Chapter 593: Even Though They Are Both Police Officers, They Are Different

Arthur is one of the most complex souls I have ever seen. His calmness contains an elusive power. His eyes are like the fog in London, cold and dark, as if he has long lost his way in the maze of power. His rationality and calmness make him a defender of the system, but under this strict shell, I can vaguely feel some unfinished struggle - perhaps a yearning for a little freedom, or a higher understanding of the world.

I admire his intelligence and courage, but I can't help but feel deeply sorry for him: How can a person with such a clear mind be willing to be trapped in order and power? Sometimes I wonder if Arthur really understands what he is protecting. The order he believes in, the operation of power, and those cold and hard laws, for him, are they a tool to stabilize society, or an absolute truth that transcends morality and human heart?

I saw him suppress demonstrations and quell riots like a ruthless judge, never questioning the legitimacy of the system. But is he really unshakable? Deep in his heart, he may have had a little doubt about the nature of power. I bet that in his meditation late at night, he might feel lost for a moment, like a ship drifting in a storm, lonely but unable to deviate from its course.

A man with such insight and determination should have devoted himself to greater ideals and fought for the freedom of the human heart, but he chose to become part of the system. I am not belittling his choice, but I can't help but hope that he can go further, break away from the cold shell of order, and shine his light on more people.

But sometimes I have to admit that Arthur really makes me feel in awe. He can control his own destiny better than many of us. His methods, strategies, and manipulation of people's hearts are just like a calm chess player, as if he has already seen through every step of the power game. He can remain calm in any occasion, and can be both a law enforcer in Scotland Yard and an elegant guest in the diplomatic arena.

Even if he doesn't step out of Whitehall, he can still put everything under his control. Perhaps it is this calm self-control that allows him to survive in the world of power. Am I too romantic to accept the path he has chosen? I can't help wondering, am I trying to change him, or is he silently reminding me of the limitations of human struggle?

—— Alexander Ivanovich Herzen, "Past and Remembrance"

"Nikola?"

Sure enough, Shubinsky, who had just been evasive, immediately stood up and tried to keep Arthur and Bismarck who were about to leave when he heard the news.

"Artie! My good brother, why are you in such a hurry to leave? We two old friends have met after a long time, and we just drink a glass and leave. This is not in line with the etiquette of Russians entertaining friends."

Shubinsky even called out Arthur's nickname in a hurry.

Hearing this nickname, York Pigherd thought for a moment that he had returned to his hometown in York in the countryside, because usually only the elders and villagers there would call him that.

As for old friends like Elder, Disraeli and Dumas, although they occasionally called Arthur that, Arthur always thought that the nickname was too cheesy, so he always forbade them to call him "Artie".

However, today, seeing that Mr. Shubinsky had important information, Arthur decided to suppress his quirks and indulge him a little.

Shubinsky cordially invited the two friends back to their seats. This secret policeman, who could make people feel like they were falling into an ice cave with just one look in Russia, now showed a smile that was warmer than the sun.

He personally filled the glasses for the two friends, and while pouring the wine, he introduced the Russian customs to them: "In Russia, it is impolite to have wine in the glass, so..."

Shubinsky raised his glass and clinked it with the two: "Cheers to our friendship! May it flow like the Volga River and always be full of strength!"

After speaking, Shubinsky took the lead and set an example for them. He drank a full glass of hot whiskey. Not only did the Russian colonel not feel dizzy, but he looked more energetic.

At the end, he did not forget to fork a piece of salted pork elbow and put it in his mouth to suppress the wine.

While chewing this best delicacy to keep warm in the ice and snow, Shubinsky stretched out his hand and made a "please" gesture to Arthur and Bismarck.

Arthur and Bismarck looked at each other and had to learn from Shubinsky to drink the wine in one gulp.

When Shubinsky saw that their glasses were empty, he immediately wanted to fill them again.

Arthur saw through his intention to take over the host's position. Although he could drink well, he was not confident enough to compete with the Russians.

He saw Shubinsky was going to pour wine, but he did not refuse directly. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, with an apologetic smile on his face: "Sergey, I am honored by your hospitality. However, I have been entrusted with a small responsibility tonight - I must stay sober, otherwise tomorrow's work may be more troublesome."

"Work?" Shubinsky paused. He knew that Arthur was deliberately making excuses, but he was not going to let his "old friend" go so easily. Shubinsky joked: "What work could be more important than a hangover with a long-lost friend? Are the college students in Göttingen plotting to attack the arsenal tomorrow?"

Arthur did not speak, but raised his hand slightly mysteriously and pointed at the ceiling: "The premiere of "Turandot" attracted many distinguished guests, including many who could twist my head off. Sergey , There is no penal colony like Siberia in Britain, and you know that when we make mistakes there, we usually go to Australia. Do you want our next meal to be drunk on the ship? "

Although Shubinski knew that this was an excuse, he really couldn't refute the reason given by the other party.

After thinking about it, he finally sighed and decided to explain the matter honestly.

Although the two men have different nationalities, the concerns of the secret police are the same. Arthur did not want to be exiled to Australia any more than he wanted to go to Siberia.

Shubinsky laughed at himself: "Being exiled to Australia is actually not that bad. At least you can still ride on a boat. In Russia, when you are exiled to Siberia, not only are there no transportation for you to ride on, but you also have to wear handcuffs and shackles and the whole family." "What's worse is that in most cases, all but the clothes you have on you will be confiscated."

Shubinsky raised his head and took a sip from the wine bottle. He leaned in front of the bar and rubbed his hair: "Well, since we are all friends, I won't hide it from you. I didn't come to Leipzig for a vacation. , but to play a cat-and-mouse game and track several students who were included in the watch list. We suspect that they left the country to contact Polish Zionists.”

Seeing Shubinski's appearance, Arthur comforted him: "As for it? As you said before, what trouble can a few students make? If they insist on doing stupid things, they will only end up doing something stupid. Buried himself."

"Artie, you don't understand! The UK has a constitutional government, but in Russia, His Majesty the Tsar alone has the final say!"

I don’t know whether it was due to too much work pressure or fear of being exiled to Siberia. The tower-like Shubinsky was so emotional that he couldn’t help but hide his face and cry bitterly: “If there is no progress on my side, but some of my enemies are let go. I discovered something first... If this matter reaches the ears of Count Benkendorf and His Majesty the Tsar, do you know what will happen? "

Shubinsky grabbed Arthur's shoulders with both hands and shook him violently: "Maybe I will be beaten as an accomplice of the students! This has happened before in the third game!"

Bismarck was startled by Shubinsky's sudden outburst. The Prussian boy stammered and asked: "Is... is it that serious?"

Shubinsky turned to look at Bismarck and lectured word for word: "Young man, you are still young, so I forgive you. Because you do not have enough experience to understand what is going on here. If you have the opportunity to go to Russia in the future, Be an official serving the Tsar like me, and you have to be careful! Every time you take a step forward, there will be a hundred people! A thousand people are staring at your butt. They are maggots in the sewer, all the time Waiting for you to make a mistake, then they will step on you, take your seat, and replace it with them! And in Russia, if you make a mistake, it will not only affect you, but your whole body. Family. If you are unlucky , maybe generations will not be able to turn over! The road away from Moscow and St. Petersburg has always been smooth, but if you want to come back, you have to climb over the Ural Mountains, paddle across the Don and Volga Rivers, and walk a long, long way in the snowy fields wearing single clothes. road!"

When Shubinsky said this, he seemed to remember something sad. He sighed and continued: "I have a friend whose father was arrested for political informants during the reign of Paul I. Their family was first imprisoned. In Schlusselburg, he was later exiled to Siberia to live permanently. Fortunately, the new emperor showed mercy and after the Holy King ascended the throne, he pardoned thousands of people who were exiled by his father.

The family lived a very hard life in Siberia. They lacked food and clothing. The three sisters only had one pair of shoes, so they only wore shoes when going out to prevent others from seeing their poor appearance. Fortunately, the family's spirit was strong enough and they finally got through that difficult time. It was winter when they were pardoned. It was not easy for such a family to set off from Tobosk Province with no coats and no money!

But on the other hand, they wanted to fly back at once, because it would be even more unbearable to stay where they were after their exile was over. A local peasant woman once breastfed her child while the mother was ill. After the peasant woman learned that they were going back to Moscow, she gave them the money she had saved with great difficulty to pay for their journey, and only asked to take her with them.

Fortunately, the officials at the local post station treated them well and allowed them to ride for free and sent them to the border. Some of the family took the car and some walked. The young people took turns walking, and just like that, they walked through the ice and snow, crossed the Ural Mountains, and arrived in Moscow. Moscow is the place they long for, their hope, but what awaits them there is hunger.

Do you know why? This is because although the government pardoned them, it did not return their property. To make matters worse, years of hard work and long journeys caused the family's breadwinner to fall ill, and the family had no meal in Moscow. At that time, it happened to coincide with the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Nicholas I, so the two girls in the family secretly wrote a petition, hoping to sneak into the parade, and wait until His Majesty came down the red steps in front of the Kremlin. Give him the book. "

Bismarck couldn't help but ask: "Did those two girls succeed?"

Shubinsky looked at Bismarck sadly. He said nothing, but silence was the best answer.

Arthur stirred the black tea cup that had just been served: "Otto, why bother asking for trouble? Haven't you read the newspaper? Nicholas I is different from his gentle brother 'Holy King'. This is a man of will The iron-clad emperor was born to accomplish great things, so you'd better not bother him with such trivial matters."

Shubinski said with a sad face: "Atty, you have to help me. Other than that, I can't find anyone else to turn to."

Arthur didn't believe Shubinski's lies, just as Shubinski didn't believe him.

But he still maintained his sympathy for Shubinsky on his face: "Sergey, I understand you, but I still think you are a little nervous. On this occasion today, the King of Saxony, our country's Duke of Sussex and a group of A large number of dignitaries from the Kingdom of Saxony are present, how can the Poles sneak in? This is Leipzig, not Liverpool."

Bismarck followed Arthur's words and said: "Sir, I think so too. We didn't see any Poles there. If it weren't for the fact that Sir saw your old friend and insisted on going downstairs to chat with you, I wouldn't say no. We must be having a good time drinking with those college students right now."

Shubinsky refused to give up and said: "This... what did you talk about when you were drinking? Did they mention a man named Sungurov to you?"

"Sungurov?" Bismarck recalled: "There is no Sungurov, but I remember there was a man named Ogarev in the room."

"Ogarev?!" Shubinsky exclaimed as if grasping a life-saving straw: "Yes! Yes, Ogarev is the leader among them!"

When Bismarck saw Shubinsky's reaction, he suddenly felt that something was wrong.

Although he did not like liberals, he also did not like to act as an informer. This behavior was not in line with what he believed to be the spirit of German aristocracy.

Even when serving as the Gestapo under Arthur, Bismarck's leaking behavior was still restrained. He hated his philistine classmates, but rather than letting the police arrest them, Bismarck preferred to beat the crap out of them on the duel field.

He is still too young and has not seen many dirty political transactions, and the illusory moral sense of young people does not allow him to do too despicable things.

One of the important reasons why Bismarck was obedient to Arthur in the Gestapo was: based on his observations in recent months, the British secret police leader had a strange temper. It is hard to tell what his purpose was in spying on student activities. What to do. He has never used this information to arrest anyone, nor has he tried any student on charges of assembly.

The reason why he collects information everywhere like a sewer rat, and burrows into every crack like a cockroach, is more like a personal hobby.

But it was different with the Russian secret policeman in front of him. No matter how nice his words were, it was obvious that he wanted to kill people both inside and outside his words.

Bismarck retreated, and for a moment he didn't know whether to betray the Russian friend he had just met.

Fortunately, Arthur didn't embarrass him. Shubinski's cruel behavior not only failed to win Arthur's sympathy, but actually made him take advantage of the opponent's weakness.

"Since Ogarev is the student leader who conspired to rebel, you should arrest him when he was in Moscow. Sergey, how could you let him come to Leipzig? What if he ran away like this? You deserve to be held accountable."

Shubinsky was seen through and quickly reorganized his words to try to fill in the loopholes: "I'm sorry, I didn't explain the matter clearly before. Although Ogarev is involved with Sungurov, we have no evidence for the time being. Proof that he joined the secret society organized by Sungurov.”

Arthur pressed forward step by step. He vowed that he would not let Shubinsky get his wish unless he wiped out all his money today: "What is Sungurov's society?"

Shubinsky frowned. He didn't like Arthur's strong inquiry: "Arthur, I can't say too much about this part."

"Okay, if you insist on this, Sergey." Arthur took off his gloves and threw them on the table: "After I am transferred to the Russian Embassy, ​​it won't be a big deal for me to inquire about it myself."

"Transferred to the Russian Embassy?" Shubinsky was stunned for a moment: "Aren't you working as a proctor at the University of Göttingen?"

"It is now, but after all, I can't work in the education field for the rest of my life." Arthur smiled helplessly: "Do you know who the new British Ambassador to Russia is?"

"Count Dalamo."

"Yes, he is half my teacher."

Arthur picked up the tea cup and drank the black tea: "When the University of London was first established, the main funders were Lord Brougham and Earl Durham. I was good at Russian history in college, so Earl Durham thought I'll probably be of use to him until Hanno. After the constitutional reform of the Wei Kingdom is completed, my appointment letter should be issued. As the cultural counselor of the British Embassy in Russia, Sergey, there will definitely be many opportunities for us to communicate in the future. As cultural counselor, I am sure. It’s essential to go to Moscow State University for cultural exchanges between the two countries.”

When Shubinsky heard this, beads of sweat suddenly covered his forehead.

He originally thought that Arthur had nothing to do with Russia, so he confidently told him some Russian things.

But if Arthur is about to go to Russia to serve, then...

He talked about a lot of sensitive topics today, and some of them even seemed to be dissatisfied with the Tsar...

It’s over!

Shubinski was covered in sweat, and even started to talk nonsense: "Arthur, congratulations, you should be considered a high promotion, right? Haha, I thought I was the only one who went further this time, but I didn't expect you to go further this time." Come on, the Poles, the Sungurov guys, you know what? The organized society claimed to be the successors of the Decembrists. These damn traitors were also connected to the Poles. For their so-called freedom, they were willing to sell out the interests of their motherland and insisted on siding with foreign forces. Of course, Arthur, I am not talking about you as a foreign force. Come, have another drink and pay tribute to the friendship between Russia and Britain..."

Arthur stared at Shubinski for a long time, until he saw beads of sweat on his forehead slipping from his temples, then he chuckled and raised his glass to touch Shubinski.

Shubinski was about to drink it all to show his respect, but Arthur's words frightened him so much that he almost dropped the glass to the ground.

"Sergey, are there any beautiful Polish girls in Moscow? I really want to learn Polish."