The Shadow of Great Britain

Speaking of which, Schneider paused for a moment: "Arthur, if you think about it, you'll have to head to Hanover soon, won't you? As it happens, I'm on the same route. I'm headed to Munich this time."

"Munich?" Arthur frowned and said, "You're going to Bavaria? If I remember correctly, don't you dislike that place quite a bit?"

"No, I don't dislike Bavaria; I simply look down on Bavarians."

"Then it looks like you're going to have a rough time, Bavaria is full of Bavarians."

"No, it's worse than that."

Schneider sighed.

"The person I'm meeting in Bavaria is Austrian. The German Confederation meeting will be held in Munich this September, and naturally, it will be presided over by the presiding state of the German Confederation, or to put it more bluntly, by the Imperial Prime Minister of Austria, Metternich.

According to the information and notifications we've received, the main agenda of this meeting is to coordinate the policy of the German Confederation in response to the tensions between France and the Ottoman Empire, and to prevent the spread of revolutionary forces in Europe. Besides the member states of the German Confederation, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia will also be in attendance.

Viscount Palmerston is very concerned that Metternich will propose at this meeting to restore the Holy Alliance between Austria, Prussia, and Russia. If Metternich succeeds, with Austria and Prussia backing him, the Russians would be even less likely to make concessions to us on the Ottoman issue."

As Schneider said this, he couldn't help but add sarcastically: "Although Britain has always been outnumbered, it seems that His Lordship the Viscount is ready to admit defeat this time. Just because he listened to Lady Levin's nonsense, it led to a series of strategic missteps, putting himself on the fire. Last year he avoided Talleyrand like the plague, but this year they're as chummy as newlyweds, just shy of holding hands and dancing a square dance. You can hardly believe that such an anti-French figure as Viscount Palmerston is proposing an alliance of Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal to counter Metternich's Holy Alliance."

Schneider was merely complaining about Viscount Palmerston's inconsistent diplomatic policy, but Arthur heard an opportunity in his words.

Arthur guided the conversation: "It seems that between Talleyrand and Metternich, Viscount Palmerston has finally picked the one he despises more."

Schneider nodded as a matter of course: "Isn't that so? A few years ago, he had a big row with Metternich at the London Conference over the Belgian issue, and Metternich mocked him, saying: 'Palmerston is nothing without France, and his diplomatic policy is full of blunders. Every word and action is a clumsy imitation of George Canning, leaving Britain isolated and helpless when facing the continental powers.'"

"Hmm... Now it seems, Metternich was unfortunately right."

"Isn't it so?" Schneider laughed heartily: "If Metternich hadn't hit the nail on the head, the Minister probably wouldn't hate him so much. Seeing Metternich in the limelight at various international conferences, it's more unbearable than killing him. It's a well-known secret in the Foreign Office that if you can offer a bit of dirt on Metternich, it makes the work today in the office that much easier."

Arthur casually mentioned: "In that case, if the Minister learned that there was a fire in Metternich's backyard, his face would shine with smiles for months."

"Hmm?" Schneider quickly caught the key words: "Fire in Metternich's backyard? Did you set it?"

"No, no, August, I'm talking about Italy under Austrian control."

Arthur put his arm around Schneider's shoulder and led him toward the smoking room: "I happened upon the discovery of an organization called 'Young Italy,' which seems to be closely linked to the 'Charcoal Party.' They are currently plotting an expedition against the various Italian states."

"Ah..."

Upon hearing this, Schneider's eyes sparkled: "Brother, who would've thought that you, having just joined the Foreign Office, could potentially achieve such a remarkable accomplishment."

Arthur replied cheerfully: "August, it's not that I've achieved such a remarkable accomplishment, but that you and I have achieved it together. I'm wondering if you're interested in participating and playing a critical role in Viscount Palmerston's smile— no, in Britain's major diplomatic work?"

Schneider gazed deeply at Arthur; he never expected this kid to be so loyal.

"My good brother, you're so generous, when we get back to London, I must treat you to a couple of rounds."

Dimples appeared on Arthur's cheek as he smiled: "That won't do, the whip must still be soaked in water."

"No problem, no problem!"