I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 82 The Supervisor

If three people know something, it's no longer a secret.

Moreover, in aristocratic circles where people have nothing better to do than gossip, there are even fewer secrets that can be kept for long.

Chen Wenbin, Diana, and Robert talked about it. They realized that the fact that she was pregnant out of wedlock was impossible to hide. The best way was to openly admit it and let everyone know the truth. If the parties involved didn't care, no one would bring it up.

Moreover, the aristocracy today is increasingly indifferent to religious traditions, and all sorts of bizarre things are happening all the time. Minor matters like Chen Wenbin and Diana don't even stay on the trending topics list for more than a few days...

Back at the Mayfair mansion, Chen Wenbin recounted the morning's events to the two men. Robert glared at Chen Wenbin first, then comforted his daughter, saying, "My little Diane, rest assured and recover. You'll be getting married next month. I'll write to George and other family friends; I'm sure they'll understand… Robin, come with me to the smoking room, let's talk!"

"dad!"

Seeing this, Diana called out to the two of them, shaking her head and saying, "I don't care about that, I have you two, that's enough for me!"

Robert chuckled and said, "I was just chatting with Robin about his companies, don't worry!"

Chen Wenbin chimed in, "Yes, Diana, we were just chatting!"

When the two arrived at the smoking room, Chen Wenbin saw his father-in-law with a long face saying, "It doesn't matter if the Russell family and George find out about this; they will definitely keep it a secret until the wedding. But you absolutely cannot tell anyone else!"

"I understand!" Chen Wenbin nodded. "Today, Francis brought up the Duke of Marlborough's attitude. I can't very well say that Diana and I don't respect the Duke, can I?"

Robert sighed and sat down in his chair. "Just keep it within limits!"

As he spoke, he picked up a Cuban cigar that old Joseph had given him, lit it skillfully, took a puff, and then reminded him: "...Today, a young man named Hastings from the East India Company came and brought you an invitation from the London Trades Guild to attend a meeting of the textile and financial industries tomorrow."

I suggest you attend on time... Although the London trade association was developed from twelve London guilds, it has long since transcended the scope of guilds and become the most powerful and influential private club in London!

If you want to build a wider network of contacts, or even advance your political career, you should take this invitation seriously.

Chen Wenbin thought for a moment, then asked his father-in-law directly, "Who are those people in there, Robert? Can you tell me about them?"

"...I'm just a middle-aged man who studies literature and history, not some big shot!"

Robert exhaled a puff of smoke and said calmly, "What kind of people are in London's high society? Nobles, politicians, businessmen, bankers, adventurers, speculators, villains and swindlers... Without exception, these people only have eyes for profit!"

They invited you because they saw the benefits you could bring them, but remember, don't easily cooperate with others, because by choosing friends you also choose enemies!

You are about to be knighted by the King, and you have a good relationship with the King. In the eyes of outsiders, you are a potential royalist. Old Coates, on the other hand, is a naval man and a staunch Whig... Although your cooperation will not affect your knighthood, you are getting too close to the Whigs, and the royalists will not accept you!

Unless you want to be a pure businessman... but a pure businessman can't hold onto his wealth!

Chen Wenbin knew that his father-in-law was not just an ordinary idle aristocrat and literature and history enthusiast; he had a deep understanding of Britain and politics, but due to his personality, he couldn't put his knowledge into practice and hadn't participated in politics. So he continued to ask, "Then what do you think I should do?"

Robert retorted irritably, "...It's your own business, you can't make the decisions, and you're asking me?"

Chen Wenbin chuckled, "I do have my own ideas, but I'd love to hear your opinion! In my view, you are absolutely capable enough to be prime minister!"

No one dislikes being flattered; those who don't are simply flattering the wrong person.

Robert had studied literature and history for half his life, but it was all theoretical and he had never put it into practice. Naturally, he was a bit of a know-it-all, and now that he heard his son-in-law say this, his expression softened considerably.

He put down his cigar, considered for a moment, and then spoke:

"...Don't you own a town in North America and have established a Southern Development Company to open cotton plantations in the southern part of North America?"

If you stay in London, you can only join either the Royalists or the Whigs and compete for the spoils of Britain. But by exploring the New World, you can gain greater benefits, face less resistance to development, and have far fewer enemies.

I guess you've already planned to make money in the UK, gain influence, and then develop your own territory in the vast North America… Am I right?

"...You're absolutely right!"

Chen Wenbin nodded seriously and smiled, "For London, I have always been an outsider. Here, I put in an effort, but I may only get half the reward, and that half may even be taken from someone else!"

Although it was fair market competition, I couldn't possibly avoid being resented and hated!

He held up a cigar and placed it on the table. "First of all, the Jenna spinning machine will put many British spinners out of work because the cotton supply from North America and India is unlikely to increase rapidly, and spinning efficiency will increase twentyfold. Those spinning mill owners will definitely lay off some workers to save costs."

The spinning mill workers hate me! Because I made them lose their jobs!

After hearing this, Robert sat up straight instinctively and fell into deep thought.

Secondly.

Chen Wenbin picked up another cigar. "People's gratitude will fade! Allicin made me a respected and grateful doctor, but this gratitude won't last long. Maybe after a year, things will become taken for granted."

My hospital and pharmacy will make a lot of money, but people will soon complain that the cost of medical supplies and drug prices are too high.

As for my other inventions, such as the spring-loaded carriage, the sewing machine, and the spring scale, they will also harm the interests of many people!

And more importantly…

He paused, looked at his father-in-law, and said frankly, "The various rules in Britain are quite mature. From the upper-class nobles and merchants to ordinary people, almost everyone has their own destiny and is moving in their own celestial orbit. If I stay in London, my destiny will also be limited to a certain range."

While that would be more comfortable, it would involve too many restrictions, and it's not what I want!

Robert paused for a few seconds, looked at his son-in-law opposite him, and said solemnly, "...In that case, Robin, what do you want me to do for you?"

In my memory, you're someone who never talks too much nonsense!

"...I truly enjoy communicating with someone as intelligent as you!" Chen Wenbin exclaimed. "I think Diana must have inherited your intellect!"

Before his father-in-law could urge him, he immediately revealed his purpose.

"...I need someone I can absolutely trust to oversee my assets in the UK!"

I think no one could be more suitable than the grandfather of my and Diana's child!