Chapter 1042: Brother Lang's wife and concubine, fooling Wu Zetian

Lin Lang pointed at the three hands of varying lengths on the dial and said aloud, "Brother, please look at this very slender second hand. It can move across a grid in the blink of an eye. One revolution of the second hand is one minute, or 1 seconds."

"The long, thin hand in the middle is the minute hand, which completes one revolution in one hour, or 1 minutes."

"The shortest and thickest is the hour hand. Each movement represents one hour, and one full rotation takes twelve hours. Each of the three hands performs its own function, much like the division of responsibilities among officials in a court. This allows the orderly flow of time within this small space."

Li Zhi brought his wrist close to his eyes, staring intently at the slowly moving hands, exclaiming in amazement: "Wonderful! But your Shanghai Kingdom's timekeeping method seems different from the Twelve Hours of the Tang Dynasty?"

"My Royal Highness, please look—" Lin Lang tapped the numbers on the dial, "Now is Wei Shi, which corresponds to the daytime hours of 34:34 to 34:34 p.m., followed by Shen Shi, which is from : to : p.m. By analogy, Wu Shi is noon, which coincides with the time when the sundial points to the middle."

Lin Lang's fingertips slid across the dial. "Shanghai Guo divides a day into 34 equal parts, retaining the ancient time system while also subdividing the scale to the minute of a breath."

Li Zhi was a very smart man. He understood it immediately. He stared at the dial and exclaimed, "Interesting! This way, you don't have to watch the sun's shadow or listen to the drum. You can know the time of Yin and Mao just by raising your hand!"

Lin Lang smiled and said, "That's right, this is how technology changes our lives."

Li Zhi clapped his hands and laughed, the golden thread on his dragon robe shimmering with his movements: "This 'mechanical time box' is truly ingenious! When I review memorials and receive foreign envoys, I no longer have to frequently ask the time!"

Lin Lang said arrogantly: "This box is given to my royal brother! The Kingdom of Shanghai is made of steel and gears, and it can condense the rotation of the sun and the moon in a small space. With this "mechanical time box" by your side, my royal brother will be able to better control the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty!"

Li Zhi was delighted after hearing this and immediately put his arm around Lin Lang's shoulders: "You are truly my good brother! But...does this thing also need to replace the energy storage stone like the Thousand Miles Eye?"

"Don't worry, my royal brother!" Lin Lang pointed to the rotating rotor in the hollowed-out back of the watch. "This is an automatic winding mechanism. Whenever the wearer walks or raises their hand, the rotor will swing, accumulating kinetic energy like a waterwheel directing water. The meshing and turning of the steel gears represents its inexhaustible vitality."

Li Zhi stared at the precision-operating parts of the watch, his eyes filled with shock, almost tangible: "Can it be operated with just daily movements? No need for the power of the sun and moon, no need for human intervention? This... this is simply the work of an immortal!"

He suddenly threw his head back and laughed so loudly that the whole Suzaku Street was shaken. "With the help of such a rare item from my dear brother, the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty is just around the corner!"

Empress Wu came closer curiously, her eyes fixed on the ingenious "mechanical time box." Her eyes were filled with wonder and admiration, and she couldn't help but praise, "Such an exquisite thing! I've never heard of or seen anything like it before. It's truly an ingenious invention!"

Upon seeing this, Zhou Mengyao immediately took off the Cartier diamond watch from her wrist and said with a smile, "If Your Majesty doesn't mind, I'm willing to give you this mechanical time box."

A hint of surprise flashed across Empress Wu's eyes, but she politely declined, "This... a gentleman does not take away what others love. How can I accept such a valuable item?"

Without a word, Zhou Mengyao carefully placed the diamond watch on Empress Wu's wrist and said with a smile, "Your Highness, what are you saying? The Kingdom of Shanghai and the Tang Dynasty are now as close as one family, and from now on, there will be no distinction between you and me. This little mechanical time box is a small token of my love. I hope Your Highness will not refuse it."

Empress Wu looked at the exquisite diamond watch on her wrist, a smile blooming on her face. She then took off a phoenix jade pendant from her waist and handed it to Zhou Mengyao, saying, "I am really happy about your thoughtful gift, my sister."

"This phoenix jade pendant is carved from the finest Hetian jade. The workmanship is exquisite and the phoenix is ​​lifelike. Giving it to my sister can be considered as my return gift." Wu Zetian was still very generous.

Zhou Mengyao took it with both hands and said respectfully, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your generous gift. I will treasure such a precious phoenix jade pendant. Seeing it reminds me of you. Whenever I see this jade pendant in the future, it will be like seeing Empress Dowager." After she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes smiled and her face was filled with joy.

Why is Zhou Mengyao so happy?

Because Lin Lang only took a look at the phoenix jade pendant that Wu Zetian gave him in return, he received a system prompt that the collection value of this jade pendant of Wu Zetian in 2000 was more than 2 million Chinese yuan.

Empress Wu gently shook her wrist and looked at the Cartier diamond watch with great admiration. She pointed at the dial and said happily, "Sister, why are the gems on the dial of this mechanical timepiece so sparkling? I have never seen gems as sparkling as this."

Zhou Mengyao smiled and replied, "Sister-in-law, this is a diamond. We have a saying in Shanghai: 'A diamond is forever.' Diamonds are a very precious gemstone, a symbol of love and purity."

Upon hearing this, Empress Wu's eyes were filled with joy as she exclaimed in admiration, "Such a dazzling brilliance! It is truly a rare treasure! This light is like the brightest star in the night sky, mesmerizing."

Seeing this, Mu Xuelan, who was standing nearby, also had an idea.

When she saw Zhou Mengyao gave Wu Zetian a watch, she received a phoenix jade pendant in return.

Mu Xuelan immediately took off the diamond bracelet from her wrist and presented it respectfully.

"Sister-in-law, if you don't mind, I would like to give you this diamond bracelet. Sister-in-law is the mother of the country, and this bracelet will surely enhance the beauty of your wrist. The friendship between the Tang Dynasty and the Kingdom of Shanghai is deep, so this is just a small token of my appreciation."

Empress Wu looked at the platinum diamond bracelet. In the sunlight, the diamonds shone brightly and reflected colorful colors. The chain was made of platinum, a material she had never seen before, and it sparkled brightly. Naturally, she liked it very much.

But she still politely declined, "I really don't deserve such a valuable gift."

Mu Xueman didn't hesitate to explain and gently put the bracelet on Empress Wu's wrist. She smiled and said, "You are right, my dear sister-in-law. We are like family now. Please don't refuse. It is a blessing for my sister-in-law to wear this bracelet on her wrist."

Empress Wu was delighted, and a smile as bright as the warm spring sun appeared on her face. She then took off a string of round beads from her neck, her eyes full of joy.

"I am very pleased with your thoughtful gesture, sister. This string of beads is a tribute from the Western Regions. Each one is round and plump, and there are seventy-two of them in total. Giving it to you, sister, is my return gift."

Mu Xuelan carefully took the Dongzhu with both hands, and her eyes were instantly attracted by the exquisite phoenix pattern on the gold accessories of the beads. The lifelike phoenix shape was obviously the one used by the Queen of the Tang Dynasty. She couldn't help but feel surprised and moved.

She bowed and said with a smile, "Thank you, Imperial Sister-in-law, for your generous gift. I will treasure this precious string of Dongzhu pearls as a family heirloom, which I will treasure for generations to come, and always remember your kindness."

Lin Lang took a look at the Dongzhu bead necklace in Mu Xueman's hand, and received a system prompt. This string of Queen Dongzhu bead necklace worn by Wu Zetian had a collection value of more than 2000 million Chinese yuan in 1.5.

Lin Lang's heart moved slightly, but he still had a gentle smile on his face. He thought to himself that the Tang Dynasty royal family was indeed very profound. Any return gift would be priceless if brought back to the modern era.

Chu Yiren looked up at Wu Zetian and said with a generous smile, "Sister-in-law, may the friendship between our two countries be like this oriental pearl, round and flawless, shining brightly for a long time."

Empress Wu also smiled and nodded, gently stroking the diamond bracelet on her wrist, her eyes full of joy: "My sister-in-law is absolutely right!"

Lang Ge's wives and concubines all responded, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Empress Wu suggested, "Since Your Majesty is hosting a banquet to celebrate your sworn brotherhood with me, why not have me bring my wife and concubines into the palace to enjoy the beautiful gardens? We sisters can also take this opportunity to dress up and chat together."

After hearing this, Li Zhi looked at Lin Lang and said, "My dear brother, what do you think of your sister-in-law's proposal?"

Lin Lang turned his gaze towards Chu Yiren, and after she nodded slightly, he replied, "Since the Empress's wife has kindly invited you, my wife and concubines, to follow the Emperor into the palace, to accompany her, to chat and have some fun together."

“It’s just that the rules in the imperial palace in Shanghai are not as complicated as those in the Tang Dynasty, so the concubines may act a little casually. I hope the emperor’s sister-in-law won’t despise the concubines’ crudeness.” Lin Lang added these words because he was afraid that his wives and concubines were all modern people and would be exposed for not knowing the rules.

Empress Wu smiled and said gently, "My dear brother, you worry too much. I see that my sisters are all intelligent and talented people. They will definitely get along well. Besides, as women, more freedom will only make us closer. How can you say that you dislike me?"

Lin Lang smiled and replied, "In that case, let my wives and concubines accompany the Empress Dowager into the palace. I have the imperial token, so I can enter the palace on my own later."

After hearing this, Empress Wu's smile widened and she said happily, "Great! This way, we sisters can spend more time together and get closer. When you sisters enter the palace, I will definitely treat you well and make sure everyone has a great time."

After saying this, Empress Wu ordered the palace maids around her to help Lin Lang's wives and concubines get on the imperial carriage.

Several wives and concubines, led by Chu Yiren, bowed to Lin Lang and said goodbye, all looking forward to visiting the palace.

The palace maids carefully helped Chu Yiren, the so-called Queen of Shanghai, into a phoenix sedan chair that showed off her noble status.

This phoenix chariot is made entirely of sandalwood, and the walls are intricately carved with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns that symbolize royal majesty. The interior is paved with finest silk, which is luxurious and solemn.

After Chu Yiren took her seat, she waved gently to Imperial Noble Consort Li Moli to sit with her.

On the other side, Zhou Mengyao, Mu Xuelan and Pan Xiaoting were led to another exquisite royal carriage.

All three of them are modern people and have never experienced riding in a carriage. At this moment, their hearts are full of novelty and excitement.

The three sisters stepped into the sedan chair and into the carriage.

A chariot is the compartment where people sit.

After lowering the curtain, Zhou Mengyao couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke the soft cushion. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she whispered, "Wow, look at this Tang Dynasty imperial carriage! It's even more luxurious than I imagined. It feels like I've traveled through time and space in an ancient TV drama!"

Mu Xueman was also amazed, looking around with sparkling eyes, and whispered in agreement, "Yeah, this is so immersive. I've only seen it on TV before, but I didn't expect to actually be able to sit on it today, and even as the royal one. This treatment is amazing!"

Pan Xiaoting covered her mouth with a smile and whispered, "I can't believe it. I don't know what fun things I'll encounter in the Imperial Garden soon. It feels like a dream."

The three sisters chatted one after another, their faces filled with uncontrollable excitement, as if they had discovered a new world. They could not hide their excitement and whispered to each other, as if they had endless new feelings to express.

Outside the carriage, Li Zhi and Empress Wu had already gotten back on the electric tricycle.

Li Zhi smiled at Lin Lang and said with a loud laugh, "My dear brother, I will go back to the palace with your sister-in-law to prepare. You should come to the palace as soon as possible later. Don't keep everyone waiting."

Lin Lang bowed and replied sincerely, "Don't worry, my Royal Brother. I will enter the palace shortly. I am deeply grateful for your hospitality today. I will cherish this kindness deeply. I only hope that the friendship between the two dynasties will be as everlasting as the flowing river."

Li Zhi laughed and nodded, and immediately behind him, the sound of uniform gongs clearing the way was heard.

Eight golden-armored guards with gilded long swords hanging from their waists stood on both sides of the electric tricycle like black jade screens. Sixteen palace maids followed in a line, holding gilded food boxes, shark silk round fans and other items. Four fair-skinned eunuchs led the way, holding bright yellow ceremonial banners.

The bronze bells of the phoenix chariot that Chu Yiren and Li Moli were riding in jingled. Amid the cold gleam of the guards' armor and the crimson skirts of the palace maids, the team rolled over the bluestone road in a mighty procession, raising fine golden dust and returning to the palace.

Lin Lang looked at the grand scene of the emperor returning to the palace, his mind churning with thoughts. He knew that his relationship with the Tang Emperor Li Zhi, who was not his real brother, would have a profound impact on history.

Lin Lang can easily use modern technology to give this ancient dynasty new vitality and vigor.

Imagine that he could introduce modern agricultural technology to improve the yield and quality of crops, so that the people of the Tang Dynasty would no longer have to worry about food and clothing.

He can also bring advanced industrial production methods, promote the rapid development of Datang's manufacturing industry, and create more jobs and wealth.

In addition, modern transportation and communication technologies can greatly improve people's lives, making information transmission more convenient and connections between different places closer.

In short, as long as Lin Lang is willing, he is fully capable of making the Tang Dynasty more prosperous and wealthy, and turning it into a truly prosperous empire!

If Lin Lang coveted this kingdom, it would be easy for him to get it.