North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 202 Charles Darwin
The following day, Azu, along with Vivian, Victoria, and others, once again embarked on their journey to visit the Giants of the Ages.

Charles Darwin!

This is the greatest biologist in modern history and the founder of the theory of evolution.

At this time, Charles Darwin had already completed his famous circumnavigation of the globe more than a decade earlier.

The theory of evolution had gradually taken shape in his mind.

But he hesitated to begin writing his monumental work that would astound the world—"On the Origin of Species"!
In the original history, in 1851, Darwin lost his beloved daughter Anne, plunging him into grief for the next few years.

He didn't truly emerge from the shadows until 1859.

As he emerged from the shadows, his groundbreaking masterpiece, *On the Origin of Species*, was published.

Starting in 1842, Darwin bought a country house in Kent, about 30 kilometers from London.

After the country house was renovated, Darwin lived there for forty years until his death.

At this moment, Azu's carriage stopped in front of this beautiful country villa.

Darwin, his wife Emma Wedgwood (who was also his cousin), and their eight children lined up neatly outside the villa gate, awaiting the arrival of the esteemed Earl of the Gold Mountain.

"Mr. Darwin, I have long admired your name as a biologist, and today I finally meet you in person!"

Azu stepped down from the carriage and warmly extended his hand to Darwin, who had been waiting there.

However, Darwin did not dare to shake hands with Azu directly. Instead, he led his entire family and bowed respectfully.

"Your Excellency Earl of the Gold Mountain, Charles Darwin, and his family warmly welcome you!"

"Your visit has brought great honor to my family and me! It has also made our humble abode shine with glory!"

In the British Empire, a constitutional monarchy, the status of the nobility was still very high.

Especially for someone like Azu, who was personally conferred the title of Earl by His Holiness the Pope, his status was exceptionally noble.

After a series of basic aristocratic formalities, Darwin extended his hand and gently shook hands with Azu.

Azu was impatient with this set of hypocritical aristocratic etiquette, but since he had gone to great lengths to obtain this status to facilitate dealings with various European powers, he had to endure this set of empty etiquette.

Azu held Darwin's hand tightly, looking the legendary great biologist up and down.

Darwin at that time was only a middle-aged man of forty-two, in his prime, and did not yet have that iconic bush of snow-white beard.

"Your Excellency, please come in...!"

Led by Darwin, Azu gave a brief tour of the beautiful country house.

Compared to other houses, what impressed Azu most about this villa was the ubiquitous variety of plant and animal specimens.

The plant and animal specimens in these picture frames were so exquisite and charming that Azu couldn't help but look at them one by one and exclaim in admiration.

“Mr. Darwin, even back in America, I’ve heard of your great name as a biologist…!”

That's pure nonsense from Ah Zu!

At this time, Darwin had not yet written "On the Origin of Species" and was just one of many unknown biologists.

So Darwin asked in surprise, "My lord, excuse me, where have you heard my name before?"

Azu laughed and said, "I not only know your name, but I also know that you are currently studying evolution, right?"

“This…!” Darwin was greatly surprised.

Darwin revealed nothing about evolution to anyone other than his close friends, with whom he had discussed it in letters.

How did this eccentric Chinese count find out?

Full of doubts, Darwin led Azu into his study and then handed him a glass of Scotch whisky.

After the two were seated, Darwin said in a deep voice, "Your Excellency, actually, I should thank you...!"

"Thank me?" Azu asked curiously, "Why...?"

Darwin said, "Your Excellency, my beloved daughter, my eldest daughter, ten-year-old Anne, recently contracted scarlet fever...!"

“Your Excellency, you should know that the mortality rate for children with this disease is extremely high.”

"If it weren't for your invention of penicillin, I might have lost Anne forever...!"

Historically, Darwin's eldest daughter, Anne, his most beloved child, did indeed die of an infectious disease this year.

Of course, Azu never imagined that his invention of penicillin would have such a wonderful connection with Darwin.

However, because Darwin and his cousin were related by blood, their children were sickly from a young age.

When their children reached adulthood, several of them developed mental illnesses, while others became infertile for life.

This was also one of the motivations that led Darwin to delve deeper into the theory of evolution.

Darwin looked very sincerely into Azu's eyes: "Therefore, Your Excellency, I must pay you the highest tribute, the inventor of penicillin!"

"Because of your great invention, countless precious lives have been saved!"

"Your Excellency, your penicillin has brought tremendous benefits to the whole world...!"

At this time, Darwin and his wife were still devout Christians.

It was for this reason that the birth of "On the Origin of Species" was postponed again and again.

Ah Zu said, "It is my honor that my penicillin was able to save your daughter's life!"

“However…!” Azu turned his head, looked at the slightly messy manuscript on the desk, and asked, “Mr. Darwin, I’m more curious about when your magnum opus on evolution will finally be published?”

“This…!” Darwin looked quite troubled, staring at his painstakingly written manuscript, and replied in a deep voice, “My lord, I’m not even sure if I should introduce the theory of evolution to the world…!”

"After all, this theory of evolution is completely contrary to the religious theories I believe in."

"If I were to propose the theory of evolution, there would only be two possible outcomes: either my theory would be completely overturned by religious theories!"

"Either my theory will completely overturn existing religious theories!"

"I can't think of any other result besides that."

"But neither of these outcomes is something I, a devout believer, would want to see."

"However, as a biologist, I also have the responsibility and mission to prove the origin of life."

"Can you understand this inner conflict and contradiction, Your Excellency?"

Azu nodded: "I completely understand, Mr. Darwin, the contradictions and conflicts in your heart...!"

"However, your inner conflicts and contradictions cannot hinder the development of science!"

"If you don't come up with the theory of evolution, hehe...!" Azu smiled and said, "Then I won't be polite!"

"Ah...?" Darwin asked in surprise, "Your Excellency means...?"

"What I mean is, if you don't write it soon, I'm going to write it...!"

Although Azu may not remember everything about "On the Origin of Species," he was at least quite familiar with the theory of evolution.

If Darwin hadn't written it, Azu might not have minded writing the theory of evolution himself.

If it weren't for the conflict with the interests of the Vatican, Azu wouldn't mind doing this.

Why not write a book called "On the Origin of Species" and make a name for yourself in history?
"Haha...!" Darwin laughed awkwardly, "Your Excellency, what a joke you've got...!"

"I'm not joking...!" Azu said seriously, "Mr. Darwin, I'm here to urge you to finish your manuscript...!"

……

In this beautiful country house, Azu and Darwin spent the entire day in the study.

Inspired by Azu, Darwin experienced a sudden enlightenment within a single day.

Things that I couldn't understand or comprehend in my theories before, I now understand and comprehend completely!
At this time, Darwin's theory of evolution was still in its infancy.

But in just one day, under Azu's repeated inspirations, this nascent theory of evolution has gradually become clear and complete.

Darwin, growing more and more excited as the discussion progressed, even disregarded his status and pulled Azu aside for a long talk that lasted until the early hours of the morning!
“I said, dear Mr. Darwin, I am twenty years younger than you, and I am having trouble staying up all night talking like this.”

Ah Zu yawned, looking quite tired, and said, "How about we stop here...!"

“My lord, this…!” Darwin, who was at the crucial point of the conversation, scratched his head anxiously. “My lord, could you stay with me for a few days?” “I have so many questions I need to ask you…!”

Azu waved his hand: "Mr. Darwin, I will be returning to America in the next two days...!"

"This trip to Europe has already taken four months. If we don't go back soon, some people might start thinking about rebellion."

"Regarding the questions of evolution, Mr. Darwin, we can keep in touch through correspondence."

“This…!” Darwin was unwilling, but he could not force this esteemed Earl to stay.

"That's the only way...!"

Darwin, quite unwilling to give up, said, "My lord, I would like to know, where did you get your profound knowledge of biology from?"

Ah Zu smiled slightly. "I can't very well say that I learned all of this from your book, 'On the Origin of Species,' can I?"
Of course, it's not just "On the Origin of Species".

"On the Origin of Species" is merely the foundational work of the theory of evolution.

In the decades that followed the publication of "On the Origin of Species," countless researchers gradually supplemented and completed the theoretical foundation of evolution.

What Ah Zu is presenting now is a complete theory of evolution, not the rudimentary theory of evolution found in "On the Origin of Species."

Ah Zu got up, stretched, and yawned.

"Of course, Mr. Darwin, you can also come to my California, where we can have in-depth discussions."

Darwin's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

Yup!

The mountain won't come to me, but I can go to the mountain.
“My Lord Earl, wouldn’t that be too much of a disturbance to you…?” Darwin asked again to confirm.

Azu smiled and said, "I have plenty of time. If Mr. Darwin and his family could visit my California, I would be most welcome!"

"By the way, I'm currently setting up the University of California... Mr. Darwin, if you don't mind, you could also take a teaching position at my University of California for a period of time...!"

“Hmm…!” Azu continued, “If Mr. Darwin could invite more scholars and experts to take up teaching positions at my University of California, that would be even better!”

"My California will never be stingy with the talents of any outstanding scholar!"

"I will offer the highest salary in the world to every scholar who is willing to take up a teaching position...!"

Azu smiled and said, "So, Mr. Darwin, what do you think?"

Darwin nodded quickly: "Of course, Your Excellency! After arranging everything, I will take my family and head to your California immediately."

"I would also like to take up a teaching position at your university... as long as I can ask the Earl questions in person."

“I will also write to outstanding scholars I know, inviting them to come to California with me.”

"Hahaha!" Azu laughed heartily: "That would be wonderful! I'll be in California, waiting for Mr. Darwin's good news!"

With that, Azu turned and left the study.

Moments later, with the Darwin family seeing him off, Azu returned to London by carriage.

After a brief two-day rest in London, the California delegation led by Azu finally embarked on their long journey back to the United States and California.
-
Shortly after Azu embarked on his return journey, Rome, the Vatican, and the Apostolic Palace.

The IX Protector, seated high on his throne, looked indifferently at the middle-aged man kneeling at his feet.

"You're Garibaldi, that traitor...?"

Faced with His Holiness the Pope's personal questioning, the man, bound hand and foot and in a rather disheveled state, reluctantly raised his head and struggled to speak: "I am Garibaldi, but I am not a traitor...!"

“Heh heh…!” Pius IX chuckled coldly: “You incited civilians and the army to attack my Papal States and the Italian states without cause.”

"After your little act of rebellion was quelled, you abandoned your followers and fled to North America alone."

"If someone as disloyal and unjust as you isn't a traitor, then what is?"

Garibaldi struggled with extreme resentment: "In order to unify Italy, we must overthrow you high and mighty noble lords, and you, His Holiness the Pope!"

"In order to prevent the unification of Italy, Your Majesty did not hesitate to betray the interests of Italy and beg the French for help."

"To Italy, you who betrayed the interests of your motherland are the real traitors to Italy...!"

"Shut up……!"

Pius IX, enraged, coldly shouted, "Even on the verge of death, you traitor still don't know how to repent, how to confess to the Lord, and beg for His forgiveness!"

"What use is there in keeping a die-hard like you who refuses to repent?"

As he spoke, Pius IX was about to drag Garibaldi away and execute him in secret.

People like Garibaldi are not worthy of being brought before the Inquisition.

Of course, it can't be sent to the religious court!

If Pius IX dared to publicly try Garibaldi, the Apennine Peninsula would surely be plunged into another wave of bloodshed!
"Your Majesty...!" Secretary of State Antonelli quickly whispered in Pius IX's ear, "Wouldn't it be more appropriate to secretly imprison someone like Garibaldi...?"

"Um……?"

Seeing the puzzled look on Pius IX's face, Antonelli explained in a low voice, "Keeping him alive might come in handy someday...!"

Pius IX rested his chin on his hand, paused for a moment, and then said in a deep voice, "Very well!"

"Lock him up and keep him under tight guard. We absolutely cannot give him any chance to escape!"

"Of course, Your Majesty...!"

After Garibaldi was taken away and thrown into prison, Secretary of State Antonelli said, "Your Majesty, the methods of that Earl of Gold Mountain are truly astonishing!"

"In less than three months, he brought Garibaldi, whom we had been searching for, to His Majesty's feet."

Within the entire Vatican, the only people truly in the know about this matter were Pius IX and Secretary of State Antonelli.

Pius IX nodded and said, "Indeed, that Earl of Gold Mountain is far more powerful than we imagined!"

"The matter of the American cardinals...!" Antonelli probed.

Pius IX pondered for a moment: "This matter is not urgent. Let's first agree to let John return to retire."

"Let Archbishop Evan temporarily assume the duties of the American Cardinal."

"Wait until next year, after he has achieved some success, then we will officially promote him to cardinal!"

"In this way, no one has any reason to object."

"Although Evan has made great contributions to the church, he is not qualified enough."

“If Evan were to be appointed as the American Cardinal directly, there would certainly be a lot of opposition.”

Secretary of State Antonelli wholeheartedly agreed: "Your Majesty, you are truly farsighted and have considered everything thoroughly!"

Pius IX continued, "As for the successor to the Archbishop of California, let Evan recommend someone himself."

"Yes, Your Majesty!!"

After a moment's thought, Pius IX said, "Antonelli, if I could take the opportunity of the pastoral ceremony for Eveningus next year to personally visit America...!"

"Your Majesty is personally visiting America?" Antonelli was greatly surprised and somewhat puzzled by the emperor's intentions.

"Yes, I personally visited America!"

Pius IX said in a deep voice, "Although the United States is isolated overseas, its development momentum is quite astonishing."

"That land already has a population of over 20 million."

"For the Papacy, this is a powerful nation that cannot be ignored!"

"Therefore, we must strengthen the church's influence in America and expand our base of believers."

"There is no better way to enhance the influence of the Papacy than for me, the Pope, to visit in person...!"

With that, Pius IX turned his gaze to Antonelli: "My Secretary of State, what do you think?"

“This…!” After thinking for a moment, Antonelli replied, “Your Majesty, this is certainly an excellent solution.”

"However, we need the U.S. government to first extend a formal invitation for a visit to us...!"

"Hmm...!" Pius IX said calmly, "Then we'll need our Earl of Gold Mountain to exert his influence once again!"

(End of this chapter)