Chapter 007: The Sound of the Door Being Grasped

This is a very small city, completely transformed by the passage of time and the ravages of wind and sand, with only the remnants of crumbling city walls, less than two feet high, outlining the entire silhouette of Mazhan City

Cao Shi was bustling about, moving back and forth in and out of the city, while a few of us were lazily hiding inside the house. Although Cao Shi was temporarily unwilling to say anything, the tough men under the old man had keen eyes. One of them murmured nearby, suggesting that Cao Shi might be searching for the precise location of that item.

As soon as the words fell, Cao Shi seemed to recall something, and his expression immediately changed. Almost at the same time, I also sensed something was amiss. The door was blocked, and could the sound of scratching on the door panel outside be caused by the two night watchmen?

I awkwardly shook my head, and Mr. Fang advised me, "It doesn't matter if you don't know much; if you are truly interested in the Western Xia, there are plenty of written materials you can refer to for study. Everyone starts from a point of ignorance; not understanding today does not mean you will never understand. Conducting research is, in fact, similar to many other endeavors; it is a matter of attitude. There are also some relatively simple tips involved. For instance, if you want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Western Xia, where should you start? In summary, there are three key points: history, culture, and geography. Only after mastering these three aspects can you engage in more detailed research. Do you understand?"

If that is the case, we are certainly in trouble. If the night watchman discovers any unusual situation, he will enter the house to call for help. Even if he cannot call for help in time, he should at least fire a warning shot. However, no one in the house, including myself, heard any sounds throughout the entire night

I have already started to feel a bit dizzy from listening, yet Mr. Fang shows no sign of stopping. After drinking some water, he continues: "During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, regardless of who held power in the Central Plains, the Tuoba clan always respectfully bowed and submitted, in exchange for their ruling position and rewards in the northwest. Over a span of more than two hundred years, their influence gradually expanded. In the early reign of Emperor Taizu of Song, the attitude towards the Tuoba clan was relatively mild, allowing them to inherit their territories. After drinking some water, he continues: 'During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, regardless of who held power in the Central Plains, the Tuoba clan always respectfully bowed and submitted, in exchange for their ruling position and rewards in the northwest. Over a span of more than two hundred years, their influence gradually expanded. In the early reign of Emperor Taizu of Song, the attitude towards the Tuoba clan was relatively mild, allowing them to inherit their territories. However, starting from Li Jiqian, the relationship between the two sides gradually deteriorated, leading to armed conflict. The leader of the Tuoba clan after Li Jiqian was Li Deming, who made every effort to expand territory into the Hexi Corridor, providing the Dangxiang Qiang people with the necessary living space. Li Deming's son, Li Yuanhao..." However, starting from Li Jiqian, the relationship between the two sides gradually deteriorated, leading to armed conflict. The leader of the Tuoba clan after Li Jiqian was Li Deming, who made every effort to expand territory into the Hexi Corridor, providing the Dangxiang Qiang people with the necessary living space. Li Deming's son, Li Yuanhao..."

Old Cao, listen, what sound is that

We will know by tomorrow morning

The weather that day was quite pleasant, and the sandstorm was not severe, so we quickly covered the few kilometers to the * map * book. By around 5 PM, we could already see the small town of Mazhan in the distance

The teacher ... ... '' The three students of Mr. Fang appeared somewhat sad: `` This time, there will definitely be gains ... ... ''

The sound of scratching against the door panel has never ceased, making the listeners' teeth itch. Cao Shi instructed me not to move recklessly, and then proceeded to wake up everyone who was sleeping one by one. He quietly inquired of the two night watchmen from the previous shift who had blocked the door, but they claimed to know nothing.

"Alright, I suppose I was being overly suspicious," Cao Shi said to those around him. "Pack up, we are returning to Mazhan."

When all our people gathered together to set off towards Ma Zhan with Old Fang, the old man seemed a bit puzzled, adjusting his glasses and asking why he hadn't noticed so many people just a moment ago

It was only until 4 PM that Cao Shi finally finished his work, his face having been tanned by the sun. I told him not to be so tight-lipped; at this point, shouldn't he reveal a bit of the truth to everyone? Cao Shi glanced around at us and said, "Don't rush; let's have a good rest tonight, and we will get to work tomorrow morning."

When I stood before the ruins of Mazhan City, I felt that no words or images could fully encompass the entirety of this small city's significance. The windswept Mongolian plateau, a slumbering ancient city of the Western Xia, I could even envision the bustling Western Xia people here, creating their own civilization, culture, and fleeting glory centuries ago

We were waiting not far outside Mazhancheng. After four or five hours, the two individuals sent out by Cao Shi returned with news. They reported that Fang Lao had indeed headed west, traveling normally without any suspicious behavior. I immediately felt a weight lift off my shoulders and said to Cao Shi, "What did I tell you? It's obvious that someone like Fang Lao, such a rigid old scholar, can be seen through at a glance."

Perhaps due to just waking up, my thoughts were a bit sluggish, and for a moment I could not discern what the sound was, but my subconscious immediately urged me to stop in my tracks

I can understand this ... ...

The sound seemed to be just outside the door; although faint, it was quite jarring in the quiet surroundings. The remnants of sleep within me vanished in an instant, and I perked up my ears to carefully discern the source of the sound

If Cao Shi hadn't mentioned it, I truly wouldn't have thought in this direction. Given Fang Lao's knowledge, he should be very familiar with the geography and topography of the former Western Xia territory. It would be impossible for him to venture into danger without proper maps and books. However, after spending a day with him, I really couldn't find any flaws in his demeanor. When I analyze everything comprehensively, it indeed leaves me somewhat conflicted.

Most of the buildings in Mazhancheng have already collapsed and been destroyed, with the remnants buried under years of wind and sand, forming mounds of sand. Elder Fang seems quite familiar with this place, skillfully leading us to a relatively well-preserved building in the center of the city, saying: "This place can barely provide shelter. In a moment, I will explain the specific route from Mazhan to the Baimaqiang Town Military Command Ruins on the map."

Everyone heard that irritating sound, and they hurriedly loaded their weapons. Cao Shi gritted his teeth and cursed, "What are the guards outside doing!"

This dogmatic history of the Western Xia makes me feel extremely bored, and I really cannot continue listening. Seizing the opportunity while Elder Fang takes a break to drink water, I quickly change the subject: "Elder Fang, what kind of research are you planning to conduct this time?"

"Alright," I said with some reluctance, "Mr. Fang, please tell us about the events following the establishment of the Western Xia dynasty."

Take them to the ancient city of Bantuo in the Western Xia. Old Fang pointed to the three students beside him: "This is their first time going to Bantuo, while it is my third, and perhaps my last as well"

"I hope so," said Mr. Fang, taking off his glasses and wiping them. He then asked me, "Is there any other question? We can continue our communication."

As soon as night fell, everyone rushed into the house. Cao Shi assigned two people to keep watch, and this group began to chatter aimlessly about various topics, repeating the same discussions over and over again, which I found quite tiresome.

Regarding the specific details of the operation at Mazhan, Cao Shi has not disclosed much to the subordinates, and even I only know that it involves searching for something. When we arrived in Mazhan City again, Cao Shi began to busy himself, circling the remaining city walls twice around the entire site. Mazhan City is roughly rectangular, measuring about 120 meters in length from east to west and about 90 meters in width from north to south, with a total area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Several hundred years ago, during the Western Xia period, the natural environment here was likely much better than it is now, but due to various constraints, a large city could not be constructed. Mazhan City is roughly rectangular, measuring about 120 meters in length from east to west and about 90 meters in width from north to south, with a total area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Several hundred years ago, during the Western Xia period, the natural environment here was likely much better than it is now, but due to various constraints, a large city could not be constructed

Cao Shi listened intently for a while, and then his brows furrowed. He stealthily made his way to a spot very close to the door, and I followed him with a flashlight wrapped in clothing. It was only at this moment that I realized the door had been barred from the inside with a thick wooden stick by someone.

The several windows of the house depicted in the picture book have all collapsed, while the door remains relatively intact. A piece of worn thick wood serves as the door panel. Mr. Fang instructed his students to clear the sand blocking the entrance, and then allowed everyone to come in and rest. Some items in the room have lost their original appearance, and a thick layer of sand covers the floor. We cleared a space and began to drink water. Mr. Fang's three students were still very reserved, sitting alone in a corner of the room. Cao Shi brought some food for them, but they all felt too shy to accept it. Some items in the room have lost their original appearance, and a thick layer of sand covers the floor. We cleared a space and began to drink water. Mr. Fang's three students were still very reserved, sitting alone in a corner of the room. Cao Shi brought some food for them, but they all felt too shy to accept it

After having something to eat, everyone sat together to chat. The unruly demeanor of our group was hard to conceal, causing Mr. Fang and three students to keep glancing over here. I was worried that Mr. Fang might become suspicious, so I intentionally approached him to engage in conversation and divert his attention. As we discussed various topics, I found myself increasingly intrigued by the mysterious realm of the Western Xia as we truly ventured into its historical territory. Thus, I asked Mr. Fang several questions about Western Xia.

It is also an ancient city ruin. Old Fang furrowed his brow and said: "During the sixth Mongolian expedition against the Western Xia, the rulers of Western Xia had already sensed that they could no longer withstand the Mongolian cavalry. Just before the capital was besieged, they transferred a large number of documents and artifacts to other places, such as Heishui Town, Yan Army Division, oh, that is, Heishui City, you should know about it, right? This is one of them, and several old scholars I am traveling with also believe that Bantao City is one of them. The Western Xia documents and artifacts from Heishui City have largely flowed abroad at the beginning of this century, while what our country has excavated from Heishui City are fragmented and disorganized remnants of materials that are headless and tailless, which is indeed a regret. Logically speaking, my inference should not be wrong, but I have traveled to Bantao twice and returned empty-handed. There are not many historical materials from Western Xia, and the Yuan people did not compile a specialized history for Western Xia. If we could excavate some useful items from Bantao, it would be a fortunate event. Logically speaking, my inference should not be wrong, but I have traveled to Bantao twice and returned empty-handed. There are not many historical materials from Western Xia, and the Yuan people did not compile a specialized history for Western Xia. If we could excavate some useful items from Bantao, it would be a fortunate event. At my age, this trip has already been quite difficult, and there may not be another chance..."

Camel class

"Just now, they went to relieve themselves together. Although there aren't many people in such a place, one must still pay attention to personal conduct, right? One cannot urinate or defecate indiscriminately."

I exchanged a glance with Cao Shi, and my heart sank to the bottom. I asked softly, "Old Cao, is the thing outside scratching at the door because it wants to come in?"

That night, I slept soundly once again. When I opened my eyes, it was still dark outside. In a daze, I thought about going out to relieve myself and to read, but as I approached the door, I immediately heard a faint yet peculiar sound.

Old Fang does not speak much, but as soon as I asked him for advice, the old man immediately became much more spirited and asked me, "How much do you know about the Western Xia?"

When some of my students first encountered the Western Xia, they often liked to start with the establishment of the Western Xia in the year 1038. I criticized them, asking, what about before 1038? Is the history of the Tangut Qiang people a blank slate? Can such a large nation just appear out of nowhere? This attitude is not rigorous and is unacceptable

Indeed! The sound was indeed coming from outside the door. After listening for two minutes, I felt as if something was scratching at the door panel, making a clattering sound, clack clack clack... Moreover, the more I listened, the more it resembled the sound of nails scratching against the door.

"Young Master Tian, one must be cautious to navigate a ship for ten thousand years." Cao Shi looked in the direction where Elder Fang and the others had departed and said, "Don't you find it strange? Four defenseless intellectuals, in a place like the desert, haven't even prepared a camel."

The three students of Old Fang are indeed very introverted; upon seeing so many strangers, they keep their heads down and refuse to speak. Only Old Fang occasionally gestures around and softly says a few words to them. Cao Shi continuously observes Old Fang and the others in secret, and instructs others to remain vigilant about the surrounding situation.

It was not until my eyelids grew heavy that Mr. Fang reluctantly ceased our "exchange." Although I was not particularly fond of his tedious narration, I felt a genuine admiration for this rigid old man deep within my heart. At his age, one would expect him to stay at home tending to flowers, raising birds, holding his grandchildren, and enjoying a few days of peaceful and comfortable life. Yet, he willingly expended his last bit of energy in the vast desert, demonstrating that the power of faith and conviction can sometimes be astonishingly great

At this point, Cao Shi's subordinates began discussing some cheerful topics, and several of them burst into loud laughter. Old Fang turned his face to look, and I quickly asked, "Old Fang, I am very interested in this, could you please elaborate?"

The night was very calm. The next morning, Old Fang, along with his three students, prepared to continue westward, while we pretended to set off towards the northeast direction of the Baimaqiang Town Military Command. Before parting, Old Fang left me a note with his contact information. He expressed his admiration for my diligent and unyielding attitude towards learning and hoped that we could keep in touch and exchange insights in the future

I remember that no one was propping the door with a stick before going to sleep, and those who were on guard during the night would call someone to take over their shift. If the door were blocked, people outside would not be able to enter

Have you found the place

Mr. Fang, at first glance, appears to be the type of scholar who is rather rigid and serious, and the dullness of history seems the least interesting. However, Mr. Fang does not find it uninteresting; he speaks with great enthusiasm: "During the Sui and Tang dynasties, a portion of the Dangxiang Qiang people migrated southward, beginning to affiliate with the Central Plains dynasties, particularly the Tang dynasty. The Dangxiang Qiang people underwent two internal migrations, gradually gathering in Lingzhou, Qingzhou, Xiazhu, Yinzhu, Suizhou, Yanzhou, and Shengzhou, which correspond to the eastern part of Gansu and the northern part of Shaanxi today. In order to facilitate the management of these ethnic minorities, the Tang central government adopted a policy of using one ethnic group to control another, granting official positions to some tribal leaders. At this time, the Dangxiang were still not a united entity, and there was no subordinate relationship between the tribes. It was not until the end of the Tang dynasty, during the Huang Chao uprising, that the leader of the Tuoba clan of the Dangxiang, Tuoba Sigong, was dispatched to suppress the uprising. He was appointed by Emperor Xizong of Tang as the military governor of Dingnan Army, granted the title of Duke of Xia, and bestowed with the surname Li, marking the rise of the Dangxiang from that point onward.

I hurried back to the sleeping area, grabbed the flashlight, covered it with my clothing to turn it on, gently shook Cao Shi awake, and simultaneously made a gesture for silence.

"Alright," Fang Lao turned around and said, "I am very willing to communicate with you, but my knowledge is limited, and what I share with you are relatively simple issues. The predecessor of the Western Xia was the Dangxiang, which is a branch of the Western Qiang ethnic group, hence referred to as the Dangxiang Qiang. This ethnic group is divided into tribes, using surnames as the names of the tribes, gradually forming eight relatively well-known tribes, known as the Eight Tribes of the Dangxiang, among which the Tuoba tribe is the most powerful. Regarding the Tuoba tribe, some scholars believe they are descendants of the Xianbei ethnic group, and I tend to agree with this viewpoint."

I am already certain of Elder Fang's identity; what he spoke last night was coherent and highly professional. It is unlikely that an ordinary person could possess such knowledge about the Western Xia. However, Cao Shi held a different mindset. After Elder Fang had walked a considerable distance, he instructed two individuals to follow him from afar to observe his movements. I found this quite unreasonable and remarked that Cao Shi might be overly cautious.

Cao Shi has been very tight-lipped this time, refusing to say anything no matter who asks. Although Mazhancheng is small, it has been buried under sand and dust for hundreds of years. Trying to deliberately find something in the vast sea of sand is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. However, I see that Cao Shi seems to have a clear plan in mind, which makes me feel a bit more at ease, hoping that we can successfully wrap things up and avoid getting too much sand in our mouths here