Zubkov wasn’t surprised by Arthur’s question, because there are so many foreigners curious about this matter, almost every diplomat visiting Moscow asks about it to so extent.
Moreover, it’s not really considered a special secret in Moscow.
"Yes, Mikhail is indeed his younger brother."
Zubkov replied with a smile: "And he’s also one of the founders of the Happiness Association (the precursor of the Decembrists). In the Decembrist revolt of 1825, Mikhail rode a white horse among the young officers’ troops, facing off against his brother at the gates of the Winter Palace. But, thanks to this brother of his, it was because of the special favor the Emperor had for his brother that Mikhail was ultimately not exiled to Siberia, he was only sent back ho under strict surveillance, and a few years later was allowed to return to live in Moscow. Of course, nowadays, although he still holds the rank of General, he is forbidden from returning to the army, so he can only study political economy and natural philosophy in solitude at ho, hoping to find so solace in these studies. If a learned person like you would be willing to visit him, he’d certainly be very happy."
At this point, Zubkov suddenly paused: "By the way, do you understand political economy? Everyone knows the best economists are in Britain. Mikhail is currently writing a book called ’On Credit’, if you are willing to help him with that, it would be wonderful."
Arthur pondered for a while, although he had impressive investnt results in London’s capital market, he wasn’t arrogant enough to call himself an economist.
He spoke: "I don’t have a deep knowledge of political economy, but, if General Mikhail Orlov needs an advisor, I can introduce a friend of mine—Mr. John Stuart Mill."
Zubkov curiously asked: "Is Mr. Mill highly skilled in economics?"
"Well... I personally think he’s very skilled, although he’s not particularly famous now, you will hear this na spread across Europe one day. Let tell you...," Arthur explained: "He’s the son of Jas Mill, and his economic teachers include Thomas Malthus, David Ricardo, and Mr. Jeremy Bentham."
When Zubkov heard these nas, his jaw nearly dropped: "My God! With these academic giants as ntors, not to ntion being Jas Mill’s son, even if he were a cal, he could beco a professor of political economy!"
Arthur’s deep connections and extensive knowledge made Zubkov almost forget the purpose of his visit to Arthur today, he beca increasingly eager to befriend Arthur, whose amiable attitude made him seem like a good friend worth the ti and effort to cultivate.
Zubkov put down his teacup and eagerly invited: "Please forgive my rudeness, though I know you are always modest, I also know you’ve been an Academic Director at the University of Gottingen, and you truly have scholarly talent, not just administrative skills. You may not understand political economy, but surely you have so understanding of chemistry? After all, you’ve been an assistant to Mr. Faraday, who’s quite a figure in electrochemistry."
"As for chemistry..." Arthur was unsure what Zubkov was getting at, and didn’t dare to speak too definitively: "I do understand a bit, after all, the work at Scotland Yard requires detectives to grasp certain chemical knowledge, as you know, nowadays, cases involving chemical poisoning have increased significantly compared to last century."
Zubkov slapped his thigh and laughed heartily: "I knew it, one day I’ll have to take you to Mikhail Orlov for a visit. Only with a chemist like you can he fully understand how much his chemical nonclature differs from the French version! We friends tell him, and he stubbornly insists his version is the best, and when this is ntioned, he can’t help but snap at us, saying stuff like, you’re not chemists, what do you know? Even the chemistry professors at Moscow University aren’t worth his ti. But if you go, that would be a different story. I’d like to see if he dares to snap at Michael Faraday’s assistant."
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