The important purpose of war is to achieve political results, not military success.

—Theodor Monson

In the storm, generals in sturdy dark red uniforms rode through the cobblestone streets of London. The kerosene lamps on the side of the street were swayed by the rain, and the rain was like a dense stream of arrows, mercilessly smashing the badges on their chests and the brass buttons on their coats, making a soft sound, as if telling the countless stormy days they had experienced on the battlefield.

I still remember the last time I experienced such a rainy day on the battlefield, that place, it was called Waterloo.

Although the rain soaked their uniforms and showed the majestic lines of their bodies, each of them remained steady, as if they were not affected by the elements.

Everyone was silent all the way, and at such moments, the generals did not know what to say.

They were all waiting for the guy who was at the front of everyone to speak, the old guy who led them to defeat Napoleon and the First French Empire.

The Duke of Wellington seemed to feel the desire of his subordinates, and he took the reins in one hand and said without looking back.

"Excellencies, as much as I hate to admit it, I must say that I would have liked to organise a successful rearguard operation, but what happened in London tonight has shown our failure. Over the past week, I have retreated to a small hill in the rear after a series of retreats, trying to establish a Tory government, a government that can maintain order, maintain stability in the country, and introduce a more modest reform bill. But ......"

When the Marquis of Anglesey and the others heard this, they couldn't help but be stunned: "Your Excellency, you...... You mean, you're not actually against reform? ”

The Duke of Wellington straightened his waist and shook his head slightly: "No, I have always been the staunchest opponent of parliamentary reform. But if they have to, I'm willing to make some concessions. But now, none of that matters. Because the actions of the Tories political elite in this rearguard of the parliamentary reform storm no longer meet my expectations of them.

After so much resistance, they are still holding on to their coherence, and this strange weakness of petty citizens hinders their chances of helping the moderate reform bill pass. But at the same time, they are reluctant to stand up and be a staunch opposition to reform.

Last night, I asked Mrs. Abbasnot to invite them to dinner at the Carlton Club. The next day, I summoned more people, but you know that in the current crisis, if some people think it's none of their business and want to hang themselves high, it's very difficult for others to take them off against their will.

After a week of hard work, I regret to announce that there are only two people who have been willing to serve in the Cabinet today, and these two are here today: Major General George Murray, the loyal, reliable, and ever-trustworthy quartermaster, and Major General Henry Harding, a first-class staff officer who is level-headed and analytical. ”

When the Duke of Wellington said this, everyone couldn't help but cast their eyes on the two colleagues beside him.

I saw them bow their heads slightly and whispered: "Your Excellency, you have done your best for the birth of a new government, and the sin of the failure to form a cabinet is not yours. ”

The Duke of Wellington did not respond to his subordinates' reassurances, but continued: "As you can see, after a breathless week, our breakthrough has failed. I'm sorry to say that I failed to break the Whig blockade in the House of Lords, and now this long siege is almost over.

You know my character, and you know my temper and command style. I've fought outnumbered battles for most of my life, and because I can't afford to lose, I'd usually rather swallow a small defeat with minor losses than win a victory with more than 10,000 casualties. And this war, if we insist on winning, the loss will be all the British people.

Just this evening, the first victim had appeared, an illustrious young man who had the instinct to live another few decades, the instinct to continue to dedicate himself to His Majesty and the country, but just now he had fallen in a riot that had taken place near the Tower of London. Surrounded by a hostile social environment and an angry lower house, we have little room for manoeuvre.

In this case, I am prepared to sacrifice the principles of being a royalist. Because I am not working for a certain group of people, but for the king, and the factional struggle has now greatly damaged the interests of the country. I know that there are many people in the party who accuse me of being repetitive on the issue of Catholic liberation, but that is the basis of all my actions. Since I have eaten the king's salt, I will not refuse no matter how dangerous and dangerous it may be. ”

When the generals heard this, they couldn't help but bow their heads, and their mood looked very low.

Suddenly, someone asked, "Your Excellency, do you mean that you intend to persuade His Majesty the King to agree to a substantial increase in the number of Whig seats in the House of Lords?" ”

"Nope." The Duke of Wellington said: "I am firmly opposed to His Majesty being allowed to act against his will, but at the same time, I will not change my opposition to parliamentary reform." It's just that my objections will not appear in the House of Lords. ”

At this point, the Duke of Wellington's horse suddenly stopped: "I will be absent from the vote on parliamentary reform in the House of Lords tomorrow, and I hope that all those who are loyal to this country will do the same." ”

When the generals heard this, they pursed their lips, sighed, and then replied in a loud voice: "God witness, your wish will be fulfilled." ”

……

The Duke of Wellington withdraws his opposition to the parliamentary reform bill

"Old Nose orders his subordinates: turn back collectively!" 》

"The House of Lords of the Palace of Westminster was voted for parliamentary reform, and more than half of the seats were empty"

The Bill of Representatives of the People of England and Wales was formally voted in the House of Lords on the morning of 6 June

"56 decayed constituencies with a population of less than 2,000 have been banned, 32 municipalities with a population between 2,000 and 4,000 have been reduced to one seat, 65 seats have been added to county constituencies, and 2 seats have been added to 22 newly industrialized cities"

"After the reform is passed, the number of voters in Britain will surge from 478,000 before the reform to 814,000"

The passage of the reform bill means that 16 per cent of adult men in the country will be entitled to vote

"It was destined to be an extraordinary summer, in which the Whigs dedicated to the people of Britain a victory that even Napoleon had never achieved"

"Hundreds of people are believed to have been injured and dozens killed in stampedes, brawls and other violent incidents in the riots that broke out across London last night"

"This is certainly a misfortune, but thankfully, we have achieved the ultimate goal with unremitting struggle"

"Scotland Yard has suffered heavy losses in the process of maintaining order, and many honest police officers have either lost their lives or died as a result"

"We encourage people to fight for freedom, but we also condemn the thugs who have resorted to shameful tactics in street violence"

"In the midst of all the misfortunes that happened last night, the only thing to be thankful for is that Arthur Hastings, the enemy of the people, has received his due retribution"

"It is believed that this sinister Catholic gave the order to the police force to open fire on innocent demonstrators before being shot through the heart"

"Scotland Yard does not comment on the situation of Superintendent Hastings in response to reporters' inquiries"

"Last but not least, we are very happy to inform you that the weather in London today is cloudy and sunny"

……

London, Westminster, outside Bentham's residence, the cheers of the youth overwhelmed the waves.

Everywhere in the sky were the hats they threw up.

At this moment, each of them wanted to share this joy with the beloved old man.

They wanted to rush to Bentham's side and tell him that the goal he had fought for all his life, parliamentary reform, had finally been achieved today.

To their displeasure, Mr. Bentham's butler, Andrew, told them that the old gentleman had gone to recuperate in a country with good air because he was not in good health.

And in the place where they could not see, a young man with noble Bonaparte blood had gone around to the back door, and led by the butler Andrew, to the door of Bentham's study.

It wasn't Louie's first time here, but there seemed to be something missing from the last time.

Louis pushed open the door and looked at Bentham, who was leaning back on the chaise longue, and stopped talking.

An unhealthy flush appeared on the old man's face, and he seemed to be in good spirits, and even had the strength to raise his hand to greet Louie.

However, this does not mean that there is really no problem with his body, his skinny arms, the corners of his mouth are thin and sunken, and a gust of wind blows through the window, wrapping up the white shirt covering him, and his body can no longer support this wide coat.

Everyone understood, but they all hid themselves, they didn't want to see clearly, Bentham at this time was actually burning his last life force.

Andrew stopped in front of the door, hesitating to go in, but in the end, he kept his agreement with Bentham and stood straight there.

Bentham recognized Louis, and he said, "It's you?" I seem to have seen you, you are Arthur's secretary? The lad from France? ”

Louis walked with restraint to the place where Arthur had stood, took off his hat and saluted: "It is a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Bentham, an honorary citizen of France recognized by the Revolutionary Government. ”

When Bentham heard this, he couldn't help but smile: "If this sentence comes from the mouth of an Englishman, then it is most likely sarcastic to me." But given your French roots, I know you should be praising me in the most advanced words you can think of. Thank you, young man. If we had known each other earlier, I might have a lot to say to you. But for now, let Arthur come, he needs to fulfill his promise to me. ”

When Louis heard this, he couldn't help but fall into silence.

He took a deep breath, as if thinking about how to speak to the old man.

"Mr. Bentham, Arthur has fulfilled his promise, you should have heard the cheers, these guys still have the strength to cheer, and the parliamentary reform has been passed. He deeply understood the principle of utilitarianism, and the University of London produced a good student. He has exchanged his personal dishonesty for the greatest happiness in this society. ”

Speaking of this, Louis only felt a stump in his throat and his Adam's apple stirred: "I remember you said in the newspaper that nature has placed mankind under two supreme masters, pain and pleasure. And Arthur's pain had now turned into the joy of Britain. ”

When Bentham heard this, his eyes widened slightly, and the old man seemed to understand something.

He didn't look surprised, he just felt sorry.

The old man raised his head to look at the sunlight outside the window, nodded slightly, and said, "You're right, Arthur, this young man has always learned very well. He must have remembered what I told him: people who want to reach out too much to pick the stars often forget the flowers under their feet, and the supreme principle of morality is to maximize happiness. People who can bear the pain usually endure more than ordinary people, but I didn't expect that the water poured into the vase was enough to drown him. ”

Louis tilted his head, took a deep breath, and said, "Mr. Bentham, it's useless to talk too much now. I believe that if Arthur is still here, then his only wish now is that you can take care of your body and you can still live. ”

Bentham looked at the glass of the windowsill and seemed to see his reflection in it: "How long has it been?" ”

"Just this morning." Louis pursed his lips: "A few hours ago, when all of Britain was cheering, his heart stopped beating. ”

Bentham shook his head slightly, his appearance looked a little tired: "Although it is rude to say this, but, young man, can you go downstairs and pour me a glass of water?" ”

Louis nodded, he also wanted to go out and breathe, this room made him feel depressed, so depressed that he was about to go crazy.

Bentham watched Louis exit the room and gently close the door, and his eyes soon turned to the other side, the sunny window, leaning against a blood-red devil, who was leaning on an apple.

Bentham smiled knowingly and said, "Are you here to take me away?" Do unbelievers like me end up going to hell? ”

"Hell? It was already overcrowded. Agareth threw away the apple core and sneered: "I can't even get in, do you still want to cut the line?" ”

Bentham observed the wonderful creature in front of him, thinking that it was just a hallucination he had before he died, and he laughed heartily: "Listen to you say this, even the devil has moved to heaven now?" ”

"The devil? All the devils are walking on earth. ”

Agareth paced up to Bentham and leaned down to look at the old man: "Then again, you're very calm." When ordinary people saw me, they were either frightened and went crazy, or they were so frightened that they knelt on the ground and prayed. Of all the people I've seen, you're the third weirdest. ”

Bentham smiled and asked, "So, can I have the honor of knowing who the first and second places are?" ”

Agareth said as he put his arm around Bentham's shoulder.

"One is King Solomon, who is too long for you. But the other guy, you know him, Arthur Hastings, a good student of your University of London. Old man, I didn't expect that your good student was actually the Devil's Contractor, a heinous human demon.

But then again, I sent him to you to cultivate, and it is also a blessing that you have only cultivated in ten lifetimes. But unfortunately, he is now dead, dead like a humble worm, trampled into the mud by someone, and he cannot turn over after death.

You humans have always been like this, and it is only fitting that for a dead man who has fallen out of favor, all the sins should be placed on his head. What a pathetic race, and that's why I look down on you guys, always begging for care, and when you can't, pretending to be strong and principled. You are really despicable, and at the same time, very cowardly. ”

Bentham listened quietly to the sneer of the Red Devil, and there was neither anger nor joy in his heart, but he just smiled and said, "In that case, why did you come to me?" I'm already a dying man, are you trying to take my soul? ”

"You're smart, at least smarter than the bunch of idiots cheering outside."

Agareth paced around the room, "But you're still wrong, old man, I'm not interested in ordinary souls. Although your soul is a little greater than the average person, I want to be more noble and pure. We make a deal and I'll give you five years of life in exchange for a promise you still haven't kept. ”

"Promise?" Bentham suddenly said, "You're talking about Arthur?" ”

"That's right."

Agareth sneered: "Five years of life, you have made a lot of money this time." All you have to do is nod your head and hand it over to me, and you'll be able to get out of bed and be greeted by the brainless cheers of those idiots out there and continue to be your opinion leader. With the passage of the reform bill, your already high prestige will be even more grandiose. Aren't you a titan in the field of law? Maybe they can take the opportunity to choose you to be a chancellor, the speaker of the House of Lords, to do those positions that you have never touched in your life. And the price of all this is nothing more than the promise of a student to me. Well, students, you've always had a lot of this kind of stuff. ”

When Bentham heard this, he did not immediately agree to Agareth, but asked rhetorically: "I have many students, and you must have many contractors. But why do you want this one? And you, what are you going to do with him? ”

Agareth spread his hands and smiled sarcastically, "Sorry, old man, answering questions is not in our trade. You can choose to refuse, but I assure you that if you refuse, there will never be a next time. ”

"I refuse." Almost at the moment when the Red Devil shut up, Bentham blurted out without hesitation.

Agareth's smile froze on his face, sparks surging in all directions, flames burning around him, as if he wanted to destroy the book-filled hut with a single fire.

However, such a reaction did not frighten Bentham, who was already fearless for a dying man.

Agareth stared at him in the eyes: "Why? I need a reason. ”

"This should be asked of yourself."

Bentham's face did not change, and his smile was like the sun: "I love my students like the devil loves his contractor." A small, fleeting expectation can often arise from a purely natural environment. A strong and enduring expectation can only come from a law or a rule. He's already taken on too much water, so how dare I not share a little for him? Mr. Devil, you know, I'm a utilitarian. ”

Agareth glanced at him, didn't say anything, but snapped his fingers.

His figure was in the air as the flames gradually dissipated: "It is often said that only when you know the end of a book can you really understand the beginning of a book." My biggest mistake was not to send him to the University of London. I should have sent him to Cambridge or Oxford. ”

Bentham looked at Agareth's fading figure and asked with a smile, "If you really sent him to Oxford or Cambridge, you wouldn't want to get his promise so much." Forgive me, Mr. Devil. One last question, Arthur, your contractor, what will be his fate in the end? ”

Agareth's body had vanished, and only his voice echoed in the empty study.

"He will be resurrected on the third day after cardiac arrest."

Click.

The door to the study opened.

With a thud, the glass shattered, and warm water flowed freely on the floor.

"Side...... Mr. Bentham ......"

Jeremy Bentham, the mild-mannered old gentleman, the master of British jurisprudence, and the spiritual father of the University of London, did not greet every friend as politely as he usually did.

Instead, he leaned quietly on the recliner, his arms hanging weakly. He reciprocated with a bright smile of contentment for the coming new century.

(End of chapter)