Chapter 389: Skull of a Qjng Dynasty Prince! The First Manchu Flag! (1)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
What exactly was the “Stele of Seven Slaughters”?
In brief, it was a legend that had long been circulating amongst the folk of Sichuan. It was a rumor concerning Zhang Xianzhong, a military leader during the end of the Ming Dynasty. Allegedly, Zhang Xianzhong relished indiscriminate killing, even erecting a stele under the guise of divine decree, with the inscription “Heaven created all things for man, man has nothing for Heaven, but to slaughter slaughter slaughter slaughter slaughter slaughter slaughter”. This was the renowned “Stele of Seven Slaughters”. Previously, it seemed that this artifact existed only in folklore.
However, now…
It seemed to have truly surfaced.
“What on earth is inscribed on this?”
“Why are there so many characters for ‘slaughter’?”
“To tell you the truth, this inscription sends chills down my spine!”
Upon the Stele of Seven Slaughters, the engraved characters, though obscured and challenging to discern, were brimming with a palpable murderous aura.
People often say, by a person’s handwriting, you may know their character. This held true.
The calligraphy of a master emanated grandeur and bravery.
Whereas the inscription of Zhang Xianzhong, as reflective of the man himself, was surging with an intimidating aura of death.
“This is the Stele of Seven Slaughters, clearly left behind by Zhang Xianzhong,” Luo Feng thought for a moment, before deciding to voice his findings. “Can anyone here translate this? What is the meaning of these characters?”
“So, Zhang Xianzhong was ruthless, huh? Killing with such audacity and justification?”
Luo Feng did not explain further.
Su Meiji should recognize this artifact.
She could explain it to the live streaming audience in his stead.
Meanwhile, Luo Feng continued his excavation.
Since 2 pm, he dug tirelessly until nearly midnight, unearthing all the chests buried within.
In the hundred-meter wide pit, over a thousand chests were excavated.
These chests, when piled up, reached over ten meters high.
However, two chests, set apart by about ten meters from the main pile and buried at different depths, were unique. One was about half a meter, and the other was 2 meters long, but only about twenty centimeters wide. They were distinct from the others, like the odd ones out.
They seemed to have been buried later.
“Let’s rest for a while. We’ll continue when the day breaks,” Luo Feng proposed as he glanced at the time.
Even if he did not need rest, the others needed to.
Given the late hours, Li Shishi certainly would not be summoned, especially after such a tiring day. Under these circumstances, it would not be comfortable to continue.
Retirinq to his room on the yacht, Luo Feng first contacted the airline to help transport the boxes. Then, he immediately fell asleep.
But when he stepped outside the next day…
The incense at Puzhao Temple suddenly flourished.
The monks inside were clueless about what was happening.
They knew even less about the rumors concerning the treasure of Zhang Xianzhong and were thoroughly bewildered.
“Venerable donors, why have you come to our temple?” The abbot asked, puzzled, as he observed Jiang Biehe and his party.
This was an official visit.
Of course, the abbot had to receive them personally!
“Abbot, are you not aware of the story of Zhang Xianzhong’s treasure?” Jiang Biehe also visited Puzhao Temple.
“I do not know!”
Jiang Biehe explained, “It’s about how, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Xianzhong burned down your Puzhao Temple, which was then rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty! You didn’t know about this?”
“Of course, I know about that!” The abbot nodded.
“So, does your temple keep a record of where the money for the reconstruction came from?”
“We do not have such records!” The abbot shook his head. He had grown up with the temple always being there.
He had no concern for such matters. “I heard that your temple does not accept donations?”
“That is correct!” The abbot nodded.
“So, you have never heard about a treasure hidden beneath the temple?”
“We have not! ”
“Can we search for it ourselves?” Jiang Biehe asked.
“Uh, well…”
The abbot seemed hesitant.
But Jiang Biehe had no choice.
He had been sent here.
Though Puzhao Temple nominally belonged to the abbot, it was, in fact, owned by the local government, which allocated funds for road construction, bridge building, and other expenses. The knowledge that Zhang Xianzhong’s treasure might be beneath Puzhao Temple excited the archaeology team. Even if Luo Feng obtained a permit, he could not excavate Puzhao Temple.
“I only wish to ask if our search might cause damage to the temple?” the abbot questioned.
“We certainly won’t let that happen. We’ll ensure the protection of the temple!” Jiang Biehe nodded. He was well aware that, if he were not a representative of the authorities, the monks would undoubtedly refuse.
“If that is the case, please proceed with your search,” the abbot consented.
“Thank you, abbot!”
Jiang Biehe was delighted by this. He immediately picked up the detector and led everyone to start the search.
Meanwhile…
The Puzhao Temple was cordoned off by armed police.
Tourists could not enter.
The temple might be closed off for some time.
Beep beep beep.
“Professor Jiang, there is a response here! A large amount of metal has been detected! ”
Beep beep beep.
“Professor Jiang, there is a response here too!”
The continuous beeping indicated that there was indeed something beneath.
Approximately five hours later, it was finally confirmed that the treasure was buried in the backyard of Puzhao Temple, an area about 20 meters wide and long. Of course, there were smaller quantities in other areas as well.
Jiang Biehe even suspected that the treasure from other places had been taken and used by monks in the past. At any rate, the preliminary exploration revealed that the volume of the treasure was minimal.
“It seems that Mr. Luo’s analysis was correct. There indeed is treasure here, and it likely was used by Zhang Xianzhong to deceive the world!”
The quantity of artifacts below was too small.
It could hardly be called a true treasure trove..
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