In two large steps, Yan Qiufeng was by her side. He reached up and took down the painting entirely so that they could see the wall behind it. The surface was smooth, with no hints of any cracks or secret compartments. But knocking on it betrayed its secret.
"The activating mechanism must be here somewhere." Wang Jingyuan muttered. While Yan Qiufeng patted and pushed various parts of the wall, she turned to the closest shelf. "Little General Yan, have you checked the items on this shelf?"
"No, I did not get to that shelf."
"Okay." Wang Jingyuan nudged the pot of the bonsai tree placed at eye level on the shelf. It moved as expected. Not this one.
Next was a porcelain vase. Not wanting to break it, Wang Jingyuan put away her flame stick and used both hands to lift the vase. However, it did not budge.
"Is it too heavy?" asked Yan Qiufeng.