Chapter 2384: Chapter 2287: Mermaid Cream

When Huo Sining heard Huang Zhenlong mention the word "Jiaoxiao," she couldn’t help but feel her heart race, and her entire demeanor turned tense.

Her gaze fell on the seamless heavenly garment that Zhou Shitao was gripping, seemingly trying to discern something from the clothing.

The entire archaeological team traveling with them was astounded after receiving Huang Zhenlong’s conjecture.

Especially Director He, who became excited all over, his expression full of astonishment and joy:

"Could this garment truly be Jiaoxiao? If it is, then that would be a tremendous discovery! Just the origin of this garment alone is enough for us to research for a long time!"

Xie Daoyuan and Shi Qingyun couldn’t help but exchange incredulous glances.

Indeed, if it were possible to prove that this garment truly is the legendary Jiaoxiao, it would indicate that the accounts of Jiaoren in ancient texts might not be exaggerated tales but very likely true.

In Huaxia Country’s ancient literature, there are many records about Jiaoren, like in Gan Bao’s "In Search of the Supernatural" from the Eastern Jin Dynasty, which wrote: beyond the South Sea, there are Jiaoren residing in water like fish, without disrupting their textile work; when their eyes cry, pearls are produced.

Additionally, there are related records in the "Taiping Imperial Reader": Jiaoren emerge from water, dwell in human homes, sell silk daily. As they depart, they request a vessel from the host and cry until pearls fill the plate, which they give to the host.

Furthermore, the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" also mentions: the Bolu Country, Li’erguo Country, Diaoti Country, Beiquguo Country, all south of the Yu Water... bodies adorned with scales, these are Jiaoren.

These are all accounts from strange tales, traditionally deemed by the archaeological and literary worlds as ancient people’s romanticized depiction of the giant salamander, since the ancients possessed highly imaginative, fantastical concepts about mermaid-like creatures, leading to the creation of the so-called tale of Jiaoren.

Yet now, seeing this garment, the ingrained notion in Xie Daoyuan’s and Shi Qingyun’s minds about Jiaoren being just giant salamanders began to show signs of collapsing.

The "Records of Strange Things" describes Jiaoxiao in the "South Sea has the Longxiao Palace, the spring source of weaving Jiaoxiao, with frosty white silk," clearly resembling the silver-white garment before us; if proven to be Jiaoxiao, it would deliver a truly earth-shattering revelation to the entire archaeological community, the biological field, and even the entire world!

The existence of mermaids with fish tails and human bodies would be real—this discovery alone is enough to drive mermaid enthusiasts worldwide wild with excitement!

Due to Huang Zhenlong’s conjecture, Zhou Shitao’s expression became serious, becoming increasingly cautious about the questionable garment, promptly deciding to request the garment be sealed for processing.

"Director He, take two people and immediately carry this garment out, swiftly send it to the appraisal department for analysis; if your equipment and instruments here are lacking, then immediately dispatch an official to the Imperial Capital, and have Director Huang assist in contacting the Imperial Capital Cultural Relics Bureau!"

Director He had no objections upon receiving Zhou Shitao’s instructions; on the contrary, he became greatly energized, patting his chest and assuredly replied:

"Mr. Zhou, rest assured, I will certainly handle this matter properly!"

Zhou Shitao nodded, as though having recalled something, suddenly spoke to Director He:

"Remember, until the results are out, this matter is classified as top-secret, absolutely must not be leaked!"

Director He paused, then immediately realized the significance of Zhou Shitao’s special reminder, earnestly nodded and replied:

"I understand, rest assured, I will impose strict censorship over this matter, not a single word will be divulged!"

As he spoke, Director He solemnly surveyed his archaeological team, his sharp gaze falling upon each archaeological team member, causing everyone to tense up, receiving the tacit warning from Director He.

Director He’s subordinates acted swiftly, quickly returning the garment to its original state inside the wooden box, clasping it firmly to his chest, then calling upon two archaeological team members, preparing to return the way they came.

In the archaeological team was an individual with a deep interest in mermaids, the same female team member who previously discovered the Changming Lamp. Upon hearing Huang Zhenlong mention Jiaoxiao, her mind began racing, and witnessing Director He about to depart with the item invigorated her thoughts, suddenly speaking out:

"Wait, Professor Zhou, I have a bold idea, not sure if I should say it."

Director He halted instinctively upon hearing the team member speak.

Zhou Shitao instinctively looked toward the speaking female team member and said gravely:

"Bringing you all here, beyond processing these relics, we also intend for collective brainstorming. Share any thoughts you have, archaeology at its core relies on bold hypotheses with careful verification; there is nothing unworthy of discussion. Even minuscule possibilities must garner our attention!"

Receiving Zhou Shitao’s affirmative answer, the female team member gained courage and spoke:

"If, I mean if this garment really is Jiaoxiao, then regarding the accounts of Jiaoren, it very likely could be true."

"Since that’s the case, besides Jiaoxiao, within this ancient tomb, there might be other objects related to Jiaoren!"

"I recall Sima Qian in the ’History Records,’ Qin Shi Huang Chronicle, has a passage concerning the account mentioning: Emperor Qin initially ascended, constructed Lishan, and when uniting the world... using mercury as rivers and seas, this flowing mechanism resembles astronomy above, and geography below. Using Mermaid Cream as candles, not extinguished for a long time."

"Here, Mermaid Cream, I have researched materials indicating it refers to oil cream extracted from mermaids, used for illumination in the underground palace."

At this point, the female team member paused in her speech, instinctively casting her gaze upon the seven or eight Changming Lamps situated in the outer chamber.

Zhou Shitao seemingly perceived something, his gaze sharpened, faintly realizing the female team member’s implication, instinctively asked: "You mean to say..."

The female team member nodded: "Correct, previously in the outer chamber, the Changming Lamps’ oil, after seventeen hundred years, still burns, making me suspect that what’s inside might be the Mermaid Cream from the Emperor Qin’s Mausoleum, considering ancient texts mentioned Jiaoren oil, said to burn for thousands of years without extinguishing."

Zhou Shitao’s expression turned solemn. After two seconds of silence, he suddenly lifted his head and spoke to Director He:

"Then proceed according to this hypothesis; take samples of the Changming Lamp oil from over there, also send them together to the appraisal department, ensure swift action, the appraisal results must be here within a day!"

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