Chapter 228 Fouché of France? No, Hastings of Britain (4K)

Hastings House, 36 Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, London.

Disraeli sat at the dining table and tapped the table with two fingers excitedly. This gentleman who claimed that excellence was his nature finally tasted victory for the first time after so many years of misfortune.

His joy was clearly written on his face. This gentleman who had always tried to perfect his image as a gentleman with his decent appearance, fashionable clothes, and cool and taciturn attitude suddenly transformed into a talkative man.

From the moment he walked into Arthur's house, he couldn't stop talking.

"Damn it! All the 1,500 copies of the first issue of "British" were sold out, and an additional 1,000 copies had to be temporarily printed, although this included 800 copies given out for free at the Coburg Theater. product, but for a magazine that has just been launched, this is still a great victory! I knew that the reason why the "Representative" I ran before failed was entirely because of that son of a bitch Morrie. How can it be so difficult to run a newspaper or magazine?”

Dickens, who temporarily acted as the accountant of "The Englishman", chewed his pen on the side. He looked at the accounts in front of him and said: "Not only did we sell 2,500 copies, but we also received more than 100 one-year long-term copies. Subscription application. Maybe we can start thinking about hiring a few newspaper couriers."

When Arthur heard this, he read the newspaper and said, "Maybe there's no need to rush. I get a certain amount of free postal benefits from the General Post Office every year. I haven't used this year's share at all. It's already eleven now." It's been months, and my share should be enough to cover this year's magazine mailing volume.

Wait until next year, if the circulation grows, maybe we can also consider using Rothschild's courier delivery business. Everyone says that apart from the banking industry, the Rothschild family is the best in postal services. And we have equity ties with them, so I believe they will be happy to take this order. "

When Elder heard this, he couldn't help but whistled: "Arthur, can you stop being so petty? The first issue sold two thousand and five thousand copies, the next issue sold five thousand copies, and the next issue sold ten thousand copies." , we will be a big magazine soon, just hire two postmen, what’s the big deal?”

Darwin on the side heard this and couldn't help but question: "Why are you so confident?"

Elder patted his chest and said proudly: "Of course it's because of my strong sales strength! Don't you know? I sold 200 of the 2,500 copies in the first issue!"

"ha?"

When everyone heard this, they all put down their work and looked at Elder.

Dickens also quickly turned over the accounts at hand. He took a look and immediately exclaimed: "It's really like this. Mr. Carter has sold a total of two hundred and sixty-two volumes in the past few days. This sales figure has almost reached the highest sales volume." Twice as good as a good bookstore.”

Arthur looked at Elder's expression with such arrogance that his butt almost flew to the sky. He held his chin and thought for a while, and then spoke.

"Elder, I thought I had valued you very much in the past, but now that I think about it, I may have underestimated you. Judging from your level of promoting literary magazines, the education in the Department of Classical Literature at the University of London has something to say. One, it’s really good. Can you tell me how you did it?”

Darwin couldn't help but give him a high look: "I have to admit, Elder, your status in my mind is now higher than that of monkeys."

Upon hearing this, Elder stood up with a grin and put his hand on his chest and gave a slight salute: "There is no need to thank me. I just made a small contribution."

Alexandre Dumas took out a steel coin from his pocket and threw it at his head: "Stop being such a jerk, tell me how you did it!"

Elder grabbed the steel ball and glared at Dumas: "Fat man, I'm in a good mood today, so I won't argue with you. If you are so rude next time, I will..."

Alexandre Dumas leaned on the chair with his hands behind his head and shook his legs: "Just tell everyone about it. That night you were with Miss Coconut Tree at the Coburg Theater..."

Elder heard this and interrupted him quickly. He turned to Arthur and said, "Do you remember the old man who sold one-penny newspapers on Christmas Road in Greenwich that I told you before?"

When Arthur heard this, he just repeated what Elder had said to him before: "Enter Christmas Road from Central Street, walk about two hundred feet and then turn left. There is a small building with two chimneys. In the alley, every Wednesday from 3 to 5 pm, as long as there is no heavy rain, there will be a man in his 50s wearing a gray hat and a black coat..."

Hearing this, Elder smiled mischievously and said, "You did go."

Arthur just shrugged and said: "Elder, I used to be the police inspector of Greenwich. Vendors like this selling newspapers without stamps must be illegal in the eyes of the police."

Elder was stunned: "You captured him? No, he was still there when I went there two days ago!"

Arthur said: "I saw that he had a good attitude in pleading guilty, so I didn't have any major fight with him. However, in order to prevent him from returning to his old ways, I asked him to make a routine report to me every Wednesday to confirm his recent criminal status. "

When Elder heard this, he couldn't help but sigh: "Damn it, you are treated better than me!"

Arthur knocked on the table and emphasized: "This is different, Elder, I am conducting a routine review."

Dumas also nodded and said, "I will be responsible for the routine review."

"Fuck, you two." Elder glared and said, "Don't even think of me for this kind of thing. I won't lend you good stuff next time!"

Arthur saw that the topic was going off track, so he hurriedly urged, "Don't talk so much. How did you sell so many magazines?"

Elder pulled his collar unsatisfiedly: "The so-called sales is like the art of debate in parliament. As a top student in the Department of Classical Literature, I have a unique advantage in rhetoric.

In addition, I have a small network of contacts in the industry. I know many senior people who have been engaged in newspaper sales for many years, and know some secret sales locations that only various professional enthusiasts know.

And the articles that I have reviewed and commented on have always been Widely favored by like-minded people, so naturally it will be a big hit if it is not released.

I told you long ago that the title of the article is "The Count of Monte Cristo", "The Pickwick Papers", "The Young Duke", or "The Monkey Story" is completely unworkable in this industry. So, in order to increase sales, I made some reasonable decorations and modifications to the title of the article. "

Dumas seemed to come to his senses when he heard this: "So, what did you change the title of our article to?"

Elde snorted and said: "I think that if you want to sell well, you still have to start with the curiosity and thirst for knowledge of readers. For themes like the count and the duke, because similar themes have been written a lot in recent years, there are also many cases that can be referred to. It's nothing more than after status and position. Add some love stories, secret conversations, etc., and it will be enough to make everyone pay.

As for "The Pickwick Papers", a story of civilian travelogue, I need to put in more effort. The first thing that came to my mind was Lord Byron's unfinished "Don Juan". As we all know, Don Juan is a famous romantic figure in Spanish history. He has been involved with countless noble ladies throughout his life. Even the Spanish like to use Don Juan to refer to a lustful man.

It is natural that Lord Byron achieved commercial success by adapting his work based on Don Juan. Therefore, in order to emulate Lord Byron's successful path, when I was selling it, I described "The Pickwick Papers" as Don Juan's Travels in Britain. Sure enough, many customers didn't even listen to my description of the content, and they bought it. I was already impatient to pay.

Of course, what I am most proud of is the sales description of "The Story of Monkeys". I did not exaggerate in this regard. I clearly told them that this is a popular science story about the relationship between humans and monkeys, and added an expression of "Those who understand will understand, and those who don't understand will not understand".

Although customers said that they were not interested in this aspect, after buying other newspapers, they always said at the end: "Give me another copy of "The Brit", I think the cover packaging is quite exquisite."

Darwin heard this and looked at Elder with a complicated face: "Elder, the purpose of writing this article is to popularize science for everyone, so that everyone can stay away from ignorance and embrace civilization, but look at what you have done?"

Elder shrugged innocently and said: "That's right! I told them that this is a popular science article, but what's the use if they don't believe it?"

Arthur said lightly: "Elder."

"What's wrong?"

"Hurry up and say you graduated from Oxford. "

Elder refused sternly: "No, no, it's Cambridge's turn this month."

"What about King's College?"

"King's College?" Elder said disdainfully: "Those little punks, step back for a moment."

Faced with Elder Carter, a gold medal salesman with such a clear distinction between love and hate, newspaper editor Disraeli, out of his original intention of protecting his capable employees, hurried up to smooth things over.

He moved the heavy suitcase at his feet to the table. With a click, the lid of the box opened, and piles of banknotes finally shut everyone up.

Disraeli smiled with sweat on his forehead and said: "Everyone, for the sake of the Bank of England, Barings Bank and Rothschild Bank, let's settle the first issue's manuscript fee. ”

When a light check was placed in front of Dumas, after struggling for a while, the weight as light as a feather finally bent the heavy spine of the great French writer.

He put the check in his jacket pocket, sighed softly and confessed to God: "I originally planned to refuse, but the money is too much."

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but ask: "Alexander, are you free tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow night? What's your project tomorrow night?" Dumas smiled and swung the check between his hands: "As long as the cost does not exceed this amount."

"No, tomorrow night is free." Arthur put his arms on the table: "I think it's not a good idea for you to hide here and there. As long as the French government does not withdraw the wanted order for you, there will always be a few people who want to make a fortune. So, are you interested in meeting Talleyrand with me?"

"Talleyrand?" Dumas heard the name, and his smile suddenly froze on his face: "Why should I meet him? I have nothing to talk about with a person who doesn't even have the most basic moral qualities."

Arthur just smiled and shook his head when he heard this: "I don't know or understand whether he has moral character. But I know that he can help withdraw the wanted order against you. Alexander, I know that you are a romantic writer, but life is still Be realistic, there's no harm in coming with me to meet him."

As soon as Arthur finished speaking, there was a knock on the door at home.

Alexandre Dumas seemed unwilling to answer Arthur's question. He took this opportunity to stand up and leave the table. After opening the door, what appeared outside was Sheriff Charles Field, who was neatly dressed in a tuxedo uniform.

Perhaps because he was too excited, Chief Field spoke in a vibrato: "Is Superintendent Hastings at home?"

Arthur's head popped up from behind Alexandre Dumas, but before he could ask any questions, Sheriff Field already smiled and said: "You'd better stop asking, you'll know after you open it and take a look."

Arthur opened the document bag, although from Chief Field's expression, he had already read the general content of the document.

But when the documents were placed in front of me, the stone hanging in my heart finally fell to the ground safely.

There are two documents with very concise and clear titles. One is approved by the Kingdom Privy Council, and the other is stamped by the Ministry of the Interior.

"Relevant documents regarding the reorganization of the London Regional Provisional Bureau of Surveying and Statistics into the London Police Intelligence Bureau"

"Recommendations for the nomination of Superintendent Arthur Hastings of the Metropolitan Police as proposed Director of the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Service"

When Alexandre Dumas saw these two documents, he just patted Arthur on the shoulder: "In your words just now, I thought you wanted to become Talleyrand, but now it seems that you are more likely to become Fouche. Bigger. But I personally think that Fouche is probably worse than Talleyrand.”

Chief Field was stunned when he heard this: "Fouche? Mr. Dumas, are you talking about your French Minister of Police?"

"That's right." Alexandre Dumas said: "Napoleon holds the secrets of France, and Fouche holds the secrets of Napoleon. He and Talleyrand are Napoleon's right-hand men, and they were even together when they conspired against Napoleon."

Arthur just shook his head when he heard this: "Alexander, I will not put all the opponents into the house and bombard them."

"Oh?" Alexander joked: "Is it because you don't have a cannon?"

"It's okay if you insist on understanding it this way." Arthur just smiled and shook his head: "So, I will not be Fouche of France, I will just be Hastings of Britain."

When Alexandre Dumas heard this, he just smiled, then put his arm around his shoulders and said, "I hope so. In that case, I will accompany you to meet Talleyrand tomorrow."

There's more tonight