At this moment, not only did Napoleon's heart skip a beat, silently calling out that this wasn't good, but even Laplace and the others were startled. What? President Bonaparte already had a method to prove this peculiar geometry? But this was normal. If there was anyone in the world who could quickly solve this problem, "Never Wrong Joseph" was undoubtedly the most likely candidate.
At this moment on the podium, Joseph leisurely greeted Fourier, "Mr. Fourier, hmm, could you please help distribute my paper for everyone to see? I could also use a break and have some water. Once they've finished reading it, we can continue our discussion."
With that said, Joseph slowly returned to his seat and picked up his tea cup for a drink. Fourier then distributed a copy of the paper to everyone.
A copy of Joseph's paper also landed in front of Napoleon. He lowered his head and saw the title "An Attempt to Explain Non-Euclidean Geometry." He despairingly flipped through the paper, trying to find any flaws in it. Although he knew that at this moment, the possibility of Joseph's paper having flaws was smaller than leading a hundred thousand French troops against less than a thousand Prussians in battle and still being completely defeated. (After all, there was still the possibility of meteorites falling from the sky and hitting them.)
Napoleon's mathematics was actually quite good. Although it was still far from the level of an academician, among ordinary people, he was definitely at the top. So, he didn't have any problems understanding the paper.
With a hopeful mentality, Napoleon quickly skimmed through the paper. This paper was indeed in Joseph's typical style, rigorously argued, leaving no loopholes, and even included one or two new mathematical deductions as a bonus.
"Is this using differential geometry? The entire argument process seems to be flawless," Napoleon raised his head and glanced at Laplace and the others beside him. He saw that their eyes were wide open, but none of them seemed to have anything to say.
"Damn, most likely they can't find any problems either. Joseph has really managed to construct such a triangle on a hyperbolic surface. This, this... I'm really foolish, really, I actually ran into Joseph's stronghold expecting him not to retaliate, forgetting that this guy has always been petty..."
Finally, Laplace and the others finished reading the paper. They scrutinized it more carefully than Napoleon, but like him, they couldn't find any errors in the paper.
"Never Wrong Joseph," many people couldn't help but think of this phrase, feeling that the burden weighing on them had increased slightly.
Joseph had finished his tea and poured two more cups. Seeing that everyone had almost finished drinking, he set down his teacup and leisurely said, "It seems like everyone has finished reading? Now, does anyone have any doubts about Mr. Lucien Evans's paper?"
No one spoke up.
Joseph continued, "In addition to my method, there is also a more ingenious proof, completed by my friend, Academician Gauss. You can also take a look at it."
Fourier then distributed Gauss's paper to everyone.
Fourier bowed slightly to everyone and said, "That's all I have to say."
At this moment, the entire Academy of Sciences fell into a strange silence. Everyone's hearts were filled with complex emotions.
After a long time, Laplace finally said, "Mr. Fourier, your words make sense."
Fourier smiled slightly, not saying anything more.
Napoleon looked at Laplace, then at Joseph and Gauss, and finally at the two teacups on the table, quietly saying to himself, "The true power of science and mathematics... it's not about being always right. It's about being willing to admit when you're wrong and to seek truth wherever it leads."
At this moment, he suddenly felt a sense of relief in his heart.
Maybe, this world is not as terrifying as it seems. As long as there are people like Joseph and Gauss, as well as Fourier and Laplace, the light of reason will continue to shine, dispelling the darkness of ignorance and fear.
And as for him, Napoleon Bonaparte, maybe it's time for him to focus on being a leader, not just a conqueror. Maybe it's time for him to lead his nation not only to victory on the battlefield but also to greatness in the fields of science, technology, and culture.
Yes, maybe it's time for him to lead the surrender.
And with that thought in mind, Napoleon stood up and said, "Gentlemen, I have made up my mind. I am going to implement the policy of 'L'Ecole Polytechnique,' where the most talented individuals from all walks of life will be selected and trained to serve our nation. We shall invest in education, research, and innovation, and strive to make France not only the strongest but also the most enlightened nation in the world!"
And thus began a new chapter in the history of France, a chapter filled with hope, progress, and enlightenment.
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