1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 250: Before the person arrives in person, the forces of all parties are surging undercurrents!
The news that Li Qiwei was going to visit the United States instantly caused a sensation across the country.

Because his identity is so topical.

The last Chinese to publicly visit the United States was Li Hongzhang.

And now, a man with the same surname, Li, is about to set foot on American soil again.

Although in terms of political status, there are huge differences between Li Qiwei and Li Hongzhang.

But in this era, the fame of great scientists is no less than that of politicians.

In some ways, scientists are far more important than politicians.

A powerful politician can be trained in a targeted manner.

But a great scientist can only be born.

Moreover, Li Hongzhang's visit to the United States was mixed with too many national factors.

For ordinary people, they basically don’t care about these.

But Li Qiwei is different.

Nobel Prize in Physics, Theory of Relativity, Synthetic Ammonia, Creationism
Even ordinary people know about his achievements.

The key is that everyone can say something about these achievements.

It’s like in later generations, many people may not know who the president of a country is, but they definitely know who Einstein is.

And you can also talk about the mass-energy equation.

The elites among ordinary people, those students and teachers of science and engineering, were even more excited.

Li Qiwei is undoubtedly a god-like existence in the scientific community.

Many teachers and students in the United States envy the Europeans for being able to often hear Professor Bruce’s lectures.

It is said that every time you listen to one show, your chances of winning the Nobel Prize increase by one point.

Therefore, starting from mid-October, students, teachers, and professors from universities across the United States all rushed to Princeton on the East Coast.

Everyone wants to see the style of the world's number one physicist today.

However, the sensation caused by Li Qiwei went far beyond this.

His identity meant that this trip to the United States would not be as simple as it seemed.

Department of Defense, Washington, DC, USA.

The U.S. Department of Defense at that time was far less domineering than the Pentagon of later generations, which had to wait until 1941 to begin construction.

It is currently scattered throughout Washington and surrounding areas.

The offices in various places are just ordinary buildings.

Daniels, the current Secretary of the Navy, is talking to Edison.

The top U.S. military brass have already sensed the scent of war.

The General Staff predicted that the world situation would be in chaos within ten years.

Therefore, the military has begun preparing for war.

The navy, in particular, began to develop various advanced weapons and equipment.

The reason why Americans regard the navy as a top priority is because they believe that their homeland will not be hit in any way.

The unique geographical conditions make the American continent a chosen place.

There are oceans to the east and west, and no strong enemies to the north and south.

In this era, airplanes had just been invented and the US mainland was not threatened by any war at all.

Therefore, the US military is thinking about how to take the initiative.

The navy naturally became a hot topic.

As the king of invention in the field of American science, Edison had long been registered with the military.

He was appointed Chairman of the U.S. Naval Advisory Committee, responsible for studying naval defense.

But Edison was only responsible for consulting and technical work and did not participate in administrative management.

In real history, Edison was not appointed to this position until 1917.

But he definitely had close ties with the military in the early days.

"Secretary Daniels, I have invented a new type of battery that can be used on our submarines."

"This battery eliminates the risk of chlorine poisoning and increases the submarine's range from 100 nautical miles to 150 nautical miles."

Daniels nodded. Edison was indeed the king of inventions. He had achieved such gratifying results in such a short period of time.

"Furthermore, I recommend that the Admiralty add a mixture of calcium carbide and calcium phosphide to the ammunition."

"This way, after the shells explode near enemy ships, they can continue to burn for several minutes, making it easier for us to observe the strike."

"."

Edison's suggestions one after another made Daniels very satisfied.

Although Edison is only a part-time consultant now, it can be seen that he is dedicated.

At this time, Daniels suddenly asked: "Mr. Edison, do you know Bruce Lee?"

Edison was stunned. "Bruce Lee?"

He wondered why Daniels asked about the other party.

Although I have never met the other party, I know a lot about him.

"I know a little bit about it privately through my friends."

"What's wrong, Secretary Daniels? Bruce Lee is a Qing citizen. It's impossible for him to work for the United States."

Edison thought that Daniels was impressed by Li Qiwei's talent and wanted to recruit him as a consultant.

After all, although Edison was arrogant and disliked Li Qiwei, he also admitted that in terms of academic level, the other party was indeed better than himself.

But in terms of the level of invention, Edison was confident that he was ten blocks ahead of Ridgway.

There is still a huge difference between theoretical science and applied science.

Daniels smiled and said, "You misunderstood, Mr. Edison."

"I just want to know Bruce Lee's political leanings."

"The recent news that he will be making an academic visit to the United States has caused a huge response among the people."

"His arrival is no less influential than Li Hongzhang of the Qing Dynasty."

"People like this are enough to attract the attention and concern of the US government."

Edison nodded, understanding the whole story, and then he added fuel to the fire:
"Bruce Lee is a man who has an extreme patriotic sentiment towards his motherland, China."

"Note that I used Huaxia, not Qing."

"The reason why he studied in Europe was to learn advanced Western science and technology and then bring it back to his country."

"This person is extremely ambitious and must be guarded against."

"When he comes to the United States this time, I must give him a warning and let him know his own worth."

Daniels smiled bitterly. It seemed that there was some conflict between Edison and Bruce Lee.

However, given his status and position, he certainly wouldn't dig into the matter.

Moreover, he would not respond to Edison's opinions.

As Secretary of the Navy, Daniels' sources of information were beyond Edison's imagination.

Ever since the content of Michelson's speech at the conference spread, the US government immediately paid attention to Ridgway.

A frantic investigation ensued.

Even the fact that Li Qiwei wet the bed when he was ten years old was discovered.

Of course, it also includes Li Qiwei’s speech at his undergraduate thesis defense at Cambridge University and all his actions after returning to China.

But no matter from which perspective, all the other party's actions are very reasonable.

It does not involve politics or military affairs, but focuses on education.

Of course, the United States also investigated Li Qiwei's relationship with the domestic revolutionary party, but they were relieved.

The United States would only be worried if Li Qiwei had no connection with the revolutionary party.

That means there must be some hidden secrets. The US government does not believe that a great master of Western learning like Li Qiwei would support the feudal dynasty.

In addition, the United States was also well aware of Ridgwell's layout in Borneo.

However, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with starting a heavy industrial company these days.

It would be ridiculous to expect that China's overall national strength can be improved by relying on a few companies.

So, even though the U.S. government turned Ridgway's secrets upside down, in the end they found nothing.

However, Michelson's words made them feel something unusual.

Faced with this contradiction, the US government decided to have the military keep a close eye on Ridgwell.

Once the other party attempts to intervene militarily, a response plan must be studied immediately.

All measures may be taken when necessary and urgent.

In this era, the influence of a great scientist on the military cannot be ignored.

Edison is an example.

With his participation, the U.S. Navy's weapons became more powerful and its ships more advanced.

And Li Qiwei is far more awesome than Edison.

If Britain forced Ridgway to participate in the development of more advanced weapons, the United States would never accept it.

As for Li Qiwei's return to the country for secret research and development, the United States is not worried.

Given the domestic situation in the Qing Dynasty at that time, wanting to engage in weapons research and development was nothing but a pipe dream.

Therefore, after studying the situation, American think tanks have the following attitude towards Li Qiwei's visit to the United States:
Give a warm welcome on the surface, but secretly conduct a comprehensive investigation and look for opportunities to test the other party.

Before Li Qiwei even set foot on the American mainland, he was already being targeted.

However, there was a special group in the United States at this time who had the greatest goodwill and expectations for Li Qiwei's arrival.

Anliang Main Church, New York, USA.

As the most powerful group under the Chinese Freemasons Association in the United States, Anliangtang has branches in 31 major cities across the United States.

The gang is huge, with more than 2 members, and all of them are Chinese Americans.

Its slogan is: "Crush the strong and support the weak, eliminate violence and maintain peace."

As early as 1882, the United States enacted various laws to strictly restrict the rights of Chinese Americans.

Therefore, the Chinese could only gather together for warmth, and Chinatown was established.

At its peak, 90% of the Chinese were members of the Hongmen.

In a foreign country, if we don’t unite together, we will only become meat on someone else’s chopping board.

Although the United States claims to be a country of equality and freedom for immigrants, anyone who really believes it is an idiot.

Of course, the so-called laws are aimed at the lower-class Chinese.

Some successful Chinese will still be absorbed by the United States, but they will never be able to enter the core.

At this time, in the meeting hall of Anliang General Hall.

The "big boss" sat in the main seat and discussed matters with several core members of the hall.

The boss of the Anliang General Hall is called "Big Brother" and has a very high status within the Hongmen, and is considered a big brother-level figure.

The boss was also a legend when he was young.

He crossed the ocean at the age of 17 and joined the Hongmen Zhigongtang.

When he was 20 years old, he beat to death a white gangster who was eating and dodging in a Chinese restaurant with just three punches and two kicks.

This incident caused a huge sensation across the United States.

The boss was undoubtedly sentenced to death, but he remained calm and continued to talk and laugh.

Later, with the mediation and rescue of the Hongmen brothers and overseas Chinese, the boss's sentence was commuted to ten months in prison.

After being released from prison, the gangster immediately became famous and became a hero in the Chinese American community.

Afterwards, he set up another hall, which is now the Anliang Main Hall.

However, Chinese Americans are one family. The Anliang General Hall is still under the Zhi Gong Tang, but it remains independent.

At this time, the 42-year-old boss looked around at everyone, and then said with full energy:
"Mr. Li's achievements have set an example for all Chinese people around the world."

"We Chinese are no worse than foreigners in any field!"

"For martial arts, there is Mr. Sun; for literature, there is Mr. Li."

“There are many people in the country who can fight wars, but there are only a handful of people who understand science and can engage in education.”

"The anti-Qing cause in the country is in full swing now, but we also have to think about the future."

“How can a newly established country prosper and become strong?”

"Only when the motherland is strong can we overseas Chinese gain true dignity."

"And if we want a country to be strong, education is the most important thing."

"Only Mr. Li can improve China's education."

Several big bosses in the gang looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes, wondering if the big boss had drunk ink today.

You are such a strong man who can fight, but today you are talking about science and education. This is not right.

At this time, the boss continued: "Mr. Li will come to the United States soon."

"Although the Americans say they welcome us, there are definitely people with ulterior motives who want to harm Mr. Li."

"So his safety is of utmost importance."

"I decided to send someone to meet with Mr. Li."

"Release the goodwill of our Hongmen and Anliang General Hall, and let him know that we overseas Chinese are his strongest backing."

"However, we are all rough people, and Mr. Li is a great scientific master that even foreigners worship."

"We must not fall behind in etiquette."

"Hey, I just don't know if Mr. Li would like us."

"We are still gangsters at heart, even though we talk so much."

Several bosses were afraid to say anything, thinking that you are really honest.

At this time, the head of the hall, Liu Liangzhong, said, "Boss, I heard that Mr. Li's personal bodyguard is called Li San."

"He is incredible. His master is the third-ranked martial arts grandmaster in the country."

"Li Shuwen, the spear god who is known as 'the strong fist and the magic spear'."

"I think we can contact the three Li brothers first."

"Brother Li is a warrior, he must have a heroic character, and he has more in common with us."

"This way you can avoid being abrupt."

"Moreover, the Americans have always kept a very strict watch on our Hongmen sects."

"If we rashly contact Mr. Li, I'm afraid it will bring him unnecessary trouble."

"So, I suggest that this meeting should be held in private and not publicized."

After hearing this, the boss slammed his chair and said, "Liang Zhong is really thoughtful. I almost let my guard down."

"In New Jersey, our Anliangtang is relatively weak."

"But fortunately, it's very close to New York and Washington."

"If necessary, we can transfer personnel from the New York headquarters at any time."

"Liangzhong, I'll leave the contact with Mr. Li to you."

"I will have the person in charge in New Jersey fully cooperate with you and follow your instructions in everything."

Liu Liangzhong said: "Yes, boss."

At this moment, Li Qiwei, who was far away in the UK, had no idea how much attention his ordinary academic visit had attracted.

Countless people are looking forward to his arrival.

(End of this chapter)