The Story Behind Eastern Emeralds
You turn on the football match, and suddenly the television transports you to ancient China! When the TV screen becomes a portal to another world, it is only natural to peer inside and claim the Eastern treasures for yourself…
The Journey Home
One day, Jake was returning from work, envisioning how he would collapse onto the couch to unwind. He expected the television to bring a touch of festivity to his evening, perhaps with an intriguing film or, at the very least, a program.
Or at least the evening news—which should definitely be on! Unless the schedule had been altered for some damned ballet or a speech by a certain Democrat campaigning for the rights of Canadian ground squirrels…
A Great TV Bargain
Meanwhile, Jake stumbled upon a sale of assorted junk left behind by a deceased, mustached relative eager to sell it all at a good price. Among the clutter, a television set framed in gold caught his eye—it was some unknown model, and the brand was probably Asian, judging by the hieroglyphics on it. Jake hoped the TV was Japanese rather than from China, but either way would suffice, as long as it worked.
The vendor plugged it into an extension cord. A channel appeared on the screen, and the picture quality was quite decent. Satisfied, Jake purchased the fine “box” for a bargain and, needless to say, was delighted with his lucky find.
A Television with a Time Machine
Jake arrived home but did not collapse on the couch. Instead, he connected the TV and began tuning the channels. Imagine his astonishment when, after starting the search, the regular broadcasts vanished, and the screen transformed into a window revealing Asian medieval times! Jake reached out his hand but swiftly pulled it back upon seeing a passing samurai draw his sharp katana and advance toward him, intent on discovering who dared to intrude from another reality.
The new owner of the truly extraordinary television accidentally pressed the same channel again. In that instant, he found himself transported to the palace of Emperor Fung Xiao—the ruler of vast China. Thus, Jake made the acquaintance of a historic figure who greatly influenced the development of the Middle Kingdom, erecting thousands of barriers against Europeans who sought to exploit his subjects by any means necessary.
The Boastful Ruler
The emperor revealed to Jake magical treasures: spirit coins and a basket of prosperity that granted its master abundant wealth and fortune. These special coins attracted luck to Fung Xiao, ensuring the success of all his endeavors.
Jake attempted to seize the coins and take them back to his own world, but the emperor was swifter. Enraged, Fung Xiao ordered the execution of the thief, and the guards rushed to the window into another era to carry out their sovereign’s will. Faced with the choice of losing his head or switching channels, Jake naturally chose the latter and found himself in medieval Japan. It was difficult to say exactly what year it was…
A Visit to the Japanese Emperor
Pressing the same channel once more, Jake beheld the palace of Emperor Keramoto, seated upon his throne and dictating orders to his advisor, who hurriedly recorded every word. The ruler of the Land of the Rising Sun was caught off guard when he noticed the startled face of an uninvited visitor appearing in thin air.
Thus unfolded another meeting between our hapless contemporary and a truly great man. This emperor boasted of his treasures, much like Fung Xiao, and Jake managed to pilfer a golden turtle that bestowed longevity upon its possessor.
The Cunning Trickster
Of course, the thief had to switch off the television immediately. Medieval Japan vanished into the folds of time, but the golden turtle he had cunningly taken remained.
It seems Jake has grown wealthy! Perhaps you will succeed as well… simply press the button and try to seize the treasures of the Eastern sovereigns!
