Chapter 4, Show-off

This fellow, while happily counting the cash, said to Huang Zunxian: "Lord Huang, this is what is known as 'Tian Yi Sheng Shui.' This substance can be said to cure many currently incurable diseases almost instantly. Aside from a small number of people who may be allergic to it, there are virtually no side effects. If anyone from our embassy contracts diseases like pneumonia, tetanus, or relapsing fever, just let me know, and we can use it for free."

Immediately, there was a chorus of exclamations all around.

"Then why do you insist on creating a brand for a legendary ancestral medicine?" Huang Zunxian asked in confusion

"That is called an internal combustion engine, which is different from a steam engine. It burns oil; currently, those manufactured in Europe run on gasoline, while mine operates on diesel. I plan to submit a patent application for this design to patent offices in various countries, and in the future, I will have the funds to establish my own factory for production," Yang Feng casually remarked

As for the automatic winding and the tourbillon, I believe there is no need to showcase them," Yang Feng said lightly while shaking the watch.

Fengsheng is the name that Yang Feng chose for himself. Considering that this practice was quite popular at the time, he also decided to adopt one for himself

Penicillin is intended for sale in the upper echelons of society in Europe and America. The dukes and earls absolutely look down on Chinese scientists, yet they are often drawn to things that possess a hint of the magical.

The Self-Strengthening Movement is currently in full swing, and the ancient Chinese officials have long regarded these novel techniques as trends. Particularly, figures like Xue Fucheng, who are prominent in the movement, are acutely aware of the importance of technology

At the banquet, Yang Feng's performance was truly remarkable. He is accustomed to mingling in high society, and in such an environment, he was naturally in his element. Dressed impeccably, he exhibited refined manners and eloquent speech, captivating everyone with his witty remarks. Coupled with his extensive knowledge, he left a group of foreigners utterly astonished, making those unaware think he was a minister.

"Mr. Pierre, are you not tired?" After nearly half an hour had passed, Yang Feng said earnestly.

"Yang, are you wearing a wristwatch?" asked a French diplomat who was having a particularly engaging conversation with Yang Feng

This individual has certainly made the most of the advertising tonight, as the Seagull tourbillon appeared in the newspapers in Paris the following day. The legend of this remarkable watch quickly unfolded across the European continent, while its owner had already set off for England.

Huang Zunxian is somewhat difficult to understand, but that is not his concern. He is mainly here to visit Yang Feng's yacht and to inform this fellow that there will be a dinner hosted by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the evening. He is to attend as Xue Fucheng's translator, so it would be best to change into a different outfit, as the one he is currently wearing is rather inappropriate.

"Mr. Pierre, are you doubting my honesty?" Yang Feng said with a displeased expression

"Your mother, this old fellow is too insidious. If he really manages to create a diesel engine, Li Er will kick me aside. Who will I turn to for help then?" Yang Feng thought to himself

Xue Fucheng did not speak again; being an old fox, he naturally understood that Yang Feng was trying to fool him

"Lord Xue, I actually have a plan for this matter. I will first establish a factory in Europe. Once we achieve normal production of the products, I will then bring a group of workers from our country to learn while working here. When they have gained sufficient experience, we will then build a factory back home. This way, we can avoid issues related to * diagrams * and * books. " Yang Feng said, as he could only appease the old man for now.

The Black Arrow private yacht, which has been redecorated inside (a name given by Yang Feng to his own yacht), is speeding along the Seine River with the Chinese diplomatic mission to the UK, including Xue Fucheng and Huang Zunxian. Yang Feng stands in the cockpit, humming a tune while admiring the scenery on both banks.

Upon arriving in London, he prepared to file patent applications in various European countries. Whether he would be granted those patents was another matter entirely; in any case, he was not in a hurry, as there was no competition at that time. Diesel applied for a patent for his engine design in 1892 and did not produce the first machine until 1897, so he felt no pressure.

He certainly remembers that Xue Fucheng died from the fever of returning to the homeland. Speaking of which, this old man can be considered a rare enlightened figure in the Chinese officialdom of that time. If he had been alive, at least Li Erguizi would not have suffered such a disastrous defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War.

"Yang, please forgive my outburst; what you have said is simply too hard to believe. It is impossible for such a small watch to accommodate a tourbillon, let alone an automatic winding mechanism. As for water resistance, that is simply inconceivable," Pierre said, offering an apology without the slightest hint of remorse.

Yang Feng reached into his glass to retrieve his watch, then wiped it with a napkin before putting it back on his wrist amidst countless astonished gazes

He is indeed preparing to produce diesel engines, though certainly not tank engines with over 500 horsepower, as such a thing would be rather fantastical for this era. However, the engine for a hand-held tractor is quite feasible. His computer on the shuttle contains countless data; not only does it include information on diesel and gasoline engines, but also on turbojet engines.

This is impossible! The diplomat could no longer maintain his composure, and he exclaimed without hesitation, immediately drawing the attention of the guests at the dinner.

Xue Fucheng, who did not understand French, looked at him in confusion. To be honest, he was quite satisfied with Yang Feng as a translator. Although this person tended to overshadow him, as a Chinese diplomat unfamiliar with Western society, having such an assistant was exactly what he had been looking forward to.

Automatic winding, tourbillon, with a calendar, and also waterproof; wearing it, even swimming in the Seine River poses no problem, " Yang Feng said modestly

Yang Feng glanced at him, then looked at the suspicious gazes of the surrounding foreigners, and amidst the astonished stares, he smiled faintly as he removed his watch and casually placed it into Pierre's wine glass

Yang Feng looked at the black tactical jacket he was wearing and shrugged indifferently, wondering if changing into a golden dragon collar would scare Old Xue into a fit. However, after some thought, he decided against it. Although this was Paris and no one would care if he wore a five-clawed golden dragon, he still had to consider the future.

"I want to say that this was invented by our Chinese scientists. Now, who among those foreigners dares to use it? Let's add a bit of mystery to it as a gimmick; these guys will feel even more at ease," Yang Feng said with a smile.

Holding up his wine glass, Pierre, resembling a statue, gazed at him blankly

This individual found a ready-to-wear store, selected a rather pleasing evening gown, and dressed up as if to impress at the embassy. Then, introduced by Huang Zunxian to Xue Fucheng, that evening, they took a carriage together with the plump old man Xue to attend a banquet. This was actually a farewell banquet organized by the French for Xue Fucheng. Although he held the position of minister for four countries, he primarily represented Britain, and thus would be stationed in London.

"Lord Xue, this matter cannot rely solely on design; it must also have a supporting industrial foundation, and additionally, it requires skilled workers," he said busily

However, as he gained more attention, the French attendees at the dinner suddenly noticed that Yang, the translator, seemed to be wearing a very beautiful wristwatch. It is important to note that we are still in the era of pocket watches; although wristwatches do exist, they are typically combined with bracelets, resembling jewelry, and are specifically designed for the most elite socialites and noblewomen, such as queens and princesses.

This old man has quite a good idea; he has fame, profit, and power, and he doesn't even have to spend a penny. If Boss Yang were not so ambitious, he might actually consider it. Unfortunately, the person he is trying to deceive is a seasoned veteran who understands the intricacies of the officialdom.

Ah, is this what you are referring to? Yang Feng casually raised his hand and showcased his seagull skeleton tourbillon in front of him. The guy's eyes immediately widened, as if he had just seen a beautiful woman revealing herself before him

We do not lack these things domestically; we can even build ironclad ships ourselves, so how could we not produce such small items? Xue Fucheng said, still unwilling to give up. He was not speaking falsely; the Self-Strengthening Movement has progressed to the point where China's industrial level is not low. It can be said that a system has already formed, capable of producing steam engines and ironclad ships. In fact, this year, the Jinling Machine Bureau has already begun the imitation of 120 mm rapid-fire cannons. It can be said that China in this era has already possessed modern industry. Unfortunately, the entire situation was ruined by the First Sino-Japanese War. Just thinking about this made Yang Feng feel a wave of disappointment.

Yang Feng finally let out a sigh of relief, having survived these days on the one hundred francs given by Laville. For someone accustomed to luxury, it truly felt like an eternity. Now, he could finally enjoy himself properly. The first thing to do was to tidy up the yacht, which could definitely be described as bare and empty.

"Feng Sheng, what kind of machine is this? Why doesn't it use coal?" Xue Fucheng and a few others were quite interested in his diesel engine, each of them marveling at the two diesel engines in the power room at the stern of the ship.

"Brother Fengsheng, are you interested in coming to our country to manufacture such things? You won't need any investment; I can recommend you to Li Zhongtang. At that time, I will set up a factory just for you, not only allowing you to be the general manager, but I can even grant you a sixth-rank official title. When the factory makes a profit, you will also receive dividends." Xue Fucheng said

"Sir, it is nothing; Mr. Pierre simply does not believe that my watch is so extraordinary," Yang Feng explained, lowering his head.

Pierre raised his wine glass, and through the blood-red wine, the somewhat eerie watch quietly turned its hands without any sign of irregularity. Some guests had already taken out their pocket watches, synchronizing with the rotating hands. The entire banquet hall fell into silence, with only the sound of countless watch hands moving. Particularly, the Seagull tourbillon in the wine glass emitted a faint ticking sound that seemed to mock subtly, becoming increasingly distinct as time passed.

There is no need to doubt the calendar; it is clearly displayed on the dial. The earliest calendar watch was first showcased by Audemars Piguet last year