Nan Guili's lips curled into a smile, warm and courteous, "The Empress is expecting a royal heir, and upon hearing the news, my brother sent Guili with many fresh items, lots of them from the Western Regions. They are meant to please the Empress, it would be best if they catch her eye."
He clapped his hands, and his men began bringing in the items one by one.
The first item carried in by three burly men was extraordinary, wrapped in red cloth. The gift appeared tall and heavy, causing everyone to glance sideways and whisper in wonder, guessing what it might be.
Nan Guili took long strides and personally unveiled the red cloth.
A mechanical clock with a redwood frame came into view, the swinging pendulum pointing precisely to the center, producing a 'clang, clang, clang' sound.
The sudden sound and movement startled the Dragon Shadow Guards, who quickly positioned themselves protectively around Emperor Anqing and the Empress, warily eyeing the mechanical clock.
"What is this…?"
