Chapter 117 Belgium is preparing
On June 20, 1902, there was less than a month before the first symposium on the theory of relativity was held.
Physicists and physicists from all over the world are getting ready and heading to Brussels with excitement.
It is more convenient to go to Belgium from countries in continental Europe, but the United States and Canada are a little further.
As for countries in other continents, well, this era may not be as good as the Qing Dynasty, and most of them are completely under colonial rule.
Even the underwear will be harvested by the Europeans, let alone scientific development.
It will take more than 50 years for many countries to gain independence amid the rising tide of national resistance.
But Li Qiwei only had a dozen years at most, and he had to find a way to get a piece of territory from the Western powers, otherwise he would have no chance in the future.
So, at this time, European countries are the masters of the earth.
Some rulers use moderate policies and pay attention to slow and steady flow.
And some masters will only kill the goose to get the eggs to satisfy their temporary greed, completely regardless of the consequences.
The King of Belgium, Leopold II, was a typical representative of a brutal master.
At this moment, he was talking to his nephew Albert in his luxurious palace.
Already 67 years old, Leopold II is still rosy-cheeked, full of vitality, and exudes a frightening aura.
This is the strong aura that he has naturally formed after he has been in a high position for a long time. Power is always the best stimulant for men.
"Albert, what did you gain and feel from your trip to the Congo Free State this time?"
Hearing this, Albert, who was sitting below, immediately became respectful and looked serious.
At the age of only 27 this year, he succeeded as Count of Flanders and was almost destined to be the next King of Belgium.
But facing Leopold II, Albert was still frightened. In fact, his uncle was famous and extremely domineering.
Although Belgium, like other European countries, has undergone reforms, the king's power has been greatly restricted.
But Leopold II was different. He still had huge influence and intimidation at home.
So Albert thought for a while, carefully organized his words and said: "Your Majesty the King, I have been to the Congo Free State for a total of 2 years."
"I focused on inspecting the local rubber industry. and mineral conditions. "
"The rubber industry in Congo has begun to take shape, and the quality of the collected rubber is very good."
"It is expected to bring trouble to the royal family. Philippines’ income.”
Leopold II was very happy to hear this. The money would go into his private pocket in the future and had nothing to do with the Belgian government.
However, Albert suddenly went on to say: "However, there are currently some problems in rubber mining." As he spoke, he carefully observed the king's expression.
"Huh?"
"What's the problem, tell me."
Albert said carefully: "The labor force we employ is far from enough at present, at least 3- 5 times the investment.”
"But the financial budget cannot support so much manpower."
"So." He was about to continue to put forward opinions, but 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 more honestly. ”
“I give them two meals a day, not to let them enjoy themselves”
"For those who are disobedient and lazy, just kill a few of them and give them a warning."
"From today on, everyone's workload must be doubled."
"In addition, I will give them a warning." You authorize the forcible recruitment of all Africans in the Congo Free State between the ages of 15 and 60."
"Anyone who dares not to listen will be killed!"
"This year, rubber revenue must be eliminated. Over £200,000!”
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 character. Now he dare not breathe.
But he had to reply, so he quickly calmed down and said calmly: "As you command, Your Majesty."
"In addition, regarding minerals, we have discovered in the southern province of Katanga A huge uranium mine”
“The quality of the minerals there is very high”
When Leopold II heard this, he became interested and said, "Oh? Is there a lot of radium in the mine?"
"Radium is a good thing and can be sold at a good price. Uranium ore is worthless. "
"I have become obsessed with radium water recently, and I feel more energetic after drinking it."
Albert immediately followed up with a few words of flattery, and then said: "It also contains some radium ore, but it's more difficult to mine."
Leopold II didn't care and waved his hand, "What's the difficulty? If it doesn't work, just look for the professionals. .”
“Isn’t there some physics conference that will be held in Brussels soon?”
“By then, there will be the world’s top experts there, so you can just go find someone for consultation.”
“ As for the uranium ore, you will find a way to deal with it. No matter how small the mosquito is, it is still meat."
Albert nodded and took out a notebook to record the key points, "Okay, Your Majesty."
"Hey. , Nowadays, money is becoming more and more insufficient.”
"It's all my fault that Britain and France have carved up the world, and there are only some scraps left."
"Huh? Albert, you said that if I imprisoned all the scientists who came to Belgium this time, Work for me.”
“Will Belgium become stronger and dominate Europe?”
Albert trembled in fear, “Ah?” His terrible uncle should be here. Just kidding.
If this is really done, the consequences for the two of them will probably be quite disastrous. "Isn't the risk a bit too high for Your Majesty?"
"Hahaha, look at how careful you are, what are you afraid of?"
"They are just a group of researchers. To put it nicely, they are scientists, but they are just serving those in power."
"Albert, you must remember that you must treat these professionals with enough respect."
"However, when it comes to political rules and royal etiquette, you must remain mysterious. Give them a sense of awe ”
"In this way, these smart people will be willing to work for you, but will not have other thoughts."
"Don't you think Britain just knighted the man named Bruce?"
"Haha, the British are willing to give up on a humble Qing man."
"I guess this must be Cecil's idea, hum, he is a cunning guy. ”
If Li Qiwei were here, he would definitely give Leopold II a thumbs up.
"Brother, you are better at playing with people's hearts than the old witch Cixi. It's too humiliating to be the king of a small country."
After hearing this, Albert always felt that 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 the emperor is. "
"Lances and cannons are never weapons, the real weapon is the human heart!" After that, he pointed at Albert's heart.
“No matter how advanced the weapon is, it still needs people to drive it. Always thinking about improving the performance of the weapon cannot gain real power.”
"Emperors are good at controlling people's hearts, scientists control weapons, and we control scientists."
"Throughout the ages, so many emperors are keen on waging wars. The fundamental reason is that they know that they will never die."
"If you win, you will make a lot of money; if you lose, you will have to start all over again."
"If there is a weapon that can kill anyone with one blow from thousands of miles away, then there is no Any emperor dares to start a war easily."
"Emperors are also human beings, and they are also afraid of death."
"At that time, everyone will sit down and negotiate, and there will be world peace."
"But, is this possible?"
"No matter how smart those scientists are, they cannot invent this A weapon that only exists in myths.”
“Hahaha, Albert, you still have a lot to learn.”
Albert smiled humbly and kept nodding. The king is really insightful.
Unfortunately, because he listened to his uncle's words, he missed the biggest opportunity in his life and regretted it for the rest of his life.
The higher the position, the more sincerity can only be exchanged for sincerity.
On July 10, 1902, the streets of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, were filled with advertisements.
The content is all about this relativity seminar.
In order to show its importance to the conference, the government has planned hotels, restaurants and other places in Brussels in advance.
It is to give participating physicists a perfect and unforgettable experience.
As a small country, Belgium can only work hard in these aspects if it wants to increase its international reputation.
If we can attract a few well-known physicists to become Belgian citizens, it will be even more profitable.
In this era, the importance of physicists is far greater than that of later generations.
Breakthroughs in science and technology represent an increase in national power, which is what all top bosses dream of.
Scientists are the key to technology, and physicists are scientists among scientists. The significance is evident.
One by one, these people are all super elites.
Of course, this does not include physicists like Professor Case.
In the Qing Dynasty, physicists were equivalent to the academic level of the great Confucians of the time (not referring to official positions).
So, it is reasonable to receive such grand treatment.
What surprised the Belgian people was that even the Belgian royal family sent heavyweights to help out.
He is Count Albert, the grandson of the previous King Leopold I and the nephew and assistant of the current King Leopold II.
This news excited Solvay.
Albert had a friendly attitude and asked in a low-key and humble manner, "Mr. Solvay, I wonder if I can also participate in this meeting and have a glimpse of the masters of physics."
So Ervi's old face turned into a chrysanthemum smile, "Your Highness, what you said is serious, of course you are welcome to participate in the meeting."
Although Solvay is very famous now, it is still far away from the top people in Belgium.
This is not a gap in wealth, but a natural gap brought about by status.
The East and the West have been like this since ancient times, and even the West cares more about these things. After all, they don’t have princes and generals who have the kind of Ning Ning.
Therefore, Albert's coming and attention made Solvay extremely excited, and he checked every link one last time.
Even the projector that Li Qiwei asked him to purchase from Zeiss, he had people check it repeatedly to make sure it was perfect.
For a time, the streets and alleys of Brussels were filled with laughter and laughter.
Actually, people don’t care about the theory of relativity, they just find it exciting.
Anyway, don’t pay for it yourself. You would be a fool not to watch the show.
With the strong support and welcome from the whole of Belgium, the first symposium on the theory of relativity slowly opened.
Physicists from all over the world, as well as other top scientists in mathematics, chemistry and other fields arrive every day.
Brussels seems to be immersed in a sea of knowledge.
A meeting of the century is about to begin!
(End of this chapter)