SGB Chapter 281

## Chapter 281: The Virtuoso of Sword and Piano (5K8)

“When the Warsaw Uprising erupted last year, I was in Vienna preparing for a small concert performance. Soon after, I received a letter from my father back home, urging me to stay in Vienna and not return to Poland. However, every time I thought about my homeland shrouded in smoke and the Warsaw people suffering under artillery fire, I couldn’t control my emotions.

My heart couldn’t find peace. For two whole months, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. I couldn’t write any music. When my fingertips touched the keys, I no longer felt the joy I once had. Mr. Hastings, you’re also a pianist, you should understand how I felt back then, right?”

Arthur sat beside the sofa, quietly listening to Chopin recount his story. When asked, he simply nodded slightly, “Yes, I understand your feelings. Ever since I learned to play the piano, practicing for a short while every morning before work makes my mind exceptionally calm and brings me a good mood before work. If I could no longer play the piano, I really don’t know how I would live. Frederick, I cherish the black and white notes that dance on my fingertips, and I love the Sunday concerts. When the lights go out and everything fades into nothingness, I can feel the meaning of my own existence.”

The Red Devil, leaning against the wall and yawning, chimed in, “Yeah, yeah, the meaning of your existence is to earn that ten-odd pounds at the Sunday concert. You’ve been learning piano for a whole bloody year, and you still only know how to play one piece. The most infuriating thing is that, you little bastard, you always manage to get away with it using your smooth talking mouth. You even have the audacity to call it the perseverance and focus of a great pianist.”

Arthur glanced at the Red Devil, but instantly switched to a gentle smile, pushing the cup of warm coffee towards Chopin, “Frederick, have some warm coffee. Hopefully, it’ll make you feel better.”

Chopin nodded gratefully. He picked up the cup and drank it in one gulp, “Thank you, Mr. Hastings. I feel much better now.”

Dumas, engrossed in the story, urged, “Frederick, go on. Your story is even more legendary than I imagined.”

Chopin smiled shyly, “When I realized that the music I loved most couldn’t bring me joy anymore, and the burning keys couldn’t warm my heart, I finally understood my destiny. I shouldn’t be sitting in a concert hall in Vienna when Poland needed me most. I should return to Warsaw, even if it’s filled with dark clouds. I should return to my homeland, even if the Russians want to bury me there.

In the evening, I was restless and felt a tightness in my chest. I just wanted to go out, to clear my mind. I walked aimlessly through the streets of Vienna, not knowing how far I had gone. But when I stopped, I looked up and saw Beethoven’s former residence. It was a two-story apartment, not very high, with white paint on the walls.

The nearby streets were quiet, with few passersby. Everything was quiet. Evening Vienna was very peaceful. In the silent environment, I closed my eyes, and I could almost hear Beethoven playing the piano in my ear. The spirited melody, the rising and falling rhythm, that was Beethoven’s unyielding spirit, that was the “Symphony of Destiny,” that was the joy I had lost for so long and now regained from music. From that moment, I also understood my destiny.

That night, I didn’t say goodbye to the friends I made in Vienna, nor did I bid farewell to Czerny, Clementi, Hummel, and Girovitz, who had helped me so much. Because I knew that once I said goodbye to them, they wouldn’t stand by and watch me return to the gunfire of Warsaw to die. I packed my bags, shouldered my luggage, and set off for the border between Austria and Poland.

But things turned out differently than I expected. Arthur, I don’t mind you laughing at me, I’m really useless. Besides playing the piano, I know absolutely nothing about life. When I reached the border between the two countries, I realized that Austria had sealed the border and banned all goods and personnel from crossing the border into Poland.

To bypass the Austrian blockade, I searched along the border for a long time before finding a gap that hadn’t been noticed. I followed the gap and stepped onto Polish soil. But once I entered Poland, I found that the journey back to Warsaw was more difficult than I imagined. All the carriages in the villages and towns were unwilling to head towards Warsaw, everyone knew how dangerous it was there. So, I could only choose to walk.

But I didn’t walk for long before I got lost. I couldn’t tell where I was, and there was continuous heavy rain. The already difficult road became even more muddy. Every time I walked a certain distance, I had to ask the villagers along the way for directions to Warsaw, and I also needed to buy some food supplies in the villages and towns. Soon, the money I had with me was almost gone.

Fortunately, I was not far from Warsaw. But before I could be happy, I saw a group of retreating soldiers ahead. They shouted that Warsaw had been occupied, and the Tsar’s rule had once again enveloped the Polish land. This was undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for me. I wanted to continue towards Warsaw, but they stopped me. When they learned of my intention, they forcibly took me with them to evacuate, despite my objections.

My memory of what happened afterward is a little blurry. I only remember that I was in a daze those days. I followed them on a long journey, passing through some villages and towns, and finally boarded a ship with them and came to London. After arriving here, I didn’t want to see anyone for several weeks. I felt like a clown, full of passion but ultimately achieving nothing.

I once had a dream, I wanted to be the greatest pianist in the world. Later, I wanted to share the fate of my homeland. But in the end, I could only live in a cheap apartment in London, hiding under the cold, damp blankets. I’m really useless, that’s what I was thinking at the time.

But one day, Mr. Mickiewicz knocked on my door. He sat at the edge of my bed and shared his experiences with me. It was then that I learned that he was just like me, we both wanted to return to Warsaw to support our homeland, but ultimately failed. But Mr. Mickiewicz was perhaps even more miserable than me, because when we were forcibly taken away to evacuate, I was closer to Warsaw than he was.

Perhaps because of our shared experiences, we became friends instantly. Mr. Mickiewicz told me that many Poles, unwilling to live under Russian rule, had retreated to London with us. There were adults, children, men, and women.

But many of them didn’t speak English, so even the lowest-paying, most menial jobs, no one was willing to hire them. Now, many of them are living in extreme hardship. At this time, those of us with skills should step up and help them. Or at least, we should help them through this difficult period before they learn English.

Mr. Mickiewicz said that he is currently writing articles for “The Englishman” to earn money, and pianists like me might as well inquire at the various theaters in London to see if there are any performance opportunities. Mr. Mickiewicz’s words encouraged me. For the first time, I, who am not good at socializing, desperately searched for performance opportunities.

However, perhaps because of my poor language skills, or perhaps because of distrust of foreigners, they wouldn’t even give me a chance to try out on stage. Just when I thought it was all over, Prince Czartoryski learned about me from Mr. Mickiewicz. He invited me to his mansion, where I also met the British Foreign Secretary.

He kindly told me that he knew an outstanding pianist, a young man with brilliant talent. Most importantly, he also had a compassionate heart that cared for the suffering Polish people. If I could find him, he would surely lend me a helping hand.”

At this point, Chopin’s brows were lowered. From the beads of sweat on his temples and his slightly incoherent speech, it was clear that he had been preparing these words for a long time.

As a young man who was naturally introverted and didn’t have a very large social circle, it was definitely more difficult for him to prepare such a long monologue than to compose a timeless masterpiece at random.

But even though he was nervous and somewhat ashamed, he still said these words in front of Arthur.

Chopin clenched his fists, his shoulders shaking, and he remained silent for a long time.

After a long silence, he finally looked up, mustering his courage, “Mr. Hastings, please forgive my bluntness and rudeness, but I really need money now.”

Arthur held the white porcelain cup in his hand, watching the calm coffee in the cup, suddenly he laughed.

Dumas and Disraeli exchanged glances, and they both showed a knowing smile.

Chopin was bewildered by their smiles. He looked a little embarrassed, “You… what are you laughing at?”

Arthur put down his cup, looked up at Chopin sitting opposite him, “Frederick, are we friends?”

Chopin was taken aback by these words, “Mr. Hastings, I… I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Arthur didn’t speak, he just extended his hand towards Chopin and nodded slightly.

Chopin was stunned at first. He hesitated for a moment, then finally slowly raised his arm, leaning forward and shaking Arthur’s hand.

Arthur smiled gently, “Frederick, we are friends now. Remember, don’t call me Mr. Hastings, just call me Arthur. Hastings sounds too formal.”

Dumas also nodded, “That’s right, Frederick, I’m your friend now. Let me reintroduce myself, I’m Alexandre Dumas, a righteous French republican, and also a novelist. Your story touched me, and I really want to do something for your countrymen. By the way, let me introduce you to the Prime Minister of Britain next to me.”

Disraeli glared at Dumas, then turned to Chopin, “Mr. Chopin, don’t listen to this fat man’s nonsense. I’m Benjamin Disraeli, ‘The Englishman’ where Mr. Mickiewicz’s works are published is my property, or rather, our property.

Let me formally introduce you. The one sitting on my left is Arthur Hastings, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police, a hero in the fight against slave ships on the high seas, a best-selling novelist and shareholder of ‘The Englishman,’ a review editor of ‘The Economist,’ a researcher in the field of electromagnetism in natural philosophy, and a pianist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Second Symphony.

The one sitting on my right is Alexandre Dumas, the leader of the British fashion novel world, a French romantic playwright, creator of ‘Christine,’ ‘Henry III and His Court,’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ and the chief editor of popular literature for ‘The Englishman’.

As for me, Benjamin Disraeli, although I haven’t become Prime Minister yet, please believe me, I will be in the future.”

Chopin was overwhelmed by this string of fancy titles. He was still trying to process what was going on.

Arthur saw his look and simply smiled, “Don’t worry, Frederick. Now that we are friends, your concert is up to me. As you said, this is not just for you, but also for the Polish people. Since we have already published Mr. Mickiewicz’s work, we won’t refuse to host another concert.

Besides, your resume speaks for itself. You are an outstanding pianist. You don’t lack the ability to play, you just lack an opportunity. Frederick, I’ll give you a chance, I’ll give you the best platform to showcase yourself. If you can seize it, you’ll soon be famous in the entire London music scene.

Although London’s concert halls are not as famous as those in Vienna, they will bring you the money you need. Generally speaking, money in London has a stench of copper, but you can give it a noble purpose. Use it to make your countrymen live better. I can’t think of a more meaningful use for it.”

Chopin was dumbfounded.

He had prayed to God for this trip to be successful, but he never imagined that it would go so smoothly. Arthur didn’t even ask him to play a piece on the spot to prove his skills. This was simply the best news he had heard in the past six months.

His lips trembled slightly. Chopin pursed his lips and said, “Arthur, I really don’t know how to thank you. It seems that the Prince and the Viscount weren’t lying to me, you are truly a person of great justice and empathy. I… I must thank you on behalf of my countrymen. Arthur, I… I really appreciate it.”

Arthur smiled and waved his hand, “Frederick, don’t be so formal. I told you, we are friends now. Since we are friends, it’s only natural to help you. Alexandre knows, Benjamin knows, I’ve always treated my friends this way. Besides, maybe in a few days I won’t have the chance to play the piano again. If I’m gone, then the people of London will definitely need a more outstanding pianist to replace me.”

“Can’t play the piano? You… what’s wrong with you?” Chopin asked in confusion, “Is something going to happen in a few days?”

Arthur smiled and nodded, “Yes, in a few days I have a duel to the death with the French swordmaster, Francois Bertrand. This duel has attracted a lot of attention. I heard that tickets for the duel were sold out days ago.

The audience watching the duel includes not only ordinary London citizens, but also many celebrities from the London social scene. So, I also plan to schedule your London debut on the same day, on the same stage where I duel with Bertrand.

Frederick, promise me, if I don’t have the chance to give my beloved audience a final bow by then, please continue to live on stage in my place. I know, you have not only the playing ability to match London’s concert halls, but also a precious and sincere heart. You will do better than me.”

“This…” Chopin felt a jolt in his heart upon hearing this. He never imagined that Arthur would say something like a last will and testament. “Mr. Hastings, if my performance must come at the cost of your final bow, I think such a performance is completely unnecessary. I beg you to reconsider your suggestion.”

Arthur shook his head, “Frederick, the duel is already decided, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Whether I live or die in a few days is not your problem. On the contrary, I’m very fortunate that you showed up at this moment. You made my duel extra meaningful, you elevated the duel to another level. This is no longer a public performance like a monkey show. If I die, then it’s just a necessary sacrifice to save the Polish people.”

The Red Devil couldn’t help but laugh when he heard this, “Arthur, you little bastard are getting more and more wicked. You’ve tricked the old and the young, tricked women, and now you’re tricking men. Once you say this, this performance, no matter the outcome, this young man named Chopin will feel guilty.”

“But, Arthur…”

Chopin tried to persuade him further, but before he could finish, Dumas interrupted him.

Dumas gave Arthur a thumbs up in admiration, then said loudly, “Manly, Arthur, you didn’t disappoint me! Duels should be like this. If you don’t have the determination to die, why bother playing this man’s game? As for you, Frederick, don’t worry. With me, Alexandre Dumas, I won’t stand by and watch my big brother die on the duel stage. Leave the duel to Arthur, Benjamin, and me. Leave all the piano stuff to you.”

Disraeli was startled when he heard this, “What about me? Alexandre, I’m not a good shot!”

“If you’re not good, go practice!” Dumas glared at him, “The Prime Minister of Britain can’t sail a ship, that’s bad enough. If you can’t shoot a gun, what kind of Prime Minister are you? Benjamin, you wouldn’t admit that even Eldon can surpass you in this regard, would you?”

Disraeli wanted to argue, but when he heard Dumas mention Eldon, this naturally competitive Jewish boy couldn’t help but feel indignant.

He glared, tugging his collar, “Alexandre, who are you looking down on? I just don’t practice often, but a talented person can master the art of shooting a hundred paces with one shot in no time! Don’t forget, my opponent is a master of the axe. Although I have no desire to compete with him in strength, I can compete with him in technique.”

Arthur didn’t bother with them, but looked at Chopin and smiled, “So, Frederick, are you confident now? For the sake of the Polish people, the three of us are risking our lives. If you really want to thank us, don’t say anything else, please show the entire British public your skills on stage, on the piano keys. Express your talent, your love for your Polish homeland, and your sorrow for the suffering of the Warsaw people on the piano keys. Frederick, use your brilliant brilliance to blind their eyes!”

Chopin felt a surge of energy in his chest when he heard this, but it wasn’t a feeling of congestion. It was an indescribable feeling, as if a pair of hands were helping him straighten his spine, giving him a powerful force.

His heart felt warm. The shyness and bashfulness were gone from his face. He felt like he had boundless energy.

He grabbed Arthur’s hand and nodded heavily, “Arthur, for your efforts, and for the Polish people, I must live up to your trust! Please believe me, just as I believe in you!”

(End of Chapter)