SGB Chapter 346

## Chapter 346: The Gathering Clouds Over Liverpool

Facing Mill’s inquiry, Arthur didn’t hide his intentions. He knew how to deal with a smart scholar like Mill. Unlike the cunning and manipulative officials, honesty was the key to gaining the trust of a young man like Mill, who had long been living in the ivory tower.

After listening to Arthur’s explanation, Mill grasped the gist of the situation. He mumbled, “Mr. Malthus being assigned to help investigate the customs issues in Liverpool? This… is rather unusual.”

Arthur asked, “I also feel that, with Mr. Malthus’ status and position, assigning him to do this kind of work is a waste of his talent. Auditing is a task that tests eyesight and stamina, and in this regard, a man in his sixties or seventies might not be better than your accounting apprentices.”

Mill nodded, “That’s right, in the accounting profession, auditing and bookkeeping are the least technical…”

“Is that so? I don’t know much about this industry.” Arthur took a sip of tea and asked, “What’s the most prestigious job in this field?”

Hearing this, Mill chuckled self-deprecatingly, “Although it might be inappropriate to say this in front of a Scotland Yard officer, Arthur, I don’t want to deceive you. In the accounting profession, the most respected guys are usually very good at falsifying accounts. They can make fake accounts look just like real ones.”

Arthur smiled at his words, “Don’t worry too much about it, John. Scotland Yard doesn’t have an economic crime investigation department. So, let the Parliament and the courts worry about it. Alright, let’s not talk about that anymore. You and your father are both members of the East India Company, and both of you are active figures in the British economics field. You, in particular, were trained at Haileybury College. So, do you know much about Mr. Malthus?”

Mill was initially hesitant to mention Malthus, but Arthur’s open and honest attitude eventually made him feel uncomfortable.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally sighed and said, “Alright, since you want to hear it, I’ll tell you. But you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone what I say here today.”

Arthur crossed his fingers, resting his elbows on the table and smiling, “Of course, this is the basic ethics of being a police officer. Although Scotland Yard doesn’t have a clear regulation on this, personally, even if a criminal has a private conversation with me, I won’t easily use it as evidence. I have many secrets, and these secrets, I don’t even tell them to Rowan Hall, the Home Secretary or the Prime Minister.”

Mill thought for a while and nodded, “Alright, after all, you graduated from the University of London, and Mr. Bentham also spoke highly of you. For graduates of the University of London, you should be more accepting of some sensitive viewpoints than others.”

Having said this, Mill took a sip of tea to clear his throat and began to introduce his relationship with Malthus, or rather the intricate relationships within the entire British economics field.

In fact, half a century ago, economics, like law and natural sciences, had not been clearly defined as a separate discipline. They were all categorized under philosophy.

This method of classification also led to many figures who seemed out of place in this field entering the British economics circle.

Malthus was deeply influenced by David Hume, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and others during his growth, and further developed his ‘Monotheism’ belief and ‘Population Theory’ based on Hume’s skepticism and naturalism.

Another major faction in the British economics field also had a clear line of succession.

If their order is listed chronologically, it’s another kind of star-studded lineup.

This is the development trajectory of British classical economics, with Adam Smith as the founder, Jeremy Bentham as the second generation, Mill’s father James Mill as the inheritor, and David Ricardo as the culmination.

Mr. Bentham once proudly boasted to his audience when giving lectures at the University of London, “I am the spiritual father of James Mill, and Mill is the spiritual father of Ricardo, so Ricardo is my spiritual grandson.”

This group of scholars was also the backbone force behind the establishment of the University of London. If we use the concept of Eastern culture, this is the mountain gate tradition engraved in the bones of the University of London.

In British society, which places great importance on alumni relationships, whether Arthur admits it or not, he was labeled from the moment he stepped into the University of London.

Just as the East India Company tends to recruit graduates from Balliol College, Oxford, the British extreme conservative forces have always disliked the University of London.

However, as opponents who have been vying for a long time in the field of economics, Malthus and the group of people from the University of London system have a pretty good relationship.

Although Ricardo often disagreed with him on economic viewpoints, especially on the issue of the ‘Corn Laws’, Ricardo firmly believed that abolishing the ‘Corn Laws’ would benefit economic growth, while Malthus emphasized the importance of landowners to the country, resolutely defending the ‘Corn Laws’ and raising the price limit on grain.

But this conflict in viewpoints didn’t prevent them from becoming close friends.

What’s even more strange is that no one knows how these two economists got together.

In terms of origin, Malthus came from a typical upper-class British family, while Ricardo was a discriminated Jewish immigrant.

In terms of education, Malthus was a distinguished graduate of Cambridge, a master’s degree holder, and a fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge. Ricardo only studied at a business school in the Netherlands for two years. His knowledge of economics came from self-study and practical experience gained from working as a stockbroker in London after the age of 14.

Even in terms of personality, they are worlds apart.

Ricardo is a true playboy. As a retired stockbroker with a fortune of 1.6 million pounds, he has a rich emotional life outside of work. While playing with stocks, he also makes it a point to juggle several ladies.

Malthus, on the other hand, due to his congenital harelip and difficulty speaking, has a certain degree of lack of confidence. Coupled with the fact that he is a pastor with firm beliefs, he has long lived a secluded life, even appearing like a true ethicist at social gatherings.

In terms of academics, Malthus lives a typical academic life, but his academic reports usually use a lot of observed real-life examples.

Ricardo, although having rich life experiences and even serving as a member of parliament for a few years, is a real theorist.

In terms of social reputation, they are even more different.

After the publication of ‘The Principle of Population’, Malthus was met with controversy. People accused Malthus of defending evils like smallpox, slavery, and infanticide in the book. This wave of public opinion reached its peak after he announced his marriage, with everyone satirizing him for practicing this evil habit after advocating for controlling the birth rate.

Ricardo, although a Jewish member of parliament, is clearly more popular in the House of Commons than Mr. Disraeli. Even though he didn’t really accomplish much in the House of Commons, many members of parliament still applauded his passionate speeches.

As for John Mill himself, due to his father’s good relationship with Ricardo, he also received a lot of guidance from the classical economics master. With Ricardo’s introduction, he had already been taught by the unsocial Malthus before entering Haileybury College.

Arthur looked at Mill with a changed expression.

Usually, a teacher of this level is rare in an era, and it’s a great fortune in life to be taught by one of them.

However, Mill has won over four at once. This kind of resume has already destined him to become a towering figure in the British economics field.

Arthur held his teacup and said, “With your father’s personal guidance, and the teachings of Mr. Bentham, David Ricardo, and Thomas Malthus, John, you really don’t need to go to university. Oxford and Cambridge combined can’t give you this kind of starting lineup. Have you considered quitting your job at the East India Company? I heard the University of London seems to be recruiting professors of political economy recently.”

Mill shook his head, “I’m not interested in teaching. I’d rather do some practical work than interact with students. Besides, working for the company is relatively relaxed, allowing me to have more free time to write articles and do what I want to do.”

“That’s true.” Arthur joked, “Look at me, I’m tied to Scotland Yard now, like a dog being called around. They didn’t even give me much mental preparation before kicking me to Liverpool.”

Mill smiled, “Come on, Arthur, you have a bright future. Even if you’re a pessimist, you might as well think positively in this situation. As a Scotland Yard inspector, there aren’t many people who can kick you anymore. You see, the company, in order to flatter you, even sent Mr. Malthus over, didn’t they?”

Arthur replied, “I don’t think so. Although I don’t have any prejudice against Mr. Malthus. But you also said before that the symbolic significance of a professor of political economy coming to Liverpool is far greater than the practical significance. It’s not so much that the East India Company invited him to help me, but rather they wanted to humiliate the Liverpool authorities. What I find most puzzling is that the Home Office and the Customs Department actually agreed to this proposal.”

Mill asked, “Do you think the Home Office shouldn’t have accepted the company’s proposal?”

“That’s right.”

Arthur nodded, “Everyone knows what Malthus wrote in ‘The Principle of Population’. Maybe when he described smallpox in that chapter, he just wanted to objectively state the role of disease in curbing population growth. But that doesn’t stop everyone from thinking he’s a vicious killer who wants to use disease to eliminate the poor.

Maybe his student team can help with auditing, but sending Mr. Malthus himself to Liverpool at this time is definitely an unwise choice. This is not helping me, it’s giving me trouble. Or rather, it’s giving trouble to the already precarious public order in Liverpool.”

Considering Mill’s identity, Arthur didn’t make the problem too clear, but it was enough for Mill.

He understood that Arthur was saying that the East India Company was not acting with good intentions in sending Malthus.

If, after the commissioner’s assassination, the poor in Liverpool were triggered by the name ‘Malthus’ and a new round of riots broke out, then the Liverpool authorities would be completely finished.

Mill was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, “Arthur, I can only say that, at least from my sources, those Polish assassins who tried to kill you shouldn’t have been sent by the company. Although I don’t want to show off my father’s work, the company couldn’t possibly target the son of a council member. You know, when the assassination happened, I was at the Golden Lion Inn too.

However, I can’t rule out that someone in the upper echelon of the company has ulterior motives regarding Mr. Malthus. But that’s all they can do, all they will do. The company has the ability to exert a certain degree of marginal influence on the Cabinet and Parliament, but the decision-making power is ultimately in the hands of the Cabinet. The East India Company isn’t as powerful as everyone thinks. We are ultimately under the leadership of His Majesty the King and Parliament.”

Arthur extended his hand towards Mill, “John, thank you for your honesty. But, although this request is unreasonable, I hope you can convey my message to the company and ask them to withdraw their proposal to send Mr. Malthus. Although from your introduction, Mr. Malthus is not particularly difficult to get along with, but if this gentleman really comes, I will have a hard time.”

Mill shook Arthur’s extended hand, “No problem, I’ll try my best. But I still want to ask, what are you going to do if the problem is not on the company’s side?”

“If the problem is not on the company’s side…”

Arthur smiled, “Then I can only hope that my boss, Viscount Melbourne, the Home Secretary, is truly a gentleman as the ladies in London describe. For the sake of ‘The Englishman’ defending him and specially reprinting the ending of ‘The Pickwick Papers’, I hope he can spare some time from his busy schedule to take a look at the handwritten letter I sent with a special messenger.”

Mill frowned at his words, “Has the situation become so bad? Do you suspect that the Home Office deliberately sent their officers to Liverpool to die?”

“I don’t know. But this case seems rough on the surface, but the operations under the surface are very delicate, not like a sudden attack that was planned on the spur of the moment.”

Arthur said, “The principle of Scotland Yard is to remain skeptical of all possibilities until the suspects are completely ruled out. Many people have motives to do this, and unfortunately, the Home Office, which is pushing the ‘County and Borough Police Act’, is one of them.”

Mill asked worriedly, “With all due respect, if it was the Home Office, wouldn’t you be walking into a trap by doing this? Arthur, although Mr. Malthus’ theories are somewhat radical, he and Hume are both right in one point: we cannot rely on human morality to solve problems.”

Arthur held his forehead and said, “Of course, I understand that, but we have to try, don’t we?”

Mill pursed his lips, “God bless you, Arthur. I’m going to write to my father now, hopefully this will be of some help to your plan.”

With that, Mill got up and left the room.

Almost at the same time that Mill left the room, a carriage slowly stopped in front of the Golden Lion Inn.

The door opened, and the first thing that caught everyone’s eye was a striking red and black dress, followed by lace black gloves dotted with a few cute pearls.

It was a lady wearing a deep black women’s wide-brimmed sun hat. There was a thin black veil over her long eyelashes, making it clear that she must have had a family member pass away recently.

The lady, supported by the coachman, got off the carriage. She first looked up and surveyed the inn, which was decorated with ivory white marble bas-reliefs, as well as the armed Scotland Yard officers standing guard around it. Then she raised her hand, tucking her long hair behind her ear, and softly muttered to herself.

“It’s really imposing, just like a beautifully decorated coffin. How can you not die living in a place like this? It’s really a self-inflicted torment to come to a place like Liverpool where Irish people are everywhere. Isn’t it better to hide in the White Hall Street No. 4 nursery room specially built for you by Scotland Yard?”

As the lady was muttering to herself, Mr. Schneider, the Foreign Office secretary who had just finished coordinating work with others, walked out of the inn with a relaxed smile on his face, the kind of smile one has when things are going well.

He immediately saw the lady who was like a flower in a meadow. Perhaps because he was in a good mood, Mr. Schneider winked playfully at her and asked with a smooth voice, “Madam, do you need help? I have plenty of time today, so don’t worry, just ask if you need anything.”

Fiona had seen such flirtation many times before.

She simply raised her black gloves to touch the black veil at the edge of her hat, apologetically.

Schneider saw her gesture and immediately thought of the assassination that had happened in front of the Golden Lion Inn.

Perhaps this lady’s husband had unfortunately died in the explosion?

Thinking of this, Mr. Schneider, who was of German descent, quickly distanced himself from the Bavarians. He apologized, “Sorry, Madam, I didn’t mean to ignore this. I’m sorry, I should have thought of that. Please accept my condolences. Please believe the government, we will definitely give your husband justice.”

For such a gentleman, Fiona certainly didn’t hesitate to use her seasoned acting skills. Her sparkling eyes seemed to shimmer with tears.

Fiona gave a polite smile that was both sickly and tinged with sadness, “May God bless you to not be like my husband, sir.”

With that, Fiona walked into the inn, supported by her maid.

Schneider watched her disappear into the end of the corridor, until he could no longer see her, then whistled lightly.

“A widow… Widows who have just lost their husbands always have an unusual charm. If her husband could leave her a generous fortune, she would definitely become more sought after… No, no, Schneider, what are you thinking? Calm down, you’ve been working hard until now, not to take a shortcut like a goat path. But… then again, could shortcuts be smoother than the broad road?

There are birds singing and flowers blooming, there are ladies’ colorful little skirts, and there is a generous inheritance. Sigh… Forget it, forget it, I’m not going to dream those unrealistic dreams anymore. Schneider, face reality, you don’t have the life for it, and you don’t have the external conditions. Is it that you don’t want to? It’s just that you don’t have the ability! Don’t waste your energy on things that won’t work out. Your goal is within reach!”

Schneider encouraged himself with his own mutterings, but didn’t notice that an almost negligible weight had been added to his shoulder. It was the Red Devil’s arm resting on it.

Agareus nodded, “Yes, yes, that’s right, buddy, it’s not easy to know yourself. What did Arthur say? If you don’t have the big drill, don’t take on the porcelain work. In my opinion, the ladies’ work is the same. This business is not easy. Hmm… No, that’s not what Arthur said, is it? Forget it, anyway, the meaning is the same.”

Just as the Red Devil was cracking a dirty joke, Schneider, who was about to leave the inn, suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He hesitated, turning his head to look back at the place where Fiona had just stood. He mumbled, “Wait, did anyone die in the assassination? Or did her husband die of other factors, cholera? If it was cholera, what was a woman doing in a place like this? And, have I seen her somewhere before… Why do I feel like I know her?”

Schneider thought about it for a long time, but couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

“Never mind, let others worry about those things, I just have to do my job.”

With that, Schneider put his doubts aside for the time being, humming a tune as he walked out of the inn’s front door.

But in a place where he couldn’t see, in a room on the second floor of the inn, behind the window glass, a pair of pale red eyes were flickering.

The Red Devil stood behind Arthur, grinning and saying, “Oh, my dear Arthur, what are you thinking? You used your seven-part truth and three-part falsehood rhetoric to deceive that young man named Mill, so now you’re feeling guilty?”

“Guilty? Maybe a little bit, but I usually only confess before going to bed.”

“Is that so? That’s a lot better than before.” The Red Devil licked his lips, “But if that’s the case, what are you thinking about now?”

Arthur stared at Schneider’s retreating back, holding his wine glass and saying, “I’m thinking about what Mr. Schneider said to me. Maybe the government ship is really leaking from the top, but… who can guarantee that the bottom is intact?”

“You don’t trust anyone?”

“Of course, I don’t even trust myself.” Arthur winked, “I deceive myself a lot too.”

“Alright, then I can only pray that you wake up in time. At the latest, don’t let me wait until I attend your funeral.”

Arthur replied nonchalantly, “Then your concept of time is really loose. I don’t know when I’ll die, it’s really uncertain.”

“Who said that?” The Red Devil took a bite of a juicy apple, “Isn’t it now?”

As soon as the Red Devil finished speaking, they heard the door being pushed open gently.

Fiona, with a dignified air, moved her beautiful skirt as she walked into the room. She gave a slight bow to Arthur’s back.

Then, they saw her fingertips slowly move up her neck until they covered her mouth.

A voice, with a feigned emotional crying tone, sounded in the quiet room, a mixture of affectation and fake sentiment, “My dear, I’m here to mourn for you.”

(End of Chapter)