Comparing Ancient and Modern Times: The Ancients Are Stunned

The emperors of the past compare their dynasties' reigns. The First Emperor is dumbfounded: "My Great Qin fell after just two generations, lasting only fourteen years? Impossible! Fusu, you rebellious son, do you think my blade isn't sharp enough?"

They compare economies and populations. Emperor Taizong of Tang is shocked: "The Song Dynasty of later generations has a bigger economy and population than my Great Tang? Impossible!"

They compare military strength. Emperor Taizu of Song is furious: "The Great Song I founded is constantly getting beaten up, and even pays tribute to the Khitans and Jurchens?"

They compare the founding emperors' origins. Emperor Gaozu of Han stares in disbelief: "A later founding emperor came from an even lower station than I did? A beggar who started with just a bowl could ascend to the throne?"

They compare influence. The Qianlong Emperor is enraged: "My influence doesn't even make the top ten among Chinese emperors? And the forty thousand poems I wrote have become a laughingstock? Outrageous! Who made this ranking? I refuse to accept it!"

When scenes from later generations are revealed, all the emperors are stunned: "What? People in the future can already soar through the skies and fly among the clouds?"

"People in the future have even begun exploring the stars in the heavens?"

The ancients are collectively left gaping in astonishment.

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.