Chapter 422 King Arthur Living in Scotland Yard (6K4)

We are here for Britain.

——Arthur Hastings, cover page of the Metropolitan Police Manual.

It was a foggy morning, just after dawn, and the streets of London were still immersed in a solemn atmosphere.

Located near Trafalgar Square in the heart of London, the ancient and majestic Gothic spire of St. Martin's Church stands in the morning light, gradually emitting a little light, as if a watcher who has just opened his eyes is silently patrolling the surrounding emptiness.

The silent environment lasted for an unknown period of time. In the cobblestone alleys surrounding the church, a uniform sound of footsteps broke the quiet balance. The sound of hard boots hitting the cobblestones was like a heavy evocation.

The iconic dark blue tailcoat, the epaulettes were shining, the tall black bowler hat was worn, and even the white gloves were specially replaced with new ones. The police teams organized from various police districts in London are gathering here in a queue.

This is the practice of Scotland Yard. According to internal regulations, every police officer who believes in the state religion must line up to go to the church to attend a worship service in the early morning of Sunday.

However, unlike the usual worship, all the police districts and police stations of Scotland Yard chose St. Martin's Church as the venue for today's worship.

The participants of this worship are not only police officers who believe in the state religion, but also police officers of other Protestant denominations such as Lutheranism, Methodism, Calvinism, Baptism, etc., and even this event attracted a Catholic believer who has never been keen on religious worship activities-Officer Arthur Hastings.

In other words, the police officers actually came for Superintendent Hastings.

And they also understood that Superintendent Hastings, the big man of Scotland Yard and the model of the police force, was lying quietly in the dark and narrow coffin of St. Martin's Church.

The footsteps gradually stopped, and the restlessness calmed down. The police officers formed a neat square formation from west to east outside St. Martin's Church as if they had rehearsed countless times in advance, guarding both sides of the road of St. Martin's Church.

Each of them had a resolute expression like a statue, and they looked at the closed door with a solemn look. The silhouettes of the police officers were set against the blue-gray stone wall, adding a bit of majesty to the scene at this moment, and the majestic atmosphere revealed a bit of sadness.

The senior police officers in charge of leading the police team each held a heavy police knife. On the top of the police knife, even in the fog, the shining emblem of the Greater London Police Department still shone clearly.

Charles Rowan, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police, Greater London Police.

Richard Mayne, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police, Greater London Police.

Johnny Sheppard, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Head of the Special Operations Department of the Greater London Police.

Gary Brown, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Head of the Security Patrol Department of the Greater London Police.

Michael Kressman, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Greater London Police.

…

Two police commissioners, five assistant superintendents, 18 superintendents, and more than 50 inspectors, almost all the senior figures of Scotland Yard were present today.

They stood at the front of the team, facing the huge closed oak door of the church, with no change in their eyes or expressions, just like their subordinates.

Every police officer present knew that they were waiting for the final tribute to a brave officer who died in the line of duty.

This officer, unfortunately, died in an action to defend peace and order, but his name will be engraved in the glorious history of Scotland Yard and become the eternal memory of all colleagues.

Just as the Scotland Yard police lined up solemnly in front of St. Martin's Church, the crisp sound of horse hooves came from afar, beating on the ancient stone road like drums, attracting everyone's attention to the source of the sound.

A gust of wind blew, clearing away the morning mist, and several gorgeously decorated royal carriages appeared at the end of the field of vision. It was slowly approaching along the wide street accompanied by the cavalry guards.

Its body was painted in deep violet, symbolizing nobility and power, with golden patterns and carvings shining on its surface. Four strong horses were wearing intricate and exquisite harnesses, marching in unison, with their manes fluttering in the wind. Every detail showed the solemnity and magnificence of the royal guard.

On its roof, the royal flag, which was composed of the Union Jack of the United Kingdom and the shield of the Hanover family, was swaying gently in the breeze, indicating the prominent status of the passengers in the car.

The car stopped steadily in the open space specially cleared in front of the church, and the entourage quickly stepped forward and carefully opened the door.

William IV, dressed in formal attire, slowly stepped down from the carriage, followed closely by the bigwigs who were also dressed in their best clothes.

William Howley, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chief Bishop of England,

Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, the former Prime Minister, the former Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, and the Chief Sheriff of England,

Lord Brougham, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Lords, and the Chairman of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council,

Viscount Melbourne, the Home Secretary and the Chairman of the National Committee of Public Safety,

Sir Robert Peel, the leader of the Tory Party and the former Home Secretary,

Prince Augustus Frederick, the President of the Royal Society, the President of the Royal Society of Arts, the King's brother, and the Duke of Sussex...

The arrival of a group of big names instantly raised the mood of the police officers to an exciting level. After being criticized by the Fleet Street news media like carpet bombing, the police officers really needed such a scene to boost their mood and morale. morale.

In the breathless silence, all eyes were on King William IV, followed closely by Sir George Elliot, the Attaché to the Royal Chamber.

I saw George Elliot with a solemn face, holding a vermilion tray in his hand. On the top of the tray was a medieval-style knight's sword, as well as symbols of honor, loyalty and subordinate ranks. The long swallowtail banner of knighthood, gilt spurs and crimson cloak.

Everyone is looking forward to witnessing His Majesty the King bestowing this supreme national honor on the officer who died in the line of duty. This is not only a personal affirmation for Superintendent Hastings, but also the ultimate recognition of the hard work of the entire Greater London Police Force. So motivating.

In a dignified and solemn environment, only the golden bell on the carriage rang softly in the breeze, as if whispering about the lives lost for justice and peace.

William IV stood in the middle of the road in front of St. Martin's Church, looked up at the rising sun in the distance, then turned around and nodded slightly to the Archbishop of Canterbury beside him.

Boom, boom, boom!

When the holy bell rang three times, the police officers present took off their hats involuntarily and bowed their heads slightly to show respect.

Only a clicking sound was heard, and the solemn and ancient oak door of St. Martin's Church quietly opened at this moment.

The sacred light flowed out from the crack in the door, like the first ray of dawn in the sky, instantly illuminating this foggy and gray morning, and also lighting up everyone's expectant and sad eyes.

In the church, the music of the piano echoed and the sound of chanting loomed, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity to the atmosphere.

Everyone's heartbeats seemed to slow down simultaneously at this moment, and their nervousness seemed to be pulled to the extreme by invisible forces. However, in this silence, there was an unexpected sound of footsteps.

From that bright beam of light, a pitch-black hard riding boot suddenly stepped out, followed by white gloves that swung out with his footsteps, a straight tuxedo, a police officer's knife that undulated with his steps, and the sword that bloomed on his shoulders. A shining coat of arms of St. Edward.

Arthur's face looked a bit pale, perhaps due to excessive blood loss, or perhaps because he had not been bathed in sunlight for so long that even his steps became stiff.

But this did not prevent him from calmly putting on his black top hat in the eyes of everyone who was stunned. Arthur held the police officer's knife in one hand and walked slowly forward along the cobblestone road under his feet.

This scene could not help but make the police officers present dumbfounded. The originally sad and depressing atmosphere was suddenly replaced by unbelievable consternation.

The members of the police force all stared with confusion and shock on their faces. Some even wondered if their eyes were deceiving them, and even the hats they held in their hands fell to the ground.

Inspector Hastings, whom they once thought was lost forever, was now standing in the center of the light, as if he had never left.

Arthur walked up to Director Rowan. In an instant, two pairs of sharp eyes collided with each other. Without dodging or doubting, Arthur slowly raised his arm and saluted: "Police Intelligence Bureau of the Greater London Police Department" and Head of the London Police School, Assistant Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police, Arthur Hastings, reporting to you!”

Although Luo Wan had received the news as early as last night, it was not until he confirmed it with his own eyes that he finally couldn't help but smile with a smile of relief, sincerity and relief.

Rowan stared at it for a long time, and then nodded to Arthur: "Arthur, I'm glad to see you were rescued. Although most of the time, I don't want to admit it. But I must say, just this time... Yan, you did a great job.”

Arthur looked at the boss with whom he had battled wits and courage in the past, and smiled with relief: "Just like you, this is my duty, sir."

Rowan took a deep breath and patted Arthur on the shoulder: "As I said, your future is bright. However, although this may be the last time, I still want to say..."

Rowan took a step back, raised his hand and saluted: "Welcome back to the team, Officer Hastings!"

Rowan's salute was like a thunder, waking the police officers from this almost impossible scene. Almost subconsciously, they also raised their arms in unison: "Welcome back to the team, sir!"

When Arthur heard this, he felt a breath in his chest. He couldn't help but raise his arms and salute the police officers who had accompanied him from birth to death for three years: "It's a great honor to be in this ranks, my police officers! "

William IV and others standing behind couldn't help but smile when they saw this scene.

Just a simple appearance can win the hearts of all Scotland Yard officers, such is the importance of Arthur Hastings here.

Although he was not resurrected, perhaps for Scotland Yard, the name Arthur Hastings itself has acquired some ineffable sanctity.

"Arthur Hastings!"

Suddenly, a solemn and solemn shout broke this oil painting-like scene.

That was George Elliot, the Attaché to the King. That was the King calling.

Arthur walked up to the king, held his arms on his chest, then bowed his head and knelt on one knee.

William IV's eyes showed some admiration, but soon he stopped smiling and picked up the knight's sword in the tray beside him.

William IV drew out his long sword, struck his neck and shoulders three times with the back of the sword, then put the back of the sword on his shoulders and asked solemnly.

“Arthur Hastings!

Are you willing to maintain the principle of supreme honor, regard honor as your life, always adhere to noble standards of conduct, and not allow any words or deeds to tarnish your reputation.

You are willing to be loyal to the Lord, absolutely loyal to the lord and monarch, willing to go through fire and water for him, and fulfill your oaths and duties without hesitation.

You are willing to protect the weak, take up the responsibility of protecting women, children, the elderly and the helpless, fight against oppression and injustice, and show compassion.

You are willing to advocate justice, adhere to the principle of fairness when dealing with disputes and disputes, oppose fraud and prejudice, and maintain social order.

May you fight bravely, face your enemies fearlessly, and fight bravely, but only draw your sword for legitimate reasons and oppose senseless violence and indiscriminate killing.

You are willing to respect your opponents. Even on the battlefield, you should respect your opponents, abide by the rules of war, treat the defeated with tolerance and compassion, and do not take advantage of others' danger.

You are willing to be honest and trustworthy, do what you say, keep your promises, be consistent with your words and deeds, and resolutely resist lies and betrayal.

If you are willing to pursue knowledge, you should not only have superb martial arts, but also have cultural accomplishment, pursue intellectual growth, and improve your own moral character.

You are willing to moderate your desires, restrain your personal desires, avoid bad habits such as greed and arrogance, and maintain humility and self-discipline.

You are willing to revere God, regard yourself as God’s servant, have devout faith, and act guided by God’s will. "

Arthur bowed his head slightly, placed a hand on his heart and swore.

"By God's guidance, and your will, I, Arthur Hastings, do solemnly swear that by St. In the name of a great warrior known for his loyalty, we solemnly promise:

I will be kind to the weak,

I will bravely face the strong,

I will fight anyone who makes a mistake,

I will fight for those who cannot fight.

I will help those who ask me for help,

I will never hurt a woman,

I will help my brother knights,

I will be loyal to my friends,

I will treat my love sincerely.

I am willing to bind myself with this sacred oath. No matter what difficulties, challenges or temptations I face, I will faithfully fulfill my commitments and never deviate or retreat. If you violate this oath, you will be willing to suffer the severe judgment and excommunication of Saint George, as well as all the punishments and condemnations due in the world.

The above oaths are made from the bottom of my heart, and in the name of St. George, I will never forget them. "

When William IV heard this, he nodded slightly.

"Be fearless in the face of a powerful enemy! Be brave and loyal, worthy of God! Speak uprightly, and would rather die than lie! Protecting the weak is no wonder the law of heaven! This is your oath, keep it in mind!

Arthur Hastings, I, William IV, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and its Dependencies and Dependencies, and King of the Kingdom of Hanover, Protector of the Christian Faith, do hereby duly ennoble you to the title of United Kingdom. A knight of the lower rank! "

After speaking, William IV held the knight's sword horizontally in his hand and said: "Avencez (please get up), Sir Arthur Hastings (Sir Arthur Hastings)."

Arthur raised his head and looked at the sword held in the king's hand. He was a little dazed and felt a little confused. It wasn't until the king blinked at him gently that he stood up and took it from the king's hand as if he had just woken up from a dream. Pass the sword that symbolizes the knight's status.

"It's a great honor, Your Majesty."

Sir George Elliot, the Royal Attaché, immediately took a step forward holding the tray filled with jewelry symbolizing knighthood, and handed it to Arthur with a smile: "As your acquaintance and half-friend, I'm glad to see you're okay, ser."

Arthur took the tray and took a deep breath and said: "I am also glad to see you in good health, Sir."

The two looked at each other and smiled, but before they could exchange more greetings, William IV smiled at Arthur and said: "My dear Sir Arthur Hastings, as an outstanding police officer, Commander, on this occasion of farewell, don’t you have anything to say to your boys?”

Arthur glanced at the king, then at the Duke of Wellington, Sir Peel, his mentor Lord Brougham, and others standing beside him.

Some of them nodded slightly towards Arthur, and some smiled slightly.

Seeing this, Arthur couldn't help but laugh softly. He turned around, only to find that the police officers' eyes had already focused on him.

He saw many acquaintances in the crowd, including Tom and Tony who couldn't contain their ecstasy, Brayden Jones who breathed a sigh of relief, Ledley King whose eyes were wandering, and Thomas Plunkett and a group of officers from the Police Intelligence Bureau and Criminal Investigation Department were laughing and applauding him.

Arthur's chest rose and fell, and he hesitated to speak, but in the end, his face still showed the gentle smile that was most common among Scotland Yard police officers in the past.

"Brothers, you all know that I am a person who loves to read. I read fairy tales, comics, newspapers and news. I like to read historical records and fashion novels. I see many heroes in these stories. They are sublime, they are great, they are like stars hanging in the sky, untouchable and incomparable.

However, in this turbulent year of 1832, I suddenly discovered that all real heroes are not as described in storybooks. There are no heroes in the world, and there is no true bravery that is not afraid of death. I don't know how to be a hero, but you taught me what a true knight looks like.

A true knight never lets his fear of death outweigh his sense of honor, never lets fear overpower his sense of duty to his country and his innate manhood. Each of you here plays such a vital role. When danger occurs, what you think about is the honor of the country, the citizens of London, and the partners and comrades beside you, instead of just thinking about yourself. .

Scotland Yard is never a place for cowards, because even the timid guy will burst out with a manliness he has never known before. Yes, no one wants to face death and danger, but this does not mean that we will shrink from the danger of guarding the law and justice. The Gospel says: You are the salt of the earth. If salt loses its flavor, how can you make it salty again?

If a person hates peace, how can he make others keep it? How can a man who defiled his own hands by his despicable deeds cleanse the uncleanness of others? We often say that if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the pit. Everyone also said that night and day cannot meet, but I am very happy that we shouldered the dawn.

If I, Arthur Hastings, a country boy from York, have ever done anything worthy of celebration in my short life, then I must say that I am truly fortunate that in 1832 , in these passionate years, I have fought with the great Scotland Yard. The years spent with you are the most beautiful sunny days I have ever experienced in my life. "

Having said this, Arthur slowly raised his hand and saluted.

Behind him, only the sound of an edict shaking was heard.

The majestic voice of the Duke of Wellington sounded, and he read the edict on his behalf.

“I, William IV, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and King of the Kingdom of Hanover, do by this seal of gold and jade, declare to my loyal subjects:

In view of the importance of the maintenance of public security and the stability of order in our Kingdom, especially in London, our capital, to national tranquility and the well-being of the people, the Greater London Police Service was established in 1829. Since its establishment, the Metropolitan Police has fulfilled its duties with fearlessness, wisdom and impartiality, effectively combating crime, protecting innocents, effectively deterring evil forces, and safeguarding the dignity of the law and social justice.

Its professionalism and selfless dedication have demonstrated its outstanding position as the pillar of national security and serves as a model for police agencies. Not only has it won my deep trust, but it has also won the general praise of the London public.

In view of this, I have decided to confer royal titles with royal honor on the Greater London Police Service and its personnel to recognize their merits and encourage them to perform their duties more faithfully and courageously in the future to serve my subjects and my kingdom.

Zite canonization:

The Metropolitan Police Service, with immediate effect, will be officially renamed the 'Royal Metropolitan Police Service' and given the honorific title 'Royal' to show my special commendation and royal favor.

All officials and police officers at all levels affiliated with the department are entitled to the title of 'Royal', and their titles should be adjusted in accordance with royal etiquette. 'Police Commissioner' is renamed 'Royal Police Commissioner', and ordinary police officers are renamed 'Royal Police'. And so on. The royal coat of arms should be added to their uniforms, badges, official documents, and logos to highlight their new lofty honors.

This royal title not only recognizes past contributions, but also inspires future loyalty and diligence. The Royal Metropolitan Police Service should continue to uphold its fine traditions, unswervingly uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety of citizens, and guard against internal and external threats, so as to demonstrate royal authority, consolidate social harmony, and maintain the prosperity and tranquility of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

I order the Minister of Home Affairs and relevant departments to comply with this edict and promptly handle the relevant name change and logo renewal matters, and ensure that the Royal Metropolitan Police Service and its members fully understand and cherish this honor, and are committed to serving in the name of the Royal Family and living up to me. What you hope for.

I hope Almighty God will continue to protect our Royal Metropolitan Police and give it wisdom and strength so that it can more firmly protect our territory and subjects under its new glory.

This edict.

at St. James's Palace,

William IV,

King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King of Hanover and Guardian of the Christian Faith,

Lord's calendar, June 9, 1832. "