The Fox of France

So, an elaborate conspiracy organized by Joseph Bonaparte's own brothers against him began. This also confirmed a truth: anyone who schemes alone is unpopular. The great Eastern philosopher Menzius once said, "Those who insist on their own schemes will lose the support of the majority. Even their relatives will betray them." These words are indeed profound.

After reviewing the plans of the Academy, especially those from the group associated with the Parisian High School, Lucien shook his head. He expressed that, apart from the initial creativity, the subsequent plans were full of loopholes.

"Ah, so, these things should be handled by professionals. For example, inviting the British Academy for a visit and arranging a return visit. This design is completely nonsense. A great Eastern strategist once said that only by understanding the enemy and oneself can victory be ensured. Your plan, however, shows no understanding of my elder brother.

Politically, Britain is still our enemy, even if we don't say it, and they don't say it. We both smilingly refer to each other as 'friendly nations,' but secretly, we both wish to strangle each other. It is impossible for our country to allow someone as important as Joseph to go to the enemy's controlled area, and he is a very... very cautious person, he won't go.

So, any invitation must come from our closest and most reliable true friendly nations. Also, stop discussing this matter; there's no need to do anything. The more you do, the easier it is for Joseph to detect. So, consider it as if it never happened. Understand? Regardless of leaks or the final outcome, the Prime Minister has agreed to increase funding for the Parisian High School by fifteen percent next year..."

So, the individuals sent by the Parisian High School happily withdrew from the conspiracy. Even if doing so didn't bring wealth, it was better to be less involved in such matters. After all, Dean Joseph would surely come back. If he knew about this conspiracy and had his share, wouldn't he take care of Lavoisier and bully them?

The next task was to convince Lavoisier. After stating their intentions to Lavoisier, he immediately responded:

"Lucien, don't you know the relationship between me and your elder brother? Back then, your elder brother saved my life in the most dangerous times; in my most impoverished times, he helped me make a fortune. And your elder brother is also my nephew by marriage. Do you really want me to deceive him with you? That won't work. More money is needed!"

Then the two of them huddled together to negotiate, and in the end, Lucien gained Lavoisier's support by offering a stake in a phosphorus mine in Morocco, still in the hands of Barbary pirates.

Next came the official performance. According to Lucien's arrangement, invitations to the French Academy were sent by several prestigious Italian universities. This included the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, Frederick II University of Naples, and the University of Siena, all renowned institutions.

Among them, the University of Bologna is the world's oldest university with a complete system, established in 1088, and has produced many famous figures with high academic honors. Dante, Petrarch, Dürer, Erasmus, Gordioni, and Copernicus have all studied or taught here, earning it the title "Mother of Universities." Today, this university is also the location of the Academy of Sciences of the Northern Italian Republic. Therefore, its invitation represents not only the Academy but also the government of the Northern Italian Republic.

Moreover, almost the entire Italy is now under French control, ensuring its safety.

When these Italian universities jointly sent invitations, for political reasons, Joseph, the head of the French Academy, immediately made a decision: "We must send a sufficiently significant and sincere delegation."

He immediately designated some of his students and assistants, including Gauss and Ohm, and personally went to visit Mr. Lavoisier, hoping he would lead the delegation.

"Why don't you go yourself, Joseph?" Lavoisier asked.

"Ah, Fanny is pregnant again, I can't leave at this time," Joseph said.

"How many months has Fanny been pregnant?"

"Two months."

"Well, you need to help take care of her." Lavoisier remarked.

"You take care of her, what can you take care of?" Mrs. Lavoisier suddenly interjected, "You men, which one of you can take care of people?"

Joseph couldn't refute this statement because he indeed wasn't good at taking care of people.

"Oh, Fanny is pregnant, and you still need to take care of Alice. Well, why don't we do this? When I go to Italy, I'll bring Alice along and let Fanny relax a bit," Lavoisier suggested.

Joseph knew that Lavoisier really liked his daughter. In the past, Fanny would sometimes take Alice to Lavoisier's vineyard to play for several days. But Alice hadn't traveled far before, so he hesitated a bit.

"How about I go back and discuss it with Fanny?" Joseph finally said.

Back home, Joseph informed his wife of Mr. Lavoisier's suggestion.

"Going with Mr. Lavoisier is reassuring. Well, Fanny, what do you think?" Joseph asked.

"Let's ask our Alice," Fanny said.

So, the two of them called Alice, who was chasing butterflies in the garden, and told her about the matter, then asked her, "Alice, do you want to go?"

"Italy? Well, it has the Colosseum, Galileo throwing iron balls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa with Romeo and Juliet's story, and Venice with rivers and small boats everywhere, right? I've wanted to go play there for a long time. Auntie says it's a lot of fun!" Alice clapped her hands.

Thus, the plan for Lavoisier to take Alice on a tour of Italy was set. To let their daughter broaden her horizons, Joseph even took the time to personally explain various interesting and special things about Italy to her. This made Fanny a bit jealous.