Chapter 1056: Technological Tang Dynasty, archaeologists are dumbfounded

That evening.

There was a busy scene in the palace. Lin Lang was directing the craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry to install solar street lights.

These antique-style street lamps are inlaid with a black board on the top and bright lamps hanging below, which collide with the ancient architectural style of the palace to create a unique beauty.

Li Zhi held a Zhonghua cigarette in his hand, took a deep breath and exhaled the smoke, then asked curiously, "Brother, you said this thing can really glow automatically after dark?"

Lin Lang smiled and nodded, patiently explaining, "Brother, the principle of this solar street light is not complicated."

"The black panels above are called solar panels. During the day, they absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, which is then stored in the batteries below."

"When it gets dark in the evening and the light gets weaker, the street light controller will receive a signal and automatically release the electricity stored in the battery to light up the lamp and illuminate the road for us."

Li Zhi listened intently, his eyes fixed on the street lights being installed. He then asked, "What if it's a rainy day and there's no sun? Won't the lights not work?"

Lin Lang waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, my royal brother. The power stored in this battery is enough to last for several rainy days. Moreover, the controller of this street light is very intelligent and will distribute the power reasonably to ensure normal lighting at critical moments."

Li Zhi was amazed. He took another puff of his cigarette and said with emotion, "My dear brother, the new gadgets you bring always open my eyes. With this solar street light, the palace will be as bright as day at night. It's both convenient and novel!"

Lin Lang smiled and said, "This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope it can make your life more convenient. If I have more novel items in the future, I will definitely present them to you as soon as possible."

While the two were talking, Lin Lang directed the craftsmen to install the solar street lights in an orderly manner.

After a while, the sky gradually darkened, and the first solar street light slowly lit up. The dim and warm light instantly dispelled the darkness and illuminated a small area of ​​the surrounding sky and earth.

Li Zhi was stunned by the sight and clapped Lin Lang's shoulder excitedly, "Brother, this is amazing! This light is much brighter than the lanterns in the palace, and we don't even have to light them one by one. It's amazing!"

As the street lights came on, the entire palace was shrouded in soft light, as if covered with a layer of dreamy veil.

The palace maids and eunuchs passing by stopped and marveled, looking at Lin Lang with eyes full of admiration and curiosity.

Li Zhi immediately ordered the Ministry of Works to quickly count the required quantities and install solar street lights in all important areas of the imperial palace. He also ordered craftsmen to learn the installation technology from Lin Lang's team and strive to promote it to the streets and alleys of Chang'an as soon as possible.

At this moment, the intercom in Lin Lang's arms suddenly made a buzzing sound, followed by Empress Wu's voice: "My dear brother, Your Majesty, the imperial kitchen has prepared dinner. It's time to return to Linde Hall for dinner."

Li Zhi took a half step back in fear, staring at the intercom Lin Lang pulled out of his arms, his pupils trembling violently: "My dear brother! What is this? How can it be heard by the Queen's voice? Is this the work of evil spirits?"

Lin Lang couldn't help laughing and pressed the call button to respond: "Okay, sister-in-law, I will go with His Majesty right away."

Then, Lin Lang turned the intercom over to display the buttons: "Don't be alarmed, my royal brother. This is called an intercom. It uses the ultra-short wave frequency band, and the theoretical transmission distance can reach five kilometers."

"As long as we are on the same channel, we can transmit sound in real time within five kilometers."

As Lin Lang spoke, he handed the walkie-talkie to Li Zhi. "My Royal Highness, please look at this. Just turn the FM dial to 37.65MHz and speak into the microphone."

Li Zhi took the walkie-talkie with trembling hands, and repeatedly examined the angular body of the phone as if it were a hot potato.

He suddenly lowered his voice: "I have never heard of such a magical object that can transmit sound!" When his fingertips touched the buttons, it was as if he was touching something forbidden.

"Your Majesty, it was Sister Yiren who taught me how to use the intercom. With the intercom in the future, we can talk in public anytime and anywhere!" Empress Wu's voice could not hide her happiness.

Li Zhi held up the intercom in curiosity and laughed loudly, "Great, great! My dear brother, you really opened my eyes!"

Lin Lang said arrogantly, "Royal brother! I specially brought 500 walkie-talkies this time! As long as they are distributed throughout the palace, anyone within 5 kilometers of your Royal Brother who wants to contact them will be able to receive the message immediately!"

Li Zhi's eyes widened, the cigarette in his hand almost slipping out of his hand, his voice trembling, "500? My dear brother, this, this is such a magical item, and you actually gave me 500 at once!"

Lin Lang smiled and put his arm around Li Zhi's shoulders: "We are brothers. 500 walkie-talkies are nothing! There will be more good things in the future!"

Li Zhi said solemnly, "The Tang Dynasty has always valued reciprocity. My dear brother, you have given me such a generous gift, and I must return the favor. Tomorrow, I will have the most precious night-shining pearls in the national treasury, the finest spices tributed from the Western Regions, and my collection of famous calligraphy and paintings all delivered to your residence!"

Lin Lang said modestly, "Brother Emperor, such a generous gift really makes me feel overwhelmed! These items are just some fancy gadgets, how can they compare to your kindness? I absolutely cannot accept them!"

Li Zhi, however, pressed down Lin Lang's arm, his eyes full of enthusiasm: "My dear brother, there is no need to refuse! My return gift is nothing compared to what you gave me! I am very lucky to have a brother like you who is so loyal to me!"

Before he finished speaking, an attendant disguised as Lin Lang's clone stepped forward quickly, knelt on one knee and saluted: "Your Majesty! The solar power generation equipment in the palace has been fully installed. From now on, we can guarantee the charging of intercoms, electric horses, and daily basic electricity needs!"

Lin Lang nodded slightly and said in a serious tone: "I understand. Go down."

After the avatar's disguised attendant left, Li Zhi, unable to contain his curiosity, tugged at Lin Lang's sleeve and demanded, "Brother, what on earth is this solar power generation device? How can it generate electricity out of thin air?"

"Your Majesty, why not move over and take a look?" Lin Lang smiled and led the group forward. Behind him, eunuchs and palace maids walked in a cluster, holding palace lanterns, casting long shadows in the twilight.

Soon, everyone arrived at the open area outside the Linde Hall.

Hundreds of black boards emitting dim light were arrayed in the open space, glowing dimly under the rising moonlight, as if the imperial palace was covered with a layer of glowing black brocade.

Lin Lang pointed at the panels and explained, "Brother, these black panels are called solar panels. When exposed to sunlight, the silicon crystals inside the panels can convert light energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in special batteries along the wires."

He pointed to several square holes under the awning and said, "These are sockets. Just plug in special wires and you can charge your walkie-talkie or electric scooter."

Li Zhi paced around the solar panels, lightly touching the surface with his fingertips, as if he was touching some forbidden miracle.

"My dear brother! Such a divine skill can actually harness all the sunlight in the sky! I used to think that being able to light a hundred eternal lamps was a magnificent spectacle, but now I realize how ignorant I was!"

Lin Lang chuckled softly, his hands behind his back, as he gazed at the solar streetlights lighting up in the distance. "Royal brother, this is just a drop in the ocean. As the saying goes, 'technology changes life.' In the days ahead, there will be even more incredible ways to subvert imagination, which will surely make the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty even greater than before!"

Li Zhi said solemnly: "What a great saying, 'Technology changes life'!"

"My dear brother, your arrival has made me realize that although the Tang Dynasty is peaceful, there are still countless possibilities to explore. In the future, I will definitely seek more advice from you, so that this prosperous era can be further enriched!"

Lin Lang smiled and patted the back of Li Zhi's hand: "Don't worry, my royal brother. There is still a long way to go."

"Let's go to Linde Hall for dinner first. We have important things to do later! Today, my concubines Mu and Li will personally cook a few special dishes with fresh fruits and vegetables from Shanghai. We are waiting for you, my brother, to taste them!"

"Really?" Li Zhi immediately perked up, flicking his dragon robe and quickening his pace. "I'm so happy to think that my two younger sisters-in-law, although they are imperial concubines, are also excellent cooks. I can feast on their food today!"

The group marched towards the Linde Hall in a mighty procession. Candlelight flickered in the hall, and the tables were already filled with delicacies.

Because it was a family dinner, the only people having dinner in the hall were Lin Lang's wives and concubines, as well as Empress Wu, Concubine Zheng, Lady Han Guo Wu Shun, and daughter Helan Minyue.

It is worth mentioning that Li Zhi’s favorite concubine, Concubine Xiao Shufei, had been demoted to a commoner at this time.

However, according to historical records, there are only more than twenty concubines whose names, status or deeds can be clearly traced!

To put it bluntly, the number of Lin Lang's concubines is more than that of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi!

Helan Minyue was sitting at the table. When she saw Lin Lang from afar, her face suddenly turned red and her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.

When everyone saw Lin Lang and Li Zhi arrive at the hall, they all bowed and saluted.

Li Zhi smiled and raised his hand to indicate that he didn't need to be polite. His eyes swept over the uniquely shaped dishes on the table. Many of the dishes were delicacies he had never seen before, and he was curious and wanted to try them.

"Hurry up and take your seats!" Li Zhi rubbed his hands and sat down in the main seat impatiently, "I want to feast on this banquet today!"

Lin Lang looked at Helan Minyue from afar, exchanged glances with her, and nodded slightly as a greeting.

Helan Minyue smiled sweetly at Lin Lang, then lowered her head shyly.

Empress Wu held a handkerchief in her hand and smiled lightly, and personally poured a glass of Maotai liquor for Li Zhi. The hall was filled with the sound of toasts, laughter and chatter mixed with the aroma of food, making the night even warmer.

"Your Majesty, please try this Moutai wine my sister-in-law brought. She said it's the wine used for the state banquet in Shanghai."

After hearing this, Li Zhi looked at the clear wine curiously. He picked up the wine bottle and put it close to his nose to sniff it. He smelled the warm aroma of some grains mixed with a hint of sauce aroma. It was more mellow and lingering than all the fine wines he had ever tasted.

"Is the wine from Shanghai Country so special?"

Surprise flashed in Li Zhi's eyes as he took a careful sip. The wine burned as it entered his throat, but it slid down his esophagus, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste. It had no pungent, pungent taste at all, but instead spread like a warm current.

"Royal brother, this is a sauce-flavored liquor with a 53% alcohol content, much stronger than the Tang Dynasty's Shaochun liquor. You should drink it in small sips and not overdo it."

Lin Lang smiled and picked up a fried peanut. "Brother, try it. It tastes even better when paired with Shanghai's special peanut wine!"

Li Zhi picked up a peanut as he was told, chewed it until it was crispy, and took a sip of wine.

The burnt aroma of peanuts mixed with the aroma of wine explodes on the tip of the tongue, adding a few more layers than drinking alone.

Li Zhi's eyes lit up and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Wonderful! This Moutai has a strong initial taste but a sweet aftertaste. Paired with these crispy peanuts, it actually neutralizes the strong flavor and makes it even more mellow."

Lin Lang picked up the jade cup and took a sip of the white wine. He smiled and said, "This wine requires careful savoury, so don't rush it."

Li Zhizhi found the Moutai wine novel. He picked up a few more peanuts and savored them carefully. At the end, he smacked his lips and said, "No wonder you said this wine goes perfectly with peanuts. The crispy aroma makes the wine more fragrant, and the wine aroma protects the crispy peanuts. They complement each other very well."

Seeing Li Zhi's great interest, Lin Lang's smile deepened. He reached out and stroked the rim of the cup, saying, "If my Royal Highness likes the taste of this liquor, I am willing to teach you the ancient distillation method of Shanghai Country!"

Li Zhi's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he exclaimed in amazement: "Are you serious, brother?"

Lin Lang smiled and replied, "Seriously."

Li Zhi clapped his hands and smiled, "My dear brother, you have taught me everything you know. I hope you will pass on this wine-making skill to the Tang Dynasty. It will be a great honor for me!"

"My Royal Highness, this wine requires three great processes: steaming, fermentation, and distillation. The 'distillation' technique is particularly crucial—using a copper steamer to gather the wine vapor and condense it into dew. Only then can this rich and intense nectar be extracted."

"All you need to do is choose an open area outside the palace to build a distillery and a distillation workshop, use high-quality Sichuan liquor with specially made koji, and after steaming and fermenting, use copper vessels to distill it to produce this rich and strong liquor."

The Shuli that Lin Lang mentioned is actually the ancient name for sorghum.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Zhi excitedly slammed the table and said, "Tomorrow I will order the Ministry of Works to select a site and craftsmen. You, my dear brother, will supervise and direct the construction of the distillery. All the money required will be drawn from the national treasury, and all the staff in the Ministry of Works will be at your disposal. You must make sure this distillery is established and flourished!"

Empress Wu smiled and said, "My dear brother, your kindness has brought the kingdom's secrets to your majesty. This kind of sincere affection is priceless!"

Li Zhi lifted the wine bottle with both hands, laughed loudly with admiration in his eyes, and said, "Come, my dear brother, this cup is for you!"