## Chapter 81: Cabinet Meeting (Seeking Subscriptions!)
The meeting room at 10 Downing Street was abuzz with an emergency cabinet meeting.
The gentlemen seated around the table, each one a figure capable of shaking the very foundations of Britain, were men who could command the highest respect in any European nation. Yet, these titans, usually gracing the headlines of newspapers, now sat in silence, a palpable tension hanging in the air.
Each man had a stack of documents before them, the thickest pile belonging to the Duke of Wellington.
He slammed his documents down on the table, rubbed his tired eyes, and spoke.
“Gentlemen, you are all aware of the events unfolding in France. I will not dwell on the details. I simply wish to know their intentions. Based on the intelligence we have gathered, does this French revolution pose any immediate threat to our nation? Furthermore, I need to know what stance Austria and Russia will take regarding this revolution.”
He turned his head sharply, fixing his gaze on the middle-aged gentleman in a black woolen coat seated to the left of Sir Robert Peel.
“George, has the Foreign Office received any new information?”
The Foreign Secretary, Earl George Gordon of Aberdeen, a flicker of bitterness in his eyes, replied, “Prime Minister, I have already presented all the information gathered by the Foreign Office to you. The speed of this French revolution is truly staggering.
On July 25th, Charles X issued an ordinance, suppressing publications, limiting press freedom, dissolving the newly elected parliament, and reducing the scale of elections.
That very afternoon, major French newspapers began publishing protest letters and inciting revolution.
On the 26th, small-scale riots erupted in Paris. By the 27th, it had escalated into a massive riot involving thousands of workers clashing with the police.
By dawn on the 28th, thousands of barricades had been erected. Workers, students, and merchants all took to the streets, participating in the uprising. By nightfall, the Paris City Hall had fallen.
At that time, some moderate factions attempted to negotiate a solution with Charles X, but he and his Prime Minister, Prince de Polignac, refused any talks.
The news spread like wildfire, and by the 29th, the entire city of Paris had fallen.
Currently, we can confirm that Charles X is still alive, but we cannot be sure if the new government will attempt to eliminate him.
The future direction of France is shrouded in uncertainty. Even the French themselves might be confused. It’s beyond our grasp. I suggest we continue monitoring the situation and await further updates.”
The Duke of Wellington furrowed his brow, “How could it escalate so quickly? Were there revolutionary sympathizers within the French army?”
The Secretary of War, Viscount Henry Hardinge, stepped forward, “Based on my understanding, the rapid progression of this French revolution stems from Charles X’s decision to enforce the ordinance swiftly and decisively, leading to a secrecy surrounding the preparations.
This, in turn, proved effective. His secrecy was impeccable.
Therefore, when the ordinance was suddenly announced, not only were the French people shocked and enraged, but even the French army and police were caught off guard. They were unprepared for the ensuing riots.
Most importantly, the French army’s main force is currently in Algeria, having just completed the conquest of the region last month. It will take some time to bring them back home to quell the uprising.
Therefore, the swift fall of Paris, from a military standpoint, is understandable.”
The Duke of Wellington, resting his forehead on his hand, sighed, “This Charles X, he’s truly lost his mind! Does he think he’s still popular?
Look at the Prime Minister he appointed! How could he have chosen Polignac for that position?
Doesn’t he know that there have been rumors of Polignac’s affair with Marie Antoinette, the Queen of Louis XVI?
Such actions are nothing short of a direct provocation against the domestic opposition. Why does France keep producing kings who are mediocre in ability but brimming with overconfidence?
Is it because of Napoleon? Has God decided that other nations are being treated unfairly and decided to balance things out?”
Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary, spoke up, “Regardless, the French revolution is not a good omen for Britain. The French Revolution of the past caused unrest within our nation, with those who wished to emulate Robespierre springing up everywhere.
Furthermore, due to the Catholic Emancipation Act and the issue of corrupt electoral districts, the public’s discontent has reached a fever pitch. We must strive to calm this excessive excitement and handle foreign affairs related to France with caution.”
“Alas…”
The Duke of Wellington let out a long sigh. “Robert, this is precisely what I fear. We managed to quell the public sentiment, at least for a while, with the King’s passing. But now, France has ignited a revolution.
Was his death in vain? He had finally done a good deed in his life, and we cannot let his efforts go to waste.”
He turned to the Foreign Secretary, Earl Aberdeen, and instructed, “George, send someone to the London financial district, to Nathan. Tell him to come to Downing Street immediately.
Their postal service is the most efficient in all of Europe. No one has access to information faster than them.
If I recall correctly, it takes only three days for news from Paris to reach him in London. In times like these, we need their courier service.”
“As you command, my Lord.”
The Duke of Wellington then shifted his gaze to Sir Robert Peel, “Robert, how are your talks with Huskisson going? We also need his support at this critical juncture.”
Sir Robert Peel smiled, “William has agreed to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Manchester to Liverpool railway. However, he hasn’t made a decision regarding his support for you.
However, he did admit that your audacity in pushing through the Catholic Emancipation Act has surprised him, causing him to reconsider his perception of you as a conservative. Therefore, he is willing to discuss other reform measures with you.
If you can reach an agreement with him, he wouldn’t mind leading his thirty-plus Huskissonite MPs back into the Tory fold.”
The Duke of Wellington nodded slightly, “I believe I can make a good start with him.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Sir Robert Peel added. “Regarding the security arrangements for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I have already made arrangements. The security detail will be headed by Superintendent Hastings of Scotland Yard. You have no objections, I presume?”
“Of course not. That’s a brilliant young man. We can trust him with this.”
The Duke of Wellington pondered for a moment and then spoke.
“Speaking of which, the murder-for-profit case was handled so brilliantly. The salary increase promised to Scotland Yard should be implemented. After all, these are sensitive times. We should appease our valiant police officers.
Their work is not easy. I hear there are over a dozen large public gatherings in London every day. The police are constantly running around, monitoring and maintaining order in these gatherings. It wouldn’t be fair not to give them a raise.”
Sir Robert Peel, hearing this, chuckled, “Since you brought it up, I would also like to report a new development in police work. As you know, the French police have a notoriously bad reputation, which has led to deep-seated prejudice against the newly established Scotland Yard in Britain.
This prejudice and opposition are particularly pronounced in public gatherings. In recent days, I have received numerous reports of police officers being attacked near these gatherings.
Therefore, to address this increasingly chaotic situation, I intend to temporarily authorize some officers to perform undercover duty when necessary. This will not only ensure the safety of our officers but also provide us with the necessary intelligence. What do you think of this decision?”
The Duke of Wellington’s eyes lit up at this.
“Robert, you mean, undercover agents?”
(End of Chapter)