Chapter 15 Undermining

After listening to Lu Shi's views, everyone pondered deeply.

Barkel said, "So, Mr. Lu believes that the United States is far from as powerful as imagined?"

This question was not easy to answer.

On one hand, the Brits considered the United States a steadfast ally;

On the other hand, they looked down on America because its independence was achieved at the expense of England and France's rivalry. Without France acting as a buffer, those ragtag American militias would have had no chance against the British army.

In short, it was a contradictory sentiment.

With such twisted currents in British thought, Lu Shi, as a foreign student, deemed it wise to tread carefully with his opinions.

A hint of cunning flashed in his eyes as he countered, "Mr. Barkel, have you ever heard the saying, 'Your competitiveness depends on your chosen opponent'?"

Barkel cursed inwardly at this cunning little fox but replied, "I haven't heard it. But its meaning is not difficult to guess from the literal sense."

Lu Shi nodded, "So, is the United States truly strong or weak? This question doesn't need me to answer; rather, it should be asked of the gentlemen present here in Britain. Because Anglo-American relations are both cooperative and competitive, insulting America essentially insults England, doesn't it?"

He had already planned it out. He wouldn't directly answer any question that might lead him into a trap. Playing tai chi, that's the Chinese way.

Barkel and Doel couldn't help but exchange glances, feeling increasingly frustrated.

After a moment of silence, Barkel spoke again, "Let's return to the previous topic. Mr. Lu, what are your thoughts on Britain's confidence?"

This guy just won't give up...

Lu Shi chuckled inwardly and decided to tease him a little.

He said, "I heard that the Women's Suffrage Society International Union was founded in Britain three years ago?"

Feminism!

Nice!

Finally, Lu Shi, this little guy, revealed his liberal fox tail!

The crowd couldn't help but get excited.

Scott frowned slightly, feeling that the topic of feminism was too dangerous to touch. It was better to steer clear of it. He cleared his throat and said, "Mr. Lu, it's best not to speak too much about things you don't understand."

This hint was too blatant. Barkel immediately realized that whatever Lu Shi was about to say hadn't been prepped with Cooper and Scott. It couldn't have been premeditated.

Barkel interjected, "Mr. Scott, today's salon is for everyone to speak freely. How can you shut someone up?"

With that, Barkel walked over to the phonograph and put on a record.

Accompanied by elegant classical music, the atmosphere in the room did take on a salon vibe.

Lu Shi casually straightened his clothes and said offhandedly, "In 1890, women in Wyoming were already allowed to vote locally in the United States. As for Britain... sigh..."

Barkel's face flushed with excitement.

Speak!

Keep speaking!

He was just short of prying Lu Shi's mouth open to let him continue spouting left-wing rhetoric.

Unexpectedly, Lu Shi shook his head suddenly and changed tack, "But that's not right. Who said America's system is advanced? Can blind imitation bring confidence?"

As they say, "The media has two mouths."

To put it positively, Britain's willingness to learn from others and admit shortcomings is a sign of confidence;

On the other hand, not letting other countries define what is advanced for Britain is also a sign of confidence.

A strange silence filled the room.

Barkel's mouth hung open as if he could fit two salted duck eggs inside.

Suddenly,

"Ahahahaha!"

Scott couldn't help bursting into laughter.

As the editor-in-chief of The Manchester Guardian, what could be more satisfying than seeing the editor of The Times being humiliated?

Being able to attend this Lausanne salon with Lu Shi today was too good!

Scott looked at Barkel like he was a clown. He thought this old guy was going to make a fool of himself, but he didn't take advantage of anything. Now, he had displayed all eighteen of his skills, and it was almost time for afternoon tea. He might as well let him go wherever he wanted.

He said to Lu Shi, "Mr. Lu, I appreciate your insights into the rise of America and would like to invite you to contribute to The Manchester Guardian."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone else chimed in, "Mr. Lu, please consider The Daily Telegraph."

This person was John Le Sage, the editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph.

The Daily Telegraph was founded in 1855 by the Telegraph Newspaper Company. As one of the largest circulation "high-end" national newspapers in Britain, it was the mouthpiece of the Conservative Party.

Le Sage was trying to poach Lu Shi right in front of everyone.

Scott's eyes flickered as he said in a low, dangerous tone, "Old John, The Daily Telegraph has compact layout and broad content. Its articles are shorter than those of The Times and The Manchester Guardian. Mr. Lu's editorials are bound to be heavyweight articles, aren't they a bit mismatched with you?"

Le Sage sneered, "Mismatched? If we're talking about matching the soil, then Mr. Lu's articles are most suitable for The Financial Times."

This was a mockery.

In modern times, The Financial Times is undoubtedly one of the most professional newspapers globally, featuring lengthy articles aimed at an elite readership with a high price tag.

However, in 1900s Britain, such specialized newspapers were considered third-rate, if not entirely disregarded.

Sach, speaking to Lu Shi, said, "Mr. Lu, we can offer you a column for your articles."

This invitation was genuinely sincere.

It must be said that Sach was indeed a prominent figure. In the midst of intense competition, he helmed The Daily Telegraph from 1888 to 1923 for a full 36 years, not inferior to Scott in the least. Such individuals have discerning eyes.

By now, Sach had realized that Lu Shi was neither conservative nor liberal. When discussing feminism, Lu Shi appeared more like a detached observer or perhaps a pragmatic utilitarian, making him someone worth trying to win over.

Seeing Lu Shi's silence, Sach added fuel to the fire, "Thirty pounds for an editorial."

Everyone gasped.

Thirty pounds!?

Even a seasoned writer from Westminster Palace would likely charge no more than that.

What a princely sum for mere words!

Lu Shi glanced deeply at Sach, realizing with a start that while his foresight as a time traveler might be effective in deceiving, he might not necessarily have the same advantage in terms of intellect and courage when compared to the elite minds of 1900. Therefore, he must proceed with utmost caution in the future.

Meanwhile, Scott was becoming impatient. "We at The Manchester Guardian offer 35 pounds per article."

The competition was heating up.

Lu Shi didn't want to be caught in the crossfire, but refusing to write was out of the question at this point.

After a moment of contemplation, he walked over to Scott and whispered, "Mr. Scott, may I write for both sides?"

Scott furrowed his brow in thought.

After a while, he looked at Sach.

The latter seemed to understand and nodded slightly, then stood up, saying, "Mr. Lu, Mr. Scott, let's discuss the details later. Excuse me."

With his bowler hat in hand, he apologized to the room and left with measured steps.

Everyone was stunned.

Someone murmured softly, "The salon... um... is the salon over?"

With that statement, all eyes turned to Doyle.

Wasn't Holmes supposed to be the center of attention today?