When Jian Tianhong descended into the tomb chamber, he swiftly made his way through the passage he had dug, reaching the bottom of the grave. With a chisel, he opened the ceiling and entered the chamber.
Guided by the lamplight in his hand, he observed the mural-adorned brick walls lining the sides of the tomb passage. The scenes depicted distant eras of life—people lounging under large umbrellas by trees, many bustling around, with the leisurely nobles contrasting the busy servants. It was undoubtedly a portrayal of life during the Han Dynasty.
Jian Tianhong spotted the gate of the tomb chamber ahead. Above it, a large stone lay poised, ready to roll down and seal the entrance once the gate was opened.
He nodded, understanding that traps were often placed near entrances to deter grave robbers. Experienced ones, however, might seek alternative entry points to evade such mechanisms.
Carefully, he proceeded toward the main burial chamber, knowing that as a princess, most of the accompanying treasures would likely be within the coffin. It was customary. For men, personal belongings and favorite items would be stored in side compartments, offering additional opportunities for valuable findings.
Jian Tianhong treaded cautiously, fearing any inadvertent triggering of mechanisms, knowing that any misstep could spell disaster.
Fortunately, no traps lay in wait for him. However, the apparent ease concealed a hesitation in Jian Tianhong's heart, one he couldn't afford to ponder now.
Upon entering the chamber, he was surprised to find it brightly lit as if in broad daylight, the walls adorned with numerous night pearls.
Following the light of the night pearls, Jian Tianhong beheld an array of items filling the chamber—bronze, gold and silverware, pottery, figurines, musical instruments, and more.
Jian Tianhong was elated, realizing his cunning had paid off. This tomb had indeed remained undisturbed by thieves. Everything appeared pristine.
With so many treasures, Jian Tianhong knew he couldn't carry much. Resolved, he decided to focus on the most valuable items.
Placing the lamp on the chamber floor, he lit a stick of incense in the southeast corner—an old habit. If the incense extinguished, it signaled the occupant's displeasure at being disturbed, prompting an apology and retreat.
But the incense burned for a long time, refusing to go out. Was it a sign?
Jian Tianhong nodded. If the divine deemed his actions acceptable, then so be it.
Approaching cautiously, he carefully lifted the lid of the coffin. It was an exquisite one, adorned with lacquer paintings, unlike modern coffins. It resembled a Han-era box, a sight rare to contemporary eyes.
The coffin had many layers. Jian Tianhong opened each one, layer by layer. As he unveiled the last layer, he was stunned!
Among a pile of jewels lay a beautiful woman. Wasn't she the same woman he had seen during the thunderstorm that night?
Jian Tianhong was shocked. He had heard of ancient corpses appearing lifelike, but the realism of this one astonished him.
Judging from the tomb paintings and the coffin design, it was undoubtedly a Han tomb. Yet, this woman appeared so lifelike, as if merely sleeping. Her eyelashes were clearly defined, her skin delicate and supple.
Her dark hair was arranged in an updo, as lustrous as ever. Her lips seemed to move, so rosy and inviting, tempting one to kiss them.
Wrapped in splendid silk attire, her vibrant clothes contrasted her captivating figure. Beneath the lavish fabric, her contours remained enchanting.
Jian Tianhong caught a whiff of fragrance, partly from the spices, partly from the woman's natural scent.
On her right shoulder lay numerous jewels, and on her left foot, too.
No matter what, since he was here, Jian Tianhong decided to take the jewels.
As he recited a prayer, he began collecting the jewels. However, he dared not touch the ones on the woman's head and body. For some inexplicable reason, he felt as though he knew her.
But at this moment, Jian Tianhong had no time for further contemplation. Hastily, he packed the jewels by her side and under her feet into his bag. It was time to leave. The place was too eerie, and even the normally bold Jian Tianhong felt a creeping fear.
Just as he was about to leave after gathering the jewels, he heard a voice behind him.
It was a sigh!
Jian Tianhong doubted his ears, yet he dared not turn back. He was about to step away when another voice, soft and haunting, reached him, "Aren't you going to bid me farewell with a kiss?"
Jian Tianhong's scalp tingled, the voice sounding so familiar, awakening distant memories in this eerie setting.
Still, he instinctively turned around.
In the center of the chamber, the woman from the coffin now stood, gazing at him with an ethereal presence.
Turning back to the coffin, Jian Tianhong found it empty.
"Who are you?" Jian Tianhong's voice trembled with fear.
"I am your beloved, Jian Lang," the woman replied.
"Are you... alive or dead?" Jian Tianhong stammered.
"I died over a thousand years ago, yet I've remained alive, waiting for you. Today, my wait is over," the woman said.
"Dead, yet alive!" Jian Tianhong muttered incredulously.
"That's called a revenant! No, this is too eerie. I must leave!" Jian Tianhong turned to flee, but as he ran, he saw the woman standing before him again.
Was she floating or moving swiftly? Jian Tianhong watched in increasing terror.
"What do you want? I'll return the jewels to you. Please, let me go!" Jian Tianhong pleaded.
"The jewels don't matter. But you, your person, must stay. I've waited over a thousand years for you, Jian Lang!" The woman's voice remained soft.
Increasingly terrified, Jian Tianhong couldn't contain himself. With a scream, he dashed away. But as he ran past her, the woman sighed softly, "Over a thousand years, and just like before, you're leaving. Will you leave again today?"
Jian Tianhong ran, thoughts swirling. Who was this woman?
But it was too late. Around him, the walls and ceiling began to collapse! With a cry, he was buried alive.