On the deck of the Conqueror, there are two crimson velvet seats and a small round table.

Arthur picked up the white porcelain teacup on the table and took a sip. He looked at the sun and the golden sea on the horizon, feeling the gentle cool summer sea breeze, and only felt that the nerves that had been tense for recent days were finally relaxed.

Sitting next to him was an old man with a wrinkled forehead, a silver-white wig, and the uniform of a senior Royal Navy officer, none other than Admiral Edward Codrington, the supreme commander of the entire Channel Fleet.

Arthur had expected this to be a reckless man with a who's five big and three thick, but in reality, Codrington was a man with a goose egg face, willowy eyebrows, a hooked nose, and slender eyes.

Stripped of his navy uniform, Codrington's melancholy might have been more like an artist with a paintbrush.

Of course, if he really wanted to be an artist, he might not have this melancholy temperament.

After all, the ghost knows if he is depressed like this because he was refrigerated by the Admiralty.

When Codrington saw Arthur finish his tea, he raised his hand and pointed to the fruit bowl full of raisins on the round table and said, "Let's have this, it tastes good." Of all the raisins of the fleet, I dare say that the one of the Strait Fleet is definitely the best. After all, I personally selected the suppliers of the raisins, and each grape had to come from the sunny Apennine coast. ”

As soon as Arthur heard this, he immediately understood that Codrington must still not let go of the knot in his heart.

After all, a normal admiral would not make trouble for the Admiralty so much, just eat a raisin, so why do you have to go to the Mediterranean to buy goods?

However, he generously accepted the other party's suggestion and grabbed a handful of raisins and stuffed them into his mouth.

He chewed and commented: "This is not ordinary sweetness, the grapes produced in a sunny place like the Mediterranean are better than ours." Your Excellency, you really know the grape very well. ”

When Codrington heard this compliment, his mood was immediately much better.

He said modestly: "If you eat more grapes, you will naturally understand." If you fight more battles, you will naturally win. But a genius scientist like you doesn't come from experience. Diligence is important, but when it comes to scientific research, it's even more important to be talented. ”

When Arthur heard this, he almost squirted out the black tea that had just been put into his mouth to relieve his greasy.

He adjusted his mood and maintained his calm expression in a thrilling manner.

"Are you also a scientific researcher?"

"No, no, no."

Codrington smiled as he held his teacup, "I'm far from you, and although I'm a member of the Royal Society, I'm a hobbyist at best." Looking at your surprised expression, the Duke of Sussex must have not told you, right? In fact, many of the generals in the Royal Navy are members of the Royal Society, and those of us are always keeping an eye on the progress of science.

Any wise admiral knows that the good use of science can help us gain a lot of advantages on the battlefield. Truth be told, I'm one of Mr. Faraday's fans, but I'm more interested in his progress in chemistry. I'm just getting started with his new direction in electromagnetism. ”

When Arthur heard this, he couldn't help but sink in his heart.

That doesn't sound right! He didn't want to ask me about the electromagnetic field, did he?

Sure enough, Codrington asked, "Maybe I'm a bit presumptuous to ask, but after all, I'm afraid you're the second person in the field of electromagnetism in England below Mr. Faraday, so I wonder what I think of the future direction of electromagnetism?" ”

"Hmmm......"

Arthur pretended to be meditative, and he chose not to talk about theory but only vision.

"The discovery of the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction has really solved a big problem for us. After discovering that electricity and magnetism could be converted into each other, Mr. Faraday began to devote all his energy to the development of electromagnetic generators.

If he makes a key breakthrough in this area, then I believe that perhaps in the near future, electromagnetic generators will be used in all areas of life, just like steam engines. ”

"Electromagnetic generators?"

"I know that in the last two years there have been some civilian steamships powered by steam engines. However, the power provided by the steam engine is obviously not enough to drive large warships for the time being, and can only be used as auxiliary power at most. In your opinion, is there a chance to build a warship that will be powered entirely by electricity in the future? ”

"Electrically powered warships?"

Arthur thought about it carefully, and he didn't seem to have such a thing in his mind, but he couldn't refute Codrington's interest, so he could only reply.

"For science, all I can say is that anything is possible. But at the same time, patience is also required. After all, as you know, it's been a long time since the invention of the steam engine. But it is only today that Britain really has a passenger railway powered entirely by steam locomotives. I believe that electric warships will definitely appear, it just takes time. ”

Codrington laughed and said, "So you also saw the news that the Manchester-Liverpool railway is about to open. Truth be told, I like to be fashionable, even though I'm old. If it weren't for the sudden order to go to sea, I would have planned to take the first passenger train today. ”

Arthur quipped, "Really? I'm just like you. If I hadn't received this case out of nowhere, I would have been in charge of the Duke of Wellington's security on the train. ”

When Codrington heard this, the old man couldn't help but remark, "If you say that, it seems that we are destined to sit together today and have a cup of tea." ”

Arthur smiled and nodded, "Now it seems that this is probably God's will, right?" Accompanying you to have afternoon tea, I can't hide even if I want to. ”

Codrington smiled and nodded: "If you want to say that Scotland Yard doesn't cherish talents, and actually put such an outstanding person as you on the high seas, what if something happens?" In this new field of electromagnetism, the only people in Great Britain can handle are you and Faraday. If you want me to say, young man, don't do it in Scotland Yard. In two years, I will have to be transferred back to the Navy Headquarters, and then you will be my scientific secretary. ”

Arthur was caught off guard by Codrington's sudden olive branch.

However, he thought about it for a while, and did not refuse immediately, but said with a smile: "If you need it in London, you can contact me at any time." ”

When Codrington heard this, he waved his hand and said, "I don't need to be at any time, I'll need it in a while." Truth be told, I'll be back in London for a sabbatical in two weeks' time, and my wife wants to take advantage of this opportunity to host a science salon at home, and a brilliant young scientist like you is needed as a guest. If you can find time, let's settle things now. ”

Arthur was stunned by General Codrington's barrage of punches.

It was only now that he finally understood the other party's true intentions.

He couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Excellency, if you are for this, why do you go around in such a big circle? I can totally promise you. ”

As soon as Arthur's words came out, Codrington was taken aback.

"Oh...... Be...... Is it? I thought you wouldn't be happy. After all, there are many scientists in the Royal Society who have eccentric tempers, such as Farah...... Oh, it's not. It can't be called eccentric, it's just that they dedicate all their time to science, so they rarely want to be seen in social places. Not to mention, this science salon is still organized by ......"

At this, Codrington suddenly stopped.

Arthur asked, "Or what?" ”

Codrinton looked at Arthur, and the old man blinked vigorously: "Nothing, nothing......"

In a panic, he hurriedly picked up the teapot and filled Arthur with a cup.

"Come, Mr. Hastings, tea. This tea is also carefully selected by me, Chinese tea, absolutely top quality, I don't give them this to drink in ordinary people. ”

(End of chapter)