Flowers, Swords and France

After saying goodbye to the old man, Fran left the courtyard. Grandpa's deliberate disregard filled her heart with sadness. She didn't know how to make the old man calm down and stop opposing her decision.

She also knew that she might never be able to do this in her lifetime.

However, this sadness would not change her determination, and it wouldn't even make her hesitate.

When she walked into the mansion without any delay, the sadness in her heart had melted away like ice and snow under the sun. She raised her head, with no expression on her face, and a little pride in her reserve.

With the growth of age and experience, and because of the difference in status, the shy child has become what she is now, and can almost handle all kinds of situations with ease. She no longer needs to be afraid of anything, and no longer needs to hide herself carefully.

However, perhaps because she was just teasing her nephew, a little tenderness can still be seen in the depths of her eyebrows.

At this time, Mary had already arrived at the mansion, so she went directly to the living room.

"Marie!" As soon as she saw the other party, she greeted him and walked towards her enthusiastically, "Long time no see!"

"It's been a long time since we last met. I missed you too." Mari also hugged her with a smile on her face, "But I'm finally done with my work... We can see each other more often in the future."

Because Charles specially sent her to the Railway Union to replace Laura, Mari has become a busy person recently. Taking over the resources and documents left by Laura and re-establishing contacts with various parties have consumed a lot of her time and energy, so that she has rarely come to meet her friends recently.

However, although her status is no longer the same as before, Mari's mind is not overwhelmed by the sudden happiness. After all, she still knows where her status comes from. So as soon as she began to sort out her affairs and no longer needed to be as busy as before, she deliberately returned to the Treville family and tried her best to continue to serve them - and her friends are naturally the top priority.

"You should also take a good rest, don't work too hard." Fran looked at the other person, "You have lost a lot of weight recently."

"Is it bad to lose weight?" Mary didn't care, "It's better to have something to do than to stay at home. Besides, I am very happy to serve you and the master..."

"You are really getting better and better at talking..." Fran couldn't help laughing, "Okay, don't say such things in front of me, I don't like to hear you deliberately trying to please me."

"Where is deliberate? It's obviously from the heart." Mary also laughed, "Okay, the master has told me to cooperate with you in everything, so don't worry, I can stand on your side this time, what else can hinder us?"

"Humph, he threw everything away and ran to Fontainebleau to play, and I don't know how happy he is." Fran's tone was a little angry, but the joy was impossible to conceal. "Thank you for your hard work."

Mary smiled but said nothing, only glancing at Fran with a slightly sarcastic look. She certainly understood that Fran could comment on her brother at will, but she herself could not.

"Have you arranged all those things?" Fran slowly put away her smile and began to ask seriously.

"I have arranged the place, everyone will be there, all you need to do is show up." Mary answered immediately, "So I am here to welcome you, and then it will be your turn to shine!"

"What are you talking about..." Fran blushed a little, "I just hope they don't look down on me because of my age and gender."

"Who dares to do that? The Minister will not forgive him." Mary immediately grabbed her hand and encouraged her, "Don't worry, with the gentleman here, no one will look down on you, at most they will have a little doubt, as long as you show the right attitude and preparation, then their initial doubts and surprises will disappear immediately - just like me, don't worry, everything has a first time, as long as you get used to that kind of scene."

Then, she leaned close to Fran's ear, "Believe me, their brains may not be better than yours! You are the one who can fool the Minister!"

This sarcastic ridicule made Fran even more embarrassed, but she was unexpectedly relieved.

Indeed, since even my brother has been shaken, who else can I not compete with?

At this moment, the servant came to her side and whispered to Fran that a visitor had arrived.

"He came so soon?" Fran was a little surprised after hearing the news.

Then, after hesitating for a moment, she turned to look at Mary, "Mary... It seems that we have to postpone our trip a little. I have to meet this person first."

"Who is this person? Is he very important?" Mary couldn't help asking because she didn't hear clearly.

"It can't be said that he is very important..." Fran frowned slightly, obviously not quite clear about the mystery, "But he was called from another province by my brother's instructions, and he told me to treat him well - and specifically asked to treat him with the greatest sincerity..."

"Is he a provincial? Or was he sent by the master?" Mary was a little confused, but since this was Charles' decision, she naturally had no room for doubt, so she could only agree to Fran's request, "Okay, I'll wait."

However, curiosity rose in her heart. "What's his name, and what does he do?"

"His name is Louis Pasteur, and he is now a teacher at the University of Strasbourg." Fran answered in a low voice. "Originally, I thought he would be here in about two days, but I didn't expect him to leave so soon..."

"Ah?" Mary couldn't help but exclaimed because this answer was really confusing. "What does this mean?"

It really confused her. She thought that the provincial who was treated so seriously by Charles should be some local tycoon or dignitary, but she didn't expect it to be just a university teacher - there are at least a few hundred such people in the provinces, what is there to treat specially?

"I'm bored waiting here anyway, how about I accompany you to receive her?" Because the situation was so strange, her curiosity was completely aroused, and she couldn't help but ask to see who that person was.

"Okay, of course, let's go see this person together." Fran agreed immediately, obviously she was also very curious about this person.

When they came to the reception room, they soon found the guest who came from afar.

He was about thirty years old, with a straight face, combed hair, and looked quite handsome and a bit gentle. He wore a black coat, a black vest and a white shirt, and a bow tie under his collar, just like his usual clothes nowadays.

As soon as he saw Fran and Mary appear, this person couldn't help but look at them in surprise, and then immediately looked away, his attitude was calm and kind, but obviously a little nervous - it was obvious that he was a little uneasy to go in and out of such a place, and he was not used to going out to visit others.

Mary looked at the young man carefully, then frowned slightly and looked at Fran.

This person, at first glance, is very bookish, and fits the identity of a young university teacher, but... that's all, there is nothing particularly outstanding about him.

But Fran didn't have time to talk to her. She smiled slightly and walked up to the young man. "Mr. Pasteur, it's nice to meet you... I am the minister's sister. Because he will accompany his majesty to Fontainebleau recently, I am here to entertain you on his behalf... Please forgive me."

When she just appeared, the young man was already amazed by her beautiful face. When she said these words kindly and modestly, he felt even more flattered.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Treville." He immediately bowed to Fran, "I am very happy to be summoned by the minister. He is a national figure and has to deal with important matters before seeing me, so I can understand, it's okay. I am very... very honored to meet you."

He is Louis Pasteur. In the original world, he will become one of the most famous and outstanding scientists and inventors in France during the Second Empire.

In that era, he was highly respected, the government commended his contributions, and the people were grateful to him. He even became a synonym for "biology" in the minds of the French. Many of his discoveries, inventions and technological improvements changed the face of a country and even changed the history of human science and technology and life. Even a person who knew little about science and technology would have heard of his name.

However, at this time in 1853, he was not so famous, so he would definitely be surprised and even flattered by the sudden and solemn reception of the Treville family.

He was born in the countryside, and then through his intelligence and hard work, he succeeded in his studies and was admitted to the best higher education institution in France-Paris Normal College, and graduated with excellent grades. Then he was spotted by the great scientist Barre, who recruited him as a graduate student and took him to obtain a doctorate.

During this period, he gained some academic reputation, but this reputation was destined to be unknown to the outside world, and he began to make a living on his own and entered the professional world, and finally went to the University of Strasbourg as a teacher. After arriving there, because he had a formal career and income, he began to devote himself to scientific research, and even married the daughter of the university dean.

A revolution broke out in the capital of Paris where he left, and the former dynasty government suddenly collapsed. However, he had no interest in politics. Although France had undergone many changes since then, from a kingdom to a republic and then to an empire, it was not a big deal for him, as long as he could continue to do research.

However, not long ago, he received a letter, and the sender made him unbelievable - it was the Minister of Transportation of the Empire, Mr. Charles de Treville.

Because of the previous political events, this person was very famous. Everyone said that this young minister was extraordinary and unyielding, and was one of the most trusted assistants of His Majesty the Emperor of the Empire. Such a person could not be ignored by him.

The original text is in Liu # 9 @Book/Bar!

What surprised Louis Pasteur even more was that in the letter, the minister solemnly said that many people had recommended him in front of him, so he admired his abilities very much, and he wanted to do his best to support his research. And find ways to move yourself to a position with a better environment and better treatment.

Louis Pasteur was so surprised and delighted by this letter that he couldn't believe his eyes.

Although he has taught at the University of Strasbourg for several years and met his wife, the living conditions and research conditions in Strasbourg cannot be compared with those in Paris, not to mention that the Minister has promised to fully fund his research. ——For a dedicated researcher, is there any more attractive condition than this?

He had stayed in Paris for several years when he was studying, and he was very nostalgic for this city. He had worked hard for a long time to stay here before, so how could he not be tempted if he had the opportunity to go back now?

After confirming the authenticity of this letter, Louis Pasteur immediately wrote back to the Minister, and then explained to him why he accepted the funding from the Minister, and promised that he would repay the Minister with his extremely diligent research. help.

Then he received an invitation from Charles, asking him to come to Paris to meet him first. The messenger who sent the letter also brought a cashier's check, claiming that it was the settlement fee given by the minister in advance.

Having been so inspired, Pasteur did not dare to neglect, and soon boarded the train to Paris to ask for an audience with the Minister. As soon as he got off the train, he was sent to Marshal Treville by someone who had received the telegram - Charles because he wanted to We were going to Fontainebleau, so we asked Fran to let her sister entertain the enthusiastic inventor.

After the initial greetings, Fran kept looking at the other person, trying to see from his face evidence of how he was different from others. Unfortunately, her efforts were not very successful. No matter how she looked, she couldn't Feeling how great the other person was, I could only give up this effort and attribute everything to "people should not be judged by their appearance" and "what my brother tells me is always right."

"Please take a seat, sir." She nodded to the other party in a very friendly manner, "I'm really sorry to trouble you. You have to come all the way to Paris..."

"It's an honor for me to be favored by His Excellency the Minister. Many people have no chance even if they work too hard." Louis Pasteur sat down as ordered, and then immediately said to Fran with a smile, "Besides, thanks to His Excellency the Minister, "The most convenient means of transportation in our time is now available between Paris and Strasbourg. I am not tired, but full of joy."

Now his attitude is much calmer than before, and his words are coherent.

Although Fran's beauty just now gave him some shock, it was just the male's instinct to love beauty. He already has a wife, and they are very loving. Now they have given birth to several children, and their relationship is very harmonious. Therefore, after coming back to his senses, this undistracted scholar is no longer affected and can treat him with a normal attitude. she.

However, in his heart, he also sighed. The surname Treville was originally a famous family, and now it is even more famous. However, when he saw Miss Treville, she was already beautiful and should be used to flattery. There is no arrogance at all, which shows that the famous families are still a little different after all. This makes him look forward to meeting the minister himself to see if he is the same as the rumors.

"My brother has mentioned you to me several times. He said that you are a very smart person, very serious, an excellent researcher, and have the talent of an inventor." Fran looked at the other party with a smile, "So he said we should help you and contribute to the empire, to the people."

"Inventor?" Upon hearing Fran's compliment, Louis Pasteur was not complacent, but rather a little shy, "I...I can't afford such a compliment right now, miss. I'm just a scholar. , and I am a fledgling scholar with few achievements. Of course... I do hope to achieve something academically and let people benefit from my discoveries and inventions..."

Although these words may sound cliche, his attitude is very sincere and obviously comes from his heart without any pretense. This made Fran and Mary feel a little impressed.

Does this guy really have some skills? The two of them looked at each other.

No matter what, your vision cannot be questioned.

"Maybe you didn't have many achievements before, but you will definitely have them in the future... because the minister wants to help you and help you in all aspects." Fran suppressed her curiosity, and then told him the truth, "I told Well, our Treville family has some businesses, some of which are involved in popular industrial industries. We need some researchers to help us - and you are one of his chosen candidates. If you are willing, you can become a researcher hired by us. We will give you an independent laboratory and a large We will provide you with an assistant if you need it... What do you think?"

After a pause, she added, "You don't have to worry about your teaching position. Your Excellency, the Minister, will use his influence to help you. Even if you accept our employment, you can still retain your teaching position." , he can even let you serve as provost or president of a certain university... Of course, the premise is that you can prove that you are worthy of these rewards based on your ability. Do you think this is reasonable? "

How is it? Great! So reasonable! How could anyone refuse such an offer?

Louis Pasteur shouted in his heart.

However, there was still a little doubt in his heart, a little doubt that no one could avoid.

"Ms. Treville, I am really happy to be treated like this. I only have one question..." He hesitated a little, fearing that his question would make the other party unhappy and let the opportunity fly away, but he finally made up his mind, "Why me? There are many people who are better and more famous than me, and they may be more worthy of these conditions..."

"You are such a humble person." Fran couldn't help laughing, and she looked even more beautiful, "Most people wouldn't talk like this, right?"

"I'm not humble, I just like to distinguish things." Louis Pasteur also smiled. "Of course I'm not saying I can't do it. As long as I can get such help, I believe that as long as I am given time, I can achieve more than others."

"It's good to have your confidence." Fran's smile became more and more friendly, "Don't forget, my brother has clearly said that you will definitely be able to achieve great things, so... so please believe in yourself, you can't doubt this judgment, this is a certainty."

Louis Pasteur didn't quite understand the other party's logic, but he knew that he must have passed the interview-if this was considered an interview. "Thank you for your words, Miss."

"You can start preparing now and move your family to Paris. My brother will complete the necessary procedures through the Minister of Education-this is not a difficult thing." Fran continued to talk to the other party, "In addition, we hope that you can start research as soon as possible..."

"What are you researching?" Louis Pasteur asked immediately with concern.

"Prevention and treatment of epidemics." Fran didn't keep it a secret, but explained directly, "especially typhoid and cholera." (~^~)