An open letter was published in "The Times," demanding that left-wing newspapers stop "insulting" Emperor Napoleon and apologize for actions damaging the reputation of the Bonaparte Clan.
At the same time as the letter appeared in "The Times," almost all newspapers within London inclined towards the government published news about the Bonaparte Clan demanding an apology from the left-wing press.
The left-wing newspapers also retaliated, claiming that the authenticity of this letter was questionable.
[Percy secretly went to McGrath’s residence and left after expressing a half-true apology. McGrath believed the letter was likely written under pressure from the United Kingdom Government.]
"The Times" also claimed that the letter was authentic.
For a time, the focus of the entire London media shifted from the suppression of the Charter Faction to the authenticity of the "Bonaparte Letter," effectively diverting public attention. The United Kingdom Government quickly wrapped up the aftermath of the Charter Faction’s "petition" movement.
Jerome Bonaparte was also informed of his release without charges and could leave the detention center at any time.
London Metropolitan Police Detention Center.
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Department appeared with a smile in the detention center where Jerome Bonaparte was held, congratulating him: "Prince Jerome, you are now free to leave!"
Jerome Bonaparte put down the "Bonaparte Thought" he was holding and said to the Commissioner, surprised: "Respected Commissioner, exactly which law of the United Kingdom have I broken to warrant being detained for a week? I hope you can explain it to me!"
"This... this..." The Commissioner stammered, at a loss for words.
According to the United Kingdom’s "Police Act" and "Public Order Act," Jerome Bonaparte had not engaged in any activities subverting the government, so his detention was no longer valid.
The Commissioner could not directly explain to Jerome Bonaparte that the order for his detention was personally decreed by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Of course, the Commission did not know that the order’s origin was not the Minister of Internal Affairs but was jointly decided by Prime Minister Russell and Prince Albert of Buckingham Palace.
Otherwise, he would not dare to speak recklessly!
"At the time, you did not provide your real name, so we..." The Commissioner could only explain haltingly.
"What?" Jerome Bonaparte exaggeratedly covered his mouth, with an expression of disbelief: "Is the law of the United Kingdom made according to one’s status and background? Is this the United Kingdom that symbolizes freedom!"
"No... no! The United Kingdom is a country that follows the law. All our rules and regulations are based on the laws of the United Kingdom!" The Commissioner immediately realized the flaw in his previous statement and hurriedly tried to make amends.
Although the United Kingdom adhered to the unspoken rule that nobility was exempt from punishment, and commoners could not escape discipline, these unspoken rules were destined to remain unspoken, and sometimes, superficial justice needed to be maintained.
Otherwise, what separates the so-called civilized Europe from the barbaric Slav?
"Then, Commissioner!" Jerome Bonaparte aggressively pointed at the Commissioner and said: "If you can’t give me a reasonable explanation, I have the right to file a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Police Department! I believe there are many upright lawyers and journalist friends in the United Kingdom willing to accept my lawsuit!"
If Jerome Bonaparte’s open threat towards the Commissioner were made by any ordinary person, the only result would be his disappearance from the streets of London one day.
However, the Bonaparte surname gave him unrivaled influence and also indirectly provided him with an "Immunity Token."
No 19th-century government could openly execute the Royal Family, even if the Bonaparte Royal Family was just a paper tiger.
The government could only either imprison (similar to Louis Philippe’s treatment of Louis Napoleon or Metternich’s handling of the King of Rome) or choose not to see or be bothered and exile them.
Both of these actions required the consent of the highest level of the United Kingdom Government, something a "mere" Commissioner obviously lacked the power to do.
The Commissioner, who supposedly held the power of life and death over London and several nearby counties, didn’t actually have more authority than a marginal council member.
He had reason to believe that if Jerome Bonaparte initiated a lawsuit against the police department, the London journalists, who were faster than anyone, would be watching him day and night.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom urgently needed a way to divert attention.
If he were monitored by those journalists like dogs, he might be forced to "sacrifice" for the United Kingdom.
Forget about keeping the position of Commissioner; there might even be a risk of being imprisoned.
"What do you want to do?" asked the Commissioner, lowering his head and softening his tone.
"Fairness! Fairness! Still fairness!" Jerome Bonaparte pointed forcefully at the wall of the detention center: "Whoever put me in here, I want them to move in now!"
The Commissioner did not respond, his shrewd eyes darting around as he weighed the pros and cons.
After a while, the Commissioner lightly stomped his foot, seeming to have made up his mind.
"Fine! I agree to your terms!"
With that, the Commissioner turned and shouted at his secretary behind him: "Bring that stupid pig over here!"
The secretary immediately understood the Commissioner’s instructions and hurried off.
After another half an hour, the secretary returned, this time with a man looking as if he had lost everything—an overweight officer.
This overweight man was the same arrogant officer from that day.
"Officer, we meet again!" Jerome Bonaparte smiled and "cordially" greeted the overweight officer.
"Prince... Your Highness!" The overweight officer looked at Jerome Bonaparte with pleading eyes: "Please, forgive my disrespect, I..."
Jerome Bonaparte shook his head in disappointment and said: "Officer, everyone must take responsibility for their actions! You and I are no exceptions!"
Then, he gave the Commissioner a knowing look.
The Commissioner stepped forward and announced the dismissal order to the overweight officer and had him detained in the place where Jerome Bonaparte had previously stayed.
"Goodbye, Mr. Former Officer, that’s my gift to you! May you learn well in prison!"
Jerome Bonaparte pointed at "Eradicating Poverty" and "Bonaparte Thought" as he waved goodbye and left the detention cell.
The cell saw off a prince and welcomed a former officer.