1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 117 Belgium is preparing
On June 1902, 6, there was less than a month left until the first symposium on relativity was held.

Physicists and physicists from all over the world are getting ready and heading to Brussels with excitement.

It is relatively convenient to travel to Belgium from countries on the European continent, but the United States and Canada are a little far away.

As for the countries in other continents, well, this era may be even worse than the Qing Dynasty, and most of them are completely under colonial rule.

Even our underwear was being taken away by Europeans, let alone scientific development.

It would take more than 50 years for many countries to gain independence amidst the rising tide of national resistance.

But Li Qiwei only has a dozen years at most, and he must find a way to get a piece of land from the Western powers, otherwise there will be no chance in the future.

Therefore, at this time, European countries are the masters of the earth.

Some rulers use moderate policies and focus on long-term results.

Some rulers, however, only kill the goose that lays the golden eggs to satisfy their momentary greed, completely disregarding the consequences.

The King of Belgium, Leopold II, is a typical example of a brutal ruler.

At this moment, he was talking to his nephew Albert in his luxurious palace.

Leopold II, who was already 67 years old, still had a ruddy complexion, was full of energy, and exuded a terrifying aura.

This is the powerful aura that has naturally formed from his long-term high position. Power is always the best stimulant for men.

"Albert, what did you gain and feel from this trip to the Congo Free State?"

Upon hearing this, Albert, who was sitting below, immediately bowed respectfully and looked serious.

At only 27 years old this year, he has inherited the title of Count of Flanders and is almost designated as the next King of Belgium.

But Albert was still afraid when facing Leopold II, because his uncle was famous for his tyranny.

Although Belgium, like other European countries, has undergone reforms, the king's power is greatly restricted.

But Leopold II was different. He still had great influence and deterrence in the country.

So Albert thought for a while, then carefully said, "Your Majesty, I have been in the Congo Free State for two years."

"The focus was on the local rubber industry and mineral resources."

"Currently, the rubber industry in Congo has taken shape, and the quality of the collected rubber is very good after being processed."

"It is expected that this will bring considerable income to the royal family."

Leopold II was very happy to hear this. All this money would go into his private pocket in the future and would have nothing to do with the Belgian government.

However, Albert suddenly continued: "However, there are some problems in the current rubber extraction." As he spoke, he carefully observed the king's expression.

"Ok?"

"What's the problem? Tell me."

Albert said carefully: "The labor force we currently employ is far from enough. We need at least 3-5 times more."

"But the financial budget cannot support so many manpower."

"So..." He was about to continue to give his opinion when he was interrupted.

Leopold II snorted disdainfully, "Go back and tell someone to tell those African monkeys."

"If you don't want to die, just work harder."

"I give them two meals a day, not to let them enjoy themselves."

"If they are disobedient or lazy, just kill a few of them as a warning to them."

"From today on, everyone's workload must be doubled."

"In addition, I authorize you to forcibly recruit all Africans in the Congo Free State between the ages of 15 and 60."

"Anyone who dares not to obey will be killed without mercy!"

"This year, the rubber income must exceed 20 pounds!"

Albert was immediately shocked by the murderous aura emanating from Leopold II, and even the air became cold.

He received elite education since childhood and developed an elegant and easy-going personality. Now he dares not breathe a word.

But he had to reply, so he quickly collected his thoughts and said calmly, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Also, regarding mineral resources, we have discovered a huge uranium mine in the southern province of Katanga."

“The minerals there are of very high quality!”

Leopold II was interested when he heard this. "Oh? Is there a lot of radium in the mine?"

"Radium is the good stuff, it can be sold at a good price, but uranium is worthless."

"I've recently become addicted to radium water. I feel like I have more energy after drinking it."

Albert immediately added a few flattering words, and then said: "It also contains some radium ore, but it is more difficult to mine."

Leopold II didn't care at all. He waved his hand and said, "What's so difficult about it? If you really can't do it, just find those professionals."

"Isn't there going to be some physics conference in Brussels?"

"When the time comes, there will be the world's top experts there, and you can just go and consult anyone."

"As for the uranium ore, you have to find a way to deal with it. Even the smallest mosquito is still meat."

Albert nodded, and took out a notebook to record the key points, "Okay, Your Majesty."

"Alas, money is becoming increasingly scarce these days."

"It's all because Britain and France have divided up the world, leaving only the scraps."

"Huh? Albert, what do you think if I imprison all the scientists who came to Belgium this time, I will make them work for me?"

"Will Belgium become strong and dominate Europe?"

Albert shuddered with fear, "Huh?" He thought his terrible uncle must be joking.

If they really did that, the consequences for both of them would be disastrous. "Your Majesty, isn't this a bit too risky?"

"Hahaha, look at how cautious you are, what are you afraid of?"

"They are just a group of researchers. They are scientists in a nice way, but they are just serving those in power."

"Albert, you must remember to show enough respect to these professionals."

"But you have to keep political rules and royal etiquette mysterious so that they can feel awe."

"In this way, these smart people will be willing to work for you, but they won't have any other thoughts."

"Look, didn't Britain knight that man named Bruce?"

"Haha, the British are willing to sacrifice a lowly Qing citizen."

"I guess this must be Cecil's idea, huh, huh, what a cunning old fellow."

If Li Qiwei were here, he would definitely give a thumbs up to Leopold II.

"Brother, you are even better at playing tricks on people than Empress Dowager Cixi. It's a waste of your talent to be the king of a small country."

Albert felt something was wrong, so he asked cautiously, "But, Your Majesty, those scientists can invent many advanced weapons."

Leopold II laughed and looked at his good-tempered nephew, "Albert, let me teach you what the true art of being an emperor is."

"Guns and cannons are never weapons. The real weapon is the human heart!" After saying this, he pointed to Albert's heart.

“No matter how advanced a weapon is, it still needs people to operate it. If you only think about improving the performance of a weapon, you won’t gain true power.”

"Emperors are good at controlling people's hearts, scientists control weapons, and we control scientists."

"Throughout history, so many emperors have been keen on launching wars. The fundamental reason is that they know they will never die."

"If you win, you'll make a lot of money; if you lose, the worst that can happen is that you can start all over again."

"If there is a weapon that can kill anyone with one strike from thousands of miles away, no emperor would dare to start a war easily."

"The emperor is also a human being and is afraid of death."

"By then, everyone will sit down and negotiate properly, and world peace will be achieved immediately."

"But is this possible?"

"No matter how smart those scientists are, they can't possibly invent a weapon like this that only exists in mythology."

"Hahaha, Albert, you still have a lot to learn."

Albert smiled modestly and nodded continuously, feeling that the king really had a good insight into people's hearts.

Poor guy, because he listened to his uncle, he missed the biggest opportunity in his life and regretted it for the rest of his life.

The higher the position, the more you can only exchange sincerity for sincerity.

On July 1902, 7, the streets of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, were covered with advertisements.

The content is all about this relativity seminar.

In order to show its importance to the conference, the government planned hotels, restaurants and other venues in Brussels in advance.

The purpose is to give participating physicists a perfect and unforgettable experience.

As a small country, Belgium can only work hard in these areas if it wants to increase its international visibility.

It would be even more profitable if we could attract a few well-known physicists to become Belgian citizens.

In this era, the importance of physicists is far greater than in later generations.

Breakthroughs in science and technology represent an increase in national strength, which is the result that all top leaders dream of.

Scientists are the key to science and technology, and physicists are scientists among scientists. This shows their significance.

Every one of these people is a super elite.

Of course, this does not include physicists like Professor Case.
In the Qing Dynasty, a physicist had the academic level equivalent to that of the great scholars of the time (not referring to official positions).

Therefore, it is reasonable to receive such grand treatment.

What surprised the Belgians was that even the Belgian royal family sent some important figures to help.

He is Count Albert, grandson of the previous King Leopold I and nephew and assistant of the current King Leopold II.

This news made Solvay very excited.

Albert was friendly and modest when he asked, "Mr. Solvay, I wonder if I can also participate in this meeting and see the elegance of all the physics masters."

Solvi smiled like a chrysanthemum, "Your Highness, what you said is too serious. Of course, we welcome your participation in the meeting."

Although Solvay is now very famous, it is still a long way from being the top figure in Belgium.

This is not a gap in wealth, but a natural gap brought about by status.

This has been the case in the East and the West since ancient times, and even the West cares more about these things. After all, they are not kings, princes, generals, or ministers.

Therefore, Albert's arrival and attention made Solvay extremely excited, and he checked every link again one last time.

Even the projector that Li Qiwei asked him to purchase from Zeiss was checked repeatedly to ensure that there were no problems.

For a moment, the streets and alleys of Brussels were filled with laughter.

In fact, people don’t care about the theory of relativity, they just think it’s fun.

Anyway, don't spend your own money. If you don't watch a movie, you'd be a fool.

With the strong support and welcome from all over Belgium, the first relativity seminar slowly kicked off.

Every day, physicists and top scientists in other fields such as mathematics and chemistry arrive from all over the world.

Brussels seems to be immersed in an ocean of knowledge.

A meeting of the century is about to begin!
(End of this chapter)