Power and Wealth

Chapter 1982: The Tomb Robbery Gang Has Arrived

On Site.

The crowd was full of excitement.

The archaeology team was thrilled, and the people of Jiaolin County were equally elated.

After days of analysis, speculation, and deduction, nothing compared to the real and tangible sight of unearthed tomb relics.

“This is great.”

“Finally feel at ease.”

“Yeah, and the tomb chamber is very well preserved.”

“Let’s check a bit deeper. If there are no traps, we’ll go in.”

The archaeology team quickly decided on the next steps and procedures, proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Dong Xuebing, having nothing to contribute professionally, walked off with Zhang Dongfang to avoid getting in the way. The two discussed arrangements for the archaeology team’s accommodations. With so many people and more experts and staff expected to arrive, Jiaolin County must be fully prepared logistically. While they couldn’t assist with the archaeological work, they could at least ensure smooth support. The sooner the main tomb was discovered, the closer Jiaolin County would be to its goal of being upgraded to a county-level city.

After finishing the discussion on food and lodging, Dong Xuebing suddenly said, “Old Zhang, I need to go back to Beijing the night after tomorrow.”

“At this time?” Zhang Dongfang was surprised. “Something urgent at home?”

Dong Xuebing nodded, “Yeah, it’s kind of urgent. I must go back. I’ll try to wrap things up quickly. I’ll be back by Sunday or Monday at the latest.”

Zhang Dongfang said, “Alright. Don’t worry about things here.”

“I feel better with you around,” Dong Xuebing smiled.

Dong Xuebing didn’t mention the baby’s 100-day celebration to Old Zhang. He wasn’t planning to tell anyone. The guests would all be high-ranking political figures, and even if he did tell the others, they couldn’t attend. Besides, he didn’t want to reveal too much about his life—it would come off as showing off. Better to avoid the topic altogether.

The Day After Tomorrow.

Friday.

After several days of excavation, the archaeology team, under Professor Chu’s leadership, had already identified the locations of three burial chambers. Several funerary artifacts had also been unearthed—a fruitful outcome so far. However, the main tomb had yet to be discovered. Of course, only Dong Xuebing and Zhang Dongfang were anxious; the archaeology team had prepared for a long battle. They knew it was unrealistic to pinpoint the main tomb within just a few days. Excavating ancient tombs was a prolonged process. Unlike tomb raiders who dig and flee, archaeologists excavate and must ensure the site’s preservation. Speed couldn’t come at the cost of destruction.

Afternoon.

Around 5 p.m.

Many plastic canopies had been set up at the site to prevent water damage in case of rain.

“Professor Chu,” Dong Xuebing approached the busy professor.

“Ah, Secretary Xiao Dong,” Professor Chu dismissed some people and said, “I was just about to speak with you. We’ve submitted the paperwork. Now that the tomb has been confirmed, we expect the cultural protection unit’s approval within a few days. That’ll ease the burden on Jiaolin County. You won’t need to dispatch so many personnel every day.”

Dong Xuebing said, “That’s great. Our people are exhausted, patrolling the mountain and sealing off the area. I feel bad for them.”

Professor Chu smiled, “Just a couple more days.”

Dong Xuebing nodded, “By the way, Professor Chu, I have to head back to Beijing today.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got an 8 p.m. flight.”

Professor Chu said, “Handle your business. We’ve got this covered here.”

Dong Xuebing said, “Alright. If you need anything, contact me anytime. Or talk to County Head Zhang—we’ll arrange whatever’s needed. No need to be formal.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t be!” Professor Chu chuckled.

This ancient tomb discovery was exceptionally significant and rare, so the atmosphere on site was positive. Many faces were smiling.

“That’s it then. I’m heading off.” Dong Xuebing gave some county officials a few last instructions before walking down the mountain.

Driver Xiao Wang was already waiting at the bottom.

Dong Xuebing got into the car. “To the airport.”

“Alright, Secretary. Please sit tight.” Xiao Wang started the car.

Truthfully, Dong Xuebing didn’t want to leave at this critical time. The round trip would take at least two days, delaying a lot of work. He also felt uneasy about the tomb’s situation. He was the type who trusted no one but himself. Not being on-site made him nervous—what if something unexpected happened that the county couldn’t handle?

Forget it.

No point dwelling on it.

Dong Xuebing suppressed his anxiety, thinking that the cultural or military protection forces would be approved in a few days. Nothing should go wrong.

They had been guarding against tomb robbers all this time.

But sometimes, what you fear most is exactly what happens…

𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Around 6:40 p.m.

Dong Xuebing’s car was nearing the provincial capital, the airport not far off, when his phone suddenly rang.

“Secretary?” It was his secretary, Su Yan.

Dong Xuebing frowned. “What’s wrong? Why the panic?”

In the next second, gunshots rang out on the other end of the call—

Bang!

Bang!

Dong Xuebing’s face changed instantly. “What’s going on? What happened?!”

Su Yan quickly said, “It’s tomb raiders! A group of 20 to 30 people—they’re heavily armed, some with hunting rifles. They came well-prepared. We don’t know how they got up the mountain. They’ve already dug several holes. Our patrolling staff found them, and there’s a shootout underway. One of our officers is injured.” He gasped for breath, “I’m at the foot of the mountain now. Not sure about the full situation. There are only two walkie-talkies up there…”

There was no cell signal up the mountain. Su Yan had only heard this much via the radio.

Dong Xuebing exploded, “Contact Chang Lin immediately! Mobilize every available force from the Public Security Bureau! Launch a full-scale pursuit of the tomb raiders and send reinforcements to Qingluan Mountain! Ensure the archaeological team is evacuated—ensure their safety above all else!”

“But many artifacts are still on the mountain, some too heavy to move!”

“Screw the artifacts—get the people out first!”

“Yes, sir!”

“I’ll be there in half an hour! Wait for me!”

Twenty to thirty tomb raiders.

Armed with numerous hunting rifles.

Dong Xuebing realized the gravity of the situation. Fury boiled within him. These tomb raiders were too brazen. Do you know who I am? Dong Xuebing! You dare run wild on my turf? You’re asking for it!

“Xiao Wang, turn around!”

Xiao Wang knew something had gone wrong on Qingluan Mountain. Even before Dong Xuebing finished the order, he had already made a U-turn, run a red light, and sped onto the highway.