I was watching short videos and historical figures were collectively vomiting blood!

Chapter 18 China’s Super Impressive Highway Network—Wherever You Go, the Roads Follow!

“Li Si, why are you standing there in a daze? Don’t tell me you have no idea what this thing is?”

Ying Zheng frowned at Li Si, who was usually quick-witted. The next moment, the Qin King’s sword was drawn from his waist. A flash of cold light swept across the grand hall, causing the gathered officials to hurriedly shield their eyes with their sleeves.

Li Si’s face turned deathly pale on the spot—he thought Ying Zheng was about to kill him.

He immediately knelt down, pleading, “Your Majesty, please spare my life!”

But Ying Zheng remained unfazed and said, “I see that this flying machine appears to be made of iron. What I’m curious about is how such a steel-crafted object can soar into the sky while carrying so many people.”

It was beyond his comprehension!

From the capital of Yan to Changan, from Changan to Shu, and then all the way to Nanhai Commandery—such vast distances seemed like a fantasy to them.

If they had such miraculous flying machines back then, why would they have had to go through so much trouble to conquer the Shu Kingdom?

They even devised the “Golden Ox Strategy” and dug out the treacherous “Ox Road,” where a single misstep could have cost them everything.

Though their plan ultimately succeeded, the process was nerve-wracking. Li Si let out a sigh of relief, but since he had already knelt, he dared not rise without the king’s command.

So he remained on his knees and said, “Your Majesty, I observed that the ‘flying machine,’ though made of steel, emits a loud humming sound as it moves through the air. There must be some profound mechanism at work within it!”

Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction.

Now that’s the kind of insight he expected from his trusted advisor!

At that moment, Zhao Gao, wearing a smug expression, stepped forward. Though he wasn’t as learned as Li Si, he had a penchant for eye-catching curiosities.

He declared, “Your Majesty, I believe that this ‘flying machine’ works similarly to a paper kite, likely using wind power to lift itself into the sky.”

“During the Spring and Autumn period, Mozi created a wooden kite that could glide using the force of the wind. Though the details are unclear, it proves that flight is possible. If Your Majesty wishes to build an airborne army, I suggest using kites as a starting point.”

“Splendid!”

Ying Zheng’s eyes gleamed with excitement, his black robe billowing as he gestured grandly.

“Where are my Ministry of Works officials? Gather the finest craftsmen from across the empire and follow Zhao Gao’s suggestion. Study how kites can be made to float in the air!”

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Works couldn’t help but grimace.

Haven’t they already explained that these machines from the future are essentially divine artifacts? How could mere mortals hope to replicate the technology of the gods?

As for making kites fly?

That was nothing more than a folk legend.

Zhao Gao, oh Zhao Gao, you spout nonsense, and now it’s us who have to clean up your mess!

_____

Zhu Yuanzhang smacked his lips in amazement.

“The images on this heavenly screen are becoming more and more bizarre. I am growing increasingly curious about the era this technology belongs to. An iron vessel that flies through the sky and crosses all of China in a single day—this must be the work of immortals!”

Zhu Di, standing nearby, suddenly had a realization and said, “Father, according to legend, when King Mu of Zhou visited the Queen Mother of the West, he traveled in a ‘golden jade chariot’ that could soar through the clouds and cover ten thousand miles in a day. The Queen Mother herself supposedly possessed a ‘Purple Cloud Carriage’ that could traverse the heavens and the earth.”

“Throughout history, many have attempted flight, but all failed. I believe it wasn’t until after the fall of the Qing Dynasty that China underwent significant changes—especially in industry—allowing them to create airplanes.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in approval.

“My son, your analysis is truly profound. If this continues, you will surely surpass your father-in-law, Xu Da, as a great general!”

Zhu Biao, standing respectfully beside them, chimed in, “Father, rest assured. As the saying goes, ‘The emperor guards the borders, and the king dies for the nation.’ As long as we brothers stand united, we will be as strong as iron!”

“Father, why not have the Ministry of Works see if they can build such an aircraft?”

“Approved.”

_____

(Heavenly images appear across different time periods, yet each timeline remains independent.)

Emperor Zhu Di, clad in his golden robe, gazed at the aircraft on the heavenly screen. Without hesitation, he issued an imperial decree.

“Order Zheng He to set sail immediately! He must find out how these flying machines are made!”

______

Wang Mang stared at the video of airplanes on the heavenly screen, his face filled with melancholy.

“A time traveler with no starter pack—who can understand this kind of suffering, my friends?”

“Send out the order! Summon all the talented minds across the empire. We will hold a flying competition in Chang’an! Whoever can create a device that flies shall be rewarded with a hundred gold coins!”

_____

Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, was left speechless as he watched the flying machines.

His chancellor, Gao Jiong, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, our dynasty has a brilliant craftsman named Zhang Heng. In the past, he created a wooden bird embedded with intricate mechanisms that allowed it to fly several miles. Perhaps he could be of use.”

Yang Jian’s eyes lit up.

“Summon him at once!”

Meanwhile, in Emperor Yang of Sui’s timeline,

Yang Guang, drunk, slurred, “If I had such divine contraptions, why would I have bothered digging the Grand Canal? I could just hop on a plane and collect beauties from every region at my leisure!”

____

Li Shimin stood there, mouth agape.

“This is a celestial artifact! It can cover ten thousand miles in a single day! If my Tang Dynasty had such wonders, cultural and trade exchanges would be so much easier!”

“And if rebellions or border invasions occurred, these aircraft would be invaluable!”

The difference between rulers was clear. Yang Guang saw airplanes and only thought of his own pleasure. Li Shimin, however, thought about the welfare of his empire. That was the true difference.

_____

Emperor Huizong of Song was practicing calligraphy, his graceful Thin Gold Script a sight to behold.

He casually wrote the words “flying machine” and mused, Who would have thought the future world would be so fascinating?

A minister stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe these airplanes are powered by gunpowder.”

His speculation wasn’t without reason.

Just a few days ago, he had heard a peculiar tale—A man from the common folk tied 47 large fireworks to a frame, sat upon it, and held a fan in each hand.

He had his assistants ignite all the “rockets” simultaneously, hoping to use their thrust and the fans’ wind power to ascend into the sky. Of course, the result was an obvious failure.

At that very moment, in a Song Dynasty village, a mourning household had white banners hanging at their doorway, with weeping filling the air.

As they watched the heavenly screen’s video, a woman clad in mourning garments sobbed, “Husband, do you see this? The people of the future really have flown into the sky. You were a pioneer, and our whole family is proud of you!”

With that, she buried her face in her hands and wept.

China’s Super Impressive Highway Network—Wherever You Go, the Roads Follow!

As the video about airplanes ended, a brand-new one appeared on the heavenly screen, accompanied by an inspiring musical score.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Lin Ming glanced at his system notifications:

Ding! Received 100 shock points from Emperor Wu of Han!

Ding! Received 100 shock points from Emperor Hongwu of Ming!

Ding! Received 100 shock points from Emperor Yongle!].

…

Previously, he had already earned a wave of rewards from the China Territory Rankings and China 24-Hour event. Now, with plenty of points, Lin Ming converted them all into cash—since, at the moment, that was the only available option.

Moments later, a text message arrived. Lin Ming eagerly opened it and broke into a wide grin.