SGB Chapter 354

## Chapter 354: The Shift of Times

As the conversation deepened, a misty drizzle began to fall on the streets of London. Through the hazy steam and water-covered windows, one could only faintly see the movements of glasses being pushed around and the cheerful, lively corners of mouths within the small dining room booth.

Arthur and Talleyrand, while playing cards, began to speak. “So, you’re saying that you rose from being an insignificant son of a minor noble family entirely due to Madame du Barry’s support? How did you manage to capture the heart of this woman who had Louis XV completely under her spell?”

Despite being in his sixties, Talleyrand’s recounting of his past romantic exploits remained as bold as ever. The old man seemed rather proud of his ability to navigate between numerous women.

“How else could it have been? As you can see, handsome looks, graceful demeanor, a silver tongue capable of making ladies swoon, and I was even younger back then. Arthur, my dear brother, making ladies devote themselves to you is not that difficult. All you need to do is analyze them thoroughly before taking action.”

Arthur threw down a card. “As meticulously as you analyze the Russians?”

“No,” Talleyrand said with a serious tone. “I analyze ladies much more carefully than I analyze Russians. Russians can leverage their high latitude to strike across Eurasia, and Madame du Barry, in the upper echelons of French society, possesses the same geographical advantage. She knows everyone around the King, and many of those who influence the fate of France are her relatives, friends, or even suitors. Capturing her heart brought me a much greater sense of accomplishment than conquering Russia.”

Agareus couldn’t help but burst into laughter, covering his mouth. The sound of his fangs grinding together was like a lumberjack’s chainsaw.

Arthur’s brow furrowed slightly. He glanced at the Red Devil, who was violating social etiquette, and asked casually, “Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?”

“Not at all,” Talleyrand said, lighting a cigar and taking a slow puff, savoring the lingering smoke in his mouth. “The sense of accomplishment primarily stems from the comparison of strengths when achieving a goal. Madame du Barry was the star of the entire Parisian social scene, and I, at the time, had nothing but the noble surname ‘Périgord.’

“Neither my family nor my parents cared about me. You might not know this, but the closest I ever got to my father in the first fifteen years of my life was at the coronation ceremony of Louis XVI. I was a spectator, and he was holding the holy oil bottle for the new King. Louis XVIII, still a prince at the time, even made fun of me at the coronation ceremony. He said to others, ‘This fellow is at most a Périgord, not a member of the Périgord family.'”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but sympathize. “Didn’t you retort? If I were there, I would have refuted him.”

“Then I thank you for your valiant defense,” Talleyrand chuckled. “However, his lack of manners doesn’t mean I lack manners. And, while his words were harsh, they weren’t entirely wrong.”

Speaking of which, Talleyrand patted his lame leg in a self-deprecating manner.

“See this? This lame leg has been with me since I was two. I fell from a staircase, and my parents didn’t even know about it until months later.

“Being lame meant I couldn’t be a soldier, nor could I be a proper heir to the Périgord family. So, they later sent me to the seminary, attempting to deprive me of my inheritance by making me a priest. I am indeed proud of the name Périgord, but I must admit that for a long time, I wasn’t treated as a member of the Périgord family.

“Because of this, I craved success even more. I always said that while I am a nobleman, I am different from those low-class nobles. Everything I have is through my own efforts, through my hands and my lame leg.

“I was struggling to find a way to rise, until I read Voltaire’s books and learned about his experiences. I was surprised to discover that this famous figure in Europe, just like me, had a sharp and cynical personality. It’s just that he always managed to use his extraordinary language to make people accept it.

“Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for writing satirical poems about the Regent Duke of Orleans when he was young. When he was released, the first thing he said to the Regent was, ‘I am grateful for His Majesty’s hospitality, providing me with food and lodging, but next time, just provide food, and please don’t provide lodging!’

“His rise began with his relationship with Madame de Châtelet. While Voltaire was a bit sharp and cynical, it didn’t prevent Madame de Châtelet from liking this talented young man. Although they often argued, even using English to argue so that their neighbors couldn’t understand, it never affected their feelings for each other.

“And through this relationship, Voltaire rose to the top of the French social circle. His works and quick wit quickly spread throughout Europe. Frederick II of Prussia offered Voltaire an annual salary of twenty thousand livres for the phrase ‘Neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire.’

“Later, when he discovered Voltaire was illegally reselling Prussian bonds, he simply laughed and said, ‘Our philosopher friend is not much of a philosopher when it comes to money,’ and let the matter go.”

Talleyrand, slightly tipsy, had a faint blush on his cheeks. “When I discovered Voltaire’s experience, I felt like I had struck gold. Both leaders of the Enlightenment, both reaching the top, why choose to be the struggling Jean-Jacques Rousseau, rather than the pleasure-seeking Voltaire? So, from then on, I decided to replicate Voltaire’s path to success. Of course, I didn’t have Voltaire’s ability to create literary works, so I could only work harder on my tongue.”

Arthur refilled Talleyrand’s glass. “From the results, your efforts on your tongue were clearly successful.”

Talleyrand laughed in response. “No, it wasn’t just my efforts, but also because Madame du Barry was indeed a very charming woman. She was kind and loved to find joy in life. In a way, her feelings for me were more like those of an older woman towards a reckless young boy, a kind of concern and curiosity.

“I still remember her asking me, ‘Why are you always so gloomy? Is it bad luck or are you being humble?’

“And I, fresh out of the seminary but struggling to make headway, told her, ‘Finding a woman in Paris is much easier than finding a monastery.’

“She was either moved by my melancholic mood or liked my Voltaire-esque answer. So, not long after, she helped me secure a position as a bishop in a monastery. The generous salary and ample free time allowed me to escape from boring and useless mundane affairs, giving me more time to immerse myself in social circles.

“It was through this bishop’s identity that I was able to attend various large social gatherings and get to know many people who would later be helpful to me. I even had the honor of meeting Voltaire himself, who had returned to Paris for his later years. I learned a lot about witty remarks from him.

“The only regret is that I couldn’t protect my lucky starting point, Madame du Barry, during the Revolution. She was innocent and kind but lacked understanding of politics and human nature, which ultimately led her to the guillotine.”

Arthur, upon hearing this, asked with a smile, “You seem to miss the old times.”

Talleyrand rested one hand on the back of the chair, gently swirling his wine glass. “You young people can never understand this feeling. In my opinion, those who didn’t live around 1789 don’t know what the joys of life really mean. Society at that time still held onto many traditions of old Europe, and the Revolution that came later buried it all.

“People back then had a proper aristocratic demeanor, while those so-called politicians later on, I can’t find any other adjectives for them besides scoundrels, hooligans, thieves, robbers, and swindlers. And in fact, many of them had actually done those things.”

Arthur, upon hearing this, suddenly thought of something. He spoke slowly, “If I had been born twenty years earlier, I would have been a true old monarchist, living out my life peacefully. If I had been born twenty years later, I would have been a staunch believer in the new ideas, vowing to create a new era. Unfortunately, I was born in a present of both old and new, so I can only stand here, gripping the iron wheel of the world, preventing the European continent from falling off the rails once again.”

Talleyrand, hearing these words, couldn’t help but be enlightened. The motion of his swirling wine glass paused.

He remained silent for a while, then let out a sigh of relief and laughed. “Boy, if you had been born in France half a century ago, you would have been the second Voltaire. But on second thought, being Arthur Hastings in England half a century later isn’t bad either.

“As you said, at least you can be a staunch believer in the new ideas without any burden, vowing to create a new era.

“Sigh… maybe I really am getting old, always liking to talk about the past. I guess I’m really falling behind the times. Of course, I have no interest in continuing to associate with those thieves, robbers, and swindlers.

“You can resolve issues with nobles with a few witty remarks, but dealing with these hooligans requires a blade. So, leave this to energetic young people like you.”

Having said this, Talleyrand slowly stood up and took his coat from the coat rack. While putting on his hat, he spoke, “I’ll have someone deliver what you want tomorrow. But remember, before taking action, figure out your strategic boundaries. You’re still young, and you haven’t reached the end of your rope. Don’t risk your life unless absolutely necessary.

“Boy, you’re lucky, I have to say. With your background, if you had been born twenty years ago, you would never have had the opportunity to climb to your current position, let alone go further. But now times have changed, and the threshold for entering the upper echelon has been lowered from the insignificant son of a minor noble family to ambitious young people like you.”

Arthur stood up, taking off his hat and thanking him. “Even luckier, even though I didn’t meet Voltaire, I got your insights.”

Talleyrand, upon hearing this, only laughed heartily. The old man winked playfully, “Young man, usually when people flatter me, it doesn’t work. But this time is different. Being considered a peer of Voltaire in terms of eloquence is truly the greatest compliment for me.”

With that, the old cripple leaned on his cane and pushed open the door of the small booth, walking out.

His mood was clearly good, as evidenced by the tune he was humming.

“Plaisir D’Amour,” also known as “The Joy of Love.”

This short, catchy, elegant, and light secular romantic song was very popular in 18th-century France.

Arthur poured himself a cup of tea, gazing out at the drizzling rain, savoring this foreign tune from Paris. He couldn’t help but lift his fingertips and tap the table to the rhythm.

He felt as if he could glimpse the last century through these simple notes.

He could smell the fragrance of wheat waves in French rice fields, see the sparkling reflections of the Seine River under the evening sunset.

France, what kind of country is that?

Paris, what kind of city is that?

The homeland of Alexandre Dumas, his birthplace.

And Balzac, Hugo, and countless other brilliant stars.

If he had the chance, perhaps he should visit there, take a trip?

Of course, the prerequisite is not encountering thieves, robbers, hooligans, or scoundrels. However, Monsieur Vidocq could be temporarily excluded from this category, as he still needed to exchange police experience with him.

Just as Arthur’s mind wandered, his thoughts drifting across the English Channel.

The door of the small booth was pushed open again.

Before seeing the person, he heard the voice.

“Arthur, my old buddy, you’re finally back from Liverpool! You have no idea how disrespectful those monkeys in the lower house are. They dare to offend the proud and outstanding Benjamin Disraeli!”

Still in his classic red dress, green waistcoat, yellow breeches paired with long socks, Disraeli threw his cane towards the corner of the room, took off his coat and hat, ready to vent to Arthur.

However, Arthur preempted him. “Benjamin, you don’t need to tell me the specifics. The newspapers are full of it, everywhere. I have to admit, you did it. Your maiden speech in the lower house was indeed explosive.”

“You saw it?” Disraeli put his hat on the table and scolded, “Those guys are so uncultured. I…”

Arthur calmly took a sip of tea and said lightly, “Benjamin, what kind of madness have you gotten into? If the MPs were cultured, how could they be elected? Have you forgotten? The lower house is specifically designed for Britain’s scoundrels to vent their hateful views and engage in personal attacks. It’s an important part of Britain’s mechanism for resolving social conflicts.”

Disraeli exclaimed, “Can’t we just let those scoundrels out?”

“Let them out?”

Arthur put down his teacup and said, “Benjamin, are you saying you’re unhappy with London’s peace and order? As a Scotland Yard superintendent, I must inform you that the officers aren’t ready to embrace six hundred plus scoundrels with judicial immunity. If you insist on releasing them, I suggest you contact the London Zoo at Regent’s Park. They’re the professionals in this area.”

“Ugh…” Disraeli sighed, raising both arms and looking at the ceiling, “My God! Is all the effort I’ve put in just for arguing with these scoundrels in the lower house?”

To Disraeli’s complaints, Arthur simply commented, “If you don’t want to do that, you can go to court and argue with another group of scoundrels. The London District Attorney’s Office is about to be established. If I am fortunate enough to join it, I will definitely need to recruit some direct prosecutors. Benjamin, if I remember correctly, your law license hasn’t been revoked, has it?”

“Lawyer? Forget that, I’m not doing that anymore.”

With that, Disraeli dragged out a chair and sat down carelessly, but before he could settle, he noticed the bottle on the table.

The MP lowered his head and squinted at it, immediately exclaiming, “Hennessy? When did you start drinking such high-end stuff?”

Arthur wiped his mouth with a napkin. “If I were alone, I definitely wouldn’t drink such high-end liquor. But since I’m dining with an MP, it naturally has to match the MP’s high standards.”

Disraeli, upon hearing this, gave Arthur a meaningful smile. “Seems like your trip to Liverpool has worn you out?”

“Serving the nation and the government, how can there be any distinction between hardship and pleasure?”

Arthur said, “From the moment I joined Scotland Yard, I knew I would dedicate my life to this ordinary yet great cause.”

Disraeli took a sip of wine. “If I had your ability to lie with a straight face, I wouldn’t have had to clash with them during my speech in the lower house.”

Arthur, seeing that the atmosphere was just right, casually pointed out to Disraeli, “Speaking of which, how is your work in Parliament going lately? Did Sir Robert Peel ask you to submit any bills?”

“Well… bills, of course, there are some submitted. But I just joined Parliament recently, so I’m mostly learning. And you’re a bit mistaken. While Sir Robert Peel is the party leader, it doesn’t mean I have to listen to him. The relationships within the Tory Party are more complex than you think.”

Arthur leaned forward and asked, “What do you mean?”

Disraeli leaned back in his chair and talked eloquently. “In short, the Tory Party has actually split into four factions. They are the Liberals, upholding the policies of the late Prime Minister, George Canning; the Moderates, led by Sir Robert Peel; the Conservatives, led by the Duke of Wellington; and the Extremists, led by the Duke of Newcastle, former Lord Chancellor Eldon, and others.

“And now, most of the Liberals have actually defected to the Whig Party. The remaining few mostly don’t listen to Sir Robert Peel, but vote freely based on their own political views. As for the Extremists, although they still nominally follow Sir Robert Peel, as long as the Duke of Newcastle and others give a subtle nod, they can immediately turn 180 degrees.

“So, in reality, Sir Robert Peel can only command the Moderates and the Duke of Wellington’s Conservatives. And the reason I was able to be elected was entirely due to the help of the Earl of Lyndhurst, so in most cases, I naturally have to respect his opinions. If the Earl of Lyndhurst disagrees with Sir Robert Peel, then I can only apologize to Sir Robert Peel.”

Arthur, hearing this, asked, “Then… did you submit the bill you were going to submit to the lower house, impeaching Viscount Palmerston for his stance on the Polish issue?”

(To be continued)