Chapter 48: Where Does the Money Come From?

In the office, Lù Shí tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, while outside, the shouts of the female students echoed, "I want to see Professor Lù!"

The two sounds echoed each other.

Shawbert chuckled and walked to the window, intending to close it, but hesitated and leaned against the windowsill, enjoying the calm brought by the winter breeze.

Lù Shí said, "Mr. Headmaster, what's your take on opinion polls?"

What else could Shawbert think?

Of course, he was very supportive.

Shawbert said, "Although you describe opinion polls as a media tool, I believe that tools are just tools; it's the people who use them that determine their goodness or badness."

This was a very insightful remark.

Lù Shí whispered, "That's why I hope opinion polls can remain as independent as possible."

Shawbert asked, "How do you define independence?"

Lù Shí replied, "Do I need to explain this? For example, independently and objectively record facts and the history of development; maintain an absolutely independent position, not influenced by any party's political leaders..."

Shawbert burst into laughter.

"If we talk about sarcasm, I'm really no match for you."

What Lù Shí said just now — "independently and objectively record facts and the history of development" — was the editorial policy of The Times; and "maintain an absolutely independent position, not influenced by any party's political leaders" — was the editorial policy of The Manchester Guardian.

But neither of these was truly independent.

Shawbert turned to look out the window.

Quiet descended.

As time passed, Lù Shí asked, "Mr. Headmaster, what are you thinking about?"

Shawbert succinctly replied, "Money."

Just one word, but it revealed the difficulty Lù Shí faced in conducting opinion polls.

Lù Shí nodded knowingly.

"The source of money is nothing but..."

Shawbert interrupted, "Pass me the pipe."

Lù Shí chuckled, "What? Are you going to tell me a story?"

As he spoke, he handed over the pipe.

Shawbert's lips curved into a smile. He thought Lù Shí was truly insightful, beyond comparison with others. He wondered why such a talent had to leave his hometown. The Qing government was indeed seriously ill.

Shawbert took a puff from the pipe.

"Lù Professor, have you ever heard of Fabianism?"

Fabianism mainly had two main principles:

First, intellectuals should maintain independent identities. This independence did not mean seclusion from the world but rather participating in social reform with an independent identity;

Second, gradualism. Solutions should be arrived at through rational thinking, but at the same time, a gradual approach should be taken.

Lù Shí said, "Fabianism, the great Roman general?"

In the final Battle of Zama, Fabius confronted Hannibal, the renowned Carthaginian general. He employed a strategy of avoiding direct confrontation and instead used rapid, small-scale attacks. After eight years of war, he achieved a difficult victory. Thus, Fabianism became synonymous with slow progress and careful planning.

Shawbert wasn't surprised by Lù Shí's erudition; he was used to it.

He said, "Then you should know which individuals supported the establishment of the London School of Economics."

Lù Shí nodded.

"The Webbs from the Fabian Society."

It was precisely because of this that many graduates of the London School of Economics became adherents of Fabianism, a situation that continued into modern times.

Accepting money and helping with publicity was only natural.

Shawbert smiled, "I personally believe in Fabianism, so I am willing to serve as headmaster. Lù, the reason I brought this up is to tell you that you need to carefully consider the issue of funding for your career. Otherwise... hmph... things will be difficult."

Shawbert's address to Lù Shí was warmer than before.

Lù Shí said, "I know."

Shawbert asked, "I have carefully considered it. There are three types of funders. Firstly, various newspapers on Fleet Street, such as The Manchester Guardian. The editor-in-chief, Mr. Scott, is acquainted with you and is the most worthwhile target to consider."

This statement was not wrong, but it only addressed the first half.

The second half was about the political orientation of The Manchester Guardian; Scott would probably make some requests beneficial to the Liberal Party.

Shawbert continued, "The second type of funder is various universities. Take King's College as an example; the various social sciences there have a habit of conducting surveys, and the students are experienced. Therefore, involving the colleges can control costs. However, the Honorary Chancellor of the University of London... hmm... you know."

John Ward, the first Earl of Kimberley, was also a staunch member of the Liberal Party.

If they relied on the colleges, they might also face some "small" demands.

Shawbert added, "As for the last type, it's private funders. Accepting their donations naturally comes with a price, but if you share the same goals, then it doesn't matter. Just like my relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Webb."

The three types of funders were summarized.

In the end, it all came down to two words — politics.

In a country with a voting system, maintaining the independence of the media and its tools was basically like daydreaming.

But there were benefits to be gained from exchanges of interest.

As the saying goes, "A big tree provides shade." With someone above, one dared to act boldly below.

Shawbert took off the pipe and knocked it against the windowsill.

The ash fell like snow.

He said, "Lù, this is England. The people and things here are not as simple as those in your hometown. Some situations are even more complicated."

Lù Shí said, "What if I fund it myself?"

Shawbert looked at Lù Shí, noticing a sly gleam in his eyes, and said, "You, clearly understanding everything, still like to ask. Personal funding will only have one result: being squeezed and crushed."

This was inevitable.

For example, in the previous book review section of The Manchester Guardian, only five words were used for a full page, and the effect was extremely good.

But this model was learned by other newspapers the next day. Whether it was headlines or advertisements, they became quite proficient, even surpassing the original.

In 1900, there was no intellectual property protection.

Even if there was, this kind of imitation could not be considered copyright infringement.

If Lù Shí funded it himself without the backing of a big shot, he would surely be besieged by all sides, basically handing himself over on a silver platter.

The future evaluation might only have one sentence: "Although Lù Shí was the first to propose the concept of opinion polls, due to his lack of business acumen, after persisting for X months, he was forced to close the polling project, becoming a tear in history."

Shawbert said, "The main reason is that your idea of opinion polls is too powerful. If the people in the Houses of Parliament know what's good for them, they won't be able to resist using it."

Lù Shí nodded.

"I know I'm great."

Shawbert couldn't help but give Lù Shí a meaningful look, then took a puff from his pipe and fell into thought.

After about half a minute, he took off the pipe and said, "Perhaps something can be done with Mr. Wardhouse. He's the type of person who can be talked to."

What "talked to" meant was basically saying that Wardhouse was good at hoodwinking people.

Lù Shí laughed heartily.

Shawbert's face also showed a knowing smile.

"Lù, you really should write a satirical play about reality. For example, the example you gave earlier about conscription. If opinion polls really become popular in the future, that would definitely be a good joke, both funny and profound."

Lù Shí was silent.

Because that was indeed a scene from "Yes, Prime Minister."

He said, "I might... Well, let's solve the immediate problem first. As for the play, let me think about it."

When Lù Shí mentioned writing, Shawbert's eyes lit up.

"To possibly get you a guest spot, I promise to write a realistic script for Sir Wardhouse. If you're interested in creating, you might consider that direction."