After several days of sailing at sea, Mo Fan and others finally returned from Donghuang Island to Uncle Jun's luxurious residence. After having a hearty meal and taking a rest, they gathered in Uncle Jun's study to study the map of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You see, in the 1930s of China at that time, the exact location of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb had not been discovered (it wasn't until 1974 that the tomb and the Terracotta Army were discovered).
Mofan asked Lin Jing, "Lin Jing, on the map, there are many characters from the Qin Dynasty marked. These are all within your area of expertise. Can you determine the exact location of the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin?"
Lin Jing picked up the map and looked at it. She said, "There is a sentence on the map that says, sixty miles east of Xianyang, beneath Lishan Mountain. I think the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin must be located at the foot of Lishan Mountain in Lin Tao District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. Moreover, from the map, we can see that the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin is buried several meters underground and has an extremely large area. Although the names of various directions are marked on the map, the buildings inside must be even more exquisite, and there might also be various sophisticated mechanisms hidden within."
Uncle Jun excitedly said, "Now that we have known the exact location of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, there is no time to lose. Let's set off right away."
Lin Jing continued, "Don't worry. From the map, I also noticed that the area around the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin seems to be surrounded by some rivers. Combining with the records of Chinese historian Sima Qian, the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin used mercury to create artificial rivers. One can imagine that when the First Emperor was alive, he designed numerous dangerous mechanisms to prevent outsiders from entering the Mausoleum. We must make thorough preparations; otherwise, when we arrive there, we won't be able to return."
At this moment, Uncle Jun hurriedly said, "Miss Lin is quite right. I, an old man, was too excited for a moment. Let's continue our conversation. What specific preparations do we need to make and what issues should we pay attention to?"
So Mo Fan and others spent the entire night chatting in Uncle Jun's study. Finally, they worked out a plan and arrangement that everyone was satisfied with, and they unanimously agreed to set the departure time for three days later.
......
The night before they set off, Mo Fan saw Lin Jing sitting motionless in the pavilion in Uncle Jun's courtyard, staring at the moon blankly. So Mo Fan walked behind Lin Jing and whispered, "What are you staring at so intently?"
Lin Jing turned her head and smiled as she replied to Mo Fan's voice, "Nothing much. Just that these days I've experienced too many things. It's rare to have such a relaxing moment. So, taking advantage of the nice moonlight tonight, I came here to enjoy the moon."
Mofan smiled and said, "Do you mind if I join you?"
Lin Jing said, "Of course, I don't mind at all."
Mofan suddenly noticed that Lin Jing was staring blankly and remained in that position for a long time without looking away.
Lin Jing felt a bit embarrassed when she saw Mo Fan looking at her like that. Blushing, she asked, "Why are you staring at me like that? Do you have something to tell me?"
Mo Fan finally came to his senses and replied sheepishly, "Actually, sometimes I am quite curious about you. Why do you want to join our project? Is it really because you want to fulfill your dream of being an archaeologist? I think you already know quite a lot about me. But apart from knowing that you are a teaching assistant at Fudan University, I haven't really gotten to know you well. Would you mind telling me about your personal matters?"
Lin Jing said slowly, "Actually, my main purpose for participating in this operation this time was indeed for archaeology. But if we talk about my personal motives, in fact, I was looking for a sword for my family."
Mofan asked, "What kind of sword?"
Lin Jing replied, "The Emperor Qin's Sword. According to legend, before his death, Emperor Qin Shi Huang prepared a large number of burial items for himself. However, there was a precious sword that had accompanied him throughout his military career, and it was placed in the coffin along with him. Our family has always hoped to obtain this treasure that symbolizes honor, and it seems that this dream is about to come true in my generation."
Lin Jing continued, "You must also be very curious about my family background. What I can tell you now is that my mother has passed away. I have an arrogant father and an arrogant brother. They are the only two relatives I have in this world. As for who they are, I think you'll see them shortly after this operation is completed. But I want you to believe me. I have absolutely no ill will towards you or anyone else. I have always regarded you all as my companions."
Mo Fan looked at Lin's sincere reply for a long time, then remained silent.
Lin Jing felt a bit embarrassed as she was once again stared at intently by Mo Fan. She hurriedly asked, "Do you have any more questions? Or do you still not believe me?"
Mofan replied, "Yes,I still have a question. Do you really only consider me as a companion?"
After listening to Mo Fan's pointed words, Lin Jing's face turned red immediately. She turned her body to one side and faced away from Mo Fan, saying, "Why do you always like to say something inappropriate when we are being so serious?"
Mo Fan reached out and placed his hand on Lin Jing's shoulder. Gently, he turned Lin Jing around so that she faced him, and said, "I trust you. And I'm asking you seriously."
Just as Lin Jing was about to speak. The voice of the old dog suddenly sounded," Old Mo, you're here, ''Dull Gourd" asked me to come and find you. He told me to go back and check if there were any omissions in the things we had prepared for tomorrow's departure."
Suddenly, the old dog noticed the flirtatious posture of Mo Fan and Lin Jing. He immediately realized that the timing was wrong and quickly turned around, saying, "It seems you are busy with something. I won't disturb you for now. Old Mo, when you finish your work, please come over right away. I'll leave first."
At that moment, Lin Jing blushed even more and lowered her head even further. Mo Fan didn't feel embarrassed at all. He whispered to Lin Jing, "I'll leave now. Think about the answers to my questions. When you think they are appropriate, come and answer my questions, okay?"
Lin Jing didn't speak. She just lowered her head and nodded silently.
When Mo Fan saw this, he happily laughed like a child, hopping along as he turned back to look at Lin Jing and said, "I'll go and do my own thing now. Remember, you must answer my questions."
Lin Jing watched Mo Fan's receding figure and, in silence, couldn't help smiling happily.
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Finally, it was time to set off for the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Early in the morning, Uncle Jun was waiting at the main gate of the courtyard for the group led by Mo Fan and others to assemble.
Uncle Jun saw the arrival of everyone and kindly asked, "Are you all having a good rest? This place we are going to is not as safe as Donghuang Island. "
The old dog was the first to speak. "Uncle Jun, you have a good idea. Whenever I think of all the precious treasures buried in the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin, I simply can't sleep because of the sheer excitement."
Qi Tian quipped, "You, this guy, just want money at all costs."
Mofan chimed in, "Alright, you two, stop arguing. Let's hurry up and set off. Otherwise, we won't be able to catch the train to Xi'an."
Uncle Jun said, "This time we won't take the train. I have arranged a faster mode of transportation."
Mofan guessed and said, "Could it be that you mean...? If that's the case, that would be great."
Mofan saw that the others were still confused. He shouted loudly, "It seems that we will have to take a plane to get there this time."
Not long after that, everyone got into the car arranged by uncle Jun and arrived at a private airport. A huge aircraft suddenly appeared before everyone.
Mo Fan and the others were escorted by Uncle Jun's men and all boarded the plane one by one. Mofan noticed that all of the men accompanying Uncle Jun were fully armed. Curious, he asked, " UncleJun, the weapons you brought this time are even more sophisticated. It seems that you have made thorough preparations this time."
Uncle Jun said, "You're absolutely right. After the previous experience, this time I have to prepare more carefully. The weapons you see that I have on my person are all the most advanced American weapons available today."
Mofan said, "I hope these weapons will bring us good luck."
Just as they were speaking, the engine of the plane started up and there was a loud roar outside the window.
After a four-hour flight, the captain's voice came from the cockpit, addressing Uncle Jun. "Boss, we have arrived at the area on the northern slope of Lishan Mountain in Linping District, Xi'an City. We are preparing to land."
Mofan and the others all showed excited expressions, and one after another they rushed to the side of the aircraft window to look at the scenery below the plane.
The old dog then curiously remarked, "Why do I only see a lush green forest down there, and not a single building sign?"
Mofan quipped, "Dumbass, this time we're looking for the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. You think it's just scenic buildings? I believe there's a high probability that Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb is buried beneath the soil in this forest area."
The old dog said, "That's true. You, Old Mo, are the smarter one."
After a short while, their plane landed at the foot of Lishan Mountain.
When all the people got off the plane and gathered together, a new problem arose. From the plane, this forest couldn't be seen at all; but upon arriving on the ground, they realized it was so huge.
The old dog complained, "My goodness, such a huge place. Even if just a few of us, it would take us several months to thoroughly search this place."
At this moment, Uncle Jun also became anxious and asked, " Detective Mo Fan, do you have any solutions?"
Mofan walked up to Lin Jing and said, "Have a look on the map and see if there are any clues there."
Lin Jing opened the map of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and looked at it carefully. She said, "Got it. The map records this sentence: 'The North Star remains stationary in the center, and all the other stars orbit around it.' Ancient people named the North Star 'North Star' because it represents the northern part of the sky and the chief star of the north. It is also called the 'Emperor's Star'. So, if we walk along the direction of the North Star in this forest, we can reach the entrance of the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum."
Uncle Jun chimed in, "No, we can definitely walk along the Arctic, but the area is still too vast."
Lin Jing continued, "Uncle Jun, don't worry. I haven't finished yet. There are still two more sentences inside. They are about Chinese feng shui and metaphysics. I don't quite understand them."
Mofan chimed in, "What did you say? Please read it out for us to hear."
Lin Jing continued, "The map shows that the layout of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum was 'behind it was the Black Tortoise, in front was the Red Bird, on the left was the Green Dragon, and on the right was the White Tiger'. In Chinese Feng Shui, the Red Bird, Black Tortoise, White Tiger and Green Dragon are all guardian deities protecting the home. But what exactly do these four deities represent?"
Mo Fan thought quietly for a moment and then said, "I understand. Xuanwu in Feng Shui represents the 'black turtle, symbolizing stability and a support, representing having a support behind'. I think this refers to Lishan Mountain, indicating that the back of the Qin Emperor's Mausoleum is close to Lishan. Zhuque in Feng Shui means 'red phoenix, symbolizing light and openness, representing an open and auspicious front'. I think this refers to Wei River, indicating that the front of the Qin Emperor's Mausoleum faces the Wei River. And Qinglong in Feng Shui often means there is a relatively high mountain on the left side of the building, while Baihu in Feng Shui often means a gentle hill. Ancient people believed that only in this way could the city be surrounded by the surrounding terrain and be easy to defend and difficult to attack. So..."
Mo Fan finished speaking, then jumped onto the top of a huge rock on the side of the road. He looked around and pointed to a certain place, saying to everyone, "Based on all these conditions, I guess the entrance to the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin must be in that area."
When everyone heard this, they suddenly became energetic and began to cheer. They knew that they were one step closer to achieving their goal.
At this point, the old dog asked, "Wait a minute. Then we'll have to wait for several more hours. The sun will set and only then can we see the North Star."
Mofan glanced at the old dog, sighed, and ignored him. He continued leading the group forward.
Qi Tian approached the old dog and placed his hands on the dog's shoulders, pushing him along as he spoke. "Brother, I've been telling you to read more books. Ancient people needed the North Star to determine directions because they didn't have a compass."
The old dog suddenly understood and said, "That makes sense! That makes sense! You are still smarter."
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When they reached the designated location, they found nothing except for five stone tablets left by the Qin Dynasty. These five stone tablets had long since deteriorated beyond recognition due to their extremely long age. Moreover, it could be seen that each of the stone tablets was embedded with a bronze mirror that had also corroded to the point where its original shape could no longer be discerned.
Lin Jing said, "Or these five stone tablets might be the key to the entrance of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum."
Uncle Jun quickly ordered his men, "You all go and take a look at these stone tablets. See if there's anything strange about them. But remember, be gentle with your movements and don't damage the stone tablets at all."
So all the subordinates carefully examined these stone tablets from top to bottom for a long time. Even when they turned the stone tablets, they still found nothing unusual. Gradually, it got dark. The group had to stay here to rest and continue their investigation of this area, hoping to find the entrance to the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum.
The old dog had been pacing around these stone tablets for quite a while. He grew impatient and said, "This old guy, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, why did he only place five stone tablets in front of his mausoleum after his death? With his great achievements, he should have had five hundred of them to record all his accomplishments. It seems that he realizes he has committed too many murders and is too ashamed to write them all down."
Mofan heard the old dog's words and suddenly jumped up. "I understand! I understand!"
Lin Jing and others looked at Mo Fan curiously.
Uncle Jun said excitedly, "Detective Mo Fan, have you come up with any ideas yet?"
"It was the number of the stone tablets and the bronze mirrors on them that together indicated the location of the entrance to the tomb." Mofan replied.
Mofan asked Lin Jing, "Do you have a mirror on you?"
Lin Jing replied, "Yes, I have two mirrors with me for makeup purposes. But how are these related to the entrance?"
Mofan said to Lin Jing, "Great! Please bring them to me later." And turning around, he said to everyone, "It's getting late now. Everyone, please have a rest. Tomorrow morning, I'll perform a magic show for you all."
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The next morning, Mo Fan took out Lin Jing's large mirrors and picked up a stone. With a gentle knock, he split the mirror into five pieces and handed them to Lin Jing, Old Dog, Qi Tian, Uncle Jun, and himself. Then, he said to Jun Shu's subordinates, "You all need to insert these four stone tablets into the copper mirror side and rotate them all uniformly so that they face the copper mirror side of this central stone tablet."
When everything was ready, Mofan walked to the central stone tablet, placed the mirror on his chest, and said to the four people holding the mirrors, "You each hold the mirror and stand at the position of the bronze mirror."
When Lin Jing and others reached the spot indicated by Mo Fan, and placed the mirror in front of their chests as well, a truly amazing scene unfolded. The sunlight reflected by the mirror converged uniformly onto Mo Fan's area, and finally was reflected onto a point on the hill ahead.
Mo Fan pointed at that place with one of his fingers and said, "That is the entrance to the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin."
The crowd erupted into cheers in a state of confusion.
The old dog couldn't help asking, "Old Mo, how did you discover this secret?"
Mofan replied, "It was you who reminded me. You said last night that why there are only five stone tablets here? That's because these five tablets respectively represent the five directions - metal, wood, water, fire and earth. And the one in the middle must represent the 'earth direction' at the center. Emperor Qin Shi Huang was a person who believed in feng shui and the art of immortality. I realized that these five stone tablets must have profound knowledge. And those five bronze mirrors were actually used by the ancients to refract sunlight. When the other four directions received sunlight, I guessed it must converge to the central direction. Finally, the optical fiber must point to the entrance of the mausoleum. And I guessed that because this mausoleum was buried in the earth and the entrance was covered after that, this was also designed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to indicate the entrance after he hoped Xu Fu would bring the elixir of immortality and bring him back to life."
Not long after, everyone followed Mofan's instructions and kept digging at the designated spot. After a while, to their great surprise, they indeed unearthed a stone door. There are also several large characters engraved on it.
Mofan asked Lin Jing, "What was written on it?"
Lin Jing replied, "It says here that anyone who trespasses onto the imperial mausoleum will be killed."
Mofan smiled and said, "I have studied many things, but I have never studied death. This is exactly a good opportunity."
Lin Jing laughed and said, "At this moment, you still making jokes. This indicates that there must be extreme danger inside. We are very likely to perish inside."
Uncle Jun said, "At this point, we can't give up. Everyone, please hurry up and open the gate."
So, with the efforts of Uncle Jun's men, the door was forcefully opened. Immediately, due to the long-term accumulation of dust inside, a foul smell of mold wafted out, making everyone rush to hide in different directions. After waiting for a long time, the smell gradually dissipated.
Uncle Jun then said, "Let's hurry and go in." After saying that, he entered the building first, and his subordinates followed closely behind.
Mo Fan reached out and took Lin Jing's hand, which was very tense at that moment. He said, "Don't be afraid. I'll handle everything."
Lin Jing also tightly held Mo Fan's hand, which helped to ease her own nervousness.
The old dog quipped, " Come on, you two. After we get the treasures inside, you can then have your intimate moments."
Lin Jing blushed immediately upon hearing what was said.
Qi Tian hurried over, reached out to cover the old dog's mouth, held his head down and dragged him into the gate. He said, "Hurry up! Otherwise, your treasure will be all taken by others."
The old dog broke free from Qi Tian's grip and said, "Yes, yes, yes. Let's hurry up." After saying that, he turned around and pulled Qi Tian along to continue walking inside.
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And thus, the journey to the ancient tomb officially began.