After surveying, the skeleton inside the golden coffin was found to be only a little over 1.6 meters tall, which did not match the legendary height of Genghis Khan, who was over 1.8 meters tall. Furthermore, the skeletal features were all female. Upon observing this, everyone realized that this was a burial chamber for the deceased.
"That doesn't make sense. Why would a gold coffin of this size be used on a woman?"
Professor Meng's words left all the archaeological experts and staff who saw the scene puzzled. Since the advent of currency, gold has always been the most valuable commodity. In ancient times, women's status was not that important, so there seemed to be no reason to use such a large coffin for them.
Of course, the identities of the two women in the coffins were also extraordinary; they were probably not Genghis Khan's first wife, but rather his most beloved concubine.
But no one could imagine what it would be like if the concubines were already using such golden coffins, and the real person was found.
Thinking of this, the staff, who were initially disappointed after the museum opened, became excited and couldn't wait to open the next tomb. Of course, the work still had to be done. Under Professor Meng's arrangement, the staff began to skillfully label the items in the tomb with numbers.
Although Zhuang Rui didn't understand why Genghis Khan hadn't used a golden coffin, he knew that Genghis Khan's coffin was in the next tomb chamber that was about to be opened, and that the Imperial Seal of the State, after being lost for a thousand years, would soon appear before the world. ...
"Xiao Guo, it seems we'll have to step back during the press conference..."
Ouyang Zhenwu, at the ground command post, also experienced a process of opening the coffin that went from joy to disappointment. No body of Genghis Khan was found. If anything went wrong, it would be a huge joke.
"Could this tomb belong to Ögedei Khan? And was the golden coffin used to bury his mother, Genghis Khan's wife?"
A strange idea suddenly popped into Director Guo's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. From ancient times to the present, only husband and wife were buried together; he had never heard of a man being buried with his mother. This did not conform to the burial customs of ancient people.
While those above were discussing the matter, the staff inside the mausoleum were busy with their work, ensuring that all the rare treasures in the room needed proper care.
Professor Meng personally removed the burial objects from the coffin one by one, while instructing the staff: "Everyone, be careful when sorting through them, and see if you can find any written records..."
Zhuang Rui shook his head slightly. He had already inspected this tomb chamber before. Although there were some paper and silk items, they were not written in Mongolian script. They were all paintings or textiles.
"Hey? Teacher, there's a parchment scroll here..."
Suddenly, Ren Chunqiang, who was cleaning up the burial items, let out a joyful cry, which drew everyone's attention.
"A parchment scroll? Where was it found?"
Zhuang Rui was also taken aback when he heard this. He had not noticed any parchment scrolls in this tomb before.
"Inside this golden box, once opened, we found..."
Dr. Ren carefully placed a rolled-up piece of sheepskin on a table in the corner of the tomb.
"No wonder, so that's where it was placed..."
Zhuang Rui looked at the palm-sized gold box and felt a pang of frustration. There were thousands of burial objects in the tomb, but he had only been focused on the more conspicuous paper and silk items and hadn't noticed this small box.
"Xiao Wang, point the camera here..."
A group of people gathered around, and Professor Meng called out to the photographers before gently unfolding the parchment scroll on the table with both hands.
"Written records!" Upon seeing the crooked strokes on the parchment scroll, a joyful shout rang out from inside the tomb. Written records are the most important evidence for research in tombs, and many tombs contain written records praising the deceased.
In ancient times, tombs in the Central Plains region used tombstones with epitaphs inscribed on them. However, the tombs of Mongolian kings have never been discovered. Perhaps this parchment scroll records the origin and history of the royal tombs.
However, when these characters appeared before everyone, the group in the tomb were dumbfounded, because none of them recognized these ancient Mongolian characters. Even Zhuang Rui could only point out the three characters Temujin.
Professor Meng knew that very few people in China were fluent in ancient Mongolian, so he didn't waste any words and directly told reporter Wang, "Quickly, take pictures of everything. Old Zhao, this job is going to be yours. Tonight, at the latest, I need to know what's written on these."
"No problem, just wait and see. I'm even more eager to know than you are..."
Those below don't understand, but there are those on the ground who do. This time, the archaeological team includes an expert in ancient Mongolian script. The old scholar immediately put his glasses on the display screen when the parchment scroll appeared.
After receiving the data transmitted via video, Professor Zhao focused on the text on the screen, put on his reading glasses, and began to study it, occasionally flipping through the book at hand to compare it with some of the text.
"Teacher, please go back to the command post. We can handle things here. We'll need you to preside over the opening of the main tomb chamber..."
Zhuang Rui was a little worried about Professor Meng's health. This tomb couldn't be cleaned up in a short time, and the old man couldn't stay in this environment forever.
"Okay, when you're cleaning and maintaining it, be careful not to damage anything inside..."
Professor Meng nodded. He knew that his body was not suitable for working in this environment for a long time. Just as Zhuang Rui said, if he stayed any longer, he would be out of a job when the main tomb chamber was opened.
Professor Meng was also eager to know the contents of the text on the parchment scroll. After giving Zhuang Rui and the others a few instructions, he took the parchment scroll, which had been preserved and properly stored, and returned to the ground accompanied by Director Yun.
After working in the tomb for six or seven hours, news came from the surface that Professor Zhao's translation work was complete.
The owner of this tomb, shrouded in mystery since its excavation, is none other than the creator of the Mongol emperors, the one known as "the greatest emperor of mankind"!
The text on the Genghis Khan parchment scroll is not extensive, but it explains the construction process of the tomb, the time of Genghis Khan's burial, and the truth behind the golden coffin incident that had puzzled everyone.
It turns out that the construction of Genghis Khan's mausoleum began after he unified the Mongol tribes and was not completed until seven years after his death from injury and illness, which was the year Ögedei Khan destroyed the Western Xia. The entire construction took a total of thirty years.
Just as Zhuang Rui guessed, although there were many rumors outside, they were all rumors deliberately spread by the Mongol royal family. Genghis Khan's body was actually kept in the underground secret chamber of the Alzhai Grottoes until the mausoleum was completed and he was buried there.
The two gold coffins found in the tomb clearly state on the parchment scrolls that the larger one was originally intended for Genghis Khan.
However, due to various reasons such as the preservation of the body and the immortality of the soul, it was stopped by the great shaman of the Mongol Khanate at the time and was ultimately not used. Instead, it was given to Genghis Khan's first wife, Empress Börtai Xuzhen.
As for the woman in the second golden coffin, she was the most beautiful princess of Western Xia at the time. However, she died before Genghis Khan could have any relationship with her beyond friendship. It can be said that she was a funerary sacrifice for Temujin.
Whether this Western Xia princess was buried after death or was buried alive remains to be determined by experts after her remains are transported to the surface.
The parchment scroll also contains other writings, which are praises of Genghis Khan's great achievements by his son, Ögedei. However, between the lines, one can also discern some true historical facts about the Mongol Khanate at that time. ...
Three hours after the true identity of the owner of this imperial tomb was revealed, Zhuang Rui, who was engrossed in his work inside the mausoleum, was called back to the surface by Professor Meng.
"Teacher, what's up? Why did you call me up? Hey, teachers, are you all having grandchildren now? Why are you all so happy?"
As soon as Zhuang Rui entered the command post, he started joking with everyone with a smile.
Inside the command post, everyone wore smiles. More than a month of arduous and remarkable work had finally paid off, bringing them immense joy. Moreover, it was easy to imagine that once the news of the discovery of Genghis Khan's mausoleum spread, they would all be enveloped in a halo of honor.
"This is even more exciting than having a grandson! Xiao Zhuang, I called you up here to discuss whether the press conference can proceed. My suggestion is that you become the spokesperson for the archaeological team..."
Professor Meng made no attempt to hide his support for Zhuang Rui, knowing that representing the archaeological team at a press conference would be a tremendous honor.
Moreover, this tomb was originally excavated by Zhuang Rui. If this news is released at the same time, Zhuang Rui will probably gain a place in the world's scientific research community.
Chapter 1188 Magnificent Aura
"Spokesperson?"
Zhuang Rui was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then quickly waved his hand and said, "No, teacher, I don't want to stand out like that. I'm timid and get scared when there are many people around..."
Apart from the establishment of the Dingguang Museum, where Zhuang Rui made a public appearance, he never personally participated in other activities. Huangfu Yun and Yun Man were the ones who managed the operation of the museum and Zhuang Rui's various businesses.
It wasn't that Zhuang Rui was hiding his talents; what young person wouldn't want to be in the limelight? It's just that Zhuang Rui knew very well that the matter of spiritual energy in his eyes absolutely could not be revealed, so over the years, Zhuang Rui had developed the habit of not daring to show off.
"You brat, these past two years you've discovered the pirate island, salvaged the Song Dynasty shipwreck, and found the Peking Man skull fossil—when have you ever been out of the limelight? Now you're acting all high and mighty. No way, you have to participate this time..."
As Professor Meng spoke, he was also somewhat bewildered. He was quite surprised when he did the math; Zhuang Rui had accomplished so much in just two or three years.
If it were someone else, they probably only needed to accomplish one of these things to establish their position in the industry, right? Professor Meng was also a little puzzled at this moment. Why did Zhuang Rui's reputation in the scientific research community not seem to be very prominent?
Hearing his teacher bring up old grievances, Zhuang Rui couldn't help but smile wryly. After coughing twice, he said, "Teacher, it's not that I'm being dramatic, I'm really not the kind of person who seeks the limelight. The things that have happened in the past few years have all been publicized in the name of Dingguang Museum, and have little to do with me personally..."
As Zhuang Rui said, Huangfu Yun knew how to take advantage of the discoveries made during these scientific expeditions to push the Dingguang Museum to the highest level that a private museum could achieve, and it has now become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Beijing.
The Yuan blue and white porcelain that cannot be seen in the Palace Museum can be found in the Dingguang Museum, as well as a well-preserved ancient Song Dynasty ship that has been sleeping at the bottom of the sea for thousands of years, and pirate treasures that resemble those of medieval Europe and America. All of these attract tourists from all over the world.
Originally, Dingguang Museum was trying to curry favor with travel agencies by giving them kickbacks, but now the situation has reversed, and Dingguang Museum has become a highly sought-after target for many travel agencies.
Due to the limited number of people he can receive each day, Huangfu Yun has turned down a lot of business from travel agencies, only doing business with a few of the most famous travel agencies in Beijing. This has caused many travel agency managers to spend their days trying to build a relationship with Deputy Director Huangfu.
Nowadays in China, whether in the archaeological or antique circles, there may be people who don't know Zhuang Rui's name, but those who don't know about the Dingguang Museum are probably outsiders.
However, Zhuang Rui's reputation is not as prominent as it has been in these recent incidents. Apart from some insiders who know the inside story, most people have only seen Zhuang Rui's name in related reports and have no idea about the decisive role he played in them.
Professor Meng was also somewhat puzzled as to why his young disciple was being so low-key. He glanced at Zhuang Rui and said, "It's good that young people know how to hide their talents, but sometimes they should appropriately show themselves. Don't be as lifeless as us old men, that wouldn't be good..."
“Teacher, Minister Ouyang, I think... a press conference is definitely necessary, but the spokesperson represents the country, so it's not appropriate for me to go up there…”
Zhuang Rui was still trying to push away this opportunity that others dreamed of. It wasn't that he didn't want to be in the limelight, but he was really feeling guilty. If someone with a keen eye connected all the things Zhuang Rui had done, they would definitely discover something.
Of course, even if there are suspicions, without evidence, there's nothing that can be done to Zhuang Rui, but being targeted by someone is never a good thing.
"It's not like I'm asking you to be the main spokesperson, just to represent the archaeological team and answer some questions. Alright, I've discussed this with Minister Ouyang, so don't refuse. Get ready, we're heading back to Beijing tonight..."
Professor Meng waved his hand, interrupting Zhuang Rui. He was determined to help Zhuang Rui establish his position in the archaeological field before he retired, at least to a level no less prestigious than Zhuang Rui's reputation in the jade industry.
"Ahem, teacher, I can participate, but I have a suggestion to make..."
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Rui's face immediately fell. Professor Meng was pushing him to take the position so hard; if he didn't agree, he would truly be ungrateful.
"What's your opinion?"
Ouyang Zhenwu looked at Zhuang Rui, and he was actually quite satisfied with Zhuang Rui's attitude.
It's worth noting that with the Ouyang family's power and influence in the country, it wouldn't be difficult for Zhuang Rui to do anything he wanted. What's remarkable is that Zhuang Rui never asked his family for any help.
Even the time when military forces were mobilized to transport gold to Myanmar, it brought enormous benefits to the country. It is no exaggeration to say that Zhuang Rui's success today is entirely due to his own abilities.
On the contrary, Ouyang Zhenwu is very likely to have benefited from Zhuang Rui's influence this time. Although this matter was just a trigger that gave the family an opportunity to exert its influence, not everyone can pull off such a trigger.
“Uncle… Minister Ouyang, Professor Meng, I think the press conference should be held after the main tomb chamber is opened. Firstly, we can obtain more detailed information, and secondly, finding Genghis Khan's remains would make it a successful excavation… Otherwise, if something unexpected happens, or if Genghis Khan's body is not found, wouldn't it be a joke if word got out?”
Zhuang Rui actually had a third... but he didn't say it. You can imagine how big a sensation it would be in the hearts of the Chinese people if he announced the discovery of the lost Imperial Seal of the State during a press conference.
Of course, Zhuang Rui had his own ulterior motives regarding this, because according to the bet between him and Director Guo, Zhuang Rui had to include the Imperial Seal of the State in the wager. This could be considered as a way to promote the Imperial Seal of the State before its subsequent display at the Dingguang Museum.
After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Ouyang Zhenwu pondered for a moment, then looked at Professor Meng and said, "What Zhuang Rui said makes sense. Professor Meng, I think... how about we postpone the press conference for a few days until Genghis Khan's coffin is opened?"
A national-level press conference is not as simple as a company gathering a few reporters to launch a new product. It involves facing reporters and media from all over the world, and there is no room for error.
"Okay, postponing it for a few days is fine..."
Professor Meng nodded in agreement. The timing of the press conference was not important; what mattered was how to promote Zhuang Rui and bring him into the spotlight of the global scientific community. That was what Professor Meng was concerned about.
The cleaning of the golden coffin tomb took five days. More than 30,000 artifacts were unearthed from the tomb, covering more than ten categories including gold and silver wares, calligraphy and paintings, porcelain, and bronzes.
These artifacts are not only products of China at that time, but also include many court items with European influences, such as the Persian carpet laid under the golden coffin, which remains bright and radiant even after a thousand years in the tomb, demonstrating extremely exquisite carpet-making craftsmanship.
After a preliminary assessment, more than 3,000 of these items were identified as national first-class cultural relics.
This is an extremely impressive number. It should be noted that the criteria for classifying cultural relics as first-class are relatively stringent. Even in the vast collection of the Palace Museum, the number of first-class cultural relics is only tens of thousands.
Those foreign artworks are also highly sought-after and command high prices in the current international art market.
To everyone's delight, more than ten sets of Mongolian empress costumes woven with gold and silver threads were found in a box in the tomb. These costumes were gorgeous in color, exquisite in workmanship, and without any damage, and have extremely profound research and artistic value.
The daily excavation of this tomb brings many surprises, reflecting the power and wealth of the Mongol Empire at the time. The sheer abundance of riches gathered in one chamber is something perhaps only Genghis Khan, the conqueror of the world, could achieve throughout history.
After cleaning the tomb chamber containing the golden coffin, and after a day of rest, the work team, led by Professor Meng, regrouped in the mausoleum to prepare for the excavation of the next tomb chamber.
To secure the opportunity for on-site excavation, the group of old men argued for a long time. Finally, with Ouyang Zhenwu's mediation, they decided to have Professor Meng lead the team and Zhuang Rui serve as the deputy leader, thus forming the excavation group.
The tomb door opened smoothly, but the group was still shocked when the main burial chamber was revealed.