The immortal of the Tang Dynasty, but the game starts at Xuanwu Gate?

"Thump!"

The servant swung the hammer with all his might, and if it were a person, they would most likely be dead by now, but when it hit the large block of cement, it only made a dull thud.

When everyone looked up, they saw that there was only a white mark on the cement, and other than that, it was no exaggeration to say that it was completely undamaged.

Cheng Yaojin asked in surprise, "This thing is so hard?"

"It's almost as good as a rock, isn't it?"

Chen Huai'an smiled without saying a word. If it were a small piece, the cement would certainly not be able to withstand the impact. However, the piece he brought was not small, and one hammer blow would not be enough to break it.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's as hard as a rock.

Li Shiji asked doubtfully, "If that's all there is to it, it shouldn't be worth Mr. Chen's attention, right? This cement is indeed very hard, but wouldn't it be the same to just find a stone?"

"You're right," Chen Huai'an didn't deny it. "If that were all, then finding a rock would be the same. But my cement wasn't born this shape."

"It was originally somewhat like moist yellow mud, which was thin. After being dried naturally, it turned into this."

One sentence deeply shocked the three dukes.

If cement is merely hard, then its function is similar to that of stone.

But if cement was originally thin, like moist yellow mud, and then became so hard after drying and hardening, its value would be immense.

It's unimaginably large.

"Mr. Chen," Tang Jian said, his breathing quickening, "you mean it can be used, like yellow mud, to build houses, dikes, and so on."

"If we replace the yellow mud with cement, will the houses and dikes built with it become as hard as stone?"

"You can understand it this way," Chen Huai'an said with a smile, "whether it's used for road construction, or for building dikes, canals, houses, or even city walls."

"The role of cement is absolutely enormous."

"Could you explain in more detail?" Cheng Yaojin asked impatiently.

In just a few words, he realized how important this thing was.

No wonder the other party said that the profits from the drinks must be distributed according to the profits.

This is something that no single family can control; it must be brought in by the royal family.

"Let me give you a simple example: a dam!" Chen Huai'an pondered. "As we all know, traditional earthen dams are susceptible to water erosion and seepage, and are easily washed away by floods, right?"

Tang Jian nodded repeatedly. He was the oldest and had the most experience, so he knew a lot about these things.

Many of the floods we see now are caused by heavy rains that cause water levels to rise. When water levels rise, dams can't withstand the pressure and are easily washed away.

This led to the spread of the flood.

"Traditional dikes are easily washed away by floods, but if they are built with cement, this problem is completely eliminated," Chen Huai'an patiently explained. "Regarding the hardness of cement, I believe you have all seen it."

"Think about it, if we used cement to build the dam, wouldn't it be less likely to be washed away, and wouldn't there be no problems like seepage or collapse?"

"Then... what if it were used to build city walls?" Cheng Yaojin asked the question that they were most concerned about.

"What does the Duke of Su think?" Chen Huai'an smiled. "Cement only needs two to three days to harden. After it hardens, it's as hard as stone. You're a warrior; don't you understand its significance?"

Cheng Yaojin's eyes became incredibly bright.

He knows, of course he knows.

If we use this thing to build city walls, then why would we need to fear battering rams and catapults?

They could also build permanent fortifications on the borders of Shuofang and Hexi to defend against the Eastern Turks and Xueyantuo.

The value is immense, encompassing almost every aspect.

"What about building houses, palaces, and canals?" Tang Jian asked again.

Not only him, but Li Shiji and Cheng Yaojin also asked various questions, and Chen Huai'an patiently answered them one by one.

The emergence of cement in the Tang Dynasty undoubtedly represented a strategic significance.

It's not something that can be explained in just a few words.

It covers a wide range of areas, from people's livelihood to military affairs, from engineering to the economy.

The three little ones couldn't understand what they were saying, but they weren't stupid. Seeing their father's excited expression, they knew that this thing was definitely extremely valuable.

It's a big deal.

They don't care about military or engineering matters; all they know is that they're going to make a lot of money!

After some time, Chen Huai'an felt thirsty and drank a cup of tea. "Now you understand, right?"

"Cement is a big business, and it's impossible for one person to do it alone. Only by joining forces and bringing Her Majesty the Queen along can we ensure our success."

"Understood!" The three replied solemnly.

After explaining for so long, they finally understood what cement was and how important it was.

It's no exaggeration to say that this thing is related to the fate of the nation.

It's completely beyond the control of any single entity, and its significance is worlds apart from that of alcohol.

"So, everyone, get your money ready." Chen Huai'an spread his hands. "Later, I will discuss with His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress how much initial investment is needed according to the profit distribution of the Beauty Pass."

"You guys don't have any objections, right?"

Opinion?

What a joke.

Who would refuse such immense wealth delivered to their doorstep?

The three exchanged a glance and immediately agreed.

He silently sighed to himself, thinking that these three little brats had really found a good teacher.

Just then, Cheng Yaojin's wife, Madam Sun, knocked on the door and reminded everyone, "The food is ready. Why don't you all eat and chat?"

Everyone else readily agreed, and Cheng Yaojin warmly greeted them. When Chen Huai'an saw Madam Sun, he remembered something, hesitated for a moment, and thinking of Cheng Chumo's reaction after learning of his death, he sighed and subtly reminded Cheng Yaojin, "Duke Su, there is something I'm not sure if I should say."

Cheng Yaojin said nonchalantly, "Mr. Chen, just say what you want to say. I, Old Cheng, don't care about these things."

Chen Huai'an nodded and said tactfully, "I think your wife... seems a little unwell. If possible... it would be best to ask the venerable Mr. Sun Simiao to take a look."

Cheng Yaojin was taken aback. He looked at Chen Huai'an, then at his wife, and felt a tightness in his chest.

"..."

At the same time, Li Shimin was quite efficient, perhaps because he had made preparations in advance.

The edict of self-reproach was issued shortly after Chen Huai'an and his entourage left, along with a general amnesty.

Inside the Ministry of Justice's prison, an official came to a cell and looked at Wang Bai, who was lying on a straw mat inside, patting his belly with boredom: "Young Master Wang, you can leave now."

"Huh?" Wang Bai was completely stunned. "Can I leave now?"

"Yes!" the official said with a slight smile. "His Majesty just granted a general amnesty, so you can leave now."

Wang Bai was dumbfounded.

Wasn't it agreed that they would be locked up for several months?

It's only been a few days!

"..."