The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 106

Chapter 106: The Drought is Coming

"Then wash the activated charcoal with distilled water.

"Next, adjust the solution to an acidic state so that the penicillin molecules convert into a free form...

"Then extract with alcohol, neutralize with a basic solution, separate the solution, and extract again with acid...

"Finally, filter the result to obtain penicillin... Oh, it should be called Type 1 antibiotic."

Joseph spoke in one breath, then concluded, "Add the resulting solution to the bacteria you cultured earlier. If you see the bacteria disappear, it means the solution is effective. If the bacteria are unaffected, then modify the experimental conditions and try again."

He knew very well that the difficulty of producing penicillin was extremely high, and he had only shared the basic theoretical foundation with Lamarck. This was like telling Columbus in the 15th century, "Hey, there’s a new land somewhere in the world, go ahead!"

Columbus would first have to get a ship and crew, then sail across the vast ocean, trying every direction, risking life and limb countless times, and with some luck, there might be a chance of success.

Lamarck’s situation was no different now; any mistake in the process, such as the wrong composition of the culture medium, a slight variation in time, incorrect pH, or even a momentary tremor in his hand, could lead to failure.

Most importantly, there were no super strains available at present. Even if the experiment succeeded, the yield would be pitiful. Cultivating strains alone would take an unknown number of years...

However, Joseph was patient. No matter how long it took, as long as penicillin was produced, it would be like holding a trump card in his hand. Even if only small quantities were produced in the lab, using it on the battlefield to save a commander could have enormous strategic significance!

So, Lamarck, say goodbye to your hair. From now on, you may have to live in the lab.

Joseph silently wished Lamarck good luck in his heart, then added, "Count Lamarck, different strains of Penicillium can produce vastly different amounts of penicillin. You’ll need to test many samples and find the strain with the highest yield. After that, you might even need to encourage mutations..."

He suddenly realized he had said too much and quickly corrected himself, "Ah, don't worry about what mutations are. By the way, I’ll leave you with 30,000 livres, all for the Type 1 antibiotic experiment. Once it’s used up, I’ll allocate more for you."

Lamarck felt something was wrong. Was the cost of this experiment really 30,000 livres, or even more?

Of course, the thought was fleeting, quickly overshadowed by his overwhelming desire for penicillin.

Then, Joseph looked at Lamarck again and repeated the entire production process. By the time it was past four in the afternoon, he felt he had covered everything, so he prepared to leave the workshop.

Just as he was about to step out the door, his mind was filled with thoughts of food.

The immediate priority was potatoes, to promote potato cultivation nationwide. This task was immensely difficult—French people were highly resistant to potatoes.

Therefore, after adequate publicity, it would be best to use administrative measures to promote it—meaning gaining the support of the Queen and Bishop Brienne.

And to get their support, he would need to provide them with some "incentive."

Joseph smiled faintly, thinking of the terrifying memories of the "flour riot."

So, who could help them relive those memories?

He thought for a moment, then suddenly slapped his forehead—wasn’t the best person right beside him?

He quickly stopped and turned to Lamarck. "Count Lamarck, I have a favor to ask."

"It would be my honor to serve you."

Joseph said, "Could you write a report to Archbishop Brienne, predicting a severe drought this year, based on various signs from plants or unusual climate patterns, and suggest that the government prepare in advance?"

Lamarck had become immune to Joseph’s various shocking requests by now, so he simply looked at him and asked, "Have you noticed the drought as well?"

Joseph was surprised, "You noticed it too?"

Lamarck nodded. "Many signs point to this, but it may not be as severe as you think. I will write the report to Archbishop Brienne."

"No, you need to write it more seriously!"

"Why?" Lamarck asked.

Joseph had no way to explain, so he emphasized, "This is very important, please do me this favor."

Lamarck firmly refused. "But, Your Highness, I believe in absolute honesty when it comes to academic matters."

"Ah, yes..." Joseph was left helpless by the biologist's integrity.

After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "But you don’t have to lie."

"Just be a little flexible. For example, add qualifiers like 'there is a certain chance' or 'there may be a risk' before the prediction of a severe drought."

Lamarck was taken aback. Strictly speaking, anything could result in countless possibilities, and pointing out one possibility could still be considered rigorous academic research.

There was no problem in including such "rigor" in the report...

The conflict between personal favor and academic integrity was resolved, and Lamarck finally hesitated and nodded.

Joseph sincerely thanked the biologist, turned to leave, but then heard a soft voice in front of him, "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Perna had rarely changed into a light green dress, holding the silk floral skirt, and curtsying to him.

"Oh, it’s also a pleasure to meet you." Joseph quickly nodded in return. "What brings you here?"

Perna, for some reason, had a slightly flushed face and lowered her head, "I’m going to start learning about blood circulation from my father and will also help him manage the laboratory."

Well, it wasn’t because she had heard the Crown Prince moved to Paris and rushed over in a hurry.

Joseph smiled, "With your help, Count Lamarck's experiment progress will definitely speed up."

Perna quietly gathered her courage, looked up, and said, "Your Highness, I heard you’re going to stay in Paris for a while. Perhaps I can continue your regular health checks?"

"Oh, that would be wonderful. Thank you very much, Doctor Perna."

The girl’s face immediately turned even redder.

...

Two days later, at the Palace of Versailles.

Archbishop Brienne looked at the "Paris Fashion Week Plan" in his hands. As the Crown Prince described the bright future of Fashion Week, he appeared somewhat distracted.

"The initial investment for Fashion Week is under 600,000 livres, with projected revenue over 4 million livres." Joseph spoke enthusiastically. "At the same time, developing real estate around the Tuileries Palace could also bring in millions of livres."

"After Fashion Week ends, the Eastern Palace of the Tuileries can be converted into the 'Paris Business Center' to continue generating income. Once Fashion Week’s influence expands, we could even host the 'European Expo' here..."

Brienne nodded repeatedly, smiling. "Your Highness, all of these ideas sound wonderful. I’ve already added the 600,000 livres budget you requested. The documents for the Tuileries Palace should be ready for you tomorrow."

Suddenly, he pulled out several reports and handed them to Joseph, then added, "Your Highness, these are the reports I’ve received in the past two days. Please take a look."

Joseph looked down and saw that the top report was titled "Some Observations on the Drought This Year," signed by Lamarck.

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