## Chapter 111: The Fleet Commander’s Strange Invitation
On the deck of the Conqueror, two deep crimson velvet armchairs and a small round table were set up.
Arthur lifted the white porcelain teacup on the table and took a sip. He gazed at the sun gradually sinking towards the horizon and the golden surface of the sea, feeling the gentle coolness of the summer breeze. He felt his tense nerves finally relax.
Beside him sat an old man with wrinkles on his forehead, wearing a silver-white wig and a Royal Navy high-ranking officer uniform. This was the highest commander of the entire Channel Fleet—General Edward Codrington.
Arthur had expected him to be a burly, rough man, but in reality, Codrington was a man with an oval face, willow eyebrows, a hooked nose, and slender eyes.
If he took off his Navy uniform, Codrington’s melancholy aura might make him look more like an artist with a paintbrush.
Of course, if he had really become an artist, he might not have had this melancholy aura.
After all, who knows if he was feeling melancholic because he was being sidelined by the Admiralty?
Seeing Arthur finish his tea, Codrington pointed to the fruit platter filled with raisins on the round table and said, “Have some of these. They’re guaranteed to be good. Among all the fleets’ raisins, I dare say the Channel Fleet’s are the best. After all, I personally selected the raisin supplier, and every grape must come from the sunny Apennine coast.”
As soon as Arthur heard this, he immediately understood that Codrington was still holding a grudge.
After all, normal naval commanders wouldn’t cause so much trouble for the Admiralty. Just eating raisins, why bother going to the Mediterranean to buy them?
However, he still generously accepted the offer and grabbed a handful of raisins, stuffing them into his mouth.
He chewed and commented, “These are not ordinary sweet. Grapes produced in such a sunny place like the Mediterranean are better than ours. Your Excellency, you truly understand grapes.”
Codrington’s mood immediately brightened upon hearing this flattery.
He humbly said, “I’ve eaten so many grapes, naturally I understand them. I’ve fought so many battles, naturally I win. But a genius scientist like you, your abilities can’t be accumulated by mere experience. Diligence is important, but in scientific research, talent is even more crucial.”
Hearing this, Arthur almost spat out the black tea he had just taken to cleanse his palate.
He adjusted his mood and miraculously maintained a calm expression.
“Are you a scientific researcher as well?”
“No, no, no.”
Codrington smiled, holding his teacup. “I’m far behind you. Although I am a member of the Royal Society, I am merely an enthusiast. Judging from your surprised expression, the Duke of Sussex must not have told you. Actually, many admirals in the Royal Navy are members of the Royal Society. We all pay close attention to the progress in the scientific field.
Any wise naval commander knows that harnessing science can help us gain a significant advantage on the battlefield. To be honest, I am one of Mr. Faraday’s supporters, but I pay more attention to his progress in chemistry. As for his recent proposal on electromagnetism, I am just a beginner.”
Arthur couldn’t help but feel a sinking feeling in his heart.
This conversation doesn’t sound right! He wouldn’t be asking me for advice on electromagnetism, would he?
As expected, Codrington asked, “Perhaps it’s presumptuous of me to ask this, but you are probably the second most prominent figure in the field of electromagnetism in Britain, after Mr. Faraday. So I want to know, what are your thoughts on the future direction of electromagnetism?”
“Hmm…”
Arthur pretended to ponder. For this question, he chose to talk about vision instead of theory.
“The discovery of electromagnetic induction has indeed solved a major problem for us. After discovering the mutual transformation of electricity and magnetism, Mr. Faraday began devoting all his energy to developing electromagnetic generators.
If he achieves a breakthrough in this area, then I believe that in the near future, electromagnetic generators will be used in all aspects of life, just like steam engines.”
“Electromagnetic generators?”
Codrington’s eyes lit up. “I know that in the past two years, some civilian ships powered by steam engines have emerged. But the power provided by steam engines is clearly not enough to drive large warships for now, at most they can only be used as auxiliary power. In your opinion, is there a chance in the future to build a warship that is completely powered by electricity?”
“A warship powered by electricity?”
Arthur carefully recalled. He didn’t seem to remember something like that, but he didn’t want to dampen Codrington’s enthusiasm, so he could only reply.
“Regarding science, I can only say that anything is possible. But at the same time, we need to be patient. After all, you know that it has been a long time since the invention of the steam engine. But starting today, Britain finally has a passenger railway line that is completely driven by steam locomotives. I believe that electric warships will emerge, it just takes time.”
Codrington laughed, “So you’ve also seen the news about the Manchester-Liverpool railway line opening soon. To be honest, although I’m old, I still like to keep up with the times. If I hadn’t received the order to go to sea suddenly, I was planning to take the first passenger train today.”
Arthur jokingly said, “Is that so? I’m the same as you. If I hadn’t suddenly received this case, I would probably be on the train now, responsible for the security of the Duke of Wellington.”
Codrington, the old man, couldn’t help but chuckle, “If that’s the case, it seems we are destined to sit together and have a cup of tea today.”
Arthur nodded with a smile, “Now it seems that this must be God’s will. Accompanying you for afternoon tea, I wouldn’t be able to avoid it even if I wanted to.”
Codrington nodded with a smile, “Speaking of Scotland Yard, they are not cherishing talent. Sending a brilliant person like you to the open sea, what if something happens? In this new field of electromagnetism, Britain only has you and Faraday. In my opinion, young man, you should just quit Scotland Yard. In a couple of years, I might be transferred back to the Admiralty, and then you can come work as my scientific secretary.”
Arthur was caught off guard by Codrington’s sudden offer.
However, after thinking about it for a moment, he didn’t immediately refuse. Instead, he smiled and said, “If you need me in London, you can always contact me.”
Codrington waved his hand, “No need to contact you anytime, I will need you in a while. To be honest, I will be returning to London for a vacation in two weeks. My wife wants to host a scientific salon at home during this time, and she needs a brilliant young scientist like you as a guest. If you can spare the time, let’s settle this now.”
Arthur was stunned by General Codrington’s series of punches.
Only now did he finally understand the other man’s true intentions.
He said with a wry smile, “Your Excellency, if you are asking for this, why go through all this trouble? I can agree to you.”
As soon as Arthur spoke, it was Codrington’s turn to be surprised.
“Oh… is… is that so? I thought you wouldn’t be willing. After all, many scientists in the Royal Society have strange temperaments, such as Faraday… oh, no. I can’t say they are strange, they just dedicate all their time to science, so they are rarely willing to appear in social gatherings. Not to mention, this scientific salon is hosted by…”
Codrington stopped abruptly.
Arthur asked, “Hosted by who?”
Codrington looked at Arthur and blinked his eyes hard, “Nothing, nothing…”
He hurriedly picked up the teapot and filled Arthur’s cup.
“Come, Mr. Hastings, have some tea. This tea is also carefully selected by me, Chinese tea, absolutely top quality. I don’t give this to just anyone.”
(End of Chapter)