Rush back to Beijing

Upon discovering the fox, I couldn't help but shiver. Memories of the white-furred fox I encountered earlier flashed in my mind. I pondered if it had been following us all along. At that time, it seemed that Big Head had some connection with this fox. Could it be planning some sinister machinations while catching us off guard?

As I hesitated on whether to take preemptive action, the fox nearby unexpectedly shook its head and then, without looking back, ran into the depths of the grass.

Turning to look, Big Head seemed oblivious, his mind lost in thoughts. Had he seen something? I couldn't fathom.

Initially feeling drowsy, the sudden disturbance dispelled any thoughts of sleep. Carrying firewood back to the stone cave, I replenished the fire, making it burn brighter. I checked Xiao He's temperature; he was still running a high fever. Considering our situation, we needed to resume our journey at daybreak, aiming to descend the mountain by evening. We might even need to find a vehicle to go to the city. Delaying Xiao He's treatment for another day posed a considerable risk.

As the eastern sky revealed a hint of dawn, Big Head groggily woke up. Glancing outside, he abruptly sat up, patting his face apologetically, "Why didn't you wake me?"

I assured him it was fine since I couldn't sleep anyway. He dressed and suggested I take a short nap while he went to find some food. Assuming that nothing significant would happen during the day, I lay down without further hesitation.

In a daze, I was awakened by Big Head. Still half-asleep, we ate something. Due to high fever, Xiao He had already passed out. Feeling somewhat lost, Big Head, having faced numerous life-and-death situations, mentioned that unconsciousness was the body's self-protective mechanism, indicating Xiao He's body could withstand it.

After a makeshift meal, we began descending the mountain. Big Head carried Xiao He, Xue Dongqing led the way, and the journey was cumbersome, but I won't delve into the details. It wasn't until the sun set that we encountered civilization.

Upon inquiry, we found out we had arrived at Niujibei, the scenic spot recommended by the driver during our journey. Xue Dongqing found it incredible; it was around sixty to seventy kilometers from their village.

By the time night fell, we explained to the locals that we were lost tourists. Considering our situation, the elderly man didn't question further. I informed him that a companion had been attacked by wolves in the mountains, needing urgent hospitalization. Despite it being late, he promptly went to the village and brought his nephew, who drove us to the town.

At the town's health clinic, the nurse attended to Xiao He, but the doctor would arrive in the morning. Unfortunately, the clinic lacked the facilities for Xiao He's injury. The doctor prescribed fever-reducing medicine and arranged a vehicle to take us to Jiexi County People's Hospital. It wasn't until the next day that we settled down, and Xiao He's fever began to subside after two days of intravenous fluids.

During this time, I called Old He, assuring him of our safety and informing him about Han Sheng's situation. He was shocked but quickly accepted the reality, advising me not to overthink it and return once Xiao He recovered. He also mentioned that he had sent Zhao Gu to help, urging me to return promptly. Sensing an underlying issue at the shop, I didn't pry, just acknowledging his instructions.

Big Head, having rested for two days, had already regained vitality. Holding two bottles of liquor, he visited Xiao He, causing the latter to grumble. Seeing that Xiao He was fine, I felt relieved and went out with Xue Dongqing and Big Head for a good meal.

Under the influence of alcohol, Big Head insisted on experiencing the local "customs." I warned him to refrain, but Xue Dongqing, a non-drinker, sat there amusingly. After half a bottle, Big Head, lying on the table, mumbled, "Xiao Cao, Xiao Cao." Initially thinking he was calling me, I later realized he was saying "Little Grass."

In this carefree manner, we spent two days. Zhao Gu arrived during this time.

With Xiao He's health restored, Zhao Gu accompanying me felt assured. Since we had local products that were inconvenient to take with us, Zhao Gu took care of the remaining items. Zhao Gu led us to a local hall, mentioning that the local leader was a significant figure, previously aligned with Er Ye. The local halls varied in size, and this one seemed small. If there were any issues, the larger halls nearby would send people over. A portion of the loot would be distributed locally, and troublesome matters would be handled through the channels of Longshan Pavilion.

The true strength of Longshan Pavilion was concentrated in several locations with substantial transactions of local products. Their internal factions made it challenging for outsiders to infiltrate. The person responsible for this area was the one we were supposed to meet today.

Unfortunately, upon our arrival, we did not encounter the legendary leader. Instead, a middle-aged man wearing glasses welcomed us. Zhao Gu quietly mentioned he might be a "left and right," essentially a middleman, comparable to a steward's position.

After stating our purpose, the man readily agreed to help transport the local products to Beijing. However, he tactfully expressed that the leader was occupied and couldn't meet us. An afternoon banquet was arranged, but we declined, citing urgency to return to Beijing. We bid farewell shortly after.

Outside, Zhao Gu seemed disgruntled. He said the leader was supposed to be at the local hall, as he had previously confirmed. I consoled him, saying if he had asked Old Piao, the leader wouldn't recognize me as Er Ye, so it was good enough that he agreed to help us. 

I had anticipated such an outcome before we arrived. Longshan Pavilion was already in a precarious situation when we were in Xinjiang. With Old He as the head, there might have been some respect, but as a young outsider like me, those experienced individuals wouldn't take me seriously, especially if I truly called myself Er Ye. Thinking of the meticulous and reserved individual from earlier, I felt that Old He's idea of "forming our own team" was necessary. Xiao He and the others were excellent in facing dangers, but when it came to internal management, our side relied heavily on Old He, which was not an ideal situation.

Afterward, we flew back to Beijing. Big Head left as soon as the items arrived, mentioning he would settle the payment with Longshan Pavilion. I took a taxi directly back to Longshan Pavilion.

Old He was waiting at the entrance of the shop. During our absence, Old He seemed to have aged further. Apologetically, I said, "Uncle He, Xiao He is still in the hospital."

Old He patted my shoulder, saying, "It's alright; as long as people are alive, it's good. Come inside and have a good rest."

I introduced Xue Dongqing to Old He and, after exchanging greetings, we entered the shop together. During this time, I organized the photos taken from the underground palace and added some speculations. I then emailed the compiled information to Professor Zuo. He promptly replied, saying he would investigate and inform

 me once there were results.

Having completed these tasks, I called Xiao He. From the call, I could sense that he was recovering well. If it weren't for Zhao Gu, he might have already left the hospital. I told him to take good care of himself, assuring him that everything was okay here.

After two weeks of rest, I had mostly recovered. I decided to investigate the situation with the Cao family. At this time, Xue Dongqing came looking for me. Old He had requested my presence; there was a batch of local products arriving from Shaanxi that needed my signature.

Now following Old He, I patted Xue Dongqing on the shoulder and said, "You got your hair cut quite neatly."

The goods were brought by Longshan Pavilion's freight company. Apart from the Hou Zhu who accompanied us, the rest were handed over to Longshan Pavilion for handling. Unfortunately, many of the bronzes were damaged by Big Head. Especially the copper clasp, Old He looked at it and repeatedly sighed.

After a busy day, when I lay down in my room, I saw a dark green canvas bag hanging at the head of the bed. I picked up the backpack, which I had taken from my father. It had slipped my mind amidst the recent hustle.

During my time in Shaanxi, I had already checked its contents. Inside was an iron water kettle, a steel pen, and a hardcover notebook. However, the notebook had not been preserved well; it got wet in the stone cave and had been exposed to sun for two days in Shaanxi before I hurriedly returned to Beijing without thoroughly examining it.

I opened the notebook. Due to being soaked, the pages were slightly warped. On the first page, there was a section written with a steel pen:

"Starting the April diary. These days, there has been no progress in the translation work. Concerned about running out of time, I instructed Zhao Sanshui to translate only the final rubbing, hoping for some gains. May 4, 1993."

Obviously, this was not the only notebook my father had. It should be one among many. Looking at the signature in the lower right corner, I suddenly thought of something. I turned to the last page of the diary; it was blank. I started flipping through until I reached about one-third of the way in. This was the last page of the final diary, recording until June 28, 1993.

I put down the diary in my hand, took a deep breath, and found it hard to describe the horror in my heart.

If I remembered correctly, the tomb robbery led by my father and the Cao family took place in October 1994. However, according to the diary, my father had been dead for more than a year during that time.

(End of Volume Three: The Completion of the Qin Emperor's Mausoleum)