West Night Lament

Chapter 12

"Open it?" Qin Wen laughed angrily. "How do you open it? How do you know what's inside? Do you really want us to be cannon fodder?"

“There’s always a way to open a door,” Jack said coldly. “If that doesn’t work, use explosives.”

"Are you crazy?" Qin Wen finally couldn't hold back and shouted, "Is this your first time tomb raiding? This is underground in the desert. One wrong move and the tomb passage will collapse. Then, forget about the treasures inside, we might not even be able to get out! I'll say it again, we have no interest in being buried with you!"

Jack fell silent for a moment, seemingly pondering her words, before finally saying, "Let's see if there's any way to open it."

Qin Wen glared at him fiercely and walked to the door. She carefully examined the patterns on the door and was slightly surprised: the bird pattern was actually a Vermilion Bird! Nine Vermilion Birds danced gracefully among five beautiful lotus flowers, their beauty beyond compare.

Nine Vermilion Birds? Five Lotus Flowers? The numbers nine and five are sacred and inviolable in the hearts of the Han Chinese. The fact that such numbers appear on the patterns in this main tomb chamber—could there be some deeper meaning behind them?

The phrase "the supreme ruler of the nine-five" is used to describe an emperor who reigns supreme in the south. This tomb only contains the remains of a princess who married out of the country. Why are these two numbers used? Did the Han court grant her permission to use these two numbers in recognition of her contributions? Or did the people of Xiye believe that the princess represented the Han Dynasty, and therefore worship her as an emperor of the Han Dynasty?

There must be a reason for this.

Twenty-six, The Beauty in the Curtain

Logically, most tombs are sealed shut, leaving no entrance, as they are the resting place of the dead and there's no need to open them. However, this tomb is different. It was completed by the entire Western Night Kingdom over several years, utilizing the resources of the entire nation. During a period when the Western Night Kingdom was assisting the Han Dynasty in fighting the Xiongnu, it couldn't afford to devote significant resources to tomb construction. Therefore, the tomb would have been temporarily sealed, and construction would resume after the Xiongnu were defeated. In that case, the entrance would certainly be able to be opened!

Wait a minute, she thought again: what if the tomb chamber door was sealed after the tomb was built? If that's the case, why wasn't the tomb passage door sealed? What could be the reason for this? Were they waiting for future generations to come and reopen the door?

Never mind! She shook her head, banishing all distracting thoughts. The most important thing now was to quickly solve the riddle on the door, lead all the archaeologists out of here, and also go back to save Xiao Li.

The thought of Xiao Li caused her chest a heavy, aching pain, as if a large stone were pressing on it. How was she now? Was she alive, or... dead?

No, they came in pairs, so they must both go back. She had to go and save her!

She gritted her teeth and examined the painting on the door again. In ancient China, numbers were divided into yang numbers and yin numbers, with odd numbers being yang and even numbers being yin. Among the yang numbers, nine was the highest and five was in the middle, thus "nine" and "five" symbolized the emperor's authority, and were called "the supreme ruler of nine and five".

Another theory suggests that the term "nine-five" originates from the *I Ching* (Book of Changes). The extant version of the *I Ching* is said to have been written by King Wen of Zhou, hence it is also called the *Zhou Yi* (Book of Changes). The first of the sixty-four hexagrams in the *Zhou Yi* is the Qian hexagram, which symbolizes heaven and thus became the hexagram representing the emperor. The Qian hexagram consists of six yang lines, representing extreme yang and prosperity. Counting from the bottom up, the fifth line is called "nine-five," where nine represents that this line is a yang line, and five signifies the fifth line. Nine-five is the best line in the Qian hexagram, and since Qian is the first of the sixty-four hexagrams, nine-five is also the first of the 384 lines in the sixty-four hexagrams, thus becoming the symbol of the emperor. Here, "nine" was not originally a specific number, but a symbol used to distinguish the yin and yang attributes of numbers. Later, people used "nine" and "five" as specific numbers.

If interpreted using the latter method, then "nine in five" here shouldn't refer to a number. Nine represents Yang, and five represents the fifth line of the hexagram—what does this mean? What message did the tomb's builders intend to convey to future generations?

She bit her lower lip, gazing intently at the painting as if she were being drawn into it.

At that moment, she suddenly noticed some small mountain patterns within the overall design. These patterns were hidden among the artistic lotus leaves and branches, not particularly eye-catching, but were meticulously crafted with fine gold threads, one by one, making them extremely delicate.

Her expression changed instantly, as if a thunderbolt had struck her head.

Mountain? Sun?

The south side of a mountain and the north side of a river are considered yang (positive). Could this picture be trying to show directions?

She became excited and pulled a compass from her backpack. Everyone stared at her in bewilderment, wondering what she was going to do.

Holding the compass, she carefully examined the walls of the tomb passage. Suddenly overjoyed, she exclaimed, "I know what it means! So that's what it is!"

"What are you talking about?" Jack stared at her, his eyes filled with doubt and suspicion. "Have you perhaps found a way to open the tomb?"

“That’s right!” A confident smile appeared on her lips as she walked to a brazier on the left. She looked up, then jumped up, grabbed the copper support holding the brazier, and, using her body weight, pulled it down hard.

Suddenly, a series of creaking sounds, as if a mechanism was being activated, filled the air, causing the entire tunnel to shake violently. Everyone's expression changed drastically. Amidst the piercing creaking, the bronze tomb door slowly and heavily opened, revealing a vast space. It was a sight to behold, as if a sudden enlightenment had opened up before their eyes.

"What... what's going on?" Professor Li looked at Qin Wen, puzzled. "You... how did you know that the brazier stand was the switch to open the tomb door? Could it be that you've heard the legends about this tomb before?"

“No, of course not.” Qin Wen immediately shook her head. “I just solved the mystery of the pattern on the door.”

“A riddle?” Jack turned to look at the patterns. He grew up in America and knew very little about Chinese culture; this was his first time even robbing a tomb. No matter how he looked at it, the image was just an image; there was no riddle in it.

"No need to look, you won't understand," Qin Wen said sarcastically. "There are nine Vermilion Birds and five lotus flowers in the picture, symbolizing the supreme status of the emperor. Nine and five are the best lines in the Book of Changes. Nine symbolizes Yang, and five symbolizes the fifth line. There is also a golden mountain in the picture. Since ancient times, the south side of a mountain and the north side of a river have been considered Yang. The mountain and the number nine refer to the south. The lotus flowers and the flames are very similar in shape and color. So, this picture means the fifth flame in the south! The only flame in this tomb passage is the brazier burning on the wall!"

Jack listened, but his mind was still a complete blank; he understood nothing. Professor Li and Bai Yun Ning, who had some knowledge of the *I Ching*, couldn't help but show surprise as they listened to this girl of about twenty years old quoting classical texts to explain the profound meaning contained in the diagram. So young, yet so intelligent!

"Xiao Qin," Professor Li said, taking his hand with slight excitement, "you truly are Professor Mai's granddaughter! You're sure to achieve great things in archaeology in the future!"

Qin Wen smiled gratefully, withdrew her hand, and said, "Professor Li, although I am proud of my grandfather, I am who I am."

Jack was startled, his expression changing drastically. A strange hallucination suddenly appeared before his eyes; he seemed to see another shadow. A figure, though not young, yet cold and alluring, gradually merged with Qin Wen.

“Jack.” The figure smiled, a smile that was mesmerizing. “Remember, although Uncle Tian has been kind to you, you are you. You don’t need to live in anyone’s shadow or sacrifice your life for anyone!”

He gasped, a wave of dizziness washing over him. "I was just... was I really just me?" From childhood to adulthood, he had always done things he didn't want to do. Was he still himself? No, he wasn't anymore. Now he was nothing but a puppet, a tool for killing!

"Of course, of course." Professor Li nodded hurriedly. "Xiao Qin's future achievements will definitely be no less than Professor Mai's. At that time, it won't just be Xiao Qin who will be proud of the professor, but the professor who will be proud of Xiao Qin."

"Have you all finished flattering each other?" Jack couldn't contain his sudden surge of anger and said sharply, "Go inside!"

Qin Wen's expression changed, and she said coldly, "We've already opened the door to the main burial chamber for you. Do you still want us to go inside?"

“Since you know, stop wasting your breath. I have no interest in arguing with you.” Jack’s eyes flashed with a chilling light. “Get in!”

Qin Wen gritted her teeth, said nothing, and turned to walk through the door. As soon as she entered, she was taken aback, staring dumbfounded at the scene before her.

Before her lay not a tomb that had slumbered for millennia, but a bedroom in the distinctive style of the Han Dynasty. All sorts of furniture were present; the cherry wood bed (in ancient times, seating was called a "bed") was spacious and grand, covered with an exquisitely crafted mat. On the mat was a low table with a tea set. Beneath the bed stood a bronze candlestick, about 1.5 meters tall, shaped like a tree, adorned with various birds and beasts, quite unique. The walls were painted pristine white, adorned with ancient swords and zithers. Against the south wall stood a massive bookshelf, neatly stacked with countless bamboo slips. To the west of the room was a three-meter-long couch (in ancient times, a "couch"), covered with silk and down quilts. A purple gauze curtain hung from the ceiling, completely enveloping the couch, making everything inside appear hazy and indistinct.

Qin Wen took a few steps closer to the couch and immediately gasped. She took a step back and said, "Princess, it's Princess Zhaoling!"

"Where is she?" The members of the archaeological team became excited and rushed over. On the bed covered with purple gauze, they saw a woman lying on her back. She wore a light green blouse with cloud patterns, and her hair was neatly styled in a bun, adorned with jade hairpins.

Everyone gasped softly. The woman's features remained unchanged, as if she had just lain down and fallen asleep peacefully, and would wake up soon.

Qin Wen walked over and gently lifted the purple veil, revealing the woman's face.

She was a very beautiful woman, with eyebrows like distant mountains, lips like red apricots, and skin as white as snow. Her eyes were slightly closed, her hands clasped in front of her chest, and her expression was serene and peaceful.

Is this Princess Zhaoling? Qin Wen gazed at her intently. Such a beautiful woman, no one would believe she wasn't a princess, would they?

"A miracle! A true miracle!" Professor Li exclaimed. "In such an environment, the body has been preserved so well. It hasn't decomposed or dehydrated into a mummified corpse. It's truly a miracle of nature! Just how many more surprises will this ancient tomb have in store for us?"

Although there was joy, there was still more shock than joy. This was the thought in everyone's mind upon hearing this. They all secretly glanced at Jack; his face remained grim, showing no excitement at finding Zhaoling's body.

“There must be a reason.” Qin Wen frowned slightly and said, “Ancient corpses that haven’t decomposed where they should have must have a reason. The ancients believed that jade, pearls, or gemstones possessed some kind of magical power that could preserve corpses, keeping them from decaying for thousands of years. Could there be some precious gemstone on this corpse?”

As she spoke, she put on rubber gloves and gently stroked the corpse's body with extremely light and soft movements. Even so, Professor Li anxiously cried out, "Xiao Qin, be gentle, be gentle! Don't damage the body!"

She thoroughly searched the corpse, finding numerous priceless jade and agate stones. However, these items seemed to have no preservative properties. Or perhaps she simply didn't recognize their value?

"Look at the corpse's mouth and anus!" the fourth brother shouted, causing everyone to frown. He was completely unaware that "the gems used to preserve corpses are usually kept in there."

Qin Wen was slightly taken aback, then blushed. Even if she were beaten to death, she would never pry open a dead person's anus to find anything! Thinking this, she gently pinched the corpse's chin and pulled slightly. Instantly, a beam of light burst forth from the corpse's mouth, emitting countless rays of light. Qin Wen was startled and quickly retreated, but because she retreated too hastily, she lost her footing and fell backward.

With a whoosh of wind, Shanhu pounced, intending to catch her from behind, but she suddenly did a backflip and landed steadily on the ground. Shanhu was stunned for a moment, his face turning as red as a tomato, and he cursed, "Damn it, I thought you were trying to ambush me."

A beam of light shot out from the corpse's mouth like a searchlight, illuminating the entire palace as if it were daytime. Compared to this light, the braziers on the wall seemed like mere fireflies. The crowd, horrified, failed to notice his predicament.

Everyone retreated hastily, fearing that the glowing light might have been accompanied by a terrifying trap capable of harming or killing. Just as they had retreated to a corner and hidden behind bookshelves, the light abruptly went out, like a flame suddenly extinguished by water.

Everyone's vision blurred for a moment, and after a while, their expressions suddenly changed drastically.

It's gone! The body is gone!

27. Palace Maid Feng Yuan

"This, how is this possible!" Qin Wen's face turned ashen as she lifted the purple veil. The words that were already on the tip of her tongue were immediately swallowed back. She saw a human-shaped piece of dust on the bed where Princess Zhaoling had been lying. It looked like ashes, but it wasn't; it looked more like the granulated residue of a dried corpse.

Could the body have decomposed in that instant? How could that be? Books, papers, and clothing can easily turn to dust when exposed to air again after being buried for too long, but this is a corpse!

To date, there has never been a case where a corpse in a grave remains perfectly intact in its coffin, like a living person, only to decompose and disappear in an instant! This isn't an adventure drama!

Suddenly, her eyes lit up. In the pile of dust, there was a black pearl, embedded in the powder. She dug away the sand beside it, picked it up, and examined it closely.

She knew nothing about jewelry appraisal, but she had heard that the older a pearl is, the more ancient and dull it is, yet it possesses a spiritual energy. It absorbs human yang energy and has great power. If it also has some historical significance—for example, that it was once worn by a fairy—it becomes incredibly precious and its value immeasurable!

But Qin Wen was clearly uninterested in this; she put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Professor Li. Her gaze was then drawn to the bamboo slips next to the dusty object.

Bamboo slips? How come there are bamboo slips here? Shouldn't bamboo slips be placed on a bookshelf? Why are they placed next to a corpse? Is it to highlight the deceased's diligence and love of learning? Or perhaps their deep love of books?

Or perhaps, there's something more to it?

She finally started to get excited and picked up the bamboo slip. The string connecting the bamboo slip had broken, and as soon as she picked it up, something fell out and landed in the dust.

Qin Wen picked up the object with a puzzled look; it was a jade pendant. It was very ordinary jade, the kind you could buy anywhere even now. There were words on it, seemingly a maid's name tag.

The jade plaque is inscribed with neat and elegant clerical script. Chinese characters have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Apart from the Greater and Lesser Seal scripts, the other scripts are similar to those used today, making them easy to read even for those with little formal education, as long as they can recognize characters.

Whenever Qin Wen sees these beautiful characters, she feels a deep sense of gratitude to the First Emperor, who standardized the written language.

As she recognized the words on the jade pendant, her expression underwent a dramatic change. It turned red, then green, then blue, then black—it was like a giant dye vat.

There are only four characters on the jade plaque.

Palace maid Feng Yuan.

Feng Yuan?

Why was the jade pendant of one of the palace maids buried with Princess Zhaoling? Was it a substitute for a person to be buried alive with her? That doesn't seem to make sense, as there was no need for such a sacrifice at the time. Could it be...?

A bead of cold sweat, the size of beans, broke out on her forehead and trickled down her cheeks.

Could this woman who succumbed to corruption in an instant not be the famous Princess Zhaoling, but rather the legendary woman who assisted the young emperor and fought alongside the Han Dynasty against the Xiongnu, the palace maid who was specially granted the title of Lady of the Western Night by the Han emperor—Feng Yuan!

Yin Li stood before that enormous space, her mouth agape, her face filled with disbelief. She had never believed in fate before, but now she did. Indeed, there was a powerful hand in this world, manipulating all life within it.

The originally tall and sturdy walls had been moved into the side walls like sliding doors, revealing a burial chamber similar to the sacrificial pits on this side. Various pottery and lacquerware were neatly arranged on the floor, some broken and cracked, lying there in a state of imperfect beauty.

Among these vessels were countless jewels, all sorts of gemstones, dazzling the eye. Yin Li had to admit she was a vulgar person; seeing this room full of treasures, she couldn't even walk straight. She could only stand there dumbfounded, staring blankly at the gold and silver jewels scattered on the floor.

Situ Xiang chuckled, walked into the tomb chamber, and casually picked up a pearl necklace. Each pearl was about the size of a thumb. They were round and lustrous, and although their shine had dimmed due to their age, they were still breathtaking.

This thing must be very heavy to wear around my neck. Will I get bone spurs if I wear it every day?

Thinking about this, even Yin Li herself was speechless. To think of such things at a time like this—she truly was remarkable.

"These are truly fine things." Situ Xiang smiled, but instead of the expected elation, he remained remarkably calm. He carefully placed the pearl necklace back in its place and then picked up another hairpin. It was made of gold, inlaid with beautiful agate, and exquisitely crafted—no ordinary item.

“This princess was truly extravagant,” Situ Xiang said. “At that time, countless subjects were starving, yet she had so many burial goods. Even in death, she was richer than others in life; it’s undeniably ironic.”

"But she died, only in her early twenties." Yin Li had barely recovered from the shock of the treasure. Hearing him mock Princess Zhaoling, she felt a surge of anger and said, "She was forced to marry into an extremely remote place, and her husband was someone she had never even met. Moreover, she died young. Compared to those who live but are not wealthy, who is luckier?"

Situ Xiang was taken aback, speechless for a moment. Just as he was thinking of how to answer, Yin Li continued, "Although ancient princesses appeared glamorous on the surface, they actually had many constraints. They couldn't control their own marriages; they were merely tools for political alliances. Perhaps for them, the greatest happiness was simply being an ordinary woman." She suddenly froze, her face turning deathly pale. She stared blankly ahead, her pupils dilating instantly.

Situ Xiang was startled and turned around abruptly to follow her gaze. His expression changed slightly.

Directly north of the tomb chamber stood a coffin about 1.5 meters tall. Made entirely of jade, its vibrant green color almost translucent, it revealed the silhouette of a woman inside, half-hidden, sparking the imagination.

But atop that enormous jade coffin lay a skeleton. It wore a faded white robe, its entire body pressed against the coffin, embracing it tightly as if holding a beloved person.

Yin Li was completely stunned. That white robe—that white robe was so familiar. She clearly remembered that just a short while ago, in her hallucination, that white robe had appeared so dazzlingly. Encased within it was a handsome young man, so imposing that one dared not look him in the eye. He had come alone to the princess's tomb, deeply in love, promising to see her one last time before bravely facing death!

It's him! It really is him! So it wasn't an illusion after all!

Yin Li walked towards the skeleton, circling around to its side. Seeing its face, she realized it had become a skeleton. Its skin had been completely corroded over two thousand years, leaving only disgusting, yellowed bones.

Yin Li could hardly imagine that the skeleton in front of her was once the dashing man, the man deeply loved by Princess Zhaoling.

She suddenly felt very sad, just as the saying goes: whether a hero or a beauty, after death, all that remains is a handful of yellow earth.

Yin Li's gaze shifted to his feet, where a finely crafted iron sword lay. Even after so long, it still gleamed with a cold light.