"Mr. Wang, didn't you say before you came that you were going to excavate this tomb?" Zhao Yong continued to ask.
Old Wang shook his head and said, "I'm afraid we can't dig it out. You saw those beautiful murals when we first came in. The reason these murals are so well preserved is because this mausoleum is sealed and the outside air can't get in. Once we dig this tomb open, even if we only dig out a passage, these murals will not be preserved. So, if it's up to me, it's best not to excavate this tomb."
"Then how do we get these treasures out?"
"Then send more people! Hey, you asked me about this matter, I can't make the decision. We came here mainly to understand the situation. Now the situation is almost understood. How to carry out the follow-up work depends on the instructions of the higher-ups."
Yang Jing said, "Mr. Wang, I think this tomb may have to be dug up in the end. First of all, the value of the Nine Cauldrons of Dayu and the Twelve Golden Men of Qin imitated by Wu Zetian is inestimable. Even a little damage would be an irreparable loss. So I don't think the higher-ups will agree to transport these big guys out from the bottom of the water. Compared to those murals, these big guys are the focus."
After listening to this, although Wang Lao showed an unwilling look on his face, he finally sighed and nodded. Wang Lao was a pure scholar and expert. In his eyes, although the Nine Cauldrons of Dayu and the Twelve Golden Men of Qin were extremely precious, those exquisite tomb murals were also priceless treasures. He was most reluctant to see one damaged for the sake of the other.
Yang Jing continued, "Only by digging a wide enough passage can we ensure the safety of these big guys. Moreover, once this tomb is developed, it will become a local scenic spot. Once it is open to the public, it is estimated that the number of tourists here will be no less than that of the Ming Tombs in Yanjing. After all, this is the tomb of the great empress Wu Zetian. This gimmick is not comparable to those emperors of the pigtail dynasty."
Old Wang's face was gloomy. Although he didn't want to see this happen, he had to admit that Yang Jing was right. For local officials, whether the cultural relics were cultural relics or not was not important to them. What was most important was to increase the local GDP income.
"But you don't have to worry, Mr. Wang. I think it would be better if we protect the murals before we start excavating here, right?"
Old Wang smiled bitterly and said, "The murals in the tombs outside are too large, and they are all painted directly on the rock walls. It is not impossible to protect them, but the cost will be extremely high. I am not sure I can convince the higher-ups on this point."
"Hey, Mr. Wang, isn't this simple? If the higher-ups don't allocate funds, won't you find the local leaders? Tell them about the situation here, and focus on the murals. After all, once they are dug up, these murals will be the most distinctive attractions in this mausoleum. How many tourists will come to appreciate them? If these murals cannot be preserved, then this mausoleum will lack more than half of its charm and appeal. Therefore, only by preserving these murals can we attract more tourists to appreciate them and create higher income for the local area..."
"Yes! Why didn't I think of this?" Old Wang slapped his thigh excitedly, not even bothering to look at the Nine Cauldrons of Dayu and the Twelve Golden Men. He turned around and asked Liu Yue: "Xiao Liu, did you take pictures of them all?"
"Teacher Wang, I've finished taking pictures, but there are some places that can't be moved and I can't take pictures."
"That's okay. Let's go back now. I'll take the time to discuss this matter with Lao Song..."
In this way, the four people stayed in the mausoleum for about two hours and then returned to the surface of the water again.
But before coming out, Yang Jing took out an extremely sturdy large plastic bag from his backpack. This kind of plastic bag has a special seal. As long as you put the things in it and seal it, not only water but even air can't get out.
Before leaving, Yang Jing put the box containing Yue Chengzi's remains into this plastic bag, sealed it, and brought it out from the bottom of the water...
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