Shadow of great britain

The important purpose of war is to achieve political results, not military success.

——Theodor Monson

In the storm, generals in crisp crimson uniforms rode horses through the cobbled streets of London. The kerosene lamps on the street were swaying from the rain. The rain was like dense arrows, mercilessly hitting the badges on their chests and the copper buttons on their coats, making a soft sound, as if telling them that they had been on the battlefield. I have experienced countless stormy days.

I still remember the last time I experienced such a rainy day on the battlefield. That place was called Waterloo.

Although the rain soaked their uniforms and stuck to their bodies, revealing the majestic body lines, everyone's posture was still steady and strong, as if they were not affected by the bad weather at all.

Everyone was silent all the way. At this moment, the generals didn't know what to say.

They were all waiting for the guy at the front of everyone to speak, the old guy who led them to defeat Napoleon and the First French Empire.

Duke Wellington seemed to sense his subordinate's wishes. He held the reins with one hand and spoke without looking back.

"My Lords, although I hate to admit it, I must say that I wanted to organize a successful rearguard action, but what happened in London tonight has demonstrated our failure. In the past week, I After successive retreats, they retreated to a small hill in the rear, trying to establish a Tory government, a government that could maintain order, maintain national stability, and introduce a more moderate reform bill. But..."

When the Marquis of Anglesey and others heard this, they couldn't help but said in shock: "Your Excellency, you...you mean that you are not actually opposed to reform?"

The Duke of Wellington straightened his back and shook his head slightly: "No, I have always been the staunchest opponent of parliamentary reform. However, if they must do this, I am willing to make certain concessions. But now, these are all It no longer matters, because the actions of the Tory political elite in this rearguard action over the parliamentary reform crisis have failed to meet my expectations of them.

They were clinging to their own consistency after such a long period of resistance, and this strange philistine weakness hampered their chances of helping pass a moderate version of the reform bill. But at the same time, they are unwilling to stand up as staunch opponents of reform.

Last night I asked Mrs. Arbuthnot to invite them to dinner at the Carlton Club. The next day, I summoned more people, but you understand that in the current crisis, if some people think that the matter has nothing to do with them and want to hang themselves high, it will be difficult for others to go against their will. Take them off.

After a week of hard work, I regret to announce to you that as of now, there are only two people willing to serve in the cabinet, and these two people are here today. They are loyal, reliable, and always trustworthy military supplies. Maj. Gen. George Murray, the officer, and Maj. Gen. Henry Harding, the cool-headed and analytical first-rate staff officer. "

When Duke Wellington said this, everyone couldn't help but cast their eyes on the two colleagues beside them.

They lowered their heads slightly and responded in a low voice: "Your Excellency, you have done your best for the birth of a new government. The fault for the failure of forming the government does not lie with you."

The Duke of Wellington did not respond to the comfort of his subordinates, but continued to state: "As you can see, after a breathless week, our breakout has failed. I am very sorry to everyone. Say, I have failed to break the Whig blockade in the House of Lords, and now the long siege is almost over.

You know my character, and you know my temper and command style. In most cases in my life, I have fought battles with outnumbered enemies. Because I cannot afford losses, I would usually rather swallow a small defeat with a slight loss than win a victory with over 10,000 casualties. And in this war, if we insist on winning, the losers will be all the British people.

Just tonight, the first victim has appeared, an outstanding young man. He could have lived for another few decades and continued to dedicate himself to His Majesty the King and this country. However, just now, he fell in a Riots near the Tower of London. Surrounded by a hostile social environment and an angry House of Commons, we have little room for maneuver.

In this case I am prepared to sacrifice my principles as a royalist. Because I am not serving a certain group of people, but the king, and factional fighting has now greatly harmed the interests of the country. I know that many people in the party accuse me of being back-and-forth on the issue of Catholic emancipation, but this is the basis of everything I do. Since I have eaten the king's salt, no matter how dangerous and dangerous the situation ahead is, I will not refuse. "

When the generals heard this, they couldn't help but lower their heads. Their mood seemed very low.

Suddenly, someone asked: "Sir, do you mean to say that you intend to persuade His Majesty the King to agree to a large number of Whig seats in the House of Lords?"

"No." The Duke of Wellington said: "I firmly oppose allowing His Majesty to do such an act against his will, but at the same time, I will not change my opposition to parliamentary reform. However, my opposition will not change. Will appear in the House of Lords.”

At this point, the Duke of Wellington's horse suddenly stopped: "I will be absent from the parliamentary reform vote in the House of Lords tomorrow, and I also hope that all people who are loyal to this country will do the same as me."

When the generals heard this, they pursed their lips, sighed, and immediately replied loudly: "Ask God to witness that your wish will come true."

…

"The Duke of Wellington withdraws his objection to the Parliamentary Reform Bill"

"Old Nose gave an order to his subordinates: Turn back collectively!" 》

"More than half of the seats in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster were empty during the vote on parliamentary reform"

"The People's Representation Amendment Bill for England and Wales was formally voted on by the House of Lords on the morning of June 6"

"56 declining constituencies with a population of less than 2,000 people were eliminated, 32 cities with a population between 2,000 and 4,000 were reduced to one seat, 65 seats were added to county constituencies, and 22 new industrial cities were added seat》

"After the reform is passed, the number of voters in Britain will surge from 478,000 before the reform to 814,000"

"The passage of the reform bill means that 16% of adult men in the country will gain the right to vote"

"This promises to be an extraordinary summer, as the Whigs dedicate to the British people a victory that even Napoleon never achieved."

"It is believed that hundreds of people were injured and dozens died in stampedes, fights and other violent incidents in the riots that broke out across London last night"

"This is certainly a misfortune, but fortunately, we have achieved our ultimate goal through unremitting struggle"

"Scotland Yard suffered heavy losses in the process of maintaining order, and many upright police officers either lost their jobs or sacrificed their lives."

"We encourage people to fight for freedom, but we also condemn thugs who use shameful tactics in street violence"

"Among all the misfortunes that occurred last night, the only good thing is that Arthur Hastings, the enemy of the people, has received his due comeuppance"

"It is believed that this thoughtful and sinister Catholic gave the police an order to open fire on innocent demonstrators before being shot through the heart"

"Scotland Yard declined to comment on Inspector Hastings' situation when asked by reporters"

"Last point, we are very happy to inform everyone that the weather in London today is cloudy and sunny."

…

Outside Bentham's residence in Westminster, London, young people cheered one after another.

Hats thrown by them were flying everywhere in the sky.

At this moment, each of them wanted to share this joy with the widely respected old man.

They wanted to rush to Bentham's side and tell him that the parliamentary reform he had fought for his entire life had finally been achieved today.

But to their disappointment, Mr. Bentham's butler Andrew told them that the old man had gone to the countryside to recuperate due to poor health.

And somewhere they couldn't see, a young man with noble Bonaparte blood had already gone around to the back door, and led by the butler Andrew, came to the door of Bentham's study.

This is not the first time Louis has come here, but compared to the last time, there seems to be something missing around him.

Louis pushed open the door and looked at Bentham who was leaning on the couch, but he hesitated to speak.

There was an unhealthy blush on the old man's face. He seemed to be in good spirits and even had the strength to raise his hand to say hello to Louis.

However, this does not mean that there is really no problem with his body. His bony arms and the corners of his mouth are sunken. A gust of wind blew through the window and lifted up the white shirt covering him. His body could no longer support this. A wide coat.

Everyone understood it, but they concealed it from themselves. They didn't want to see clearly that Bentham was actually burning his last vitality at this time.

Andrew stopped in front of the door, hesitating whether to go in, but in the end, he abided by his agreement with Bentham and stood straight there.

Bentham recognized Louis and said, "Is that you? I seem to have seen you before. Are you Arthur's secretary? That young man from France?"

Louis walked restrainedly to the spot where Arthur once stood, took off his hat and said: "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bentham, an honorary citizen of France recognized by the Revolutionary Government."

When Bentham heard this, he couldn't help but smile: "If this sentence was spoken by an Englishman, it would probably be a satire on me. But given your French origin, I know you should be using Praise me with the most superlative words you can think of. Thank you, young man. If we had known each other earlier, I might have a lot to say to you. But for now, let Arthur do it, he Need to fulfill his promise to me.”

When Louis heard this, he couldn't help but fell into silence for a while.

He took a deep breath and seemed to be thinking about how to talk to the old man.

"Mr. Bentham, Arthur has fulfilled his promise. You should have heard the cheers. These guys still have the energy to cheer, and the parliamentary reform has been passed. He has deeply understood the principle of utilitarianism, and the University of London has produced good students." . He used his personal breach of trust to you in exchange for the maximum happiness for this society."

At this point, Louis only felt that his throat was blocked and his Adam's apple was throbbing: "I remember you said in the newspaper that nature puts human beings under two supreme masters, pain and happiness. And Arthur's pain, At this time it has turned into happiness for the whole of Britain."

When Bentham heard this, his eyes widened slightly, and the old man seemed to understand something.

He didn't look surprised, just regretful.

The old man raised his head and looked at the sunshine outside the window, nodded slightly and said: "You are right, this young man Arthur has always studied very well. He must still remember what I said to him: I really want to reach out and pick up the stars. People often forget the flowers at their feet, and the highest principle of morality is to maximize happiness. People who can bear pain usually endure more than ordinary people, but I did not expect that the water poured into the vase was enough to kill him itself submerged.”

Louis lowered his head and took a deep breath: "Mr. Bentham, it is useless to say more now. I believe that if Arthur is still here, his only wish now is that you can take good care of your body and you can still live. "

Bentham looked at the glass of the window sill and seemed to see his reflection in it: "How long has it been?"

"Just this morning." Louis pursed his lips: "A few hours ago, when the whole of Britain was cheering, his heart stopped beating."

Bentham shook his head slightly, looking a little tired: "Although it's rude to say this, young man, can you go downstairs and get me a glass of water?"

Louis nodded. He also wanted to go out for some air. This room made him feel depressed, so depressed that he almost went crazy.

Bentham watched Louis exit the room and gently close the door. His eyes quickly turned to the other side, where the window with bright sunlight was leaning against a blood-red devil, who was leaning there and chewing on an apple.

Bentham smiled knowingly and said: "Are you here to take me away? Will a disbeliever like me go to hell in the end?"

"Hell? That place has long been overcrowded." Agares threw away the apple core and sneered: "A place where I can't even get in, do you still want to jump in line?"

Bentham observed this wonderful creature in front of him, thinking that it was just an illusion he had before his death. He laughed heartily and said: "Listen to what you say, even the devil has moved to live in heaven now?"

"Devils? Demons are all walking in the world."

Agares walked up to Bentham, leaned down and looked at the old man: "Speaking of which, you acted very calmly. When ordinary people see me, they will either be frightened to the point of madness, or else... I was so frightened that I knelt on the ground and begged. Of all the people I have seen, you are the third strangest."

Bentham smiled and asked: "So, can I have the honor to know who is ranked first and second?"

Agares put his hand on Bentham's shoulder and said.

"One is King Solomon, he is too old for you. But the other guy, you know him, Arthur Hastings, your good student at London University. Old man, I didn't expect that your good student actually He is the devil's contractor, a heinous devil on earth.

But having said that, I sent him to you to train him, which is a blessing that you have only cultivated in ten lifetimes. But it is a pity that he is dead now. He died like a humble insect that was stepped into the mud and could not turn over after death.

You humans are always like this. For a dead man who has fallen out of favor, it is perfectly appropriate to place all the blame on him. What a miserable race, and this is why I look down on you guys. They always pray for protection, and when they don't get it, they pretend to be strong and principled. You are really despicable, and at the same time, very cowardly. "

Bentham listened quietly to the cynicism of the Red Devil. There was neither anger nor joy in his heart. He just smiled and said: "In that case, why did you come to me? I am already a dying man. Oh, could it be said that you want to take away my soul?"

"You're smart, at least smarter than those idiots cheering outside."

Agares paced in the room: "But you are still wrong, old man, I am not interested in ordinary souls. Although your soul is a little greater than ordinary people, I hope to get a more noble and pure soul." . Let’s make a deal, I’ll give you five years of life in exchange for a promise you still haven’t fulfilled.”

"Promise?" Bentham said suddenly: "Are you talking about Arthur?"

"That's right."

Agares sneered: "With five years of life, you have made a lot of money this time. As long as you nod and hand that thing over to me, you can jump out of bed and accept the stupid things outside." Cheers and continue to be your opinion leader. After the reform bill is passed, your already rising reputation will become even more grand. Aren't you a leader in the field of law? Maybe they can take the opportunity to elect you to be the chief justice and the speaker of the House of Lords. Those positions that I have never touched in my life. And the price of all this is just to give me the promise of a student. As a student, you always have a lot of such things."

When Bentham heard this, he did not immediately agree to Agares, but asked instead: "I have many students, and you must have many contractors. But why do you want this one? And you plan to What to do with him?"

Agares spread his hands and smiled sarcastically: "Sorry, old man, answering questions is not part of our deal. You can choose to refuse, but I promise you, if you refuse, there will never be another time. ”

"I refuse." Almost at the moment the Red Devil shut up, Bentham blurted out without hesitation.

Agares' smile froze on his face, sparks surged everywhere, and flames ignited around him, as if he wanted to use fire to destroy this small house filled with books.

However, such a reaction did not frighten Bentham. For a dying man, he was already fearless.

Agares stared into his eyes: "Why? I need a reason."

"That's something you should ask yourself."

Bentham remained expressionless, his smile like the sun: "I love my students as the devil loves his contractors. A small, fleeting expectation can often arise from a purely natural environment. Come out. And a strong and lasting expectation can only come from law or rules. He has already taken on too much water, so how dare I not share some for him? Mr. Devil, you know, I am A utilitarian."

Agares glanced at him and said nothing, but suddenly snapped his fingers.

His figure is gradually dissipating with the flames in the air: "People often say that only by knowing the end of a book can you truly understand the beginning of the book. And my biggest mistake was that I should not have sent him to the University of London. If I had known this, , I should have sent him to Cambridge or Oxford."

Bentham looked at Agares's disappearing figure and asked with a smile: "If you really sent him to Oxford or Cambridge, you wouldn't want to get his promise so much. Forgive me, devil Sir. Last question, Arthur, your contractor, what will be his final fate?"

Agares' body has disappeared, and only his voice echoes in the empty study.

"He will be revived on the third day after cardiac arrest."

Click.

The door to the study room opened.

With a bang, the water glass broke, and warm water flowed freely on the floor.

"Bian...Mr. Bentham..."

Jeremy Bentham, this gentle old gentleman, a leading figure in the field of British jurisprudence and the spiritual father of the University of London, did not greet every friend politely as usual this time.

Instead, he leaned quietly on the recliner, his arms hanging down weakly. He responded with a bright smile of contentment as he welcomed the new century.