The Fox of France

Chapter 413: A Frightening Situation

Recently, Joseph Bonaparte hasn't had much significant going on. He has already explored the easily accessible branches of technology, and those that are more challenging remain untouched for now. For instance, in the field of medicine, antibiotics have been discovered in the laboratory. It's not difficult; all it takes is a bit of penicillin. However, the purification and production of antibiotics, well, that's a matter for another year. On a different note, the synthesis of ammonia technology showed some initial results in the lab, but attempting industrialization immediately led to a massive explosion. In the explosion, over three hundred workers died on the spot, along with more than fifty engineers.

The death of over three hundred workers didn't evoke much sympathy; after all, most were Germans, and their deaths concerned only their own families. As the saying goes, "Relatives mourn their own losses, and others have already sung." However, the death of more than fifty engineers truly saddened the French. Even the lowest-ranked apprentice engineer among them was a graduate of the Paris Higher Technical School, considered highly skilled in France. Several higher-ranking senior engineers were casualties, and even the chief engineer found himself on the list of the deceased.

As a result, the plan had to be indefinitely postponed. This infuriated Napoleon, who harshly criticized Joseph for recklessly pushing ahead without considering objective conditions.

So, currently, Joseph doesn't have anything urgent on his plate. His most important task lately is inciting his assistant Gauss to reveal something he has already derived, but due to its frightening nature, he had kept it hidden.

In the field of mathematics, Europe is no longer a match for Joseph's school of thought. At this point, Joseph encourages Gauss to reveal this groundbreaking, revolutionary theory not just to scare foreigners but mainly to suppress the rebellious individuals at the Paris High Technical School and solidify his own position as a scholar. Yes, Joseph is now a scholarly leader, not the kind who excels in exams but a dominator in the academic realm.

In physics and medicine, there is no force in Europe that can compete with Joseph's school of thought. However, in mathematics, the Paris High Technical School still holds significant strength. So, Joseph targets them. The internal turmoil in the scientific community in France under Joseph's leadership has reached a considerable extent.

Currently, Joseph is working with Gauss on the final preparations for this groundbreaking, revolutionary, essential, and disruptive theory. The goal is to create a stir and deal a severe blow to the rebellious individuals at the Paris High Technical School.

However, Gauss is mainly handling this matter, and Joseph focuses on the overall direction. So, he now has plenty of time to teach his daughter Alice about interesting things in Italy.

The plans for Italy are almost finalized. Joseph has prepared an exquisite itinerary for Mr. Lavoisier (in reality, more for his daughter). First, a few days in Milan, then to the University of Padua, followed by a visit to Venice for a few days, then to the University of Siena, and finally, the University of Bologna, with a week in Rome. Considering Alice is still young and needs more rest, they may extend their stay in Rome for a couple of weeks. Then, onwards...

Furthermore, it's no longer necessary for Joseph to show off in other countries' universities. However, arranging for his students and assistants to go there is still essential.

The related matters are quickly arranged. However, the day before departure, news suddenly arrives that Mr. Lavoisier is ill.

Mr. Lavoisier is already old, so having a headache and fever suddenly is quite normal. Nevertheless, Joseph hurriedly goes to visit him.

In Mr. Lavoisier's home, Joseph sees him resting in bed, appearing to have a cold, sneezing, and with a runny nose. The doctor has already used the latest invention, a mercury thermometer, to measure Mr. Lavoisier's temperature. He has a slight fever, but there are no symptoms of coughing, indicating no immediate risk of turning into pneumonia.

"Mr. Lavoisier, how are you feeling?" Joseph asks.

"Ah, my head is heavy, and my whole body aches—really strange. I was perfectly fine last night," Mr. Lavoisier lies in bed with a wet towel on his forehead.

"You probably just caught a cold; nothing to worry about," Joseph reassures.

"I know, the doctor said I should be fine after a week. But I estimate I won't be better in two weeks—I'm not a young man anymore. Fortunately, your research completely overturned bloodletting. Otherwise, they would have bled me for a month without any improvement," Mr. Lavoisier comments.

"Ah, Mr. Lavoisier, I believe you'll recover soon. Your logical speech shows that," Joseph says.

"Ah, Joseph, about tomorrow's delegation, who should lead?" Mr. Lavoisier asks.

"How about Gauss? What do you think?" Joseph knows that Mr. Lavoisier is not fit to lead.

"Gauss is still too young. Besides, we promised them that someone at the level of a dean would lead the delegation, and Gauss's rank is not sufficient. Joseph, you don't seem to have much on your plate recently, right?" Mr. Lavoisier says.

"I don't have much going on; just reviewing Gauss's new paper," Joseph replies.

"Well, Gauss is also going to Italy. How about you lead the delegation? It's convenient for you to communicate with Gauss. Besides, you can take care of little Alice on the side," Mr. Lavoisier suggests.

Joseph thinks about it and finds the suggestion quite good. Now that he has achieved fame and there doesn't seem to be any imminent danger in France, taking this opportunity to relax and travel is indeed a good idea. However, Mr. Lavoisier seems overly enthusiastic about Italy—probably because he has received money from Italians.

"But Fanny..." Joseph hesitates.

"Fanny can manage on her own. If you go, she might even feel more relaxed," Mrs. Lavoisier interjects. "You can help with household matters, but let someone else take Alice. I don't feel at ease with others taking care of her. It seems this is the only option. Besides, you don't have much on your plate now. Mr. Lavoisier, do you need me to bring back any souvenirs from Italy?" Joseph asks.

"Ah..." Mr. Lavoisier ponders, "What does Italy have? Oh, Joseph, could you bring me a set of Roman coins..."

Back home, Joseph informs Fanny about his decision to substitute for Mr. Lavoisier in the Italian tour. Fanny doesn't object.

"It's a good idea for you to go; Mr. Lavoisier is getting old. Fortunately, he fell ill in Paris; if it happened in Milan, Padua, or Siena, who would take care of Alice?" Fanny remarks.

So, Joseph quickly prepares for the trip and, the next day, sets off with his daughter, a group of students, and assistants to Italy.

There's already a railroad from Paris to the south of France, but there is no direct connection to Italy. The border areas between France and Italy are rugged mountains. Building a railroad through the Alps is

still a formidable challenge.

The delegation has to take a carriage from Paris to Nice and then embark on a ship to cross the Mediterranean Sea. In Nice, they board a luxurious ship provided by the Italians.

On the ship, Joseph looks at the vast sea, feeling the sea breeze, and truly experiences the comfort of a luxurious voyage. This is the first time he has traveled across the sea. Previously, his various discoveries and inventions were mainly theoretical. He was unaware of these matters or didn't need to pay attention to them. But now, he feels everything firsthand.

When they arrive in Milan, they are greeted by a group of enthusiastic Italians. The hosts have prepared an exquisite carriage, and the streets are lined with people welcoming them. However, they don't understand Italian, and the Italians don't understand French, leading to an amusing scene. After some communication, they realize that Latin is their common language, making it easier to converse.

The Italians are very welcoming, and their hospitality impresses Joseph. The host provides a guide to introduce Milan's scenery, culture, and famous landmarks to the delegation.

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is the second-largest city in Italy, following Rome. It's a significant cultural, economic, and industrial center. The city is known for its art, fashion, and finance. The Milan Cathedral, a famous Gothic cathedral, is one of the largest churches globally, and its construction began in 1386. It took nearly six centuries to complete.

The delegation visits various places, such as the Sforza Castle, the famous La Scala opera house, and the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology. They also explore the Brera Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art.

After a few days in Milan, the delegation heads to the University of Padua. Padua is a city with a rich history, and its university is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1222. It has produced many notable alumni, including the astronomer Galileo Galilei.

In Padua, the delegation is received by the university's professors and scholars. Joseph gives a lecture on the latest developments in chemistry and physics, impressing the Italian academics with his profound knowledge and innovative ideas.

The visit to Venice follows, where the delegation enjoys the unique charm of the city built on canals. They explore the iconic St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and take a gondola ride through the picturesque waterways.

Next on the itinerary is the University of Siena, located in the heart of Tuscany. The university, founded in 1240, is renowned for its medieval and Renaissance studies. Joseph presents his research findings, sparking lively discussions among the scholars.

Finally, the delegation arrives in Bologna, home to one of the oldest universities in the world, established in 1088. Bologna is known for its towers, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Joseph and his companions are welcomed by the academic community, and he delivers a lecture on mathematics, showcasing his groundbreaking theories.

The last destination in Italy is Rome, the capital city. Rome is a treasure trove of history, with ancient monuments, churches, and art. The delegation visits the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City, where they explore the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

During their stay in Rome, Joseph takes the opportunity to discuss mathematical theories with Gauss and other scholars from different universities. They engage in intellectual exchanges, further solidifying Joseph's position as a leading figure in the academic world.

After spending weeks in Italy, the delegation returns to France. The trip has not only strengthened academic ties between France and Italy but also provided Joseph with valuable experiences and insights. The Italian journey marks a memorable chapter in Joseph Bonaparte's life, filled with intellectual pursuits, cultural exploration, and the joy of sharing knowledge.