My Imperial Advisor is ChatGPT

Spring of the fifth year of the Second Emperor's reign.

Five years have passed since that historic abdication ceremony. In these five years, the Qin Empire has been like a war machine equipped with a nuclear-powered engine (albeit a more advanced version of steam power), speeding forward on the highway called "industrialization".

The air quality in Xianyang has improved significantly under the strict enforcement of the Clean Air Law. Although the smell of coal smoke can still be smelled occasionally, it is now regarded as a "sound of prosperity".

Meanwhile, on the distant ocean, another journey toward "prosperity" is reaching its climax.

"vomit--!"

A deafening vomiting sound shattered the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean in the early morning.

On the deck of the Qin Empire's Royal Navy research ship "Exploration," Xiang Yu, the once mighty and powerful Hegemon-King of Western Chu (now the captain of the Qin Overseas Expedition Team), was leaning on the railing, gazing at the vast blue sea and reminiscing about the braised pork he had the night before.

"Hey Xiang," Han Xin said, holding a compass and a sextant, a toothpick dangling from his mouth, looking at Xiang Yu with disdain, "you've been throwing up for three months straight. We've only just crossed the equator, we still have half the globe to go. With your physique, how are you going to come with me to America to catch turkeys?"

Xiang Yu straightened up with difficulty, his once resolute face now ashen. He wiped his mouth and glared fiercely at Han Xin: "Enough nonsense! I'm just... I'm suffering from acclimatization issues! If you've got the guts, come ashore and fight me one-on-one! On land, I'll give you a handicap!"

"Go ashore?" Han Xin laughed, pointing to the horizon. "According to the nautical chart left by the Grand Tutor G, if we travel east for another ten days or half a month, we'll be able to see that continent called 'America.' At that time, let alone a one-on-one duel, I'll grant your wish even if you want to ride a cougar."

Upon hearing the word "land," Xiang Yu's eyes lit up instantly, as if he were experiencing a sudden burst of energy before death: "Really? You're not lying to me? If I don't see land in ten days, I'll throw you overboard to feed the sharks!"

"Don't worry." Han Xin confidently patted the binoculars on his chest. "My calculations have never been wrong. Besides... haven't you noticed there are more seabirds lately?"

Ten days later.

When the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin mist and illuminated the winding coastline ahead, the entire "Explorer" ship erupted in excitement.

"Land! It's land!" The lookout's voice cracked with excitement.

Xiang Yu shoved aside the sailors blocking his way and grabbed his binoculars. Through the lens, the lush primeval forest, the soaring macaws, and the rows of never-before-seen plants on the beach all seemed to beckon to him.

"Ashore! Full speed ahead!" Xiang Yu roared, his voice so loud it was hard to believe he was seasick. "I want fresh meat! I want a stable bed!"

The moment the landing craft surged onto the beach, Xiang Yu was the first to jump down. He wore specially made alloy armor and carried the Overlord Spear, looking like a moving iron tower.

However, instead of flowers and applause, they were greeted by a barrage of... blowgun darts.

"Whoosh whoosh!"

Dozens of blowguns coated with deadly poison struck Xiang Yu's armor, making a tinkling sound before sliding limply to the ground.

Xiang Yu glanced down at the blowgun at his feet, then looked up at the group of Native American warriors, painted with paint and feathers, who rushed out of the woods.

"That's it?" Xiang Yu raised an eyebrow, turned to Han Xin and said, "Old Han, is this the 'master of the New World' you were talking about? Their equipment level is even worse than that of the Baiyue people back then."

Han Xin slowly disembarked from the boat, carrying a copy of "The Great Qin Diplomacy Handbook (Overseas Edition)" and a box of glass beads and stainless steel kitchen knives.

"Don't use force." Han Xin held down Xiang Yu's hand, which was about to swing his spear. "His Majesty said we're here to investigate, not to slaughter. If a problem can be solved with money, don't use guns."

He walked up to the group of wary Native Americans, flashed a standard "Qin-style smile" (showing eight teeth), and then opened the box.

In the sunlight, the colorful glass beads and the gleaming stainless steel cleaver instantly blinded the Native American chief.

Ten minutes later.

Xiang Yu watched as Han Xin was arm in arm with the Native American chief, gesturing something, while Qin soldiers nearby began exchanging kitchen knives for local gold and... a kind of golden stick.

"What's that?" Xiang Yu asked, pointing to the stick.

"That one?" Han Xin handed a boiled ear of corn to Xiang Yu. "Try it. This is one of our ultimate goals for this trip—corn. With this, even if the population of Qin doubles, they won't starve."

Xiang Yu took a bite, his eyes widening instantly: "Sweet! Much better than millet! Old Han, this trip was worth it! Let's get more seeds back so the Emperor Emeritus can also try some!"

one year later.

The Explorer crossed the Atlantic Ocean and arrived in the Mediterranean Sea.

At this time, the Roman Republic was at war with Carthage. But when that giant steel ship flying the black dragon flag entered the port of Rome, all the fighting stopped.

Scipio, the Roman consul, stood on the dock, staring at the enormous chimney billowing black smoke, his jaw nearly dropping to the ground.

"Is this... a miracle?" Scipio asked the translator beside him, trembling. He was none other than Marcus, the Roman centurion who had been captured years before.

Marcus, now dressed in a Qin-style Zhongshan suit and with short hair, looked quite energetic. He straightened his back and replied in fluent Qin Mandarin (though tinged with a hint of mutton soup), "Your Excellency, this is not a miracle. This is science. This is an envoy from the Great Qin Empire."

Han Xin and Xiang Yu descended the gangway.

Xiang Yu glanced at the Roman soldiers in red cloaks and carrying short swords, and scoffed, "This phalanx looks quite orderly, but it's too fragile. If our heavy cavalry charged in, they'd probably be strung together like candied hawthorns."

Han Xin, however, was more interested in Roman architecture. Pointing to the magnificent marble columns and elevated aqueducts, he said, "Not bad, quite interesting. Although not as sturdy as reinforced concrete, it's still a good idea. I'll have the people from the Ministry of Works come and learn from them; our Xianyang's sewer system can be further optimized."

At the banquet, the Romans brought out their finest wines and roast meats. But Han Xin only politely tasted one before bringing out the specialties of the Qin Dynasty—high-proof liquor (Erguotou) and canned braised pork.

"Try this." Han Xin poured Scipio a cup. "It's called 'Knockout Donkey.' One cup will make you forget Hannibal of Carthage."

Scipio downed it in one gulp with gusto, and then...

"Cough cough cough! Water! Give me water!" Scipio's face was as red as a monkey's bottom, tears and snot streaming down his face. "Is...is this poison? It's too strong!"

Xiang Yu laughed heartily, patting Scipio on the shoulder: "This is the wine of men! Your wine is like sugar water, it's so tasteless."

The result of this visit was that the Qin Dynasty and Rome signed a Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. Rome agreed to open its ports to the Qin Dynasty and allow the Qin Dynasty to establish a "Confucius Institute"; in return, the Qin Dynasty promised to export silk, porcelain, and... that magical powder called "cement" to Rome.

When the message from the "Explorer" was transmitted back to Xianyang via wireless telegraph (although the signal was intermittent and had to be relayed several times), Liu Bang was sitting in his office, staring blankly at the huge world map.

"Chairman," Xiao He pushed open the door and came in, holding a telegram in his hand, "Han Xin and his men have arrived in Rome. They have also discovered corn and potatoes in the Americas."

Liu Bang jumped up and snatched the telegram: "Really? Corn? Potatoes? That's great! Lao Xiao, quick! Notify the R&D department! Our 'Royal Burger' is getting an upgrade! I'm launching the 'Corn Chicken Burger' and 'Supreme Mashed Potatoes'! These are global firsts!"

"And," Xiao He added, "they said the Romans really like our silk and porcelain, but they don't have the money to buy them. They asked if they could trade slaves for them."

Liu Bang frowned: "Slaves? No way. His Majesty said that Qin is a civilized country now, we don't do that kind of thing. Besides, slaves are too inefficient, and we have to feed them. Tell Han Xin to use olive oil, marble, or... have them lease us some land over there. I want to build a branch factory in Rome, specializing in producing 'Roman Special Edition' silk, with patterns based on their mythology, and double the price!"

Xiao He gave a thumbs up: "A shrewd businessman! But I like it. By the way, Han Xin also mentioned that they discovered a tree called 'rubber' in the Americas (actually, it already existed in Southeast Asia, but the varieties in the Americas are better), and a plant called 'tobacco'."

"Tobacco?" Liu Bang narrowed his eyes. "Can you eat that stuff?"

"You can't eat it, but you can smoke it. They say it can keep you alert."

Liu Bang stroked his chin: "An energy booster? That's great! If we're working overtime all night, won't everyone need one? Old Xiao, you're in charge of this project! We're going to start a 'Great Qin Tobacco Company'! I've already thought of a name: 'Zhonghua'... oh no, 'Great Qin Dragon'!"

As the "Explorer" brought back more and more specimens, maps, and accounts, the people of Xianyang found that their worldview was being refreshed.

Daqin Royal Primary School.

A geography lesson is in progress.

The young teacher pointed to the newly drawn "Complete Map of the World" on the blackboard (although it was still somewhat distorted, the general outline was correct):

"Classmates, we used to think the sky was flat and the earth was square, and that the Qin Dynasty was the center of the world. But now, Generals Han Xin and Xiang Yu tell us that the earth is round. On the other side of the ocean, there is a continent called America, where there are man-eating crocodiles, but also delicious corn. Further south, there is a continent called Australia, where the animals carry babies in their pouches."

The children below stared wide-eyed, as if they were listening to something incomprehensible.

"Teacher!" a chubby-cheeked little boy raised his hand. "Can we go to those places in the future?"

"Of course you can." The teacher smiled and patted his head. "As long as you study hard, learn to build ships, and learn to fly airplanes, you can go wherever you want in the future. The future of the Great Qin Dynasty is the stars and the sea."

The little boy clenched his fist, his eyes gleaming: "I'm going to Australia! I'm going to catch a kangaroo to show the Emperor!"

At this time, Ying Zheng was farming in the "Penglai Villa" on the shore of the East Sea.

Yes, farming.

Since retiring, Ying Zheng had completely handed over the administration of the court to Fusu, and he himself, along with a few old comrades (Meng Tian, ​​Wang Jian, and others), fled here.

"Your Majesty," Meng Tian said, dressed in short clothes and holding a hoe, "these potatoes are growing well. It seems that Han Xin wasn't lying; this stuff is indeed highly productive."

Ying Zheng straightened up and wiped his sweat. He was wearing a straw hat, and his skin was tanned dark, making him look like an ordinary old farmer.

"That's right," Ying Zheng said proudly. "This fertilizer was applied by me personally (although it's chemical fertilizer). After this batch of potatoes is harvested, I plan to hold a 'whole potato feast' and invite that brat Fusu to have a taste. He's been reviewing memorials in the palace all day, and his face has turned pale. He needs some nourishment."

Just then, a small seaplane landed on the sea, creating a splash.

Hu Hai jumped off the plane, carrying a large box, and ran over excitedly.

"Father! Father! I've brought you some good things!"

Ying Zheng frowned: "It's that 'new type of pesticide' of yours again? Last time it almost poisoned all my vegetables."

"No, no!" Hu Hai opened the box, inside was a... television set (original cathode ray tube version).

"What's this?" Meng Tian asked curiously as he leaned closer.

"A television!" Hu Hai introduced proudly, "The Polytechnic Institute just built one. Although it can only receive one channel, and it's all static, it can watch the recordings sent back by the 'Explorer'! I've transferred the signal over!"

Hu Hai plugged in the power and patted the heavy wooden casing. The screen flickered a few times, then a blurry black and white image appeared.

In the video, Xiang Yu is riding on the back of a giant sea turtle, flashing a peace sign at the camera and grinning like a fool. Next to him is Han Xin, holding a coconut and trading it for fruit with a Black child.

"Hahaha!" Ying Zheng couldn't help but burst into laughter as he watched the scene. "These two bastards are living a more comfortable life than I am! Riding a sea turtle! Why didn't I think of that back then?"

Meng Tian laughed as well: "Your Majesty, it seems the world is indeed vast. The little territory we fought over before is nothing compared to this."

"Yes," Ying Zheng sighed, "The world is vast, and Qin is small. But as long as our hearts are big enough, the world can hold Qin."

He turned to Hu Hai and said, "This TV is good. We'll give one to every village. Let the people see what the world is really like. They shouldn't just be focused on their own little plot of land all day."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Hu Hai gave a perfunctory military salute. "However, Father, the cost is a bit high... Could we ask that unscrupulous merchant Liu Bang to sponsor some of it?"

"Granted." Ying Zheng waved his hand. "Tell Liu Bang to reserve the 'GG' spot for him. Play that 'Great Qin Dragon' cigarette, and tell him to write a good 'GG' lyrics."

The second emperor's reign lasted ten years.

The "Explorer" has finally completed its circumnavigation and returned to Daqin.

On that day, the streets of Xianyang were deserted as everyone flocked to the city.

When Han Xin and Xiang Yu, with their stubble-covered faces and dark skin, entered Zhangtai Palace, the young Emperor Fusu personally descended the steps to greet them.

"Generals, you've worked hard." Fusu grasped their hands, his eyes full of respect.

Han Xin took out a thick nautical logbook and solemnly handed it to Fusu: "Your Majesty, I have successfully completed my mission. The earth is round; we have circled it and returned. This is a nautical chart, this is a list of goods, and this is... the letters of credence from various countries."

Fusu took the journal, feeling its weight. This was more than just a book; it was the first comprehensive understanding of this planet in human history.

"Where is the Emperor Emeritus?" Xiang Yu looked around. "Why haven't I seen the old man?"

"Father is at the Penglai Villa." Fusu smiled. "He said he didn't want to join in the fun. He told you all to rest well and then go fishing with him. Oh, and bring that thing called 'chili pepper,' Father said he wants to eat hot pot."

That night, the city of Xianyang was in a frenzy of revelry all night long.

Fireworks illuminated the night sky, and beams of searchlight shot straight into the heavens.

On the rooftop of the Royal Academy of Sciences, Wang Jianguo observed all of this and wrote the following in his notebook:

"Observation Record: Tenth year of the Second Emperor of the Qin Dynasty. Civilization Level Assessment: Successfully transformed from a regional agricultural civilization to a global industrial civilization. They no longer need gods, nor do they need external assistance. They have learned to walk on their own, and have even begun to learn to run."

Note: That guy named Xiang Yu actually caught a kangaroo. Now that kangaroo is fighting with the pandas for bamboo in the Imperial Garden. The scene is too beautiful to bear.

And in the far reaches of the starry sky, it seems as if a pair of blue eyes are quietly watching this blue planet.

It was a spark that had been lit, faint but never to be extinguished.