As the mighty ships of the Han Dynasty's fleet cut through the white waves of the South Seas, a more subtle and powerful force was quietly spreading across the Mediterranean via the newly opened 'Maritime Silk Road'. Rather than the roar of cannons, it was the breathtaking texture and fragrance of Han Dynasty luxury goods that spread.
The Mediterranean sun shone on the steps of the Roman Senate, but today the senators were not discussing the Gallic rebellion or Egyptian grain; rather, they were talking about the 'Aurora Silk Robe' that had crossed the ocean from the East. 'Oh, Claudius, is this robe so thin that a ring can pass through it?' A veteran senator exclaimed, his eyes wide and his breath quickening.
This composite fabric, developed by the Imperial Crafts Institute of the Han Dynasty and spun from 'special silkworms from Suzhou and Hangzhou' and 'pure wool from South China', offered the luxury of silk as well as the crispness and warmth of wool. In Rome, it was known as 'Han Dynasty Clouds'.
[System Command] Activate 'Cultural Hegemony: Luxury Goods Harvesting Module'.
Core Logic: Use information asymmetry and technological barriers to create the perception that 'Han products are always top quality'.
Product Matrix: 'Yun brocade silk', 'secret colour porcelain', 'premium Southeast Asian spices', 'refined rubber-soled leather boots'.
Strategic objective: Repatriate Western gold, create a trade deficit and destroy Rome's monetary credibility. Liu Xun sat in the Xuan Shi Hall of Chang'an, reviewing secret reports from the Roman trading post and planning his next move: "Top Performance: The Elegant Financial Hunter" campaign.
'Gongshu Qi, inform the merchant guilds that our goods must not be sold too cheaply.' Liu Xun toyed with a warm jade cicada. 'The starting bid for each piece of Han Cloud cloth must be set at a price equivalent to its weight in gold. What we are selling is not cloth, but status — an Eastern myth that is unattainable to them.'
He ordered the establishment of a 'Royal Quality Inspection Centre' in Malacca, stipulating that every exported item must be stamped with a special 'rubber anti-counterfeiting seal' and accompanied by a 'Certificate of Lineage' written in Han clerical script. At an auction in Alexandria, a gold-embroidered cheongsam personally named "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" by Liu Xun sparked a frenzy.
"One thousand gold coins!"
"Two thousand gold coins! Plus a vineyard I own in Gaul!' Roman nobles waved their silver notes wildly, unaware that these were backed by gold mined by the Han dynasty in Java. This 'lower-dimensional financial attack' caused Roman wealth to flow into the Han dynasty's treasury like a receding tide through Malacca.
[System Notification]:
[Han Dynasty Trade Surplus]: Increased by 800%.
[Roman financial shock]: Due to the massive outflow of gold, Roman prices soared.
[Achievement] Global Master of Harvesting Leeks
Unlock rewards: Basic Glass Mirror Production Technology (upgraded to Silver Mirror Production Technology using the Mercury Method) and Advanced Perfume Distillation Extraction Technology.
To further extract value, Liu Xun launched a 'custom-made business'. He ordered the manufacture of the first batch of 'pure silver-framed full-length mirrors' and shipped them to Rome. When Roman noblewomen, accustomed to the dimness of bronze mirrors, first saw their reflections in the crystal-clear mirrors of the Han dynasty, they were utterly captivated.
'For this mirror, I would sell all my husband's lands!'
He ordered the establishment of a 'Royal Quality Inspection Centre' in Malacca, stipulating that every exported item must be stamped with a special 'rubber anti-counterfeiting seal' and accompanied by a 'Certificate of Lineage' written in Han clerical script. At an auction in Alexandria, a gold-embroidered cheongsam personally named "Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" by Liu Xun sparked a frenzy.
"One thousand gold coins!"
"Two thousand gold coins! Plus a vineyard I own in Gaul!' Roman nobles waved their silver notes wildly, unaware that these were backed by gold mined by the Han dynasty in Java. This 'lower-dimensional financial attack' caused Roman wealth to flow into the Han dynasty's treasury like a receding tide through Malacca.
[System Notification]:
[Han Dynasty Trade Surplus]: Increased by 800%.
[Roman Financial Shock]: Due to the massive outflow of gold, Roman prices soared.
[Achievement] Global Master of Harvesting Leeks
Unlock rewards: Basic Glass Mirror Production Technology (upgraded to Silver Mirror Production Technology using the Mercury Method) and Advanced Perfume Distillation Extraction Technology.
To further extract value, Liu Xun launched a 'custom-made business'. He ordered the manufacture of the first batch of 'pure silver-framed full-length mirrors' and shipped them to Rome. When Roman noblewomen, accustomed to the dimness of bronze mirrors, first saw their reflections in the crystal-clear mirrors of the Han dynasty, they were utterly captivated.
'For this mirror, I would sell all my husband's lands!'
Gongshuqi, look,' said Liu Xun, pointing to the bustling textile factories of Chang'an. 'When the Roman elite take pride in wearing Hanfu, speaking Chinese and using Han porcelain, we no longer need to conquer them with swords, because their souls will already be branded with the mark of the Han.' He stood up and gazed at the distant horizon.
'Now that the gold has returned and vanity has been sown, it's time to add a spark of electricity to the luxury fire.'
At the newly constructed manganese steel pier of the Dengzhou naval base, waves crashed with a metallic sheen, resonating against the structure. On the cliffs on both sides, heavy coastal defence cannons forged from the Nanhua Iron Mine pointed coldly towards the ocean. Today, this was not only the training ground for the Han Dynasty navy, but also the launch site for the experimental nuclear-powered ship, the Qinhuang.
Officials stood solemnly while envoys from Rome and Parthia stood trembling on the edge of the viewing platform. Having just been captivated by the silk and gold of the Han dynasty, they now had to confront its steel core.
'System, activate the "Qinhuang" core reaction group and perform a self-check of the high-pressure circulating steam turbine.'
[System Command]: 'Consumes 50,000 points of national fortune.'
[Technical specifications]: Oil/coal co-fired high-pressure boiler + triple-expansion reciprocating steam engine + system-specific: Magnetic drive propulsion.'
[Core Breakthrough]: 'The bulky paddle wheels on the sides have been removed and a high-strength manganese steel underwater propeller has been adopted.'
Performance estimates: Speed: up to 18 knots; power output: 12 times that of ordinary treasure ships.
Standing on the bridge, Liu Xun could feel the steady, high-frequency vibrations emanating from the deck beneath his feet. This was no longer a creaking wooden ship, but rather a factory operating on the sea. The exercise began with three elite, fully-sailed traditional Han sailing ships forming the opposing force. They charged forward like arrows released from a bow in the strong monsoon winds.
"Your Majesty, the enemy is far off. Should we pursue them?" Gongshu Qi suppressed his elation and asked Liu Xun for instructions.
Liu Xun sneered and sounded the steam whistle: "Activate 'superheated steam jet mode', full rudder, full speed ahead!"
'Boom!' The sea behind the 'First Emperor' appeared to be cleaved open by a giant blade. The underwater propellers were spinning at high speed and pushing vast quantities of seawater backwards. From the reviewing stand, the spectators could only see the 'steel monster', devoid of sails and emitting wisps of white smoke, trace a huge arc across the sea in a mere fifteen minutes, defying the laws of physics as it circled in front of the three sailing ships.
'Speed alone isn't enough,' thought Liu Xun as he activated 'System - All-Ship Fire Control Joint Lock-On'. The two 'hydraulic-linked twin-mounted heavy guns' at the bow of the 'Emperor' began to slowly rotate. Unlike previous methods of aiming that relied on experience, the gunners were now staring at the 'virtual aiming ring' projected onto their retinas by the system.
[System Plugin Activated]: 'Gyroscope Stabiliser - Basic Version'
[Physical Effect]: 'Maintains the horizontal alignment of the gun barrels even on violently rocking sea surfaces.'
"Fire!" With two thunderous roars, the target ship, two kilometres away on the horizon, instantly turned into a shower of splintered wood. The Roman envoy Claudius knelt directly on the deck. He couldn't fathom how the ship could move with such speed and precision, like an eagle catching a chicken.
When the exercise concluded, Liu Xun stepped off the bridge. The sea breeze ruffled his dragon robe, but couldn't hide the determination in his eyes. 'Gentlemen, I have named this ship Auxiliary Power Prototype. It signifies that the will of the Han dynasty can reach any corner of this planet via the sea at any time.'
[System Notification]:
[Naval Headquarters Prestige]: Maxed out
[Global Hegemony Progress]: Due to the power revolution, the Han Dynasty has officially entered the "large ships and giant guns" era.
[Achievement Acquired]: Pioneer of Dreadnoughts
[Unlocked rewards]: Basic Sonar Monitoring Technology, Heavy Oil Secondary Cracking Process
Liu Xun stroked the warm smokestack and whispered to Gongshu Qi, 'This is just the beginning. Once our Nanhua iron ore and Nanyang oil reserves are in place, I will fit this ship with all-steel armour. At that time, whoever dares to disobey will see their civilisation sink to the bottom of the ocean to feed the fish.'
He turned his head and looked towards the unknown sea to the west. Not only was there gold there, but also the self-proclaimed 'immortal' Roman Empire, waiting to be trampled by the 'iron hooves' of the Han dynasty.
The colossal relief of the Central Bank of the Great Han Dynasty had just been completed in front of the Weiyang Palace. In the relief, a Qilin (a mythical creature) rides the surging waves of the five continents while holding a gleaming coin in its mouth. Liu Xun is not only the Emperor of the Great Han today, but also the sole architect of the global trade order. As iron from Nanhua, gold from Java and glue from Southeast Asia flow steadily into Chang'an, Liu Xun finally unleashes his long-awaited ultimate weapon: the 'Golden Wuzhu'.
'System, activate the "Coinage Technology Upgrade Patch".'
[System Command]: 'Consumes 60,000 points of National Fortune.'
[Technical specifications]: Utilises high-pressure cold forging technology, laser micro-engraving patterns (system simulation) and edge gear anti-fake and anti-counterfeiting features.
Composition: 95% Javanese high-purity gold and 5% Nanhua manganese steel alloy hardener. Anti-counterfeiting features: Each Golden Wuzhu coin has a barely visible micro-script inscription on its edge reading 'Made in the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Great Han', and possesses magnetic induction anti-counterfeiting functionality (a slight deflection occurs when a magnet is brought near).
Liu Xun picked up a freshly minted gold coin . Unlike traditional copper coins, it was not bulky; its edges were rounded and its serrations were neat. In the sunlight, it radiated a cold, majestic golden lustre. This was not just a coin, but a symbol of the power of the Han dynasty.
A decree bearing the imperial seal and the official seal of the naval headquarters was sent via the fast postal ship system to all Han Dynasty-controlled ports within three days. 'From this day forward, all cross-sea trade passing through Malacca, Annam, Nanhua and other waters under Han control must be conducted using the Han gold coin for all customs duties, pilotage, coal resupply and settlement of large quantities of goods. Those carrying foreign gold, silver, pearls, jade or cowrie shells must exchange them at the Central Bank of the Han Dynasty at the exchange rate of the day; otherwise, their ships will be confiscated and they will be permanently prohibited from trading.'
This decree caused a tremendous reaction in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean region, like a thunderclap.
At the Malacca trading post, Claudius, captain of a Roman merchant ship, looked despairingly at his ship laden with silver coins.
'Your Excellency, this silver could buy a manor in Gaul.'
'Here, it's just useless ore.' The Han official calmly pointed to the dark, 24-pound cannons lined up along the dock. 'Only gold five-zhu can be exchanged for Han coal and rubber. Would you like to exchange it or leave it?"
[System Prompt]:
[Global Financial Synchronisation Rate]: The Han gold five-zhu has officially been established as a 'global hard currency'.
[Seigniorage revenue]: Due to the exchange rate differential, the Empire's treasury has an additional surplus of 1500%, earning the [Father of the Gold Standard] achievement.
'Gongshu Qi, look.' Liu Xun stood before the global gold flow map in the Xuan Shi Hall. Countless gold lines representing wealth were frantically flowing into Chang'an, while the colours of Rome, Parthia and other places were turning from red to grey.
'Before, we had to send troops to plunder their gold. Now, they're scrambling to send their gold just to exchange it for one of our gold coins,' Liu Xun said, revealing an elegant, Oscar-worthy smile. 'When their countries have no precious metals left, only scrap iron and devalued silver, I can paralyse the entire nation by lowering the interest rate on the gold coin slightly.'
Late at night, the roar of the gold coin minting machine mingled with the newly lit DC lights on Zhuque Avenue. Standing atop the city wall, Liu Xun gazed at the bustling, dreamlike capital, murmuring to himself: 'Gold for bones, steel for body, electricity for soul — the glory of the Han dynasty is no longer a fleeting moment of prosperity, but an unyielding pinnacle of civilisation.'
'Your Majesty, the Roman Emperor has sent an envoy offering to mortgage the tax collection rights of three provinces in order to borrow ten million gold coins,' reported Gongshu Qi in a low voice.
Liu Xun turned around, his eyes sharp as knives. 'Tell him that I do not want the right to collect taxes. What I want are the mining rights for all the gold mines in their province, and the right to build a railway to the Atlantic Ocean.'
The Linde Hall of the Great Han Dynasty's Weiyang Palace. Today, Chang'an is a global financial centre and the focal point of power, revered by all nations.
Inside the hall, incense smoke curled and envoys from Rome, India, Parthia, the Kushan Empire and Egypt stood on either side. They had come not only to obtain the glittering 'Golden Five Zhu', but also to present the most dazzling pearls of their respective civilisations — exotic imperial consorts.
Five women of different skin colours and unparalleled beauty stood in the hall: Princess Cleo of Rome, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, was draped in the flowing robes of the Great Han.
Queen Satya of India, whose deep eyes held the mystery of Shiva;
A Persian princess in exile, her hair adorned with Javanese gold ornaments;
Although these envoys appeared humble, they were secretly probing to see if the Great Han Emperor truly possessed legendary power and divine weapons, as well as the foresight to rule over all people.
[The Emperor Arrives: Seamless Language Switching]
Liu Xun slowly ascended the dragon throne, activating the 'System: All-Language Proficiency Patch" and "Top Performance: King of Kings."
Liu Xun slowly ascended the dragon throne, activating the 'System: All-Language Proficiency Patch" and "Top Performance: King of Kings."
[System Command]: Load Ancient Latin, Sanskrit, Middle Persian, Greek and the Baiyue dialect. Psychological intimidation bonus: [Language suppression] and [cultural domination field].
The Roman envoy began in halting Chinese, "Your Majesty, Princess Cleo is the most beautiful woman in Rome..."
'Siste victum!' Liu Xun suddenly exclaimed, his clear, standard Ancient Latin instantly resonating throughout the hall. This was the authentic, noble Roman accent of the aristocracy: 'In hoc fano non Lingua Barbarorum sed Veritas Loquitur' (In this temple, no barbarian language is spoken, only truth).
The Roman envoy was struck dumb, frozen in place, unable to comprehend how an Eastern emperor who had never set foot in the Mediterranean region could speak Latin more fluently than the Pope. Liu Xun did not stop. He turned to the Indian envoy, who was about to bow. What flowed from his lips was obscure, sacred Sanskrit: 'Not only gold can support an empire, but wisdom can too.'
The Indian envoy knelt in terror; the voice seemed to pierce through the mists of the Ganges. Liu Xun then turned his gaze to the Persian princess and commented on her lost homeland in Persian, imbued with the harshness of the desert.
Every word he spoke showcased the ultimate charm of language. He switched seamlessly between multiple languages without pause, as if he were the common progenitor of these civilisations.
Looking at the trembling envoys from various countries below, who dared not raise their heads, Liu Xun began his 'ultimate performance': 'The Ruthless Judge'.
'You offer women as tribute. Are you trying to exchange beauty for gold coins, or use your influence to acquire the Han Dynasty's railway technology?'
He switched back to splendid, authoritative Chinese, his voice echoing in the hall. He then walked over to Princess Cleo, whispered in Latin, "I can see clearly what your father is thinking through the telegraph machine in Chang'an," and continued, "I can see clearly what your father is thinking through the telegraph machine in Chang'an."
He then walked over to Queen Satie and murmured in Sanskrit, 'Your caste system is as fragile as a sandcastle in the face of the iron will of the Han dynasty.' "
[System Prompt]:
[Cultural Deterrence Value]: Exceeds 1,000,000 points (achieved the 'Words Become Law' achievement).
[Foreign Trade Rate]: All tributary states agree to reduce tariffs on iron ore imports and exports by 50%.
Unlock rewards: [Basic Synchronous Translation Radio Station Concept], [Global Cultural Assimilation Index Monitoring Table].Liu Xun waved his sleeve, returned to his dragon throne and, without glancing at the beautiful women, addressed the adoring Gongshu Qi, saying, 'Gongshu Qi, do you see? Language is merely a tool. When your steel, gold and electricity are a generation ahead, their so-called 'mother tongue' is nothing more than a prelude to surrender to me."He gazed into the distance. The foreign imperial concubines would be housed in a separate courtyard and become 'specimens' for the Han Dynasty to study foreign genes and cultures. He was already prepared to use the newly negotiated low-tariff iron ore to build the 'Silk Road Steel Corridor', connecting Chang'an to the rest of the Eurasian continent.
On the outskirts of Chang'an, banners blocked out the sun as tracks forged from the finest Nanhua iron stretched into the distance. Like two silver lines that would never intersect, yet remained inextricably linked, they disappeared into the horizon.
Today marked the maiden voyage of the 'Qilin' royal steam train. Rather than confining the foreign imperial concubines brought as tribute to the palace, Liu Xun had led them aboard this 'steel behemoth', representing the pinnacle of Han Dynasty industry.
'What a monstrous steel behemoth!' Princess Cleo of Rome recoiled in horror as she watched the enormous engine spewing thick smoke and white mist, its crimson piston rods resembling the arms of giants churning wildly.
[System Command]: Activate the 'Industrial Miracle Demonstration Module'.
Core components: Ultra-high pressure fire-tube boiler + three-axis linkage drive wheel + pneumatic braking system
Sensory enhancements: [Metallic Roar], [Steam Roar] and [The Cold Aesthetics of Black Armour].
Dressed in a long, straight, dark Hanfu with subtly revealing cuffs that hinted at the competence of a Han Dynasty officer, Liu Xun reached out to support the swaying Cleo and quipped in standard Old Latin, 'Your Highness, in Rome you conquered territories with chariots, but in the Han Dynasty we devour space with this "steel unicorn".'
The train slowly started moving without the expected violent jolts. 'How is this possible? At this speed, the water in the cup only has minute ripples.' Princess Satie of Tianzhu looked at the glass on the table in astonishment.
Liu Xun leaned back elegantly on the velvet sofa. The carriage floor was equipped with a 'high-purity rubber shock-absorbing layer' and a 'double hydraulic buffer'. This unprecedented level of comfort created an unprecedented sense of class divide for noble ladies accustomed to the bumpy rides of sedan chairs.'This is the basic form of electricity and the elegance of machinery,' murmured Liu Xun in Sanskrit, pointing to the faint, flickering light on the roof (battery illumination). 'Here, I am the measure of time and space.'
As the train accelerated, the bustling city of Chang'an outside the window transformed into a rapidly receding blur. The top speed had already exceeded 80 kilometres per hour — a miracle for these foreign women, who had never experienced such acceleration before. 'Are we going to fly into the sky?' The Persian princess gripped the window frame tightly, her pupils contracting sharply in response to the intense sensory impact.
[System Prompt]:
[Psychological Defence Collapse]: The foreign imperial concubines have reached 90% 'deep awe'.
[Geopolitical Leverage]: The envoys from various countries have reached the highest level of desire for Han Dynasty railway technology.
Achievement: [Land Overlord: Railway Tycoon]
In the high-speed compartment, Liu Xun began his "Top Performance: The Behind-the-Scenes Mastermind Who Controls Everything". He produced a sketch of a railway covering Eurasia.
'If the Han Dynasty's railway reaches the Mediterranean, Cleo, your Roman grain can be transported to Chang'an in just ten days.' Liu Xun's eyes were colder than steel. 'The price is simple: Rome must abolish its own currency and adopt the gold coin fully. Furthermore, the area within thirty li of the railway line will be Han territory.'
This was a blatant 'railway colonisation strategy'. But, faced with such awe-inspiring technological power, Cleopatra found herself unable to utter a refusal. Looking at the world rushing past the window, she knew that the old Roman Empire had been shattered under the iron wheels of the Han dynasty.
Just as the entire audience was immersed in worshipping power, the system issued a red alert:
[System alert]: Abnormal weather fluctuations and unknown metallic signals have been detected in the far north. Target detected: Far Northern Wasteland (present-day Siberia).'
Suspected target: interference signals from another 'non-native' force or the resurgence of prehistoric civilisation ruins.
Liu Xun's smile faded considerably. He looked north. Although the steel dragon was seemingly indestructible, it seemed that there was a secret deep within this planet capable of contending with the system.
'Gongshu Qi,' Liu Xun ordered coldly. 'After the maiden voyage, activate the "Northern Frontier Heavy Artillery Fortification Project". I sense a metallic stench in the cold air that doesn't belong to this era.'