Chapter 95: Boost Your Confidence
Of course, no brass artifacts were unearthed at the Banpo site in Xi'an; only naturally formed red copper was found.
However, the earliest brass piece unearthed in China is indeed 4,700 years old, and it is indeed in Xi'an: the Jiangzhai site in Lintong District, which is a little further away than the Banpo site.
Those brass pieces are now housed in the Banpo Site Museum.
The key point is that these few bronze pieces are not just being eyed by one or two institutions, but also by provincial and even higher-level research institutions. For example, the Shaanxi History Museum and the National Museum of China have approached them several times, but the provincial cultural departments have consistently refused to budge.
The main reason is that their influence is too small: these institutions are all based on the research that the Jiangzhai site contains Yangshao culture and Longshan culture, and are preparing to use brass pieces as evidence.
The site covers an area of 13,000 square meters and contains nearly 20,000 artifacts of various kinds, but that is not enough for them to prove anything.
But if suddenly, an organization were to use these brass pieces as specimens to study the "origin of copper smelting in China," or even try to prove that "the world's copper smelting originated in China," do you think anyone would try to steal them?
What, Northwestern University?
Go where it's coolest...
To avoid being outmaneuvered, Lin Sicheng resorted to a deceptive tactic, which is why his tender documents and project report were so poorly designed. Other organizations, upon seeing this, might think: "Oh, Banpo bronzes?"
They were definitely the red copper pieces unearthed from the Banpo site, but they were naturally formed and then polished into artifacts. What is there to study about them?
By the time they realized it, Lin Sicheng had already published countless papers.
Thinking about this, Zhu Kaiping suddenly realized: No wonder this report was a bit convoluted. It was supposed to be about the restoration of red copper technology, but it also involved research on alloy copper, which seemed rather irrelevant.
Looking back now, Lin Sicheng did it on purpose. Even the school helped him cover it up, otherwise the report would never have passed the review.
Looking at the technical approach again, it was like seeing the sun after the clouds had parted, and everything became clear in my mind: Lin Sicheng had included almost all possible and feasible experiments. All I had to do was follow the plan and report step by step, conducting one experiment after another and verifying one data point after another.
Because there is so much information, it's impossible to write in such detail. So at first glance, the plan seems rather rough.
The main reason is actually to prevent the "technical ideas" from being leaked during the bidding process.
However, Zhu Kaiping was certain that as long as he followed Lin Sicheng's line of thought, proving that "the world's copper smelting technology originated in China" might be a bit far-fetched, but proving that "copper smelting originated independently in China" was basically no problem.
If there are any results, the project level can jump up quickly, and it might even end up being a joint research project with a national-level institution.
For example, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Professor Wang Changsui.
In other words: a national-level research project!
Suddenly, Zhu Kaiping's eyes lit up, and he lowered his voice to an almost inaudible level: "Where is the stuff?"
Lin Sicheng didn't speak, but slightly raised his chin and smiled.
Given Professor Wang's decisive and action-oriented style, is there any need to say anything?
Simultaneously, we submitted the tender documents and worked with the school leaders to persuade them to submit their proposals and application reports. Following this, we took the school leaders to the provincial cultural department to report on the matter.
Then, the two stood in the leader's office, patting their chests and making a solemn pledge.
So, if he hadn't gotten the items back, how could Lin Sicheng have dared to let it slip?
Looking at the safe in the corner, Zhu Kaiping's heart surged with emotion, and his lips kept moving. Suddenly, he turned around, his eyes staring straight at Lin Sicheng without any attempt to hide his feelings.
Lin Sicheng understood immediately: Junior Brother Lin, leave it to me, you must entrust this project to me.
I'm sure I can do it well, I can even not be listed as an author on the paper.
But how could I not be credited?
There are only a few people in the lab, and even if we add all the names from the second author onwards, we still have room for more.
Lin Sicheng nodded slightly: "According to the plan, it was originally supposed to be handed over to Senior Brother Zhu..."
Zhu Kaiping's face flushed instantly.
It wasn't shame, but rather overwhelming excitement.
Lin Sicheng quickly waved his hand: "Don't look at me, it was Professor Wang who made the decision!"
Of course, this is because Professor Wang is the head of the laboratory.
But considering Professor Wang's research focus, and then recalling what happened this morning:
Wang Qizhi took the folder and casually handed it over: "These are basically the people you selected according to your requirements..."
Zhu Kaiping's face turned even redder.
Lin Sicheng felt uneasy under their gaze.
Of course, if it were a woman, he certainly wouldn't be so embarrassed.
Just as he was thinking of how to ease the tension, Zhu Kaiping suddenly stood up, took the report, walked to the far corner of the laboratory, and opened his notebook: "I'll make a research plan now and try to hand it in to you before I leave work."
Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Senior Brother Zhu, no need to rush!"
How could I not be anxious? As the old saying goes: A scholar will die for one who understands him!
Zhu Kaiping was even more afraid: If they couldn't demonstrate sufficient ability and skill, wouldn't it be difficult for Professor Wang and Lin Sicheng to find someone with even stronger ability and higher skill?
The others were wide awake, only realizing what was happening later.
At first glance, Dr. Zhu seems to be exaggerating. But upon closer examination: how could the university possibly approve a project without a certain level of certainty... wait, no, it's not just the university?
Bringing the specimen back would require the approval of the provincial cultural department, a report and application process, and a high-level meeting to study it in great detail.
One more thing: the National Museum and the Provincial Museum couldn't get the items back, but the school leaders and Professor Wang ended up taking them. Surely they weren't so shameless as to think they could take advantage of the situation?
Of course, it's because the project plan is highly feasible and has a very high success rate...
Thinking of this, the faces of the remaining five people also turned red: How many years does it take for a school to apply for a national-level research project?
The problem is, they are not Zhu Kaiping. With their current level of understanding, the more they read this report, the more confused they become.
But suddenly, someone remembered the scene when Feng Lin handed out the plan report: This needs to be understood carefully. If you have any questions or don't understand something, be sure to ask in time.
Suddenly, Qi swiftly flipped open his notebook and picked up his pen.
Those with some ideas wrote down their plans, like Chen Huaizhi and Wei Hong. Those without ideas took notes, like those two recent graduates: they wrote down everything they didn't understand or couldn't comprehend.
At least when I ask Lin Sicheng for advice later or tomorrow, I will be able to be targeted and logical.
As a result, the laboratory became increasingly quiet, with a soft rustling sound like silkworms biting mulberry leaves.
Feng Lin had already written that there was no need to panic, but she was a little worried: that was the Chinese Academy of Sciences... could they win the bid?
Lin Sicheng gave him a reassuring look.
Scientific research cannot be accomplished overnight; it takes at least years. As I recall, Professor Wang Changsui's team only achieved some results in the first half of 2011. It wasn't until early 2012 that their work was published in an international journal.
Lin Sicheng planned to achieve initial results within one to two years.
Of course, this kind of direct interception is indeed a bit shameless and unfair to Professor Wang Changsui and his team, but from a higher perspective, it at least saved the country two years.
Besides, it's not like we can't cooperate. The teacher and student had already discussed it: rather than fighting hand-to-hand, it would be better to be recruited.
Secondly, there is a deeper purpose: since we'll have to grab it sooner or later, let's grab something substantial first.
If we succeed in securing this project, will we have a greater chance of getting support from schools, provincial departments, or even higher-level departments when we try to secure iron projects next time?
This was a last resort, because the competition was too strong: Peking University, Beijing University of Technology, National Museum of China, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences... Whether others were affected or not, Wang Qizhi was the first to be affected.
As a disciple, shouldn't I try to boost my teacher's confidence?
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