessitates significant attention and systemic governance from policing entities at all levels.

Sir Arthur emphasized the need to suppress vulgar and undesirable phenomena such as the sex trade in the London Metropolitan Area with firm resolve, decisive actions, and a systematic approach. Efforts should adhere to the work policy of ”combining suppression and prevention, treating both symptoms and root causes, focusing with precision, and implementing tailored measures” to strictly combat illegal operations, moral disorder, and lewd acts according to the law, while actively guiding public opinion to foster a virtuous city culture.

Acting Director Chief Inspector Charles Field immediately declared that, in response to Sir Arthur Hastings’ speech and in earnest implementation of the Home Office’s strategic deployment for the city’s current moral state, the Police Intelligence Department would immediately report to the Greater London Police Department’s Director Office, requesting to conduct a four-week clean-up operation in areas such as Soho District, Piccadilly, Lambeth, and Whitechapel.

”So, you called me over today just to tell me about that meeting’s result?” Fiona rolled her eyes, ”Aren’t you giving me unnecessary trouble? Four weeks of no business, do you know how much money I’ll lose?”

Saying this, she then resignedly and mockingly bowed slightly to Arthur, ”Fine, at least you were willing to speak up, so I should thank you for that, old chap. My girls do need a break. So as you said, I’ll close for a month, let them go to Brighton for sunshine, and maybe change the wallpaper color.”

”Why the rush? When did I say you needed to close and stop business?” Arthur slowly opened, ”During this time, Nightingale Mansion cannot close.”

Fiona was initially taken aback, but quickly caught on, even her smile sweetening a bit, ”Dear, are you suggesting... that during this period, while others are closed, Nightingale Mansion monopolizes the business? Have you arranged with Scotland Yard over there?”

Arthur didn’t answer; he merely shrugged.

This gesture instantly shook Fiona’s confidence. She suspiciously asked, ”You want me to risk taking in clients? During Scotland Yard’s rectification period? Are you trying to get me imprisoned?”

”No,” Arthur calmly replied, ”I will handle Scotland Yard.”

Fiona asked, ”Who exactly will you handle? Tom? Tony? Neither of them is in charge of Covent Garden Market.”

”Don’t misunderstand, Fiona, when I said ’handle,’ I meant having Scotland Yard conduct a raid inspection on Nightingale Mansion.”

Fiona sat on the armrest of the sofa dazed for a moment, to the point she didn’t notice Arthur’s cigar almost singeing her expensive dress.

”Are you crazy? You eat from my hand, but you smash my pot! Who lent you money when you were short on hand?”

Her voice finally carried anger, ”Arthur Hastings, what exactly are you up to?”

Arthur patted the file folder on the coffee table, ”Haven’t I told you already? Because for the next week, all of London will have just your brothel open. And Young Thomas Gath, that troublemaker with a Royal Family check who’s nowhere else to go, will most likely come to you.”