Kingdom of Tianchi: The mysteries of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Ruins discoveries

Author: Yue Nan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: A series exploring the mysteries of Chinese cultural history. This is a work of archaeological literature depicting the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Ruins. In terms of its structure, the work is based on the archaeological findings and excavation materials of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Ruins, with the extraordinary treasures buried in these sites and related events and figures as its main axis. It is supplemented by the history of the ancient Shu region, the cradle of the descendants of the Yellow Emperor—near Mount Min—as the backdrop, along with historical figures and cultural customs related to Sanxingdui and Jinsha culture. These elements are combined to form a cultural complex with historical connections and continuity, presenting readers with a panoramic, expansive, and vivid of profound meaning and beautiful imagery. It is a rare high-quality spiritual and cultural product with scientific basis and literary and artistic value. If readers can read it carefully, they are sure to gain great benefits and inspiration.
The final decision was made to state, "This excavation cannot be distinguished by modern scientific methods to determine its stratigraphy and obtain its chronological value. However, this is a pioneering effort in Shu, and with foreigners in charge, it may cause unnecessary misunderstandings and disputes. Therefore, it was decided to use the name of the county government and have Luo take the lead." (Lin Mingjun, "The Discovery and Excavation of Ancient Relics in Guanghan," in Shuo Wen Yue Kan, Volume 3, Issue 7, March 1942. All subsequent citations are from this source.) To demonstrate the local government's support and emphasis on this excavation, Luo County Chief assigned two trusted men, Deng Julu and Xiao Zhongyuan, to specifically oversee the organization, allocation, and logistics of personnel during the excavation. All scientific matters, such as the excavation plan, site selection, and methods, were fully managed by Ge Weihan. Due to the secret of the treasures hidden underground in Yuemo Bay being leaked by Yan Daocheng, the excavation by officers under Tao Lü's command, and the repeated visits by Westerners like Dong Yidu, Dai Qianhe, and Ge Weihan, the news had spread widely in society. After Tao Kai's army, which was secretly digging for treasures, withdrew, antique merchants, bandits, local bullies, and other characters from Chengdu and Guanghan flocked to Yuemo Bay, seeking quick fortune. Especially notorious figures like Wang Jiaozhu and the three brothers—Dong Nannan, Gui Jianchou, and Gui Qiaomen—actively allied with local troublemakers, using various opportunities and excuses to occupy Yuemo Bay and dig extensively along the flat rice fields and winding canals. In a relatively short time, Yuemo Bay, once a warm homeland filled with blooming rapeseed flowers and fragrant rice fields, nurturing countless people, was instantly devastated, with holes and craters everywhere. Under these circumstances, Tao Lü, who was responsible for local security, repeatedly sent troops and police to suppress the situation, but only achieved temporary results, with brief periods of calm. Once the military and police withdrew, the chaos returned immediately. The unrest and chaos in Yuemo Bay gradually became a source of concern for the military and political leaders of Guanghan. The scientific excavation by Ge Weihan and his team this time was a major opportunity and turning point. To ensure the safety of the excavation team and improve the local security situation as soon as possible, Luo County Chief and Tao Lü agreed to deploy a company of about 120 soldiers and 30 local militia to guard the excavation site day and night. They would also concentrate efforts to encircle, intercept, and eliminate unlawful elements active in Yuemo Bay, with the order that anyone engaging in wrongdoing or resisting would be dealt with ruthlessly—executed on the spot, decapitated, or displayed publicly—to fundamentally reverse this chaotic situation. The next morning, Ge Weihan and his team arrived at Yuemo Bay for an on-site survey. The soldiers and militia had already deployed according to the prearranged security and guard plan. To show their for the excavation and to completely eliminate the negative social impact of the previous military dig for treasures, Tao Lü and Luo Yucai County Chief, along with other military and political leaders, led a thousand people to inspect the excavation site in Yuemo Bay the next morning. Accompanied by Ge Weihan, the group first walked around the area around Yanjia Courtyard and the Yuemo Bay platform, with Ge pointing out the terrain and sharing his speculations and future excavation plans. It was clear that Ge was very enthusiastic, and Tao Lü, returning to Yuemo Bay, was in an exceptionally good mood at that moment.