Although heavy industry in Chang'an was booming, Liu Xun astutely perceived a significant imbalance in the empire's economic structure: the underdevelopment of light industry. While powerful families monopolised expensive silk, ordinary people wore heavy, easily rotten linen. 'I want every citizen of the Han dynasty to have cotton-padded clothes in winter and light shirts in summer. This force doesn't come from beside the blast furnaces, but from half of our population.' In the Weiyang Palace, Liu Xun fiddled with a pile of cotton that had been brought back from the Western Regions. At the time, cotton was mostly used as decorative flowers in the Han dynasty, and no one knew how to efficiently transform it into cloth.
[System Command]: Activate 'Light Industry Side Quest: Cotton Textile Revolution'.
[Core Technologies]: Three-spindle wooden cotton spinning wheel, foot-operated cotton gin, multi-harness multi-tweezers loom.
Historical background: The "Huang Daopo Spinning Wheel" technology was introduced directly from the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Current enhancements: Mechanical lubrication and optimised fibre strength.
Liu Xun sat before a wooden frame, personally assembling the first improved spinning wheel. Compared to existing single-spindle, hand-cranked spinning wheels from the Han dynasty, this three-spindle, foot-operated spinning wheel was three times more efficient, as it could spin uniform fine yarn simultaneously.
Breaking free from the feudal shackles of the belief that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent and that she should never leave her home, Liu Xun hung a sign next to Chang'an's first primary school that read 'The First Textile and Dyeing Academy of the Han Dynasty'.
He launched his 'Grand Performance: A Holy Emperor Caring for All People' campaign. At the enrolment ceremony, rather than inviting civil officials to speak, he invited outstanding female doctors from the Red Cross to stand on stage while he demonstrated how to operate the spinning wheel with the precision of a musical instrument. 'I've heard people say that needlework is a minor skill. But to me, a single cotton thread connects the winter clothes of soldiers on the frontier, and a thousand bolts of cotton cloth are tied to the Han Dynasty's treasury! All women who enrol will be provided with room and board by the school, and I will purchase the cloth they produce at market price. Who dares say that women are inferior to men?' These words were like a bombshell, causing a huge reaction in the streets of Chang'an. For the first time, the eyes of women confined to the home, mending clothes and dependent on their fathers and brothers, gleamed with independence. Liu Xun's ambition didn't stop there. He used newly developed chemical dyes (by-products of petroleum refining) from the 'Academy of Gewu' to dye white cloth brilliant vermilion, indigo and bright yellow. When the first batch of soft, brightly coloured 'Han Dynasty cotton cloth', priced far lower than silk, appeared on the market, the powerful landowners who had profited from confiscating handmade linen from their tenant farmers were dumbfounded. A powerful local magnate, looking at his rough, bitter linen and then at the long queue across the street of people scrambling to buy cotton cloth, trembled with rage. 'Your Majesty is robbing us of our livelihood!' 'Livelihood?' Liu Xun personally replied in the comments section of the Great Han Daily: 'I am giving the Great Han a new skin. Your linen only chafes the people's skin, but my cotton cloth can warm their bones.'
The establishment of cotton mills saw the emergence of a true 'female worker group' in the Great Han. They received their first wages in the form of standard copper coins allocated from the imperial treasury, and began to leave their homes and enter factories. They even had the opportunity to learn basic literacy skills in factory literacy classes.
[System Notification]
[Labour Utilisation Rate]: Increased by 40%.
[Social Consumption Willingness]: Surged due to women's control of finances, unlocking subsequent rewards: [Natural Rubber Vulcanisation Experimental Plan] and [Sewing Machine Prototype Diagram].
Standing on the second floor of the textile factory, Liu Xun listened to the cacophony of hundreds of spinning wheels below; it sounded like the chirping of cicadas. He knew that this was not just the production of cloth, but the dismantling of the strongest bastion of clan society: the kinship of dependence.
'Gongshu Qi, the canvas for the next batch of warships will be made of this thickened fine cotton,' said Liu Xun, turning to face Gongshu Qi. 'And those children who grow up wearing cotton-padded clothes will be the strongest soldiers for my conquest of the far west.'
In the western suburbs of Chang'an, the colossal "Great Han Imperial Palace", constructed of glass and refined steel, officially opened. Not only did Liu Xun invite royalty and nobility from the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions, he also invited merchants from the Kushan Empire in the far west, merchants from Da Qin (Rome) and island lords from the South Seas. They had travelled thousands of miles to be there.
This was no longer the traditional 'tribute of all nations', but rather a 'technological subversion attack' and a 'resource harvesting rehearsal' cloaked in the guise of civilisation. As night fell, the entire exhibition hall was illuminated by kerosene streetlights, making it seem as though it were daytime. Accompanied by rousing drumbeats, a group of models wearing magnificent garments produced by the 'refined cotton textile revolution' walked onto the stage. The fabrics they wore were no longer heavy hemp or stiff silk, but cotton fleece and blends that were light as clouds and vibrant as rainbows.
'Are these the clouds in the sky?' The Prince of the Kushan Empire rubbed his eyes; he had never seen such pure indigo and crimson before (derived from 'petroleum by-product dyes').
[System Command]: Activate 'Cultural Export – Luxury Goods Pricing Power'.
Core Logic: Package the cotton fabric as a 'sacred relic unattainable from the Far West'.
Key features: Wrinkle resistance, breathability and royal-exclusive 'internal combustion engine emblem' embroidery.
Current bonuses: 'Lighting Atmosphere' increased by 200%, 'Envoy's Psychological Defences' reduced by 50%.
Liu Xun sat in a high position, swirling a glass of iced grape wine (made using the 'Basic Saltpeter Ice Making Method'), adopting the 'Generous and Elegant Civilisation Mentor' acting style.
After the fashion show, the curtain at the centre of the exhibition hall suddenly opened to reveal a huge prototype steam engine. The engine was coated in black, rust-proof paint, and its connecting rods gleamed silver. Amidst the roar of the boiler, it slowly started up, its massive belt driving a three-spindle spinning wheel, a watermill and a small stone crusher behind it.
"No oxen or horses are needed, and feng shui is irrelevant. Just throw in these black stones (coal) and water, and it will work day and night,' said Liu Xun. Liu Xun walked to the machine, his voice cold and clear. 'Emissaries, the millions of labourers in your countries are nothing but a burden compared to this machine.' The leader of the Roman caravan was so frightened that he knelt down in front of the machine. In his eyes, this machine was a demon capable of instantly destroying all the workshops in his hometown.
The highlight of the expo was the signing ceremony. Liu Xun produced a stack of exquisitely crafted 'Great Han Global Trade Mutual Benefit Agreements', printed on Emperor Xuan's paper. He launched his 'top-tier performance': International Financial Giants". His smile was radiant yet fraught with unease. 'I'm not forcing you to purchase these machines. After all, you can't build them yourselves. However, Great Han is willing to provide technology leasing.'
'Mineral Compensation: In exchange for Great Han's exports of cotton cloth, kerosene and refined salt, other countries must use their mining rights for copper, gold, silver, iron ore and 'black lacquer' (oil) as payment.'
'Standardised Ports: Each country must open one port constructed with Great Han's assistance and station a Great Han Red Cross and a small number of armed guards.'
'Silver Standard Settlement: All transactions must use 'Han Silver Dollars', which are certified by the Great Han Academy of Geography and meet the required silver content.
'This... this isn't trade! This is taking our mines!' exclaimed the King of a Western Regions kingdom, trembling.
"You can refuse." Liu Xun elegantly closed his notebook and pointed to the ironclad warship, the 'Great Han', which was slowly entering the Wei River and belching black smoke outside the window. 'But next time, my ironclad warship might not bring you cotton cloth, but "reason".' By the end of the presentation, the envoys looked as though they had lost their parents, yet they placed orders frantically. They took away expensive fabrics and exquisite glassware, but left behind mineral transfer contracts that were crucial to the nation's survival.
[System Notification]: The 'Great Han Economic Colonial Model' has been established.
The [National Fortune Value] has jumped exponentially, unlocking the subsequent [Basic Electricity Experimental Reactor] and [Wired Telegraph Blueprint].
The world's fear of the Great Han has reached its peak. From the Palace of Geography, Liu Xun watched merchant caravans from various countries return laden with spoils. He knew that from that moment on, the Great Han would no longer be confined to the East, but would become an industrial powerhouse reaping global wealth.
'Gongshuqi, mark those ore deposits on the "standardised map".' Liu Xun turned his head, his eyes as deep as a well. 'Next, we will build railways for these countries, of course using their iron, coal and labour.'
Despite the lingering influence of the Chang'an Expo, Liu Xun's gaze had already shifted from the turbulent sea to the thick loess beneath his feet. As the Han Dynasty's influence spread across the globe, Chang'an had become a highly sought-after centre for all nations. However, the existing rammed earth walls were extremely vulnerable to the increasingly sophisticated siege weapons and explosives that Liu Xun himself had developed. 'The Chang'an I want will not only be dazzlingly lit, but indestructible too.' In Dragon's Breath Valley, before a sealed kiln, Liu Xun directed craftsmen to crush and mix selected limestone, clay, and iron slag in precise proportions. Dry dust filled the air — the powder of civilisation's evolution.
[System Command] Activate 'Civil Engineering Side Quest: Portland Cement Prototype'.
Core processes: High-temperature calcination (clinker formation) and gypsum adjustment (setting time control).
Key parameters: 1450°C constant temperature calcination; system automatically corrects 'hydration reaction' model.
Current bonus: 'Structural strength lock' increased by 300%; 'permeability resistance level' rapidly reaches target level.
'Your Majesty, can this "ash powder" really be harder than mountain rock when mixed with water?' Gongshu Qi squatted beside the test pit, looking at the sticky, greyish slurry with a doubtful expression.
Liu Xun didn't explain, but simply activated 'Top-Tier Performance: Creator's Confidence', casually inserting a fine steel spear into the still-wet ash.
Three days later, when Gongshu Qi tried to pull out the spear, he was completely stunned: the once soft ash had transformed into a cold, bluish-black, iron-like boulder. No matter how hard the craftsmen hit it with hammers, not a single crack appeared on it, apart from a few sparks.
'This... this is turning lead into gold!' Liu Xun exclaimed, waving his hand and pointing at the ancient city walls of Chang'an, which stretched for dozens of miles. "Issue my decree: launch the 'Never-Falling City Project'! Dismantle the outer layer of rammed earth and use refined steel for the skeleton and this 'cement' for the flesh to completely encase Chang'an!"
In an instant, Chang'an became a massive construction site. Steam cranes roared and thousands of tons of cement poured down newly constructed chutes, transforming the ancient capital of Guanzhong into an unprecedented steel fortress.
The advent of cement upgraded the city walls and allowed Liu Xun to achieve a revolutionary breakthrough in architecture. He used high-grade cement to build a smooth, mirror-like 'ring road' and erected cement lampposts on either side of it. With the help of kerosene refined from petroleum and lamps with reflector covers, which were initially developed by the Imperial Academy of Natural Sciences, Chang'an was completely illuminated at night.
The common people walked on the wide, cement-paved streets, their shoes no longer getting stuck in the mud and their carriages no longer jolting. They exclaimed, "Look! That's His Majesty's divine light!' Even more alarming for the foreign envoys were the dark crossbow positions on the city walls — permanent fortifications built of cement and buried deep underground.In order to deter foreign spies who had not yet departed, Liu Xun held a 'wall-breaking exercise' outside the south gate. He ordered the construction of two walls: a traditional rammed earth wall three zhang thick, and a cement wall one chi thick reinforced with steel bars. "Fire!" Under the bombardment of stone projectiles propelled by rudimentary black powder, the traditional rammed earth wall instantly collapsed into ruins. In contrast, the cement slab, having endured the same bombardment, only trembled slightly, leaving a few white spots. 'Gentlemen,' said Liu Xun, standing atop the concrete city wall as the evening breeze ruffled his robes. Against the backdrop of the brightly lit, ever-burning city of Chang'an, he activated his 'Top Performance: Doomsday Judge', looking down at the trembling envoys from various nations. 'This is the wall of the Han dynasty. It can withstand projectiles, and ambition too. Anyone who wants to test its strength can use their skull to make the concrete."
[System Notification]:
[Chang'an's Solidity]: Increased to 999 (unbreakable in the current era).
[Public Well-being]: Exploded due to improved infrastructure
Basic rubber tyre technology and AC generator blueprint unlocked.
That night, Chang'an was as bright as day. The coldness of the concrete and the warmth of the lights intertwined to create a magnificent image of Liu Xun's dominance.
On New Year's Eve in Chang'an, the city's cement walls shone with a cold metallic light under the kerosene lamps. Inside the Weiyang Palace, amid singing and dancing, the High Priest of the Western Regions, emboldened by alcohol, declared that he would use the 'Fire of the Moon Goddess' to curse the extraordinary scientific techniques of the Han Dynasty. Meanwhile, Liu Xun sat regally on his dragon throne, the long-awaited system notification echoing in his mind.
[System Global Achievement Achieved]
[Industrial Foundation: The Union of Cement and Steel
The host has successfully unified industrial aesthetics and weights and measures, accelerating civilisation's progress by over 300%!
[Super Gift Pack Issued]: The complete blueprint for the 'Primary Steam Engine – Watt's Improved Model', with core components including high-pressure boiler sealing technology, a reciprocating linkage mechanism and a centrifugal governor.
System bonus: high-temperature resistant lubricating oil formula and high-pressure safety valve casting model.
In an instant, countless complex geometric lines, force analysis diagrams and thermodynamic parameters flooded Liu Xun's brain like a torrent and the world he saw changed — the previously cumbersome mechanical devices automatically disintegrated into the perfect rhythm of pistons and cylinders.
"Moon Goddess Fire?" Liu Xun suddenly chuckled with mockery that transcended his era. He activated 'Top Performance: The Descent of the Gods", and looked down at the high priest waving his staff. 'Priest, a fire that can only burn wood is too weak. Today, I will show you what 'the fire that propels the world' truly is." Meanwhile, in a side hall of the Weiyang Palace, Gongshu Qi had constructed a massive iron cabinet according to Liu Xun's instructions. Liu Xun dismissed his attendants and walked over to the unlit monster himself. According to the Standardised Design Blueprint provided by the system, the precision of this machine represented the pinnacle of Han Dynasty craftsmanship. The cylinder walls had been ground thousands of times and the piston rings were made of expensive composite metals.
"Gongshu Qi, add coal and increase the pressure." As the coke burned fiercely in the furnace, the water in the boiler began to boil violently. A deep, muffled roar, like that of an ancient beast awakening, pierced the walls and echoed throughout the entire Weiyang Palace.
'Hiss—!' A violent plume of white smoke erupted from the safety valve, and Liu Xun yanked it open. This was the first time in human history that thermal energy had been so precisely and violently converted into mechanical energy.
'It's moving! It's moving!' Gongshuqi scrambled backwards, watching in horror as the huge beam began to sway rhythmically up and down. It was an awe-inspiring sight: this "steel monster" generated overwhelming force solely from the burning flames, without any human or animal power. The belt connecting the flywheel spun rapidly, driving the generator set behind it. In an instant, the thousands of incandescent bulbs atop the main hall of the Weiyang Palace emitted a blinding light, eclipsing the 'Moon Goddess Light' of the Western Region High Priest and causing temporary blindness. 'This is... the power of thunder?' The High Priest collapsed to the ground. His prized illusions and black magic seemed utterly ridiculous in the face of this pure, physical, violent aesthetic.
[System notification] [Basic steam engine] Successfully operational. The Han Dynasty has officially entered the 'Steam Age'.
Technology Tree Node: Chain Reaction Activated. The prototype locomotive, steam loom and fully automatic machine tool are all unlocked. The world fear level has reached 120%, with a tendency towards theological collapse emerging.
Liu Xun stood beside the flywheel, letting the scalding steam soak his dragon robe. He activated 'Actor's Public Relations: Eternal Commander', his voice resonating throughout Chang'an via the electric amplification system. 'From today onward, I no longer need your prayers. I want coal, I want steel, I want the power of these millions of warhorses carrying the will of the Han dynasty to trample every inch of known land!'
For the first time, the Han Dynasty's night sky was completely illuminated by a force beyond nature. Liu Xun knew that this steam engine was more than just a machine; it was the weapon he would use to utterly shatter the old world's covenant.
On the night of New Year's Eve in Chang'an, the city was no longer shrouded in earthen and wooden structures, but instead bathed in light. Concrete arrow towers, like giant grey swords, pierced the cold Guanzhong mist. Liu Xun dismissed all his attendants and climbed the ten-zhang-high Zhenguo Tower alone. This was not just an arrow tower, but a Han Dynasty watchtower representing the era's industrial civilisation. Liu Xun activated 'System Vision: Macro Scan', and the city of Chang'an before him was no longer a flat plane, but a frantically beating industrial heart.
In the western district, the premier textile and dyeing centre of the Han Dynasty, thousands of Huang Daopo's spinning wheels hummed under steam power, converging into a sea of sound. White cotton cloth cascaded down like waterfalls, transported by water to all corners of the world.
The northern district was a heavy industrial area with towering chimneys. Black smoke from basic steam engines billowed under the moonlight and molten iron from blast furnaces glowed red against half the sky — the most resilient backbone of the Han dynasty.
Centre: On a wide, cement-paved avenue, strings of kerosene streetlights stretched out, marking the first "city that never sleeps" in human history. Beneath the watchtower, a heavy procession slowly marched past.
This was Liu Xun's personally crafted 'Gewu Imperial Guard'. They wore standardised, high-precision steel breastplates instead of the fragile leather armour. Each soldier gripped a halberd refined from Dragon's Breath Valley; its tip gleamed with a cold, fearsome light in the moonlight.
[System Data Statistics]
Steel Production: 1200% higher than three years ago
Army Standardisation Rate: 100% (everything from arrowheads to armour buckles is interchangeable).
Mobility: The 'experimental steam locomotive' has successfully completed its test run on the Inner Ring Railway.
Observing the torrent of steel troops, Liu Xun switched to playing the role of a 'cold and aloof ruler of civilisation'. He knew that this army was more than just a fighting force: they had a fully functioning field hospital and Red Cross aid network.
In his mind's eye, the system interface radiated an unprecedented golden light, marking the end of the 'Primitive Accumulation and Technological Breakthrough' phase.
[System Phase Settlement] Civilisation level: Leaped from 'Classical Agriculture' to 'Early Steam Industry'.
National Domination: 99 (all threats from powerful clans within the territory have been eliminated). Popular Cohesion: Extremely high (benefiting from free compulsory education and affordable cotton cloth).
[Current Deterrence] The Han Dynasty's influence spread along the Silk Road, causing the Western Regions to tremble.
Liu Xun gently stroked the cold, rough, hard edge of the cement; it gave him an unprecedented sense of security. 'Your Majesty, an envoy from the Kushan Empire and the leader of the Roman merchant group request an audience. They want to discuss the transfer terms of the 'Steam Core'," the Hidden Dragon Guard said, his voice trembling slightly as he appeared at the top of the stairwell.
Liu Xun didn't turn around. He gazed at the distant, dark earth as if he could pierce time and space and see the depths of Eurasia, where wooden boats and cavalry were still fighting for power.
'Transfer the core?' A wicked smile curved Liu Xun's lips — the perfect smile of a master actor before the curtain falls. 'Tell them I don't talk about the core; I only talk about "order".'
Standing with his hands behind his back, he spoke softly to himself, his voice low yet carrying an undeniable power. "Now, I have the leverage to talk to all of Eurasia, not just about trade, but also about the colour of this land and who owns this starry sky."