Chapter 118: The Collaboration of Two Josephs

The decision had been made, but its execution required more time. Establishing an institution was no easy feat, and preparations involving personnel and resources took time. Additionally, many matters in the Paris Institute needed to be organized. Therefore, it wasn't until mid-Rainmoon that Joseph was finally ready to depart for Toulon.

If we only considered the research aspect, having Lavoisier oversee the Paris Institute would have been the best choice. However, given Lavoisier's "prisoner" status and some of his quirks, it was unlikely that this idea would be accepted, not only by the "Committee of Public Safety" but even within Joseph's own circle.

Furthermore, Laplace also wanted to join the "Military Technical Research Institute." However, due to Laplace's close associations with certain individuals, Joseph had always maintained that Laplace was more suitable for theoretical research rather than practical technical research. Therefore, appointing him to lead the institute was out of the question.

So, to replace Joseph and temporarily manage the Paris Institute, Monge took the role.

In terms of academic standing, Monge was naturally not on par with the previous two individuals. However, Monge had a military background, was reliable, and had a good relationship with Joseph. Hence, Joseph readily recommended him to Carnot.

Carnot was also satisfied with this choice. Monge had been his teacher, and he knew that Monge was a reliable individual. Although Monge's abilities might not match Joseph's, it also meant that his spending habits wouldn't be on par with Joseph's. These days, he chased Robespierre every day for funds, and then Joseph chased after him. Perhaps, they could temporarily relax a bit now.

Carnot breathed a sigh of relief. However, in the South, another person, or rather, a group of people, had a very different reaction. This group was none other than Joseph's unreliable siblings.

"Lucien, Lucien..." Napoleon shouted.

"Here, what's up?" Lucien, sweating, rushed in from outside.

"What were you doing?" Napoleon asked.

"Nothing much, just taking a walk with Pauline outside," Lucien hadn't realized that something seemed amiss.

"Ah, Lucien," Napoleon suddenly smiled. "I have a surprise for you. Want to know what it is?"

At that moment, Pauline entered the room, holding a small ivory-handled umbrella, just in time to hear Napoleon's words. She asked eagerly, "What's the surprise? Napoleon, tell us, what is it?"

Napoleon didn't continue but changed the subject, "Lucien, when you came south, Joseph gave you a stack of exercises. How many have you completed?"

"I've done quite a few; don't worry. We'll finish them before returning to Paris. What's the fuss about..." Lucien said, still not realizing that something wasn't right.

Napoleon didn't say anything but just stared at Lucien with a smile.

Lucien, seeing the mischievous expression on Napoleon's face, began to sense that something was a bit off. He hesitated and asked, "What's going on? Napoleon, what do you mean?"

"I have a surprise for you," Napoleon said. "Joseph is coming to Toulon very soon. Surprised, isn't it? Unexpected, right?"

"What?" Lucien was momentarily stunned. "How is that possible? Joseph is supposed to be... busy."

"Surprised, aren't you? Unexpected, right?" Napoleon grinned mischievously. "The army is establishing a Naval Technical Research Institute in Toulon, and Joseph is coming here temporarily to oversee the work. But don't worry, your exercises are almost done, even though they're not complete yet. That should be enough, right?"

"Damn!" Lucien exclaimed. "What kind of surprise is this? Napoleon, explain to me, what kind of surprise is this?"

Napoleon replied, "When did Joseph arrive?"

"On Rainmoon 15th, so you have three more days," Napoleon answered.

"Great!" Lucien shouted. "What a relief! What a surprise, indeed!"

Successfully frightening Lucien, Napoleon felt quite pleased. During lunch, he even had an extra piece of bread. As for Lucien, he didn't come downstairs to eat at all. Letizia had to personally bring him some bread and milk in the study.

Lucien didn't come down for lunch, and he didn't come down for dinner either. Around ten in the evening, while Napoleon was sound asleep (there were no video games like King of Glory or PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds in this era, not even electric lights), he suddenly felt someone lightly shaking his arm.

"Who is it?" Napoleon opened his eyes.

"Oh, it's me, Lucien."

"Goodness, what time is it? What are you doing?" Napoleon was quite annoyed.

"Napoleon, I have a few problems, and I don't know how to solve them. Can you help me?"

"Are you serious? Can't we do this tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, when it's light out, who knows where you'll be? You're not like Mom; she can always find people no matter the time. Please help me now!"

"Fine, fine! I want to sleep! We'll look at it tomorrow during dinner," Napoleon said.

"Please, Napoleon, just help me," Lucien implored. "These problems are quite challenging. If Joseph asks, I might embarrass myself..."

"Nonsense! How could Joseph give you problems I can't solve?!" Napoleon said in his mouth, but he was thinking, "Joseph is quite nasty when he comes up with these questions. They can't be approached with ordinary thinking. I can't predict if he might leave Lucien with one or two genuinely challenging problems."

"Show them to me," Napoleon said.

"Okay, but let me light a candle first."

...

"This is so simple! Lucien, you're not... I can't believe that you're my and Joseph's brother. How can you be so clueless? Look, draw an auxiliary line here... then... and then... Well, you wait for me to think... There's no way. Lucien, let's try a different approach. Let's establish a coordinate system here... All right, do you understand?"

"Not at all," Lucien said, looking puzzled.

...

Three days later, Joseph arrived in Marseilles. He first went home to visit his mother and other siblings. His mother was still in good health, though she had aged a bit, her health remained robust. His siblings were also doing well, especially his sisters who were becoming more and more beautiful. However, they seemed to have developed some distance, perhaps due to growing up and Joseph's prolonged absence. Even Pauline, who used to stick to him or Napoleon, now appeared somewhat reserved. She seemed to be avoiding him.

"Girls grow up this way," Joseph consoled himself. Then he told Napoleon, "I can't stay in Marseilles for too long. Tomorrow morning, I'll set out for Toulon. I've brought an order for Mr. Fouché. You should find someone to take me to visit him."

Joseph had been well-prepared for his visit, thanks to prior notice. He was pleased with this assignment because it meant he wouldn't be recalled to Paris at the most critical moment. Although Joseph had been in the provinces, he closely monitored the situation in Paris, which he believed would be very dangerous in the coming month or two.

Once Joseph left, several people breathed sighs of relief.

"Lucien, why are you so nervous? Haven't you completed your assignments?" Pauline asked.

"I have, but some of the questions were done by Napoleon, and he didn't explain them well. If Joseph asks me about them, I might embarrass myself..."

Joseph had been in Marseilles for a short time, but they had used his limited time to discuss various issues. By the time they looked outside, it was already dark.

"Oh, it's this late?" Joseph said as he glanced at the sky. "I had intended to check Lucien's homework, but by now, he's probably asleep. I need to leave early tomorrow... Oh well, I'll check it later. Toulon isn't too far from Marseilles; I'll have plenty of chances..."