I was the Founding Father of the United States

Chapter 119 The Roman Legacy of France

Chapter 119 The Roman Legacy of France

How can you make those who talk badly about you behind your back see things clearly?

The simplest way is to let him know with reality that you and he are not on the same level.

Jean Leland d'Alembert was the illegitimate son of Madame Dansing, a French salon hostess, and an artillery officer. He was abandoned at the church door shortly after birth and later sent by his biological father to be raised by a glass craftsman.

Because of his exceptional talent and quick wit, after receiving a systematic education, d'Alembert published a series of mathematical works.

His series of papers on physics and astronomy led him to become a member of the French Academy of Sciences at the age of 37, and he was subsequently invited by Diderot to join the compilation of the Encyclopedia.

Six years later, the French government announced a ban on the compilation of the Encyclopedia, and D'Alembert chose to withdraw. He then accepted the protection of Prince Conti, joined the Freemasons, and became the deputy editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia again.

A week ago, at a salon held at the residence of Baron Holbach, d'Alembert accused Chen Wenbin of making unethical profits from expensive drugs.

But now, in a private drawing room at the Palais de la Paix in Paris, in front of Prince Conti, he was praising Lord Chen's medical achievements in a somewhat sycophantic tone.

"—If we were to select the greatest doctor and scientist of our time, Baron Robin, you would undoubtedly be the one to claim the crown!"

D'Alembert, who looked to be in his forties and wore a white wig, trying his best to imitate the demeanor of an aristocrat, smiled at Lord Chen, who was sitting on the sofa, and said: "I think everyone whose life has been saved by allicin should be grateful for your contribution!"

Trusting in your medical skills, His Highness hopes you can treat his gout—

Chen Wenbin adjusted his posture, nodded slightly to the scientist who was being kept, and then looked at Prince Conte, who was somewhat overweight, across from him.

The prince is only 47 years old, but he looks like he is 60. Even the blush on his face can't hide his haggard appearance.

Chen Wenbin had seen quite a few of these French nobles in recent days. They had all prematurely exhausted their vitality due to unrestrained indulgence and drinking, and no amount of medicine could make up for the lost lifespan.

However, the elegantly dressed middle-aged noblewoman, Countess Buffle, was staring at Lord Chen with an undisguised, burning gaze, as if she had spotted the perfect prey—clearly, she was still very resilient!

Fuck!

Chen Wenbin felt a chill run down his spine under her gaze; these French noblewomen were all she-wolves!

Ever since he made his public appearance at the Versailles court, he has been targeted by these noblewomen, who flocked to his residence like moths to a flame, sending letters and invitations, wanting to become his mistress. The most crucial point is that many of these noblewomen are married, and their husbands are mostly indifferent to this. On the contrary, some have even personally recommended their wives to him!

During this period, Chen Wenbin experienced firsthand the awe-inspiring power of France.

Compared to these French nobles who were quite Roman in style, the British nobles were as conservative in this respect as the Puritans—well, the Puritans were from England.

"—Your Highness!"

Before Countess Buffle could speak, he quickly said, "I believe your gout can be relieved with proper treatment, but this requires long-term changes in your diet."

Prince Conte invited Chen Wenbin here today for treatment of his gout, but Chen didn't want to give up alcohol or eat bland food, so he shook his head somewhat anxiously and said, "Doctor, we can talk about that later. I'd like to buy some malva nitrates, is that alright? I'm willing to pay three times the price!"

Chen Wenbin did not answer, but glanced at Franklin, who immediately understood his meaning and explained to Prince Conte in a tacit manner: "Your Highness, the production of Maffei is really limited. Robin in England can only adopt a limited purchase method to fairly distribute the medicine to every patient in need."

Prince Conte looked somewhat displeased upon hearing this, but still patiently inquired of Chen Wenbin, "Baron Robin, are you really out of spare Maffei? I can offer five times the price!"

Chen Wenbin shook his head again, "Even if you offer ten times the price, I won't sell!"

Even Countess D'Alembert and Buffet looked at Lord Chen in surprise—to refuse a French prince to his face was not something anyone would dare to do.

Prince Conte hadn't expected his reasonable request to be rejected, but he couldn't do anything to a British baron, so he suppressed his anger and tried to have a servant escort the two away. Then he saw Chen Wenbin shake his head with regret, stand up and say to him earnestly, "Your Highness! You know I'm not a person who lacks money. Why do you have to humiliate me in this way?"

I thought you invited Benjamin and me over so that we could become your friends—but we clearly misunderstood you.

As a doctor with principles, I certainly cannot sell you the medicine, but as your friend, how could I refuse a friend's request for help?

It seems coming here today was a mistake!

After saying that, he turned to leave.

"—Wait! Doctor! Please wait!"

It wasn't Prince Conti who spoke up to stop him, but Countess Buffet. She stepped forward, extended her hands, clad in white lace gloves, and took Chen Wenbin's arm, saying apologetically, "Handsome Dr. Robin, I think François must have been driven mad by gout—please forgive him!"

After saying that, she turned to Prince Conte and winked at him, who looked somewhat embarrassed.

"Honey, what are you waiting for? Don't you want to be friends with Dr. Robin? God!"

Who in all of France would refuse his friendship?

Reminded by her, Prince Conti suddenly recalled a rumor: at a court banquet in Versailles two weeks ago, King Louis XV directly addressed the man in front of him as "my friend and angel," and almost all the elderly nobles in Paris had made appointments to see him.

No wonder this guy was so angry just now, feeling humiliated—if it were him, he definitely wouldn't have been able to stand it either.

"—Dr. Robin!"

He looked apologetic and said, "Please forgive me, I didn't mean to humiliate you, I just want to get rid of gout as soon as possible—would you like to have another friend who loves collecting and wine?"

Seeing this, Chen Wenbin knew that the tug-of-war had gone far enough, and he also showed a sincere smile.

"I like it when my friends call me by my name—Your Highness. I will provide you with enough painkillers; you just need to send me a few bottles of good wine. My father-in-law likes French red wine."

"Ah! Of course, that's no problem!"

Prince Conti immediately smiled and said, "My dear Robin! My Domaine de la Romanée-Conti has several cases of very fine vintage red wine, and I'd like to give you half of them!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Chen Wenbin sat back down on the sofa and expressed his gratitude.

Call me François!

Conte looked at him and shook his head, saying, "You and Louis are friends—although my relationship with him is not good, it won't affect our friendship!"

Just don't mention that woman in front of me!

That woman, of course, refers to Madame de Pompadour.

Prince Conti broke with Louis XV because of her, so Chen Wenbin naturally nodded in agreement.

He didn't care about the internal conflicts within the French royal family. His earlier tug-of-war was just a last-ditch effort to adapt to the situation after realizing that the other party didn't respect him.

If Prince Conte hadn't tried to persuade him to stay, he really wouldn't have turned back and would have given up on this channel.

After all, he couldn't be friends with someone who didn't respect him, let alone cooperate with them.