“It’s tough to resolve.”
“From the boundary line, we really can’t determine it.”
“If this boundary were in the lower part of the mountain or along a major road, it would be easier to distinguish, as county divisions are clear from long-term usage. For example, the west side of this main road belongs to one county, and the east side to another, with clear signs marking the boundaries. But on Mount Qingluan, it’s different. It’s an area rarely visited, split into halves, with each county claiming its part. The boundary isn’t clear to anyone. So, it’s become a somewhat ambiguous section where it’s arguable whether the ancient tomb belongs to Jiaolin County or Yanbei County.”
“How can that be? The map is very clear.”
“It belongs to Jiaolin County, and we discovered the tomb.”
“Oh, discovering it first means it’s ours? This isn’t a game where you can claim things with mere facts.”
The people from Yanbei County and Jiaolin County were arguing fiercely, on the brink of fighting.
“Enough, enough!” sighed Mayor Qian, frustrated. “Stop arguing. We need to discuss this calmly and seriously. There’s no point shouting .”
Mayor Qian then joined a few city officials behind him to discuss the map again. He also asked for the judgment of Director Shao Dongnan, the provincial cultural department head. After all, the decision on the tomb’s ownership would heavily rely on his expertise.
Shao Dongnan pondered momentarily, “I think it’s closer to Yanbei County.”
His words were not loud, but the people from Jiaolin County, especially Dong Xuebing, clearly heard them. Dong Xuebing knew well that he and Shao Dongnan had clashed before, and considering the way Shao spoke now, he couldn’t help but think there might be some personal vendetta behind his words.
Trying to play us for fools, are you?
Dong Xuebing shot Shao Dongnan a cold glare.
Zhang Dongfang was also angered. How could Shao, the provincial cultural department head, speak this way? He had warmly greeted and entertained Shao and his party just the day before. Shao’s attitude had suddenly changed once they were on the mountain.
“Mayor Qian,” Zhang Dongfang urgently spoke.
Mayor Qian wasn’t having it. “Calm down, we’re still discussing.”
Zhang Dongfang was rebuked. He kept quiet, feeling a chill inside. This tomb was significant for Jiaolin County. The application for county-level city status had already been drafted the previous night. If the decision leaned towards Yanbei County now, they…
Some people from Yanbei County also heard Shao Dongnan’s words and immediately reported to Mayor Yang and several other county leaders. They exchanged knowing glances and smiled.
Dong Xuebing watched coldly from the sidelines, his mind racing with thoughts. He remembered the future newspaper he had seen earlier, which indicated the tomb was within Jiaolin County’s jurisdiction. Whether from the perspective of the first discoverer or Zhang Dongfang’s connections with Mayor Qian, there were no issues. However, the current situation was different. Dong Xuebing’s arrival had altered the future. Zhang Dongfang did not become the county party secretary, and there were numerous issues between Mayor Qian and Zhang Dongfang later on. The two were no longer as close. Plus, Mayor Qian had always been skeptical of Dong Xuebing, who introduced new variables into the scenario.
The discussions continued.
They didn’t seem to know how to discuss it, but eventually, they even called Yang Gang from Yanbei County over alone to ask him some questions, while no one from Jiaolin County was given any attention.
“This doesn’t look good.”
“Could they be giving it to Yanbei County?”
“The people from Jiaolin County were all unhappy.”
Professor Chu shook his head beside them, seeing their importance on the tomb. He had hoped that when the provincial and city officials arrived with their equipment, they could have used it to examine the site. However, they ended up getting caught up in arguments instead. He stepped forward and said, “Can I say a few words?”
Mayor Qian turned around. “Who is this?”
Director Shao Dongnan introduced Professor Chu, the deputy director of the Institute of Ancient Artifacts and a member of the national archaeological team. He’s participated in many important tomb explorations and excavations.”
Mayor Qian didn’t show any disregard and shook his hand with a smile, “Ah, it’s Professor Chu. I’ve heard your name before, but was distracted earlier when some issues arose. Sorry about that.”
Professor Chu smiled, “You’re too kind, Mayor Qian.”
“By the way, what were you saying?” Mayor Qian inquired.
Professor Chu spoke calmly, “It concerns the ownership of the tomb. These kinds of unclear ownership disputes have happened before. I’ll share my opinion for everyone’s reference.”
Mayor Qian nodded, “Please, go ahead.”
As a renowned expert, his words naturally carried weight.
Professor Chu pointed to the ground, “I don’t even know which county this tomb belongs to, it’s hard to distinguish on the map. But we all know how vast this tomb group is. I can confidently tell everyone that the area beneath our feet and the area we can see in the distance are part of it. A tomb’s main burial is, of course, the most important part. The area we are digging with the bronze mirror is just a secondary burial. Discussing its ownership is meaningless. As for the main tomb’s location, from the analysis results, it lies over there,” he pointed towards Jiaolin County. “That is the approximate location of the main tomb, and the entire tomb group extends in the direction of Jiaolin County.”
The people from Jiaolin County all smiled upon hearing this.
The people from Yanbei County, however, were all dissatisfied.
Mayor Qian nodded expressionlessly, “Is that so?”
Director Shao Dongnan furrowed his brows slightly but didn’t say anything.
Dong Xuebing, watching from behind, suddenly smiled and muttered to Professor Meng and Mr. Mu, “I was just worried for nothing. After confirming the main tomb’s location, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
Professor Meng shook his head, “Forget it. Old Chu doesn’t have X-ray vision; he can’t know where the main tomb is. Archaeological excavations are full of variables, and the exact location of the main tomb isn’t always clear. Sometimes, there are fake main tombs, set up by ancient people to prevent tomb robbers. Even after thirty years in this field, Old Chu can only guess a few locations based on geomancy. You think he’s like an ancient god or something?”
Dong Xuebing looked dumbfounded. “Oh, so he doesn’t know where the main tomb is?”
Mr. Mu laughed, “Archaeological excavations have many variables. The main tomb’s location can often be just a myth. Chu has only provided a few plausible locations based on geomantic principles, nothing more.”