Chapter Twenty-Four: The Earl's Manor

  On the eighth day of their journey, they finally arrived at Southampton Port. As it was already evening, there were no more trains to London, so Liu and his party found a good restaurant in the port area to stay overnight and took the train to London the next day.

  Due to the fatigue of the journey, Liu and his party did not stay in London but directly rented 4 horse-drawn carriages at the train station and headed straight for David's estate in Ilford, north of London.

  This estate was left by David's great-grandfather and has a history of over 100 years. After David made his fortune selling medicine in Europe, he invested again to renovate the estate. The main building of the estate has three floors, all built with stone, and although it has been renovated due to its age, it still looks very heavy.

  Count Joseph was suddenly delighted to see his son, but as there were still guests present, the old count very politely put his son aside and warmly invited Liu Fei and his party to visit his estate, where he proudly introduced his own purebred racehorses.

  Liu Fei Qiang endured the fatigue and followed the old earl for a round, apart from being interested in this ancient architecture and the beautiful quiet surroundings, he was completely ignorant of horse racing, what hybrid pure blood, in his eyes were just bigger than those in Taiwan.

  Upon entering the main building, Liu Yecai discovered that, contrary to the cold and gloomy feeling outside, the interior was warm and cozy due to the fireplace, the reflection of the flames, and the pendant lights. After dinner, Joseph invited Liu Yecai to his smoking room, where he savored the old earl's fine Cuban cigars and sipped whiskey while sharing various stories.

  Joseph had long known that this Oriental youth, who was second only to God in his son's mouth, was not only the savior of his son but also a pillar of his son's business. Now David, although he said he was already a world-renowned millionaire, still trusted or even worshiped this yellow-skinned and black-eyed young governor.

  Liu Mo sat in the high-backed armchair in front of the fireplace, with his feet propped up on a low stool covered with thick animal fur, holding a cigar that was emitting a faint blue smoke in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other. He took a sip of the smoke, then a sip of the liquor, and with the fierce flames burning in the fireplace, his whole body exuded a lazy warmth.

  "These noble lords really know how to enjoy themselves, without even drinking wine or smoking cigars, just shrinking into their chairs by the fireplace can make them sleep comfortably." Liu Ye listened to Joseph and David's conversation while despising the lazy lives of these British elites.

  "Liu... you're now the president of a country? Oh, can you tell me how big your country is? I've always wanted to visit the East, but unfortunately, I never had the chance. In this regard, David was luckier than his father." Joseph asked Liu Fei while stroking his mustache with his finger.

  "Oh, my country was just established a few years ago, and like the British Empire, it's an island. It used to be part of the Qing dynasty, but was ceded to Japan as compensation for the government's defeat in war. However, we disagreed with the government's decision to cede our land and didn't want to be ruled by foreigners, so we became independent. In a few years, when the situation around us stabilizes, I'll invite you, Earl Joseph, to visit my country and take a look at your grandson Sandro, who is currently studying in our middle school with good grades." Liu briefly introduced Taiwan's current situation to Joseph.

  "Yes, my Sandru, he is 17 years old already, but has not seen his poor grandfather yet." As soon as he mentioned his own grandson, Joseph looked at David with dissatisfaction and complained pitifully.

  "Your grandson is living well in Taiwan, and his mother is taking care of him. When I have time, I will definitely accompany you to Taiwan." David was admiring his father's collection when he suddenly heard the topic turn to himself, so he quickly comforted his father.

  "No, I can't wait any longer, my grandson is almost grown up and still doesn't know his own grandfather. I've made up my mind, I'll go to Taiwan with you all. Anyway, South Africa is at war and most of the mines don't have workers anymore, it's a good opportunity for me to visit my grandson. As for safety concerns, don't worry about it, at least I'm still an earl of the British Empire, I can take care of myself. Liu, can you bring this poor old man along with you?" Joseph suddenly burst out, possibly due to his age, and as soon as he mentioned his teenage grandson whom he had never met, the old earl firmly made his request.

  "This is no problem, but we still need to visit France and Germany this time. My main purpose of coming here is to take a look at the navies of various countries, so as to make predictions for the development of Taiwan's navy. Why don't you wait until we return from Germany before setting off together, Earl?" Liu Fei and David exchanged a glance, consoling Joseph with a hint of helplessness.

  "You must promise me, David has promised me several times before, but in the end he always ran away secretly by himself. I no longer believe his promises to me." The old earl seemed to have been deceived by David and was furious whenever this matter was mentioned.

  "I guarantee that this time you will see your grandson, and you can stay in Taiwan for as long as you want." Liu Fei knew that David was unwilling to take his father to Taiwan because he was afraid of revealing some secrets about himself in Taiwan, so she quickly helped David out.

  After a solemn oath and guarantee from Liu Fei and David, Joseph's emotions finally calmed down, and he regained his gentlemanly demeanor and slow tone of conversation. From the previous conversation, it was learned that Liu Fei wanted to take a look at the British Navy, and the old earl proudly introduced a friend in his circle, who was said to be a Conservative Party member and currently a member of the British Royal Navy Committee. In Joseph's view, going to the military port of the British Empire to visit the majestic warships of the British Empire was the most dignified way to demonstrate the power of the British Empire, much better than sending out thousands of troops.

  With Joseph's connection, the visit to the British Navy was quickly arranged. However, following Liu's suggestion, the old earl did not reveal that Liu was the President of Taiwan, but instead used David, a former Royal Navy officer and now an electrical tycoon, who was preparing to donate a sum of money to the navy of his home country as the reason for this visit, with Liu accompanying him as David's business partner.

  In Joseph's estate, Liu Ye stayed for a few more days, learning horseback riding and hunting. However, his physical cells were not sufficient, and after several days of practice, he could only walk the horse but not run it. Rabbits and waterfowl over 30 meters away were basically impossible to hit, which was even worse than the two American girls. Jacqueline had already been able to accompany Joseph on horseback rides, while Rosalia always shot more than Liu Ye every time they went hunting, making him increasingly uninterested in these aristocratic sports.