Chapter 64 Whirlpool

The next day,

The renovation of the Lanxin Grand Theater caused a significant decrease in the number of audiences.

However, "Yes! Prime Minister" unexpectedly became a hit, sparking extensive discussions in major newspapers and magazines.

These discussions directly targeted Downing Street, the Whitehall, and the Westminster Palace.

The gentlemen would never have imagined that at the end of 1900, with next year's budget already settled (and the spoils divided), such a blockbuster would suddenly emerge, thrusting the relationship between politicians and civil servants into the limelight and engulfing them in nationwide discussions.

...

Westminster Palace.

Churchill and Wardhouse were walking towards the office.

All around, various discussions were taking place.

"I think Robert is going to have a tough time this time~"

"The citizens of London are confused. They actually think the Prime Minister is a fool. Not reducing the battleships is due to pressure from civil servants and the Royal Navy. This must be very frustrating for the Prime Minister."

"He either admits he's a fool or admits his policies are flawed. Either way, anyone would be frustrated."

"Haha..."

"Shh, keep it down!"

...

Some mocked, some were angered, and some observed with indifference.

Because of the success of "Yes! Prime Minister," people couldn't help but associate Robert Gascoyne-Cecil with Jim Hacker.

How could the great British Empire be entrusted to such a person?

It's a joke!

So, except for a few Conservative Party mouthpieces, major media outlets began discussing the British government's system, with even The Times finding it difficult to remain indifferent.

Wardhouse chuckled, "I didn't expect Mr. Lu to give us such a gift. The current cabinet must be busy... Haha, I can't help but laugh when I think about what happened yesterday."

"What happened yesterday" referred to Cecil's collision with the Queen and being forced to toast to Lu Shijing.

If this incident were to spread, Cecil would surely lose face.

Churchill sighed, "Robert has lost his mind."

Because Churchill was still a Conservative, he referred to Cecil as "Robert."

As they chatted, they arrived at the door of Wardhouse's office.

They entered.

This office was more than five times larger than Churchill's, with ornamental plants adorning every corner. In addition to a large desk, there were sofas, a liquor cabinet, armchairs, and even a cigar cabinet in the corner.

Churchill was not polite either, taking a few cigars and putting them in his pocket box.

Then, he moved a chair and sat down, spreading the newspapers he had brought under his arm on the table, reading multiple articles at once.

Wardhouse glanced at the newspapers. "Since when did you start reading the Financial Times?"

Churchill said, "Just a few days ago. The Financial Times is very professional and may become the favorite reading material for those who control this country in the future. So, if possible, it's best to get acquainted with it early on."

Wardhouse smiled, "Those who control this country? Do you mean the big businessmen and financiers?"

Churchill also laughed, "No, I mean the simple, kind, brave citizens of the Great British Empire. Don't forget, we are a democracy."

Wardhouse jokingly bowed, saying, "Yes! Prime Minister."

Churchill responded, "Too bad you're not Humphrey."

The two laughed heartily.

After a while, Churchill finished reading the newspapers and set them aside, saying, "Ah, even The Manchester Guardian is criticizing the Cabinet. It's almost printing 'inept' on Robert's bald forehead."

Wardhouse shrugged, "As you said, we are a democracy, and citizens can even come to the House of Commons to watch your passionate speeches. Under this politicization, citizens have a high willingness to participate, and the Prime Minister is bound to face criticism."

Churchill gave him a disdainful look, "What do you mean by 'passionate speeches'? Why does it sound so much like a show!?"

It was exactly that.

Wardhouse didn't even bother to retort.

Churchill showed a sly expression, "The focus of 'Yes! Prime Minister' is on depicting civil servants, who do not participate in your so-called 'national politics'."

Wardhouse followed suit, "Your words are politically incorrect."

"Haha!"

"Haha!"

The two laughed again.

In the eyes of political elites like them, hoping that the people wouldn't get confused was as unrealistic as hoping for the resurrection of Jesus, and the latter was much more reliable than the former.

Wardhouse said, "You know? Erwin and the Prime Minister seem to have some disagreement."

Churchill looked surprised, "How come I haven't heard about it?"

Wardhouse shrugged, "Winston, you're practically a traitor to the Conservative Party now. Why would they tell you such secrets?"

Churchill was speechless, thinking that Wardhouse was still a member of the Liberal Party~

He asked, "Could it be that Erwin wants to tamper with the budget and balance the books?"

Wardhouse nodded, "Exactly!"

Churchill rubbed his chin, contemplating.

The Royal Navy officials were all fat and happy, and anyone would find it hard to believe that they weren't taking their share. Now, because of "Yes! Prime Minister," the public's attention to naval spending had increased significantly, putting immense pressure on the Cabinet. All problems had to be resolved quickly, so Erwin prepared to take this opportunity to clean up the mess from before.

Unexpectedly, a satirical drama could cause such a storm.

"Tsk..."

Churchill clicked his tongue.

Wardhouse remarked, "I wonder what Erwin is thinking. Isn't he afraid Cecil will chop him off?"

Churchill shook his head, "No. Don't forget, the interests in South Africa are something the Conservative Party will never give up. Robert is still counting on the navy to fight. Besides, there's still Germany on the continent. Robert can't afford to make any reckless moves and can only swallow his anger."

Wardhouse sneered, "Since he can't cut off his wrist, then the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have to resign."

Churchill sighed.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer resigning?

By then, the entire Cabinet would probably be buried with him.

This was the rhythm of lifting the roof off the Conservative Party.

Of course, this matter needed to be considered carefully and gradually. It wasn't appropriate to act within one or two months. If any trouble occurred during this time,

For example,

If Britain suddenly won the Anglo-Boer War,

If Germany suddenly went crazy and started a world war,

If the Queen suddenly passed away,

...

If similar situations arose, things would become unpredictable.

But no matter what, everything was developing in a direction favorable to the Liberal Party.

Wardhouse looked satisfied, "I didn't expect Mr. Lu to have such skills. He stirred up such a big whirlpool with just a drama."

Churchill said, "Yes! Prime Minister" is just the trigger. The main reason is that Erwin and Robert themselves are at odds and are unable to agree on anything. The result of forcing things is what we see now. They suddenly faced interference from external factors, and Erwin put Robert in a difficult position."

What a miraculous metaphor...

Wardhouse tried to imagine it and found the scene too beautiful.

He shook his head, clearing the absurd image from his mind, and then said, "Before, Mr. Lu mentioned wanting to establish a polling organization in London Politics and Economics. We'll provide the funds for that. The Liberal Party has always been true to its word."

Churchill nodded in agreement.

In reality, he felt that Mr. Lu's polling was an even more powerful weapon than "Yes! Prime Minister."

He didn't know where this feeling came from.

"Perhaps I'm just being sensitive," Churchill muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear.