“Mr. Zhuang, I can bring your friend over, but you… really can’t leave here for the time being…”
Virgil shrugged apologetically at Zhuang Rui, then hurriedly left with four fully armed American soldiers. He had many things to do; there were just too many people to appease today, and each of them was no ordinary individual.
Moreover, the fact that they were able to resolve this matter properly this time was actually a compromise made by the United States to the terrorists. If this were to get out, it would cause a huge blow to the reputation of the US government. Therefore, there is still a lot of work to be done, and Virgil doesn't have time to stay here and chat with Zhuang Rui.
However, Virgil kept his promise. Three hours later, a haggard-looking Huangfu Yun was brought to Zhuang Rui's presidential suite. The man was clearly quite shaken and exhausted; after saying only a few words, he found a room and fell fast asleep. ...
"Mr. Zhuang, have a safe journey..."
Three days after the incident ended, Zhuang Rui, accompanied by the counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, arrived at Los Angeles Airport. After waving goodbye to the embassy staff who had made great contributions to the incident, Zhuang Rui boarded the plane.
"Damn it, this is the true face of the US government, which prides itself on freedom and vows never to compromise with terrorists..."
After the plane took off and soared into the sky, Zhuang Rui finally blurted out the words he had been holding back for several days. He had been under surveillance by the United States for the past few days, which had really made him feel suffocated.
"Alright, if it weren't for the US government's compromise, you wouldn't be seeing your brother anymore..."
Although he had rested for three whole days, Huangfu Yun still looked a bit listless. Although he had handled many tricky cases, being kidnapped by bandits armed with real guns and nuclear weapons was still a huge psychological shock.
Huangfu Yun sighed and said, "Alas, what a pity for that Xuande incense burner..."
The story goes back to the night four days earlier. After their operation was exposed, the robbers sped up the money transfer, and David negotiated with the U.S. police. After throwing a South American rubber plantation owner from the 18th floor, all rescue operations by the U.S. police were forced to stop.
The US government had no choice but to back down. Not to mention that there was a current US governor among the hostages, the death of any American in the incident would cause a huge uproar. If all the hostages were to die in this incident, the US and even the world economy would collapse. Such consequences are something no government can afford.
The negotiations were initially tense, but after footage of David holding a gun to Governor Arnold's head was released, the police allowed them to take the hostages to the rooftop. The kidnappers also released their first batch of hostages, all of whom were hotel waiters and people not on their list. Huangfu Yun was among them.
Just before boarding the police helicopter, David left behind the Xuande incense burner that Huangfuyun was holding. Although the guy wasn't interested in the jewelry and antiques in the store, he didn't mind leaving behind such a beautifully crafted trophy.
As for what happened next, Huangfu Yun didn't know. However, anyone involved could easily guess that the US government eventually compromised; otherwise, things wouldn't be so calm now.
After Zhuang Rui and his group returned to China, they were questioned by relevant departments. Zhuang Rui and his group could sense that the personnel who questioned them had a gloating attitude about the incident in their faces and in their tone of voice.
I wonder what methods the US government used and what kind of compromises it made with other governments? This incident was not widely reported, and as time went by, it has gradually faded from people's memories, except for those who experienced it firsthand.
Zhuang Rui returned to a peaceful life, spending time with his family and attending school. However, two months later, he received a gift from the United States, which surprised and delighted him.
Those were the six volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia that Zhuang Rui had purchased, along with the precious ruby. Accompanying these two items was a letter from Bonadette, in which he expressed regret for what had happened two months prior. To convey his apology, Bonadette decided to give Zhuang Rui the two items he had purchased free of charge.
However, the genuine Xuande incense burner that was stolen by the robbers was not among the gifts, which made Zhuang Rui very disappointed, because so far, it was the only Xuande incense burner he had ever seen made in the third year of the Xuande reign.
Chapter 1065 Doctoral Dissertation
The early spring wind is still a bit chilly, but compared to the biting cold wind of February, the weather is much better. The flowers, plants and trees in the courtyard are also beginning to sprout new leaves, and a touch of green signifies the arrival of spring.
"Buzz...buzz..."
A line of twenty-four carrier pigeons flew overhead, their whistles buzzing, which drew Fangfang and Yuanyuan, who were playing in the yard, to look up at the sky and clap their little hands as they chased after them.
In spring, more people start keeping pigeons. In Zhuang Rui's courtyard house, the unique sound of pigeon whistles can be heard twice a day, morning and evening. It is a rare sight in today's steel-surrounded city.
After the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Beijing's housing prices doubled again. Meanwhile, the traditional courtyard houses, with their fresh willows and green waters, orderly gray bricks and glazed tiles, and leisurely atmosphere reminiscent of birdcages and chess games, have become increasingly rare, and their prices have skyrocketed.
Especially the courtyard where Zhuang Rui lives, which is not a place for hutong tours, but has been designated as a heritage protection area and is not open to tourists. Moreover, a few alleys away from Zhuang Rui, there is an old general who does not want to live in Yuquan Mountain, and the area is heavily guarded, which also affects the other people in the hutong.
The courtyard house that Zhuang Rui bought for tens of millions of yuan back then is now worth around 700 to 800 million yuan. Even so, it is still difficult to find buyers. Nowadays, the people in Beijing who can afford to live in a courtyard house are either very rich or very powerful, except for those who are deeply rooted old households.
"Gah...gagga..."
A head covered in golden fur poked out of the huge bird's nest in the old locust tree. Its eyes, sharp as swords, swept across the sky, and it let out a few disgruntled "caw caws!"
The sound of the call caused the pigeons flying overhead to panic, unable to maintain their previous formation, and they scattered and fled into the sky.
Little Jin peeked out disdainfully, made a few humming noises that were hard to decipher, and then pulled its head back in. If Little Jin were a child, it might have been interested in flying up and chasing after them, but now Little Jin didn't care about these pigeons at all.
Now fully grown, Little Golden Eagle stands over a meter tall on the ground with a wingspan of nearly three meters. If it were to take flight in the yard, it would be no exaggeration to say that it would blot out the sky. Especially when standing under the golden eagle, the wind generated by its flapping wings makes Zhuang Rui lose his balance.
Because the manor in the suburbs of Beijing was too empty and the wind was very strong in winter, Zhuang Rui moved back to the courtyard house. Perhaps because of him, the golden eagle and the white lion also returned. Only King Kong was really not used to it and stayed in the manor. Zhuang Rui would go to comfort the big guy every week.
"Daddy, Daddy, Little Jin is naughty! He scared all the pigeons away..."
Seeing that the pigeons flying in the sky no longer wanted to fly over their house, the nearly three-year-old son complained to the little golden-haired boy under the tree. However, the boy didn't pay much attention to anyone except Zhuang Rui, so the little guy ran to Zhuang Rui to complain.
"Hehe, how about I ask your Uncle Peng to raise some more pigeons later?"
Zhuang Rui picked up his chubby son and gave him a big kiss. Before Xiao Jin came, the courtyard house did raise pigeons, but after Xiao Jin came, the pigeons that were released refused to return to their nests. He wondered which pigeon breeder got the benefits.
More than half a year has passed since Zhuang Rui's trip to the United States. Apart from a trip to Pengcheng, Zhuang Rui has not left Beijing since. The incident that happened more than half a year ago has gradually faded from Zhuang Rui's mind.
However, at the end of the year, Mr. He, who was far away in Macau, donated a batch of precious cultural relics to Zhuang Rui's museum. The donation was brought by his fourth wife. At the same time, he also had Zhuang Rui sign a share transfer agreement, transferring 10% of the shares of a newly established entertainment company under his control to Zhuang Rui.
Zhuang Rui didn't refuse. He knew this was Mr. He and Fourth Wife's way of expressing their apologies to him. After all, although introducing Zhuang Rui to that charity auction was out of good intentions, it had put Zhuang Rui in a dangerous situation, and Mr. He had to do something about it.
During the past six months, Zhuang Rui also deliberately inquired about the outcome of that matter from Ouyang Lei. According to Ouyang Lei, a few months ago, relevant U.S. departments had conducted a joint anti-terrorism exercise with Russian anti-terrorism forces in the Siberian region.
According to intelligence from relevant departments, the anti-terrorism exercise killed dozens of terrorists hiding in Siberia, but it seems that Mr. David was not captured. Therefore, the Xuande incense burner that Zhuang Rui had been concerned about remained unaccounted for. ...
"Brother Zhuang, Professor Meng is here..."
For the past six months, Zhuang Rui hadn't gone out, but he had become much closer to his children. Just as Zhuang Rui was playing with his son, Hao Long's voice came from the gatehouse. Zhuang Rui quickly picked up his son and went out to greet him.
Zhuang Rui had arranged to meet Professor Meng at his home today, mainly because he had some ideas he wanted to get his teacher's opinion on.
Upon reaching the door, Zhuang Rui greeted Professor Meng and then noticed that his professor's clever granddaughter was also by his side. He quickly smiled and said, "Hey, Qiuqian is here too. How's work? Is everything going well?"
The little girl has graduated from school and is now a doctor at a hospital in Beijing. However, Zhuang Rui hasn't seen her for almost two years. The little girl has grown into a beautiful young woman, but the mischievous look in her eyes is still the same as before.
"Hello, Brother Zhuang, is this your son? Quickly greet Auntie..."
After greeting Zhuang Rui, Meng Qiuqian's attention was drawn to the chubby little guy in Zhuang Rui's arms. Meng Qiuqian, who was always the youngest in the family, became excited and reached out to take the little guy.
"Hey, little girl, shouldn't you call him Uncle Zhuang?"
Zhuang Rui reluctantly handed his son to Meng Qiuqian's arms. This girl is a big kid herself, how could she take care of a baby?
"No way! Grandpa said, everyone should keep to their own place. Little one, hurry up and call her Auntie..."
Meng Qiuqian rolled her eyes at Zhuang Rui, and then began to rub Fangfang's face with one small hand.
"Alright, swing, let Fangfang play in the yard. Oh, and don't be afraid when you see the white lion..."
Zhuang Rui smiled wryly. Luckily, his wife had taken their daughter out today, otherwise those two little guys would definitely have been tormented by that girl. After letting the teacher sit down in the main room of the courtyard, he secretly gave Zhang Ma a few instructions. He was not comfortable leaving his precious son in that girl's care.
"In early spring, the willows sway, and the lotus leaves exude fragrance. Xiao Zhuang, let's sit in the courtyard for a while..."
This wasn't Professor Meng's first visit to Zhuang Rui's courtyard house. The old man liked the environment very much and immediately started to move the tea set on the table.
"Teacher, let me do it..."
Zhuang Rui couldn't let Professor Meng do it, so he quickly picked up the tea set, placed it on the table in the courtyard, and started brewing tea. Perhaps influenced by Professor Meng and Grandpa Gu, Zhuang Rui was growing to enjoy tea more and more, and his tea-making skills were becoming increasingly refined.
Professor Meng picked up the teacup, smelled it, took a sip, closed his eyes to savor the taste, and after a while, said, "Good tea. Xiao Zhuang, this little bit of tea you have is probably worth a month's salary for me..."
"Hehe, teacher, I still have a small amount of tea leaves. I'll take them to you later..."
Zhuang Rui smiled. Although a teacher's monthly salary and subsidies amount to more than 20,000 yuan, to put it bluntly, it really couldn't buy even a small amount of tea leaves.
You should know that this tea is genuine Wuyi Da Hong Pao, picked from the only three remaining trees on the mountain. It was a tribute tea in ancient times, and even now, only national leaders can drink it; it is simply not available on the market.
Zhuang Rui had taken this from his maternal grandfather during the New Year. There were only three ounces in total. After giving one ounce to Old Gu Yezi and drinking a little more himself, he only had a little over one ounce left.
"Okay, I'll take this tea with me..."
Professor Meng didn't stand on ceremony. After savoring the taste in his mouth, he looked at Zhuang Rui and said, "Zhuang, you're graduating with your doctorate this year. Have you decided on a direction for your dissertation yet?"
Professor Meng has been teaching for many years, but his proudest disciple is Zhuang Rui. The excavation of Emperor Liu Xiu's tomb can be said to be entirely due to Zhuang Rui's efforts. Professor Meng's only dissatisfaction is that Zhuang Rui has too many interests, and his professional reputation is far less than his reputation in the antique and jade industry.
"Teacher, I was just about to discuss this with you..."
Zhuang Rui thought for a moment, then said, "Teacher, do you think my thesis should use material from underwater archaeology, or should I write something else?"
Zhuang Rui has also been troubled by this matter recently. Although he doesn't care much about a doctoral degree given his current wealth, Professor Meng has nothing to say about him. If his doctoral dissertation fails, it will be a matter of Professor Zhe's face.
"Xiao Zhuang, you're considered an authority on underwater archaeology in China. However, what's underwater is ultimately limited and can't compare to cultures buried in the ground for thousands of years. My suggestion is that you organize a solo archaeological excavation. You can use this as material for your doctoral dissertation..."
Professor Meng's words were not meant to flatter his student. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the two most significant underwater archaeological discoveries were initiated and participated in by Zhuang Rui. Moreover, the first salvage of the Song Dynasty shipwreck was carried out by Zhuang Rui alone. In China, when it comes to underwater archaeology, no one's achievements can surpass Zhuang Rui's.
However, underwater archaeology is ultimately a minor category in archaeology. Professor Meng wanted to broaden Zhuang Rui's horizons and explore the underground treasures that hold five thousand years of brilliant civilization.
Chapter 1066 Jade Gambling Club
"To lead an archaeological excavation solo?"
Zhuang Rui was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, but he was no longer a newcomer to the field of archaeology who had only entered the field a few years ago. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Teacher, can I personally go and find the tombs to be excavated?"
Zhuang Rui is now considered a professional in the field of archaeology. He knows that there are still many ancient tombs in the country that have been surveyed, but they have not been excavated for various reasons. For example, the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum has been protected due to the limitations of underground mercury technology, as well as the need for cultural relic protection. Many ancient tombs have been protected and have not been put on the excavation schedule.
Since Professor Meng made this suggestion to him, he must be looking for a representative ancient tomb for him to excavate. However, Zhuang Rui also had his own ideas. He was not very interested in the known tombs, but wanted to find an unprecedented large tomb through his own survey.
"Search it yourself?"
Professor Meng was surprised that Zhuang Rui would make this request. He frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Little Zhuang, you're not a geomancer. Do you even know anything about finding auspicious burial sites?"
Although Professor Meng's words were somewhat joking, they also revealed his point of view. While archaeology involves searching for and excavating tombs and includes courses on ancient feng shui, from a professional perspective, archaeologists are not necessarily feng shui masters, and finding tombs is not an easy task.
The tombs of ancient royalty and nobility were often surveyed by feng shui masters. The ancients said: "It takes three years to find the dragon and ten years to pinpoint the burial site." It takes a long time to learn how to find the dragon, but it is even more difficult to know how to pinpoint the burial site accurately, which may even take "ten years" or "a hundred years".
Even Professor Meng, who is quite accomplished in feng shui, often makes mistakes when searching for tombs in the field, so he doesn't think Zhuang Rui can find any large tombs.
"Teacher, I still want to try it myself. I learned some things at school, and I want to see if I can apply them in practice?"
Zhuang Rui smiled and stuck to his previous statement. What a joke! If he wanted to, there probably wasn't a tomb in the world that he couldn't survey. Zhuang Rui had once read internal documents from Peking University, which contained only one tomb that seemed to belong to Cao Cao, which piqued his interest a little. However, according to Zhuang Rui's deduction, the possibility of it being the real tomb was extremely low.
Also, Zhuang Rui had been staying at home for more than half a year, and he was getting restless. He wanted to go out and travel around to see more of the beautiful landscapes of his motherland.
"You little rascal, you're giving me a hard time..."
Professor Meng shook his head with a wry smile. Excavating a tomb requires a very complicated procedure. Even if Zhuang Rui can find an ancient tomb, it's not something that can be dug up just like that. Experts from relevant departments must conduct an evaluation before deciding whether to carry out a protective excavation. Of course, if Professor Meng insists on pushing forward the excavation, there shouldn't be any major problems.
"Alright, but let me tell you first, archaeological digs to find ancient tombs in the field are a very tedious and arduous job. Don't give up halfway through, kid..."
Seeing Zhuang Rui's appraiser's expression, Professor Meng finally agreed. This disciple of his had given him many surprises in the past, and Professor Meng wanted to see what kind of tomb Zhuang Rui could find in the end.
"Hehe, thank you, teacher. Please have some tea..."
Zhuang Rui laughed upon hearing this. The reason he invited his teacher to his home was to use his teacher's reputation in the archaeological community to promote the excavation of the tombs he had found.
"This tea is hard to drink..."
Professor Meng pointed at Zhuang Rui and then asked, "It seems you've been planning this for a long time. Where do you plan to set up your first stop?"