Chapter 76: Chapter 75
Those who had never seen a camera before were utterly amazed by the photographs.
Hearing Shen Daren's words, everyone was equally astonished.
Superstition was widespread in ancient times. They already suspected Chen Ye was from the celestial realm and genuinely feared the camera might be some kind of magical artifact capable of capturing souls.
Seeing the panic among the crowd, Chen Ye laughed heartily and quickly explained, "Everyone, don't worry, your souls are all intact! This is a camera, a technological product from my homeland, specifically designed for taking pictures. It can capture people's images as they are now, so that in old age, you can look back at these photos and reminisce about the past. Isn't that a pleasure?"
"This really isn't a magical device?" Shen Daren asked, still somewhat terrified.
"Of course not!" Chen Ye laughed and asked, "Shen Daren, do you feel any discomfort?"
Shen Daren paused, carefully sensing his body, and then shook his head.
"There you have it!" Chen Ye laughed, "If your soul had been captured, could you still be feeling fine?"
"That makes sense!" Commander Shao nodded beside him. He didn't believe Chen Ye would harm anyone. After all, Chen Ye had risked his life to save everyone by single-handedly killing the Taotie King. Such a heroic figure could not possibly do something harmful.
Commander Shao readily agreed to Chen Ye's proposal because he trusted Chen Ye's character.
Seeing that Shen Daren was still somewhat doubtful, Chen Ye handed the camera to him.
"Shen Daren, this is the lens, and this is the shutter button. Point the lens at any scenery and press the shutter button to take a photo. Try it."
Under Chen Ye's guidance, Shen Daren learned how to use the camera. He pointed it outside and took a picture.
"Click!"
Another photo was taken.
When Shen Daren looked at the photograph, which showed a scene identical to the one outside, he couldn't help but exclaim, "This... this is truly a divine artifact!"
Chen Ye laughed, "If Shen Daren likes it, this camera is yours."
Then he turned to everyone else and said, "Cameras are rare; I don't have many. I won't be able to give one to everyone."
Actually, he had two more in his personal storage. He said this to make the cameras seem even more precious.
Hearing this, Shen Daren's eyes sparkled with joy. Though he was thrilled, he still feigned modesty, "I can't accept such a precious gift without earning it. Chen Ye, you should keep it."
Chen Ye smiled, "No need to be polite, Shen Daren. Once you return, please speak well of me to the emperor and ensure that the officials don't trouble the Wuying Army's soldiers."
Hearing this, Commander Shao, Strategist Wang, and the others were deeply moved, looking at Chen Ye with even more appreciation.
"Certainly! Certainly!" Shen Daren promised repeatedly, then happily put the camera into his sleeve.
Chen Ye reminded, "Shen Daren, this camera has limited uses. Each can take ten photos, and now there are only eight left. Please use them wisely."
This camera was a Polaroid camera, which could immediately produce photos. Polaroid cameras usually come with ten shots per film pack.
Of course, once the film is used up, it can be replaced with a new pack to reuse the camera.
Chen Ye didn't bother explaining this, simply reminding him of the limited uses.
"Understood. Thank you for the reminder, Chen Ye!"
Shen Daren, very polite, bowed deeply. He now truly believed Chen Ye was from the celestial realm. Otherwise, how could Chen Ye have so many rare treasures, each with magical properties?
...
A moment later, General Lin Mei arrived. She seemed slightly out of breath, having likely run all the way there.
As soon as she entered the hall, Lin Mei saw Chen Ye, feeling sweetness in her heart.
"General Lin, Mr. Chen wishes to propose to you. What do you think?" Commander Shao asked, smiling.
Commander Shao's direct question made Lin Mei's face instantly turn red. Luckily, she was of a strong character. Any other young lady from a noble family would have wanted to crawl into a hole.
"I... I agree!"
Those words were spoken with great difficulty. After saying them, she lowered her head, playing dead.
Asking a young lady to say such things publicly was indeed very difficult!
Hearing this, Chen Ye smiled happily.
"Mr. Chen and General Lin are indeed a perfect match..." Envoy Shen immediately began to flatter them.
Suddenly, Envoy Shen had an idea, "Mr. Chen, General Lin, if your wedding date is not set, why not wait until I return to Bianliang and petition the emperor to have the Minister of Celestial Observations select an auspicious date for your wedding, which the emperor can then approve?"
In ancient times, people were very superstitious and respected imperial authority. An imperial marriage decree was considered a great honor.
Envoy Shen's suggestion was a gesture of goodwill to curry favor with Chen Ye.
Chen Ye had not yet set a wedding date and thought having the emperor's blessing would be good. It would make it clear that General Lin Mei was his woman, deterring any potential troublemakers.
Thinking this through, Chen Ye smiled and said, "Thank you, Envoy Shen."
"It's no trouble at all," Shen Daren replied with a smile. "To contribute to Mr. Chen's wedding is my honor, and I hope to share in your happiness!"
Everyone laughed.
The atmosphere in the hall was very harmonious.
Though Lin Mei's face was still red, she felt incredibly happy.
...
Afterward, a betrothal feast was held. Envoy Shen stayed to drink the engagement wine before departing for Bianliang City.
The engagement ceremony concluded, and Chen Ye and Lin Mei were officially betrothed.
From that day on, General Lin Mei was Chen Ye's woman.
...
In the following days, Chen Ye attended classes during the day and secretly visited the personal world at night to meet with Lin Mei. Their relationship quickly deepened, and they nearly took their relationship to the next level, if not for adhering to traditional boundaries.
Days passed quickly.
Finally, the cooldown period for the next instance arrived.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone