Shadow of great britain

After a violent swing, a loud bang was heard, and the leather golf ball flew far into the sky and disappeared behind the green.

Lionel put his hand in front of his eyebrows and looked around, then smiled: "Mr. Talleyrand, is this really your first time playing golf? It's really difficult to achieve such a level on your first tee shot. Make people believe it.”

Talleyrand gently threw the club upwards, then held it in the air, raised his eyebrows proudly, and said to Arthur: "Young man, it's your turn."

Arthur nodded when he heard this. He first held the club and felt the distance between his arm and the ball support, and then swung hard, but before the club touched the golf ball, Arthur's arm moved lightly. Removed the power.

The golf ball fell to the ground with a clatter as if it was caught by a gentle breeze.

"Ah." Arthur pretended to be stunned at first, then raised his head and looked at Talleyrand and said, "My hand slipped."

Talleyrand laughed at his reaction. He held his stomach and said, "Come on! Arthur, this is not a banquet. Don't make such funny jokes on me."

Lionel, who was standing aside and had some experience in sword fighting, saw some clues from Arthur's movements.

He took a slight breath first, then shook his head with a smile and said: "Arthur, it seems that I shouldn't come to you to play golf. I dare say that no one in the London Fencing Club can surpass this level of force control skills." Damn it. How about I take you there to fight them some other time?"

When Talleyrand heard this, he couldn't help but patted his head: "Oh! I forgot if you didn't tell me. I remember seeing in the newspaper two days ago that the 'Foil Napoleon' seemed to be killing everyone in London. Arthur , don’t you plan to defend your British swordsmanship glory?”

"Napoleon on foil?" Arthur picked up the golf ball and put it on the ball holder again: "Why are the recent nicknames always so uncreative? Napoleon in the perfume industry, Napoleon in the tailoring industry, and we still sit in the Royal Observatory behind us. He is the Napoleon of astronomy. Without Napoleon, the London media would probably lose half of its news coverage."

Lionel joked: "It's not all Napoleon. Aren't you called the Wellington of Scotland Yard by The Times?"

Arthur took out his handkerchief and wiped his club: "This is probably your idea for them, right? After all, Rothschild invested a lot of money in The Times. It's just that the Times called me that. I wonder what the Duke of Wellington himself would think.”

"What do you think?" Talleyrand punched his club and laughed: "I just had dinner with Wellington two days ago. He himself doesn't mind if you use his name. After all, he now has a new appearance. No. The people of London call him the Iron Duke now, don’t they?”

At this point, Talleyrand, who was playful, also said: "Boy, let me tell you, why don't you go and challenge Napoleon with the foil? I heard them say that you can fight seventeen pirates by yourself. , if you can win the foil Napoleon again, then you can win the nickname Wellington in the foil."

When Arthur heard this, he just said helplessly: "Sir, have you been really bored lately?"

"Yes, you guessed it right."

Talleyrand smiled and said: "Didn't you say that before? The Oxbridge Thames Boat Race is held at the end of March, the Derby and Marseille is held in June, and the Running of the Bulls is now overwhelmed by tax increases, and As a Scotland Yard policeman, you hate big boxing matches. In this case, if you, the foil Wellington, don't show up, the arrangements for British sports in the second half of the year will be really bleak."

When Arthur heard this, he suddenly remembered Talleyrand's itinerary this morning. He pretended to be casual and asked casually: "If I remember correctly, Britain and France are currently quarreling over the Polish issue. What are you doing this morning?" You even made a special trip to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Could it be that this issue, which is related to the life and death of millions of people in Poland, was solved in one morning?"

When Talleyrand heard this, he just smiled and shook his head: "It's not that it's solved, but that this matter has no solution. Since there is no solution, why should I spend so much time on it. Arthur, if you ask me, your new Foreign Secretary, Viscount Palmerston, will sooner or later regret the answer he gave me today. If it were the unfortunate Viscount of Castlereagh who was talking to me today, he would never give it to me. What he said was so decisive. What a pity, why would such an outstanding person as Castlereagh commit suicide because he couldn't think about it."

When Arthur heard this, he quickly said: "Your Excellency, although I do not want to disagree with your opinion, in order to maintain judicial justice and the honor of Viscount Castlereagh, I must correct your view here. He did not commit suicide, but It's because you're insane and can't control your impulse. I remember that you were Bishop Auden, how could you make a mistake in such a thing?"

When Talleyrand heard this, he was stunned for a moment and then laughed: "Oh! I almost forgot. Suicide is an unpardonable act in the eyes of the church and British law. What is the law? ? If the suicide is successful, a wooden stick must be pierced through the heart of the deceased. If the suicide is attempted, the suicide must be hanged. These two laws should not be abolished yet, right? "

Arthur said seriously: "The former article has been abolished by Sir Robert Peel's order, but the latter article is still under discussion in the Chancery Hall."

Talleyrand nodded slightly and said: "So, Peel did a pretty good job. At least he knows how to look at problems from a sports perspective, which is much better than Palmerston."

When Lionel heard this, his eyes moved slightly, and he asked with a smile: "Did Viscount Palmerston have any trouble with you?"

Talleyrand glanced at Lionel and said casually: "If he can learn to talk to foreign ministers with respect, I believe he can do better in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Or, at least, I hope he can Treat France with half the respect you give Russia."

Agares, who was lying on the acacia tree and chewing apples, saw this scene and couldn't help but sneer: "One wants to listen, and the other wants to talk. But on the surface, he is half-hearted and half-hearted. It's really the mother-in-law's, and He’s like a motherfucker.”

When Arthur heard this, he just glanced at the red devil: "Agares, I understand your complaints, but we humans usually call this diplomacy."

Lionel then asked Talleyrand: "What did he say to you?"

Talleyrand coughed twice, imitating Palmerston's formal and serious tone and said: "I believe that even if Britain offers friendly mediation on the Polish issue, it will be rejected by Russia. Moreover, the major powers just recently French proposals to intervene in Poland were rejected.

In the event that friendly mediation was rejected by Russia, British and French intervention in the Polish question could only be of a coercive nature, but the close partnership between the authorities at St. James's Palace and the authorities in St. Petersburg did not allow the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to do so. interference.

In addition, Russia's right to possess Poland had long been confirmed in the Peace of Vienna. Moreover, I am very convinced that the current Russian Tsar is a strong and powerful monarch. Therefore, judging from the current situation, the time for Britain and France to launch armed intervention to deal with a strong monarch with indisputable rights is far from mature. "

When Arthur heard this, he finally understood why Talleyrand was unhappy today.

Although Palmerston's words may seem logical at first glance, upon closer examination, none of them are logically coherent.

First of all, according to news reports in the past few days, not all major powers refuse to intervene in the Polish issue.

For example, Austrian Prime Minister Metternich, who once stood in the same trench with the Russians on the issue of Belgian independence, became somewhat restless on the Polish issue.

The reason why Austria was previously unwilling to allow Belgium to become independent from the Netherlands was because the Austrians hoped to use a complete and powerful Netherlands to hinder France's eastward expansion. Similarly, Austria does not want the Russians to swallow Poland in one gulp, but hopes that Poland will serve as a barrier between Austria and Tsarist Russia.

Therefore, Palmerston lied in the first paragraph.

In the second paragraph, he took the initiative to raise the level of intervention to armed intervention. This was almost intimidating the French face to face, either not to intervene, or to intervene they would have to fight the Russians. And once France goes to war with Russia, Britain will never provide France with any form of assistance.

As for the "Vienna Peace Treaty" in the third paragraph, he directly put his shamelessness on the table. In the Treaty of Vienna, Russia's possession of Poland was subject to a precondition, that is, Russia must respect Poland's 1815 Constitution. The reason why France and Austria want to intervene in Poland is because this prerequisite is now gone.

After hearing this, Lionel couldn't help but be a little surprised: "This...is this really what Viscount Palmerston said? I'm surprised that he didn't take the initiative to cause trouble with the Russians, but if based on this paragraph It can be speculated that he did not intend to ask for any compensation from the Russians, so he sold Poland directly? This is not in line with everyone's impression of him. Since he entered the political arena, he has always shown a tough image. ah!"

When Arthur heard this, he just said softly: "Lionel, that only shows that your understanding of Viscount Palmerston is still too shallow. Viscount Palmerston has always been tough when dealing with the weak, but when he treats When faced with a strong enemy, his attitude can be summed up by a speech he made in parliament in his early years."

Talleyrand also became interested when he heard this: "What did he say in Parliament?"

Arthur said: "Some people want us to threaten during negotiations, regardless of the fact that once the negotiations fail, we are not prepared for war. If we keep talking about war but actually want to be neutral, if we If we threaten the military and hide behind official documents, if we just wave our swords provocatively when discussing an issue, but when it comes time to fight, we grab a pen and write a close-up protest, then we become braggarts. Coward, this will not only be despised by the whole of Europe and become the object of ridicule, but from now on no one will take what we say seriously."

Talleyrand thought for a moment and asked again: "When did you say this?"

Arthur rubbed his temples: "If the archived documents remember correctly, it should have been in 1823 when France was commissioned by the Holy Alliance to send troops to intervene in the Spanish Revolution. At that time, many liberal members of Parliament believed that Britain should immediately carry out a campaign to safeguard progress. An expedition of liberal forces sent troops to aid the revolutionary constitutional government of Spain.

Viscount Palmerston then delivered the above speech in Parliament, trying his best to prevent what he considered to be a "Don Quixote-like crusade for abstract principles." Because in his opinion, this operation was neither economical nor realistic, and it would also risk offending most of Europe. "

Talleyrand suddenly smiled when he heard this: "If you put it like that, I can understand why he made that statement today. I understand that he doesn't want to take risks, and he won't pinch him if he is not a soft persimmon. But I can also put it here clearly. Sooner or later, he will regret his behavior of condoning the Russians.

Look at Greece. Because Britain blindly condoned the Russians during the Russo-Turkish War and the Greek War of Independence, and allowed Codrington to completely defeat the Ottoman navy, the Russian power in Greece is now not only surpassed by France, but even by Britain. You can't touch the Russians' butts either.

Don’t forget, the Greek President Capodistrias originally served as the head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian negotiator at the Vienna Conference. "

When Arthur heard this, he just replied lightly: "There will be someone responsible for Mr. Capodistrias's affairs."

When Talleyrand heard this, his expression suddenly changed. He raised his eyebrows: "Boy, does Scotland Yard still care about this matter? I used to think that your business scope was only in London."

"No matter." Arthur swung the club and hit the golf ball into the sky: "But I occasionally go to the Royal Navy's Geographical Information, Topology and Statistics Department and the Army Ordnance Survey, and sometimes I hear from them... I can hear something new.”

"oh……"

When the knowledgeable Talleyrand heard these two names, he immediately understood what Arthur meant. He couldn't help but glance at the young man in front of him again: "What did you communicate with them when you went there?"

Arthur bit his white glove and took it off: "Nothing, just exchanging some information about reptile specimens."

"Reptile specimens?" Lionel was confused after hearing this: "Shouldn't this thing be found at the Linnean Institute? When I look for specimens for the Duke of Sussex, I usually go there."

Arthur raised his head and glanced at him: "Lionel, the specimens of the Linnean Society are all for civilian use. I am talking about police and military use."

Talleyrand patted Arthur on the shoulder seriously: "Then do you know who will be operating the specimen this time?"

When Arthur heard this, he just said helplessly: "Sir, you should know this better than me. The craftsmanship of the indigenous people in the place where the specimen comes from is the best."

Talleyrand couldn't help laughing when he heard this: "It seems that you know a lot."

When Lionel heard this, he also felt something was wrong. He always felt that the old man and the young man were using some slang to communicate.

He thought for a while and finally decided not to ask.

If Rothschild wanted to know what happened in Greece, he only needed to send a few couriers to visit Athens, and he would receive a detailed written report within a few days.

He patted Arthur on the back and said with a smile: "I have talked so much about useless things that I have almost forgotten our main business. We are here to play ball today, not to discuss some reptile specimens. Come on, Arthur, where did you just hit the ball?"

When Arthur heard this, he just shook his head slightly. He glanced at Agares, who was squatting on the tree, patting his legs and laughing wildly, and said, "It depends on where the crow flies."

Talleyrand frowned and said, "A crow?"

The caddy on the side spoke at the right time: "That's right, sir, Mr. Hastings' ball was just snatched away by a crow flying over the course."

"Took it away?" Lionel slapped his forehead and exclaimed: "Oh my God! Does the "St. Andrews Rules" explain what the penalty should be if the ball is picked up by a crow?"

"Uh..." The caddy said, "The rules say: If the ball is blocked by any person, horse, dog or other object, you should continue to hit the ball where it is. But if it is taken away by a crow, This is probably the first time in hundreds of years, and perhaps I should suggest to the club that this should be included the next time the St. Andrews Rules are revised."

Lionel wondered: "Can you suggest rule changes to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews?"

When the caddy heard this, he said rather dissatisfiedly: "Sir, I am the chief caddy of the St. Andrews course. In addition, I am also the best golfer in Scotland and even the whole of Britain. Today I I originally came to Blackheath to play an exchange competition, but if I hadn’t heard that three distinguished guests were visiting today, and there were two beginners among them, I wouldn’t have been temporarily arranged to teach a few gentlemen here.”

Talleyrand also joked: "Young man, are you really the best golfer in Scotland? I see that you are only sixteen or seventeen years old, so don't flash your tongue when you talk big."

The caddy didn't care who Talleyrand was. On the golf course, he was the king here.

The caddy said: "If you don't believe it, why don't you compete with me? If I lose, I will cover your club membership fees this year. But if I win, I won't bully you as a beginner. Just call me Napoleon on the golf course."

"It's Napoleon again, hahahaha, that's interesting." Talleyrand laughed when he heard this: "I wonder if I am lucky enough to know the surname of the best golfer in Scotland?"

The caddy took out a club from the golf bag and weighed it twice: "Aaron Robertson, Your Excellency, don't blame me for not reminding you that so far, no one has been able to beat me on the golf course."

"Well, then, Mr. Robertson, where do we start?"

"Sir, let's play eighteen holes according to the rules. I'll give you three strokes. As for the final tee point, I'll let you choose it."

Talleyrand found a strong opponent and couldn't help but become interested in competing with him.

He raised his hand and said goodbye to Arthur and Lionel: "You two, this boy is too arrogant. It would be too unmanly if he didn't fight. By the way, Arthur, don't forget Leave me a ticket.”

"Keep a ticket?" Arthur frowned and asked, "What ticket."

As Talleyrand walked, he turned to Arthur and waved his hand: "What else could it be? It's a ticket for you to duel with Napoleon in foil. Arthur, don't say that my friend doesn't support you, even though Napoleon in foil is a Frenchman." , but I will definitely bet on you in this battle. You won’t let me, an old man with a meager income, lose a lot of money, right?"

Arthur watched Talleyrand go further and further, and suddenly lit the cigar in his hand: "Mr. Talleyrand is really neat in his work. He said everything he needed to say and didn't want to stop at all."

Lionel also nodded slightly and said: "It seems that those conversations between him and Viscount Palmerston were revealed to us on purpose. He still does not give up on the Polish issue, and he also knows that Rothschild is now riding on Hui. The French party, and you can poke holes in the Minister of the Interior, the Lord Chancellor and the Tories. It is much better for us to say some things than for him to relay it to these people himself. After all, his position is still too French and official. "

Having said this, Lionel turned around and asked: "Arthur, what do you think the final outcome of this matter will be?"

Arthur took a puff of his cigar: "There will be no results in the short term. After all, the parliament is still busy with too many problems. Compared with parliamentary reform, Poland is not ranked at all. But for Mr. Talleyrand, maybe he I didn't expect any consequences at first, I just wanted to add some trouble to Viscount Palmerston. Anyone who changed his master six times would be dead if Napoleon offended him. If he doesn't give Palmerston any color, let's see what happens. Are you worthy of repaying his wrath?"

Lionel thought for a while: "That's all, it would be nice to get a favor from Mr. Talleyrand. After all, our business in Paris is quite big. But, Arthur, what are you going to do with it?"

"Me? It depends on the situation." Arthur loosened his wrist: "Besides, don't I have a focus match to play now? What is the origin of that foil Napoleon?"

"Are you actually interested?"

Lionel smiled and blinked: "Napoleon in foil, Parisian swordsman, Francois Bertrand. Arthur, please think about it, this man is not one of those showboats from the London Fencing Club. He doesn't There are too many exaggerated but impractical sword moves, but his sword-drawing speed and footwork agility are the best I have ever seen in my life. He just came to London last month and swept all the fencing venues in London, picking up challenges one after another. Thirty-six London swordsmen fell."

Arthur blew out a smoke ring: "Oh? It sounds familiar. Didn't he split a plaque that said 'The Sick Man of France' or something?"

Lionel recalled the news reports: "Plaque? Not really."

Arthur asked: "Speaking of which, what path did he take? The German Richard Naer flow, the Meyer flow, or like me, the Apennine Fiore flow?"

"neither."

Lionel smiled and said: "Arthur, all you play are long sword moves. And Mr. Bertrand, just like his nickname, is a master of foil fencing. His sword moves are naturally also French foil, beautiful. , smooth, calm, and stab-oriented French foil.

However, if you are used to Fiore-style swordsmanship, you should be able to quickly get started with the Italian-style foil. After all, Fiore flow also originates from the Italian region, and its style is also proactive, fierce and fierce.

Especially in terms of footwork, with the foundation of Fiore style, even if you don't take the initiative to practice, you can still approach the technique of forcing your opponent with small leaps without a teacher. That's what Italian foil is so good about, it's very entertaining to watch. Even if you lose, from the looks of it, you're still beating your opponent the entire time. Moreover, as long as the opponent is not careful, he will be lifted up and finished by you with a bounce step. "

When Arthur heard this, he thought for a moment and said, "It sounds pretty good. It seems I have to take some time to practice. I'm still very short of money recently."

Lionel blinked: "Don't worry, Arthur, let me know when you are ready. I will organize this game, and I guarantee that we can make a lot of money from the tickets alone."