Chapter 41

Archaeology belongs to the field of humanities and is an important part of historical science in China. In other countries around the world, it is often associated with anthropology, and sometimes with art history. Its task is to study the history of ancient human societies based on the material remains left behind by various activities. These physical remains include various relics and artifacts, which are often buried underground and must be systematically and completely revealed and collected through scientific surveys and excavations. Therefore, the foundation of archaeological research lies in fieldwork.

A few days later, Lin Xiao rushed back to the site of the treasure excavation, having received a notification from He Pingji that a professor had been invited to lead the team and was preparing to conduct the research today. Of course, there were also indispensable journalists, and this was no small matter. It was impossible to keep it under wraps, especially with so many workers on site; someone was bound to let something slip. As a result, the research operation had already been noticed by the news and media, and they were naturally present.

The scene was a cacophony of noise, with workers, journalists, and scholars mingling and chattering.

The leader of the team was Huang Hong, a renowned professor from a university who had investigated and excavated many ancient tombs. This time, he was invited by He Pingji and was also bringing his graduate students for an internship.

Through He Pingji's introduction, Lin Xiao learned that Huang Hong was one of the top archaeological experts in the country, at a national level.

Looking at the energetic Huang Hong, who was in his sixties with a head of glossy black hair (which was obviously dyed, as it was a common trend for older people), he directed the necessary equipment to be brought over, indicating that they were preparing for a long-term operation and were ready to move into the cave for investigation and research.

Upon learning that the owner of the land had arrived, Huang Hong also came over to get to know Lin Xiao.

"Hello, Professor Huang. I am the owner of this land, and my name is Lin Xiao," Lin Xiao said proactively.

"We might be staying here for a week. Do you have any objections?" Huang Hong's deep yet resonant voice echoed.

"Not at all, I'm delighted. I even asked Brother He to have someone investigate if he had the time, after all, these are ancient relics."

"Young man, you have a good sense of responsibility. Lin Xiao, right? I'll call you Xiao Lin, is that okay?"

"Of course not, it's an honor for me to be called Xiao Lin by you, Professor Huang."

Lin Xiao and Huang Hong exchanged a few words, and Lin Xiao gave a basic account of the situation. However, the true circumstances would only be determined after a professional investigation.

The media, seeing Huang Hong chatting with a young man, guessed that he might be the owner of the land and quickly surrounded Lin Xiao.

"Mr. Lin, hello. I'm from Zhejiang TV. Could you tell us what exactly happened and how it unfolded?" A reporter holding a microphone with the Zhejiang TV logo asked.

Lin Xiao had to recount the story again, repeating the details to satisfy the journalists, which took about half an hour.

Huang Hong, seeing this, patted Lin Xiao's shoulder and returned to his team.

"Mr. Lin, hello. I'm from Zhejiang TV. Could you tell us what exactly happened and how it unfolded?" A reporter holding a microphone with the Zhejiang TV logo asked.

Lin Xiao had to recount the story again, repeating the details to satisfy the journalists, which took about half an hour.

Huang Hong and his students were also almost ready, having gathered all the necessary equipment.

Lin Xiao led the way, followed by a large group of people, slowly making their way through the cave. The first two chambers had already been cleared by Lin Xiao, so he led them directly to the third chamber.

Everything was the same, except that the number of people this time was much greater than before.

Upon arriving at the site, Huang Hong began assigning tasks, and the archaeological team started their investigation in an orderly manner.

Huang Hong first picked up the sword and knife from the wooden rack and asked his students about their styles, the era they belonged to, and their characteristics.

Lin Xiao watched with great interest, realizing that this was what archaeology was all about. As an outsider, he was just enjoying the spectacle.

Of course, the journalists had already dispersed to take photos. This was not a famous archaeological site, so the shooting conditions were simple; they just needed to inform Lin Xiao.

The archaeological work was proceeding vigorously. Under Huang Hong's leadership, the age of the armor and weapons in the chamber was basically determined, all dating back to the Song Dynasty.

About 500 years from now, the cave entrance was only about 5 meters below the surface. It was unknown why it had only been discovered now.

Perhaps it was due to its remote location and sparse population. This might be the only plausible explanation.

Huang Hong secretly pulled Lin Xiao aside, who was about to leave, and said seriously, "Xiao Lin, this excavation site may not be simple. There are some things I need to discuss with you first."

Lin Xiao was startled by Huang Hong's expression but still replied, "What did you find, Professor Huang?"

Huang Hong didn't say much, just handed Lin Xiao an iron plaque. Lin Xiao, puzzled, scratched his head and said to Huang Hong, "Professor Huang, I don't understand even if you give it to me. It's just an iron plaque. How is this related to the complexity of the site?"

"Yes, I found it inside the armor. At first, I thought it was just a small chamber, possibly built to avoid pirate harassment during that period. There are many such places along the coast," Huang Hong explained.

Huang Hong continued, "But this plaque is different. It's clearly a military badge, and not just any military badge. It's the kind that only the guards of a general would wear. Do you understand now?"

"So, you're saying this chamber might be military in nature and could contain some undiscovered secrets?" Lin Xiao speculated based on Huang Hong's explanation.

"That's exactly what I mean. The guards of a general wouldn't die in such a place. The iron plaque is almost completely corroded, so we can only make a rough judgment. We still need to investigate who it belonged to," Huang Hong added.

"So, we might have to stay here for a while longer. Do you agree, Xiao Lin?" Out of courtesy, Huang Hong felt it was best to inform Lin Xiao first.

"No problem, I would have wanted to keep you here anyway. I have a strong curiosity, especially for exploration and adventure. If there are any secrets, please remember to inform me. Count me in," Lin Xiao agreed readily.

With the new discovery, Huang Hong didn't continue chatting with Lin Xiao and went to join the next round of work.

PS: New author, seeking favorites and recommendations.

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