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

Chapter 20 Qin Shi Huang Remains Silent, Emperor Wu of Han Sighs

【China’s infrastructure ambition is unwavering—no matter how remote a place is, a road must reach it.】

【In 1949, the total length of China’s road network was only 80,000 kilometers. By 1978, it had grown to nearly 900,000 kilometers.】

【Therefore, strengthening road infrastructure is essential. From increasing depth of accessibility to improving technical standards, highways must extend to every desired destination!】

【By the end of 2022, China’s total expressway mileage reached 177,000 kilometers. And this number continues to grow with time. We believe that in the future, more and more highways will appear across China, serving as the main arteries of the nation, bearing the crucial responsibility of China’s development and rise!】As the video on the celestial screen played, a map of modern China emerged, gradually filling with densely packed expressways. These highways, stretching from north to south and east to west, resembled veins crisscrossing the land, weaving through the vast terrain of China.

Witnessing this scene, people from various dynasties of the past were left in awe by the sheer scale of these intricate highway networks.

In the Qin realm, Ying Zheng (Qin Shi Huang) gazed at the celestial screen, momentarily lost in thought. At present, the Qin Dynasty had constructed only 800 kilometers of official roads,

whereas the future generations had built an astonishing 177,000 kilometers!

The difference was not merely numerical, it was a gulf as vast as heaven and earth!

As an emperor, Ying Zheng understood all too well the immense impact of an extensive road network on a nation’s development. Standing atop a towering beacon tower, he overlooked the winding expressways. Traffic flowed like an endless stream, bustling yet orderly.

He spoke slowly, “I am Qin Shi Huang, a ruler who has conquered lands and established the foundation of China’s history. Yet, seeing this sight before me, my heart is filled with deep emotions.”

Li Si stepped forward respectfully.

“Your Majesty, China is now unified, and the people live in peace. This is an era of prosperity unseen in history. These highways, extending in all directions, have greatly facilitated travel between the north and south.”

Ying Zheng nodded.

“What you say is true. Back then, I built the imperial roads, standardized the script, weights, and measures, all to bring stability to the people’s lives. These highways of the future must serve the same purpose.”

Then, his tone shifted.

“But tell me, how does this modern highway compare to my imperial roads?”

Li Si pondered for a moment before replying, “Your Majesty, times have changed. The imperial roads of old were indeed remarkable, but they cannot be compared to modern expressways. Today’s highways offer much greater speed, safety, and comfort. More importantly, they connect the entire land of China, enhancing economic and cultural exchanges.”

Ying Zheng remained silent for a long time, his gaze fixed on the horizon. After a while, he let out a deep sigh.

“You speak the truth. I unified China, but I never imagined that highways would one day become so advanced and efficient.”

Suddenly, he turned to Li Si.

“Do you know what materials these highways are made of?”

Li Si was slightly taken aback but quickly responded, “Your Majesty, though it may seem trivial, the celestial screen has already explained that modern highways are primarily built with asphalt concrete or cement concrete.”

Ying Zheng nodded.

“Asphalt… cement…

These materials did not exist in my time. It is evident that progress never ceases, and technology keeps advancing.”

The two continued their conversation for a while. Then, Ying Zheng suddenly looked up and sighed deeply.

“Though I have achieved great feats in my lifetime, standing before the wonders of modern technology, I cannot help but feel humbled. May my descendants continue to build upon my legacy, ensuring China’s continued prosperity.”

Li Si quickly knelt.

“Your Majesty is wise and mighty, the very foundation of China’s unification. Your descendants shall forever remember your grace and strive forward.”

Ying Zheng helped Li Si to his feet.

“Rise.

Though I desire to rule for eternity, the world must still be governed wisely. These highways bring great benefit to the people.

If the future has no emperors, then as you say, there must still be rulers.”

With that, he turned and walked away. Li Si stood alone atop the beacon tower, watching his emperor’s departing figure, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Below him, the winding highways stretched endlessly, serving as a bridge between past and present, witnessing the glory and resilience of the Chinese civilization.

Ying Zheng’s voice echoed in the air.

“Let the Ministry of Works study how to make our imperial roads smoother.

And these materials—this asphalt, cement, and even elevated bridges—must be thoroughly researched.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

______

In the Han realm, Emperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)

stood atop a high platform with Dongfang Shuo, gazing up at the celestial screen. The expressways were teeming with vehicles, overpasses intertwined in a complex network. For a long time, neither of them spoke.

Dongfang Shuo was the first to break the silence.

“Your Majesty, look at this road—wide, straight, and bustling with endless streams of vehicles. Compared to our days of riding horses and carriages, this is truly a world of difference.”

Emperor Wu took a deep breath.

“Yes…

Back in my days of conquest, the roads were rugged and treacherous. But these modern highways—they are nothing short of a miracle.”

Dongfang Shuo nodded.

“Your Majesty, do you remember the muddy paths we once traveled? Today’s highways are so fast and efficient, even birds would struggle to keep up.”

Emperor Wu sighed in admiration.

“The speed of technological progress is truly astounding.”

Dongfang Shuo continued, “This is not just a matter of technology, but a testament to human ingenuity. Back then, we used the Silk Road to connect the East and West. Now, these highways have bound all of China together.”

Emperor Wu’s eyes gleamed.

“Well said! These highways are not just roads—they symbolize the unity and prosperity of the Chinese people.”

Dongfang Shuo smiled.

“Your Majesty speaks wisely. May Your Majesty live long, and may the Chinese people flourish forever.”

The two exchanged smiles, their hearts filled with hope and admiration for the future. And those highways, woven into the land like lifelines, stood as a testament to the legacy and resilience of the Chinese civilization.