Vol 2 Chapter 19: Archaeological team

It turned out that Dajinya happened to know a professor at the Beijing Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Sciences, and they often communicated horizontally. A recent incident happened. The details of this matter are like this.
After the reform and opening up, activities such as archaeological protection of cultural relics, which were forced to be interrupted during the decade of the Cultural Revolution, re-launched. In the past three years, it was a peak period for archaeology, and a large number of ancient tombs and remains have surfaced.
The exchange of antiques, collections and exchanges are also extremely popular. Various large and small tomb robbers have heard the trend and dig when they see the mound, especially in Shaanxi, Henan, Hunan and other places, and there is a growing trend.
Since the discovery of the Loulan Xiaohe tombs in Xinjiang, people seem to have suddenly awakened. In the great desert of Xinjiang, the once brilliant silk road, the 36 countries of the Western Region along the Peacock River, Hu Hu, Loulan, Milan, Niya , Luntai, Puchong, Gumo, Xiye ... Adventurers' paradise, I wonder how many treasures and prosperity are covered by the vast yellow sand.
For a time, countless expeditions, archaeological teams, and grave robbers scrambled to enter the Taklimakan Desert for treasure. This is the second expedition after the desert exploration boom in the early nineteenth century, but this large desert is for most inexperienced explorers, just as the famous Swedish explorer Sven Hedin explained to Taklamakan , That is a place where there is no return. The sea of ​​death is named accordingly.
The protection of the ruins of ancient tombs in Xinjiang is imminent. However, officials do not have sufficient human and financial resources to excavate and protect the remains in the Taklimakan Desert. A large number of archaeologists are scrambling to excavate ancient tombs that have been stolen or damaged by construction in Henan.
The professor whom Da Jinya knew has long studied the culture of the Western Regions and was worried about the destruction of the tombs in Xinjiang. He has been looking for leaders to apply. He hopes to personally lead the team to the desert to do an on-site assessment of these relics and then apply to the relevant departments for excavation. Or protect it.
On the pretext of insufficient funds, the superiors pushed back and forth. In fact, the funding was second, mainly because there were too many people who had accidents in the desert recently, and they were worried that they might have some accidents. There are unspoken rules in the officialdom, and they do n’t seek merit, but seek nothing, and make great achievements without making mistakes.
It wasn't until recently that a Chinese American came forward to provide full financial support to the professor's archaeological team. At present, this archaeological expedition is still in the preliminary preparation. They also need to find a leader who has rich experience in desert survival. In addition, there is a lack of a capable person who understands the art of Feng Shui stargazing, because most of the archaeologists are nerds who eat books. Leader, if you enter the desert, you will definitely not be able to get out; if you do n’t know the celestial feng shui, you ca n’t find the place like the ancient tomb.
It ’s not easy to find such a person. Some people come to apply for it, and most of them are deceivers. When the two sides talk, they are exposed to timidity, so the professor also asked Da Jinya to find such a talented person in the private sector.
Da Jinya asked me if I wanted to go. The price paid by the Americans was quite high, and I could go to the desert to see if there was any big tomb. Just step on the plate and have a reference for future actions.
I said, "This opportunity is good. It is a rare practice for us. We have never dealt with archaeologists. If we can go together, we can learn a lot from them. I have been to the desert. In the past, the troops had entered the depths of the desert twice to conduct military exercises. The leader is the leader. If you want to enter the desert, you must also find a good local guide. In addition, I understand the sky and feng shui. As long as there are stars in the sky, I can take them to find them What they want to find. It ’s just that I do n’t quite understand why this American paid for our expeditions in China? What is his purpose? Americans are not Lei Feng, Americans are very pragmatic, and they value practical interests the most, and no benefits. They will not do anything. "
Da Jinya said: "I don't know very much about the details of this matter, I only know a rough idea. The funded American is a woman, a Chinese, and her father is a Wall Street tycoon. She usually likes to explore activities such as archaeology. Last year, her father and a group of Chinese explorers went to Xinjiang to explore together. Her father seemed to be particularly interested in what kind of excellent culture. Their visit was to find the ancient city hidden in the hinterland of the sand sea. I did n’t come back, and I did n’t come back alone. The local garrison dispatched the plane to find it, but I did n’t find it at all. There was no clue. She inherited a large legacy from her family. This time, I may also want to try my best to find her relatives. Although she is an American, after all, she is Chinese. According to our Chinese tradition, after death, you must be buried in your hometown. "Those who are thrown in the desert by the wind and the sun, and their relatives at home are also not peaceful."
The three of us had a drink until the evening, and agreed to let Da Jinya contact the buyer and introduce us to Professor Chen, the organizer of the upcoming archaeological team. If we can join, we still need to interview Professor Chen.
Two days later, Da Jinya took us to Tianjin. In Shenyang Road, Tianjin, there was a small antique store. The owner was a 30-year-old Bai Jing woman. We all call her Han sister. Sister Han is a mistress supported by a big Hong Kong boss. The boss is one of the few antique collectors in Hong Kong. He opened this shop in Tianjin for Han Sister. One is to find something for her boring life. To do it, the second is to buy antique artifacts.
Sister Han is a woman who doesn't talk much, but she has a high level of knowledge in antiques. After reading our bright weapon, she generously paid 60,000 yuan: "The current market is at most 50,000 yuan. Paying you 10,000 is for us to make a friend. If there is anything good in the future, please get it here. "
I took the thick banknotes in my hands, I was excited, and my hands were a little trembling, I secretly cursed myself for not having a good time: "Lao Hu, Lao Hu, you have also seen the world's people, Chairman Mao was in the tower Reviewing the Red Guards, were you excited when you participated? Frankly, I was excited at the time, but not so excited now. Anyway, you can also be regarded as a tree climber in a large forest, a hole in the Kunlun Mountain, and a person who shot back at Vietnam. Why ca n’t I even hold money today? Alas, this is the power of money! No way, you can disrespect money, but without money, you ca n’t wire the villagers in the mountains, and you ca n’t sacrifice them. The family members of the comrades-in-arms improve their lives. The money is too great. From birth to death, for whatever reason, it is for money. "
After going back, I divided the money into four parts, one for Yingzi, one for fat people, and one for the branch secretary, and one for everyone, and the remaining one, to keep the equipment and the funds for the next operation.
The fat man did n’t want his share. He said that this time he said that there was a lot less money, but he did n’t say much. It ’s definitely not enough to build a road for Ganggang Yingzi. We wo n’t have much left. I heard that Lao Hu You have a lot of martyrs in the country in your company. Although there are government subsidies, the life is very difficult. Even the old lady and her son have sacrificed. She has no money to buy a ticket to Yunnan to see her son's tomb. After hearing this, my eyes are sore, and I feel very uncomfortable. You can just send me this to the martyrs and the injured and disabled brothers. In my life, the biggest wish is to fight as a soldier on the battlefield, but my father died early, I do n’t have that opportunity, you can help me fulfill this wish, Lao Hu, it ’s not too late to give me more money later .
Speaking of this, my tears are also turning in my eyes, patting the fat man's shoulder: "OK, now the consciousness is getting higher and higher. There are some opportunities to make money in the future, this time we fight to go to Xinjiang to earn American money . "
After a few days of rest, Da Jinya came to inform him that he had asked Professor Chen of the archaeological team to meet, and took me and the fat man to the place where Professor Chen worked.
The age of the professor is not small, I can't help worrying about him when I meet. This old bone still wants to enter the world's second largest mobile desert?
Along with Professor Chen, there is also his assistant Hao Aiguo. This is a middle-aged intellectual who is about 40 years old. His hair is as messy as a chicken coop. At first glance, he lacks experience in handling people. His deep myopia glasses show people He is a person who has a rigorous and pragmatic attitude to study, and does not pay much attention to his image. He had many times during the Cultural Revolution, but after the reform and opening up, with the popularity of new knowledge, new trends and new values, there are not many old-school people like this.
Hao Aiguo looked at us seriously and was not polite. He opened the door and said: "Two comrades, we have already known your origin. Presumably you also know the requirements of our archaeological team. Exceptions in the exceptions. What we need is talents. Do you two have experience in desert survival exploration, or do you understand astrology Feng Shui? This is a bit sloppy, if you do n’t have this skill, we will not go through the back door. " A glance at Da Jinya, "I can't look at anyone's face."
Professor Chen felt that Hao Aiguo's speech was too straight. He also knew Da Jinya's father very well. He often asked them some questions about antique appreciation. He was unwilling to make the relationship too rigid, so he stood up from the sofa and played the round. Please We sat down, chatted a few words, asked some things about me and the fat guy, smiled and nodded after listening: "It's not easy, I have been a company commander of the People's Liberation Army, I have also participated in wars, and I have been to the desert. Ah, when we are the leaders of the nerds, that is more than enough. Most of the remains and ancient tombs in the desert are buried under the yellow sand. The old path of the Peacock River has already dried up and it is difficult to find it. If you ca n’t find it, I wonder if you two understand Feng Shui?

I know that this kind of celestial feng shui is also known as the sky dome sac, and it is the most obscure chapter in the sixteen-character yin and yang feng shui secret technique. I have never actually used it, but this time only Blowed daringly. I scratched my scalp and replied: "Old gentleman, it's not my bragging. I am familiar with this Feng Shui of the horoscope, but I have to talk about it ..."
In order to get this job paid in US dollars, I dumped all the stocks in my stomach, hoping to rid them of them. Thanks to my ancestral secretary, Hao Aiguo looked at my young age at first, and thought I was a relative with big gold teeth. I walked through the back door to eat their mixed rice. I said a few words, and he said, he can't help but look at me. Listen intently on the side.
This feng shui is called the best in geoscience. The place of feng shui can be simply summarized as: the place where the wind is hidden, the place where the water is obtained. This "burial book" ① is well said: "The burial person is also angry. Qi and wind are scattered, and the boundary water is only stopped. The ancients gathered together so that they did not disperse.
Later generations expanded feng shui science indefinitely, not only limited to the acupuncture points of the tombs, but also gradually extended to be the technique of the public. The public, and the world, to put it bluntly is a study of the relationship between the world and the people.
But today I will only talk to the professors and teachers present here about a branch of "Feng Shui" in Feng Shui. The ancient emperors and nobles valued things after death very much. The treatment they enjoyed before death should continue to be owned after death. Not only that, they also believed that the rise and fall of the world all originated in the dragon veins, so the tombs should be set in Fengshui treasures. Emperor Yongzheng once gave an incisive overview of the emperor's mausoleum. He said: Qiankun Juxiu area, where yin and yang converge, Longxue sand water, beautiful, beautiful situation, Zhuji Xianbei, mountain water law, well-organized, Xun It is the land of Shangji.
Although there are only a few short sentences, this is undoubtedly the most direct, most vivid, and vivid description of Emperor Mausoleum's choice of land, but he only said half of it. The ancients pursued the realm of harmony between man and nature, not only mountain water The law also needs the sun, moon and stars.
Since ancient times, people have often watched celestial phenomena and studied the changes of stars, used to speculate on the fortunes and misfortunes, and will also add the essence of astronomy when choosing fengshui treasures, the difference between heaven and earth, 84,000 miles, the heart of man The kidneys are separated by eight inches and four quarters. The human body is made of gold, wood, water, and fire, and should have five days of stars. There are also twenty-four stars corresponding to the geography of the world. The stars have good and evil, and the ground has good and evil.
All the land of Shangji must echo the sun, moon and stars in the sky, and the technique of Qingwu, which uses the nebula to set the point, is the most difficult to control the feng shui.
There are twenty-four nights in the sky, twenty-four hours in the day, and twenty-four solar terms in the year. Therefore, feng shui also has twenty-four directions and twenty-four positions. You can understand the auspicious arrangement of these stars, and then you can find the place we want to find through the compass. However, there are many types of celestial feng shui schools, each with its own rules, and there are many contradictory, monuments in the vast sea of ​​sand, After a thousand years, it would be nice to have a 23% chance of finding it.
When Professor Chen heard this, he stood up happily and said, "Comrade Hu is very good. God opened his eyes. He was finally sent to us like you. In the great desert of Xinjiang, it's been thousands of years, or even a few. For thousands of years, the vast seas and fields, the former oasis and cities have all been turned into vast seas of sand, and the mountains and rivers have disappeared. If we want to find those mausoleums on the ancient Silk Road, relying on the starry Fengshui technique is the most concise and effective way. Yes. I announced that you two, from now on, will officially join our archaeological working group. "
Hao Aiguo also came over and shook hands with us enthusiastically, apologizing for the inhuman feelings just now: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, our intellectuals are all stinky, the Cultural Revolution has been squatting in the earthen kiln for so many years, no silly, no Too talkative, please don't care. "
I secretly rejoiced: "Hey, I know so much, and then I must say that I have to show my feet. Starry feng shui is so rare that I ca n’t imagine it, but I do n’t understand it, but you must be a group of intellectuals with myopia glasses. , I ca n’t stand the test of the cruel environment in the desert, and I have to run back in less than two days after entering. In addition, I exaggerate and say that the probability of finding the remains is extremely low. If I ca n’t find it, then I do n’t understand Star. Feng Shui's responsibility is gone, but our wages can't be less. "
I was just getting proud, and a young woman came in the room again. Professor Chen quickly introduced us: "This Miss Yang is our funder for this event. She also went with us. Do n’t look at her as a woman. Child, but the famous photographer of the National Geographic magazine. "
I acted as a gentleman and shook hands with her. I think since the person is American, I have to speak English with others. How do you say it? It seems to be: "Ha ... Ha ... Hale."
Miss Yang smiled slightly: "Mr. Hu, I can speak Chinese. Let's talk in Chinese. You can call me Shirley Yang in the future." She didn't expect her to speak Mandarin very well. There is no American accent. As for the United States What the accent looks like, in fact, I don't have a concept, anyway, I feel that she is no different from the Chinese.
Shirley Yang shook hands with the fat man again, and then raised a question. Mr. Wang Kaixuan (fat man) came with Mr. Hu. Mr. Hu's skill was great, he had commanded the troops, and he understood the sky star feng shui technique. What skill we haven't learned. This expedition to the desert is very important. We do not need people without unique skills.
I did n’t expect Americans to talk so directly, everyone looked at the fat guys together, and I quickly said for him:
The desert is not very flat, my friend, good marksmanship.

Seeing that the American woman looked down on him, the fat man said with a sneer: "What is Xinjiang? I used to go to the Xinjiang desert and kill the bandits. In the Niya Oasis, I killed the bandits, but I also killed the bandits." You see, this is the spoils. "After all, he took out the piece of intimate jade and shook it in front of everyone." Have you seen it, you? "
I grinned straight beside me, thinking of this idiot, I could n’t even tell a nonsense, you put your father ’s heroic deeds on your own head, and he also went to Xinjiang to rob the gangster. I still wear crotch pants. You said you have eaten Xinjiang lamb skewers. So far, it seems that I can only rely on it. If I don't take fat people, I won't go. I guess they can only compromise.
However, no one refuted. The eyes of Professor Chen and Shirley Yang were attracted by the jade pendant in the fat man. Where the fat man held the jade pendant's hand, their gaze followed, even his eyes could not bear to blink.
Shirley Yang originally disagreed with the fat man ’s participation in the archaeological team, but since seeing the fat man ’s jade pendant, she did not hesitate to promise us 10,000 US dollars each. If you can find the fine ancient city in the desert hinterland, pay more Double. However, the money will not be cashed until we return from Xinjiang.
Da Jinya had also seen the jade pendant of a fat man. With his age, he could not see the origin of this jade. In this respect, he is not as good as Professor Chen and others. After all, Big Golden Teeth is a mess. Professor Chen has been immersed in the study of ancient culture in the Western Regions for decades. Shirley Yang ’s father and he are friends. Shirley Yang has suffered since childhood. The nurturing of the family environment is also a half-expert in the history of the Western Regions, so the two of them looked out of the door as soon as they looked at this piece of jade.
Professor Chen believes that this piece of jade has a history of at least 1,500 to 2,000 years, and the inscribed text is a ghost cave script. Guidong is a minority in the Western Regions in ancient times. Now this ethnic group has long been extinct. According to some ancient books unearthed in Dunhuang, the Queen of Jingjue is the ghost cave people, and the ten ghost cave scripts on the jade are What content needs further investigation.
Both Professor Chen and Shirley Yang ’s father were obsessed with Western culture. They were able to master this once prosperous and gorgeous city. It can be said that they were the leaders of the 36 countries in the Western Region. During their heyday, they were rare in the Western Region. In a catastrophe, the queen died, and since then the ancient city has disappeared.
The former glory has been buried by the yellow sand, which proves that it once existed. There are only sporadic records in ancient literature. It is said that the elite queen is the first beauty in the Western Region. She is like the sun in the sky. Her appearance makes the stars and the moon. Eclipsed.
Shirley Yang ’s father was looking for the queen ’s tomb. An expedition consisting of five Chinese and American aestheticians, carrying top equipment, entered the depths of the sand sea, but never returned.
In this operation, one was to conduct on-site assessment and survey of the ancient tombs in the desert; the other was to try their luck and see if they could find the remains of the five explorers and bury them well.
Shirley Yang wanted to buy the jade pendant in the hands of the fat man. The fat man and I thought that the odd goods were commendable. After being bitten and not sold, we secretly totaled how many dollars could kill her.
We joined this expedition composed of scholars and photographers. I mixed with the leader and the fat man with the vice captain. The matter of going to the desert is thus finalized.
The westbound train was flying on the vast western ground. The fat man and I slept in the sleeper carriage. Our first stop was Xi'an, where we would meet with several students of Professor Chen, and then we went to Urumqi. The equipment will be checked directly there.
As soon as Hao Aiguo came in, he let the fat man's stinky feet almost fall down. He pushed me to wake up: "Comrade Hu, wake up, wake up, Professor ask you to discuss something, come over."
I looked out of the car window. It was still bright, and I didn't know what time it was. I slept, and put on clothes to follow Hao Aiguo to the next door.
Professor Chen and Shirley Yang were looking at the map. When I came in, they greeted me to sit down. Hao Aiguo poured me a cup of hot water. I asked them what was wrong.
Professor Chen said: "We will be able to arrive in Xi'an tomorrow morning, and when I pick up my three students, even if the staff are all here. You are our captain and would like to discuss the route with you in advance."
Shirley Yang also said: "Yes, Mr. Hu, I have discussed with the professor, plan to start from Bosten Lake, look for the ancient Peacock River channel south, then, through the ancient Peacock River channel into the depths of the desert, along the Zidang River south Next, look for the remains of the ancient city. We would like to ask for your opinion. "
I think it ’s funny in my heart, these intellectuals and rich people, whimsical on paper, you go in circles like this in the desert Gobi, who dares to take the zigzag route in the desert, even if you do n’t thirsty, starve to death, and in the end You must be exhausted. However, I always thought that these people belonged to those who had more money and burned, and had enough food to support them. It was a good day. However, they had to go to the desert to suffer, and they would have to cry and scream to go back in less than two or three days. Not important, just give me the money after going back.
I said to Shirley Yang: "Miss Yang, although I am the team leader, I am not qualified to participate in the decision on the route of travel. You have determined the route and goals. I am responsible for leading everyone to the place. In other words, you Yes, the shopkeeper ’s work, ours, the coolie ’s work. "
As soon as the words were spoken, I also regretted it. As the saying goes, I use people's money to eliminate disasters. People have paid me to hire me. Of course, I have to do my part, so I told them that about the route, I must wait. After arriving in Xinjiang, find a local guide who was born and raised, solicit his opinions, and then decide. It is a bit premature to say that it is too early for me to find a guide.
The people discussed some details, and then each took a rest. After this conversation on the train, I vaguely felt that these people, with great determination, might not have to come back within a few days after entering the desert.
In Xi'an, I saw the rest of our archaeological team, all students led by Professor Chen, the simple-looking Sa Di Peng, the tall Chu Jian, and a female student Ye Yixin.
In addition to the previous five people, a total of eight people. Arriving in Xinjiang, I contacted Liu Gang, a former comrade in the army. He is a descendant of the three-nine-nine brigades of the Xinjiang Army. He was born and raised in Xinjiang, but he is not very familiar with the locals. The guide was not easy, and finally through Liu Gang's friend, I found an old man doing livestock business.
No one shouted the old man's name. People called him An Liman, meaning a living map in the desert.
An Liman held his cigarette bag and shook his head non-stop: "No, no, it's the monsoon season now, go into the desert, Hu Da, his old man, that is to blame."
We grinded hard, and I asked Professor Chen to show the documents. I explained to him that we are the cadres sent by the country. Local comrades must cooperate. If you are not a guide, An Liman, we will find the police. Confiscate your camels and donkeys so that you can't do business.
Shirley Yang also told him that as long as you come as our guide, I will buy all your animals at double the price. When I come back from the desert, these animals are still yours, and your money is yours.
An Liman's old man had no choice but to respond, but he made a request: "Why don't you drive a car, Hu Da doesn't like machines, there are so many camels, Hu Da likes camels."
In this connection, I agree with An Liman, the camel is much more reliable than the car in the desert.
An Liman picked the twenty-humped camel. On the day of departure, we put all our equipment and supplies on the hump, and brought a lot of bean cakes and salt. The fat man helped him move things and asked: "Master, we are here Soybean cakes and salt in the desert? Is n’t it more thirsty to eat? "
An Liman laughed: "Oh, my Wuli Anjiang (strong friend), well, you can eat it, but Hu Da thinks that it should be left to the camel."
An Liman old man tells us that the current season is the most dangerous time in the desert, from Bosten Lake to the ruins of Xiye City. There was a road in the previous section. There are deserts and Gobi beaches. Fortunately, the ancient channels of the Peacock River are connected. It's hard to recognize, but if you want to go deeper, you can find Zidu Underground River, it depends on Hu Da's will.
Our nine-member team is not so much an archaeological team as it is an ancient camel team. The food carrying capacity is about less than a month, and the water is enough to use for more than ten days. In several oasis halfway As well as underground rivers, fresh water can also be added. In addition, there are several large leather pocket yogurt soups. When you can't stand the thirst in the desert, you can take a sip to quench your thirst and can withstand ten sips of water. In addition, the various equipment and equipment of the expedition team make the weight of each camel is very large. When traveling, the personnel can only rely on two legs, half of the road, half of the camel.
① "Burial Book" is said to have been written by Guo Pu, a famous alchemist in the Jin Dynasty.