Chapter Text
Wu Xie was about to turn twenty-four and for once in his life, he felt like everything was how it should be. He'd finished University a year early, with honors, and had returned home to Wushanju. There, he assisted his family with multiple shops including Hangzhou Xiling Printing Company, a shop given to him by his father. He accompanied his Sanshu on tomb runs, arguing with him over museum pieces versus pieces that could be sold for a tidy profit. Spent time with his family, especially his nainai, and settled down into the typical day-to-day activities that were expected of him.
It was nice, normal, and Wu Xie was happy - until his Ershu came to visit.
He tried to hide the confusion and irritation he felt as his eyes widened. In the end, it only made him look far too young and innocent. "Excuse me?" Pangzi cackled off to the side, and he shot his friend a look of annoyance as Wang Meng tried to get the man to quiet down.
“It's a betrothal, an arranged marriage.” Wu Erbai sat in an older wooden lacquered chair, sipping his tea as he waited for his nephew to comment. When Wu Xie said nothing, he glanced up and saw he seemed to be having issues functioning... or at least speaking. "It was arranged before you were born. While it is unconventional, to say the least, the Wu never back out of an agreement.”
Wu Xie wasn't sure how to respond and found himself muttering, "I wasn't asking you to back out," as he sat his tea down on the table between them. After a moment, he looked back up at Wu Erbai. "You said it was to someone in the Zhang family?"
"Not just any Zhang member, it is to Zhang Qiling." Wu Erbai smiled. "He took over the family when he was thirteen, with help of course. His parents passed away, and he was the heir, after all." When Wu Xie, once again said nothing, he sat down his tea and leaned forward. "Do you understand how fortuitous this is, Xiao Xie? They could have backed out when you were born. The Zhang family is extensive, and very well off. They don't need an arranged marriage with the Wu to survive, yet they are willing to consider this matter." When his nephew said nothing, Wu Erbai rapped his knuckles on the table to capture his attention. "Xiao Xie, are you listening to me?"
"Yes," he instantly said. Pulling off his glasses, Wu Xie squeezed the bridge of his nose and let out a deep breath. "I'm listening. I am equally aware of how well off the Zhang family is, Ershu. Who in the Mystic Nine isn't? I just," he paused, slipping his glasses back on as he leaned against the arm of his chair. "Why is it I'm just hearing about this arrangement?"
"It was already decided, so there was no need to inform you."
Wu Xie gave him a look of annoyance. He was used to his family making decisions for him and used to them wanting to have a say on every little thing he did. But even he found this a bit extreme. "We could have met years ago, gotten to know one another?"
"He'll be here tomorrow."
"Ershu," Wu Xie dragged out the name, turning it into more of a whine. "You are aware I am leaving to meet up with Sanshu the day after tomorrow."
"I am," he responded. "Take him with you." Obviously, this wasn't as much a discussion, as it was Wu Xie being informed of what was expected of him. "The Zhang family possesses a long history when it comes to the tombs up north. I would be surprised if he wasn't well versed in them." Wu Erbai seemed to approve of that, at least. "You can get to know one another, and see how much you both have in common on the trip."
Pangzi snickered from behind him, and Wu Xie could only sigh. "Ershu, I can't believe you arranged for me to marry another man. Not only that, but you never mentioned it and we have never met. Now, you simply wish for me to deal with your bad decision-making?"
Pointing a finger at his nephew, Wu Erbai frowned. "Don't you dare place this on me? It was your father and nainai that were involved with this whole mess!" He shot back.
"So you admit it's a mess?"
"Xiao Xie," he leaned forwards, his voice dropping. "I am here to tell you Zhang Qiling will arrive tomorrow. Any complaints should be brought up with them." Seeming to have said his part, Wu Erbai rose and buttoned his suit jacket. "Now, I must return, seeing I still have my own business to attend to. I look forward to hearing how your time together goes." With that, he walked out of the shop.
Once his uncle was gone, Wu Xie flopped back into the chair and stared at the ceiling for a few moments before a face came into view. "I don't want to hear it, Pangzi."
"Do you even know what Pang-ye is going to say?" The younger man arched a brow at his friend, causing Pangzi to shrug. "Seriously, Tianzhen. Are you going to be this moody when your fiance arrives tomorrow?"
"Shut. Up."
"He might be nice..."
Wu Xie glanced past his best friend and over to Wang Meng as he spoke. He’s forgotten the man was there and knew he was trying to help, but Wu Xie didn't want to hear it.
Still, Wang Meng continued. "He... could be? After all, you mentioned how you didn't want your family to stress over you finding someone to marry. Doesn't this resolve the issue?"
Wu Xie just sighed again, staring at the wall. Maybe if he didn't respond, they would both drop the subject.
Pangzi snapped his fingers, pointing at the shop worker. "You're right! Think about it, Tianzhen. They just cut out a huge part of what was frustrating you. The whole dating and getting to know someone. That awful feeling of, are they the one? Will my parents like them?" He grinned, looking back at Wu Xie. "Your family just went right to the heart of the matter and got you a rich husband. Everyone is satisfied, you don't have to stress, and it's a guaranteed profit for your family! After all, who wouldn't want to marry you when you're so cute?"
Blinking, Wu Xie looked up at Pangzi and saw the broad grin plastered on his face. Gradually, he grinned back and raised a hand, watching as Pangzi gave him a high five before scowling at his best friend. "You're a terrible person. I hope you know that."
Pangzi’s face fell in disappointment, shaking his head as he plopped down into the chair Wu Xie's uncle had been sitting in. "You have absolutely no sense of humor. We need to work on that before your husband arrives tomorrow." Wu Xie watched him for a moment, then stood and made his way to the back of the store as his friend yelled, "Tianzhen, I was joking!"
When the next morning came around, Wu Xie found that he was more nervous than he'd expected to be. Yes, he was still irritated that his Ershu sprung this on him last minute. He also wasn't thrilled at the position he found himself in. However, Wu Xie wanted to make a good impression on the head of the Zhang family. Because of that, he found himself taking twice as long to get ready. In the end, he walked out wearing what he'd normally wear if he were working in the shop.
Pangzi entered the shop soon after, his eyes falling to Wu Xie who had sat himself off to the side in a chair. Wu Xie was dressed in a dark grey button-up and navy sweater he'd layered on top of it; dark pants and dress shoes finished off the look. It was simple and a normal look for the man, but it was very much Wu Xie. "Those colors look really good on you." He said, making his way over to Wu Xie. "Nervous?"
Wu Xie blinked, not having realized his friend had entered the shop until he’d spoken. He looked over at Pangzi, adjusting his glasses as he did. "Yeah, I guess." There was a hesitance to his voice. Looking back down, he ran his hands over his slacks in a nervous gesture. "I don't know why," he laughed, "I'm certain he will want to change his mind when he sees me." Pangzi was about to speak, but found himself cut off as Wu Xie stood and started to pace the large room. "When you think about it, this whole pairing is highly illogical. I am an only child and need an heir, right?"
Pausing, he glanced back at Pangzi, eyes wide which showed how anxious he was. At this point, Pangzi knew it was better to just go along with his friend, if anything to keep Wu Xie calm. "Yeah, yeah, heirs are important."
Wu Xie nodded. "Exactly," he muttered as he motioned to himself, pressing a hand to his chest. "I am a man; he is a man. This won't work in the long run, especially if he is an only child." Suddenly he let out a whine. "Pangzi, I don't know anything about the Zhang head. I didn't even think of asking any questions!" Once again, Wu Xie started pacing the room. "Is he an only child? Does he realize I am? What if he hates me the moment he sees me? I mean, all things considered, it wouldn't be a bad thing. It would resolve the issue of us getting married. But, I don't want to make a bad impression either."
"Tianzhen,"
Wu Xie let out a groan, either ignoring or not hearing his friend. "Then again, wouldn't that just let my family down? If he hates me and breaks off the arrangement, would that reflect badly on the Wu? Wouldn't the nine families love that! The Wu heir is so incompetent, not even the Zhang family wants him! It could ruin all prospects for me in the future, and then what would I do?" Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Wu Xie glanced up and saw Pangzi smiling at him.
"Breathe," he said. Seeing his friend nod as he took a deep breath and let it out. "Listen to Pang-ye? You're getting yourself all worked up over this guy. Is he that important?"
Considering the words for a moment, he took another breath. After a few more, Wu Xie gave Pangzi a look. "The Zhang family is highly respected and is the head of the Mystic Nine." Wu Xie's eyes fell to the floor as he continued. "Regardless of how ridiculous this marriage arrangement might seem, if he rejects me it could reflect badly on my family."
“Well, then reject him first!”
"Pangzi," sighing, he patted his friend's arm. "I appreciate you're trying to help me. But that would be even worse." Pulling from Pangzi's hold, Wu Xie walked back over and sat down. "No one in their right mind would refuse an arrangement with the Zhang family, especially if it concerns the head of said family. No, I'm either stuck with this arrangement, or I'll be the one rejected. It can't be any other way."
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I do not understand the way these old families think, especially the Nine." Still, he gave Wu Xie a thumbs-up as he backed towards the entrance. "So, I'll leave it to you. You got my support, comrade!" With that said, he turned and almost ran right into a man that he could only sum up as, incredibly pretty.
The stranger was pale, with dark eyes and black hair swept to the right side that hung slightly over one eye. Pangzi, who had zero shame, gave him a once over and noted the dress shoes and slacks; both in black. The man also wore a high neck shirt and a long wool coat, which were also in black. As he glanced back up, Pangzi could hear Wu Xie as he rose behind him, and the newcomer looked towards the movement before glancing back at Pangzi.
"Wu Xie," the man said, his voice soft and deep.
"Ah," Pangzi couldn't stop himself from laughing. "I am flattered but I'm not that rich, or pretty, or even part of the Nine. That man over there is the one you've come to find." He could hear Wu Xie making his way over, and then it clicked. Snapping his fingers, he pointed right at the stranger. "So, you are the Zhang Qiling guy he's been waiting for!"
"Pangzi!" Wu Xie finally made it over to them, bowing to the man. "I'm sorry. This is my friend, Wang Pangzi. Um, I'm Wu Xie."
The moment he spoke, the man's attention switched from Pangzi to Wu Xie and looked him over.
Before Wu Xie could ask Pangzi to leave, his friend flung an arm around his shoulders and pulled him closer. "He's cute, isn't he? Our little Tianzhen is one of a kind." Pangzi grinned, pointing a finger at the man as Zhang Qiling's attention was brought back to Pangzi once again. "You need to be good to him. He's a little shy at first, and maybe just a little clumsy."
"Pangzi!"
Reaching forward, Pangzi placed a hand on the newcomer's shoulder and squeezed. "But, he's got the best heart. I have no doubt the two of you will get along great!" Zhang Qiling looked at Pangzi's hand, before looking back up at him again. Nevertheless, Pangzi didn't seem to get the hint. "I'll be happy to give you some advice on how to deal with him if you want..." Suddenly he was being forced towards the door. "Tianzhen!?"
"Your help isn't needed or required, thank you Pangzi!" Once his friend was outside, Wu Xie waved. "Goodbye, Pangzi."
"Tch, I see how it is. Pang-ye just tries to help and gets kicked out for his troubles!"
As his friend walked away Wu Xie released a shaky breath, looking back at the man who'd just arrived. "I am," he paused, swallowing. "I am very sorry about him. You're Zhang Qiling, correct?"
He nodded, his eyes lingering on Wu Xie for a moment longer, before looking at the antiques that were placed around the store. Zhang Qiling made his way over to one, running his fingers over the surface as Wu Xie came to stand beside him. Tilting his head towards the younger man, dark eyes continued to look over the pattern on the vase.
"It's Qing Dynasty," Wu Xie said, noting two of Zhang Qiling's fingers seemed longer than the others. He filed that information away for later, feeling it might come off rude to ask at the moment. "I have the piece narrowed down to the mid-1700s." As he said those words, Zhang Qiling looked over at him, blinking slowly as Wu Xie's eyes met his. "I've studied Chinese history and antiques since I can remember." He laughed after saying those words, brown eyes falling back to the vase. "Seems mandatory when you're born into a family that makes a living in tombs, don't you think?"
Zhang Qiling nodded, pulling his gaze away from Wu Xie to look back at the vase. After a moment, he hummed lightly, seeming pleased with what Wu Xie had said. "Agreed," he pulled his hand away, "mid-1700s."
"Really?" Wu Xie let out a sound that came off relieved, adjusting his glasses as Zhang Qiling looked back at him. For some reason the praise made him feel warm and happy. Then, he remembered what he'd been meaning to ask him when he arrived, clearing his throat. "Ah, I know you just arrived and know why you are here."
Zhang Qiling said nothing, simply giving Wu Xie his attention once again.
"I understand if you're uninterested, but I'm going to a tomb tomorrow with my Sanshu. Would you like to stay? I mean, would you want to come with us? You can say no, I won't be offended. Especially if you merely came here to speak with my parents about our... betrothal. You see, I just found out about the marriage arrangement yesterday. They are always like this, dropping important information on me last minute." He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
A motion that Zhang Qiling followed with his eyes.
"Well, that or not informing me at all. I'm unsure what you expected. Perhaps I'm not what you expected at all. But, I'm willing to see if we are compatible in any way!" Wu Xie knew he was rambling, but couldn't stop himself. "Or, if we can't, we can at least break it off on good terms with one another." His eyes widened, shaking his hands in front of him. "I'm not asking for special treatment, I promise! I just..."
"Wu Xie,"
He squeaked as Zhang Qiling mentioned his name, the words dying on his lips; then swallowed as he glanced up at him. "I'm sorry," he muttered. Not even five minutes into meeting the man, he was already making a fool of himself. "I tend to ramble when I get nervous."
Zhang Qiling hummed lightly. He was quiet for a moment more, looking at Wu Xie, who could only blush. Finally, he nodded.
"Really, you will come?" Once again, he nodded and Wu Xie smiled. "I'm so glad! You see, Sanshu thinks this might be a tomb from the Ming Dynasty. I've been looking forward to going for the last week. So, I hope you will enjoy yourself as well." He paused, then looked around. "Ah, where are your things? I've been rude, just making you stand here while I talk... you must be tired? Um, I set up a guest room for you. I can take you there now if you like? I know it was a long trip, traveling here from the north."
As he went with Zhang Qiling to grab his luggage, Wu Xie couldn't help but think maybe things would work out after all...
The next morning found Pangzi, Wu Xie, and Zhang Qiling meeting at the side entrance of Wushanju, where the vehicle had been parked the night before. Their items had been placed in the back, and Wu Xie had been surprised to find Zhang Qiling with a sword across his back wearing his typical black. This time it was a hoodie, worn pair of jeans, and combat boots; which Wu Xie found rather nice on him.
The three piled into an old jeep before the sun even rose, Wu Xie choosing to sit in the back with Zhang Qiling. He hoped they could talk a bit more on the way to his Sanshu's dig site. Unfortunately, he wasn't much of a morning person and Zhang Qiling wasn't much of a talker.
Their conversation mostly consisted of Zhang Qiling insisting that Wu Xie call him Xiaoge, a nickname he'd picked up from tomb runners up north. He'd also mentioned Zhang Qiling was his title as head of the Zhang family, his words simple and to the point. Wu Xie got the impression that... Xiaoge wasn't particularly fond of the title. Wanting to be polite, he didn't question the comment and promised to call him Xiaoge from thereon.
Feeling it would be good to change the subject, he asked how Xiaoge had slept as he let out a big yawn. Wu Xie blushed as the man beside him glanced over, Pangzi laughing from the front seat. That signaled the need to stop for coffee, not even an hour into their trip. Coffee that Wu Xie hadn't gotten to drink because he'd fallen asleep minutes after they got back into the jeep.
It wasn't until they hit the rougher mountain roads that Wu Xie was pulled from the nap he'd been taking. Opening his eyes slowly, he blinked a few times. Then, it clicked that he was leaning against something warm, before realizing the something was actually someone. Namely, Xiaoge. He sat up abruptly, his cheeks flushed as he looked at the man beside him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize I fell asleep." Zhang Qiling didn't seem to mind, just nodding lightly as he observed him. "Xiaoge," he dragged out the name slightly, unsure of what to say. "You're being far too nice," he finally said. "I'm sorry, it seems like I am making many mistakes."
"Don't apologize, Tianzhen! Xiaoge, here, is just getting to know the real you!" Wu Xie let out a hiss, hoping the man driving would shut up. But this was Pangzi, so he ignored his friend and continued to speak. "Xiaoge, maybe you can help Pang-ye out? Wu Xie, he doesn't know what's best for him! He stays up all night reading these old books and scrolls. He doesn't consider his health and goes to bed far too late. Then, he sleeps in, complaining he's too tired to get up early."
"Pangzi,"
"You can see he's not an early morning type. Pang-ye has tried helping him," he continued, ignoring the man seated behind him shooting dirty looks into the mirror. "Someone needs to take care of him. So, I'm going to help you out a bit. It takes about half a pot of coffee to make him a semi-functioning human being. Make him drink it black, bitter, just like his grumpy mood when he first wakes up." Pangzi sighed, shaking his head as he glanced over his shoulder at Xiaoge. He noted the man seemed more interested in watching Wu Xie's reactions than actually paying attention to him. Pangzi smiled at that. "You see how Pang-ye suffers, right? After everything, you'd think he'd change his ways. Some people just never learn their limits."
Striking the back of the chair with his knee, Wu Xie glared at his friend. His face was half-buried in the collar of his coat, arms crossed. "You can stop talking now, Pangzi!" He hissed, blushing even more as he sat back and tried to avoid looking at Xiaoge.
"Temperamental, too." He tisked as if he were a disappointed parent.
A few miles later they pulled off onto a dirt road that was more potholes and mud puddles than actual road. The fields on either side of the vehicle soon turned into woods, before becoming a proper forest around them. The foliage became thicker as they drove, and even Pangzi took a moment to double-check the map before continuing. About thirty minutes later the trees started to break up, and the area became a large clearing where several vehicles were parked. In the distance, they could see a cluster of tents set up closer to the side of the mountain. The very mountain that had been mentioned as containing the tomb they were coming to see.
Their vehicle seemed to capture the attention of others up at the camp, a man breaking away from the group. He made his way down the rough path, meeting up with them as Pangzi pulled to a stop beside a truck. The older man smiling as Wu Xie hopped out of the jeep and mussing his hair. "There you are, you brat! I expected you to be here a few hours ago. Delayed start?"
Wu Xie nodded. "Yeah, we had to stop for coffee and then check the map a few times. Sorry about that." He grinned, pulling away and opened the back of the jeep. As he did, Pangzi and Xiaoge made their way around the back and grabbed their packs as Wu Xie handed them over.
"Pangzi, it's good to see you. Hope the drive wasn't too bad?" He grinned, knowing just how interesting the road up to the camp was. Pangzi merely laughed, shaking his head as he placed his pack onto his back. The older man paused then, looking over at the stranger who'd come with his nephew and Pangzi. A man he'd never seen until now and hadn't been expecting. "And you are?" He asked, frowning.
"Ah, Sanshu." Wu Xie closed the back of the jeep, walking to stand beside the newest member. "This is Zhang Qiling, but you can call him Xiaoge. He insists," glancing up at Xiaoge, Wu Xie smiled and motioned to the older man before them. "This is Wu Sanxing, my Sanshu. He's the one who uncovered the tomb."
Xiaoge listened to Wu Xie’s explanation, before looking back at Wu Sanxing and nodding his head.
Wu Sanxing smirked, crossing his arms as he examined the man for a moment. "So you're the head of the Zhang family I've been hearing about over the years, huh? Your family is like ours, tomb runners and heavy into the antique market up north. Though, I also heard rumors about the questionable ways the Zhang raise their kids." His eyes looked over the young man once again, then breathed out. "Not much of a talker, are you? Well, it can't be helped. My nephew does nothing but talk, so you should be in good company."
"Sanshu!" Wu Xie squawked, looking offended. "Nainai says I'm just like you, so if I have any bad habits you can only blame yourself!" Walking up to his uncle, he smiled sweetly. "Since you brought it up, though," his smile got bigger. "Care to tell me how you know so much about the Zhang family and their head, hm? How can you have all of this information, and I only found out about my betrothal two days ago? Couldn't you have given me a head up?"
Scoffing, he turned and made his way back towards the tomb. "Do I look like your father, you brat! It's not my job to notify you of your duties as heir. Complain to your parents or your nainai.” He muttered, looking back over his shoulder as Wu Xie went to catch up with him. "You're here to see a tomb, right?"
"Of course!"
The four made their way back up the path, entering a larger tent that sat closest to the entrance of the tomb. Inside there were a few tables covered with supplies and another man who was busy placing some of the items into a pack. He looked up as they entered, grinning the moment Wu Xie came into view. "Xiao Sanye!" Making his way over, he wrapped an arm around his shoulders, hauling him in closer.
"Pan Zi! It's great to see you. Hope you've been taking good care of Sanshu?"
"Naturally, Xiao Sanye." Pan Zi smiled, reaching out to clasp Pangzi's hand as they greeted one another. He then allowed Wu Xie to introduce Xiaoge once again.
Before long they were gathered around a table as Wu Sanxing handed out more supplies, and explained what he knew about the tomb. A map hung on the back wall of the tent, and he pointed towards it. He explained they hadn't gone in too far but had secured the main hall and a few of the side rooms.
"We believe it could be a Ming Dynasty tomb. The issue is, it seemed to be entered before. Many of the side rooms are already empty." He glanced at his nephew. "There are murals I would like you to look over in the first four rooms." As expected, Wu Xie nodded. "Pangzi, there is a room we have been having issues opening. I want you to help Pan Zi with that."
"Got it!"
Wu Sanxing glanced over at Xiaoge. "Knowing the Zhang family, you're skilled with traps and fighting, correct? Any other tricks I should know about?"
Wu Xie could tell his Sanshu was just trying to get a reaction from the man. He was prepared to remind him that Xiaoge was here as a guest when he felt a hand press against his lower back. Glancing up at Xiaoge, Wu Xie blushed slightly. "Um, would you like to stay with me? Help with the murals?" Xiaoge nodded, and that seemed to be that. He looked up at his Sanshu, breathing out. "Yeah, we will stick together."
"Mm," Wu Sanxing regarded his nephew for a moment, then glanced at Xiaoge and shook his head. "He's a handful, so you should keep a close eye on him."
"Sanshu, honestly!"
Thirty minutes later, after a pack check and then a double-check, the small group made their way into the tomb. "Be careful, we will all meet back here in two hours." With that, the group broke up. Wu Sanxing walked farther down the main hall as Pangzi made a left, following Pan Zi towards the door that had been mentioned.
Needless to say, it didn't take long for Wu Xie to become distracted by the brickwork along the main hall. As promised, Xiaoge stayed back with him, listening as Wu Xie spoke about the stone pattern used throughout the halls and style of architecture. "It's fascinating." He muttered, looking closer. "It reminds me of some of the pattern work we saw when Sanshu and I went to see the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty near Beijing." He glanced at Xiaoge, a smile on his lips. "Have you been there?"
"No."
Wu Xie glanced back, a look of surprise on his face. "Really? Well, then we should go. I know they are open to the public and might not be as interesting as finding it on our own. But there is a lot to learn from them and my Sanshu always says that any information is good information!" Suddenly he blinked, looking back at the wall as he blushed. "Sorry, I don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing you." He moved quickly into a side room, seeing one of the murals his Sanshu had mentioned. It had been damaged over time, but the details of the painting could still be seen. "This must be what he wanted me to look at."
Xiaoge followed Wu Xie into the room as he pulled out a small brush from the thigh pouch attached to his utility belt. Wu Xie looked over the details, pausing at one spot in particular, and started to dust it off. Placing the end of his torch into his mouth, he reached down to retrieve a small magnifying glass from the pouch as well, letting out a hum. After looking over it again, he stepped back and glanced towards Xiaoge. There was another mural on the adjoining wall, and the Zhang head was running his fingers over the edge as he examined the border. Wu Xie cleared his throat, getting the others’ attention.
"This is odd, come look." He glanced back at the mural, feeling Xiaoge's warmth beside him a moment later. Swallowing, he pointed at the part of the design he'd cleaned. "This tomb has to be connected to more in this area. Look, do you see this?" Rich brown eyes glanced over at Xiaoge, pointing at a small painted archway. "Doesn't this look like the architecture we saw in the hall?”
He looked over the part Wu Xie was pointing at, then Xiaoge nodded. “Yes.”
“Ah! I am certain this represents the tomb we are currently in. It even indicates the entrance is at the base of a mountain, and it is the most prominent in the mural." Wu Xie paused, "but here, and here." His fingers moved to two other locations on the wall. "Over here are two tombs shown in a valley and this," he moved his fingers again, "there is another to the west of the mountain."
Lifting his torch, Xiaoge followed Wu Xie's movements as he pointed out the other tombs on the mural. Black eyes flicked from point to point, then he blinked slowly and looked towards the second mural. "Two more," he motioned towards the other wall, seeing Wu Xie follow his gaze. "They are on the other wall."
"Really? Four here and two over there." Pulling out a folded map from his pack, Wu Xie opened a portion of it. "That means, there should be six tombs total within a, roughly twenty-kilometer radius of this tomb." He held up the map for Xiaoge, seeing the man shine his torch on it, then pointed at a mark. "This is our location. On the mural, it shows there are two off to the east in a valley." Wu Xie moved his finger slightly. "About eight kilometers from here is a village, and this whole area is a large valley."
"Mm," Xiaoge glanced up at the mural before looking down at the map once again. A moment later he pointed at a row of hills off to the west of their location. "Fourth would be here."
Wu Xie nodded, then looked over at the second mural. "Why would they show two more on a different mural?" He felt Xiaoge tap the map and glanced back to watch him run his two longer fingers along a thick blue line.
"River."
Wu Xie blinked, looking at the blue line on the map and then over at the two murals. "You think they are on the other side of the river," he paused. "So the gap between the murals might be there to represent the water and the distance between them?"
Xiaoge nodded. "Possible."
"I mean, it would make sense." He muttered as he held the map up closer to the first mural. A moment later his eyes widened, discarding one of his gloves and holding his hand up to the wall. "Xiaoge," he felt the man walk up beside him and moved his hand closer to the wall. "It's cold." Instantly, Wu Xie reached down and seized Xiaoge's wrist, holding his hand up against the wall. "Cold right? The air, it's cold!" He released the man's hand, looking around the wall. "We are closer to the surface here. The entrance would have evened out the temperature in this area of the tomb. Why is there cold air coming from this wall," he muttered, running the torch light along the edge of the mural. "There is something behind it; something hidden."
The Zhang head seemed to understand where he was going with his thoughts, holding up his torch to look along the edges. He heard the man step away, noting the light from his torch moving to the other wall. "Wu Xie," he glanced over at the older man, then made his way over to stand by him. “Look.” Xiaoge held the torch up, running it across the top of the second mural.
When it clicked, Wu Xie’s eyes widened and Xiaoge couldn’t restrain the smile pulling at his lips as they walked back to the first. Once more, Xiaoge moved his torch across the top of the original mural.
"It's inset." He muttered. Pushing the items he was holding back into the pouch; Wu Xie lifted his torch back up. After a moment he shone his light at the second wall, wanting to confirm what he was seeing, before looking back again. "The other wall is flush, all the way to the ceiling. This one is inset with a slight lip. Which means," he looked at the man beside him. "Xiaoge, Xiaoge this wall is an overhead door!"
Humming in agreement, Xiaoge moved closer to the wall, and Wu Xie watched as he ran his two longer fingers along the edge.
“Xiaoge, if we are right and there is something behind this wall, then my Sanshu failed to notice it.” Smiling, Wu Xie looked over at him, his excitement at the idea obvious. “This could be the proof we need to pinpoint the age of the tomb. Once we do, we can guess how old the others are as well.” Wu Xie was quiet for a moment, watching Xiaoge. “Does this mean the other tombs could be older? How could they identify the exact location of the other tombs if this one was constructed before them?” He smiled, stepping a bit closer. “You are thinking the same, aren't you?”
Xiaoge's fingers stopped, glancing back at Wu Xie before nodding. “I agree.” That made Wu Xie smile even more, and Xiaoge returned the smile briefly before looking back at the wall.
“You know, we really are an excellent team, Xiaoge."
He watched Xiaoge for a moment, noting how his fingers moved confidently across the border of the mural. There was a pause as black eyes drifted to the stone wall beside it. Xiaoge shifted slightly, tilting his head as if he were considering the location before he ran his fingers over a few stones. He paused, blinking, and then nodded. He struck the wall with his fist a moment later, thin pieces of stone falling away from it and exposing a hidden compartment. Inside was a latch, and Xiaoge used his longer fingers to seize it, flipping the piece to the left. Xiaoge stepped back to stand beside Wu Xie, then there was a single click before the wall popped out slightly.
"Xiaoge, you did it!" He was so thrilled, he couldn't stop himself from giving the man a quick hug. "Are all the Zhang as good as you at discovering entrances like that?"
That made him pause as if he were considering the question. “Some,” he ultimately said. Reaching for the wall, he pushed it open fully, glancing down the hallway that appeared before them.
Wu Xie slipped his hand into Xiaoge's, squeezing lightly as he looked beyond the door as well. The move made Xiaoge glance down at their joined hands before looking back up at Wu Xie. But, he was so delighted Wu Xie honestly didn't notice he was clinging to his hand, or that Xiaoge was observing him. Holding up his torch, he shone it into the darker hallway. After a moment, Wu Xie looked back at the Zhang head and encountered his gaze.
“Thank you, Xiaoge.” His face lit up as he said those words, grinning. “For staying with me, working with me, and helping me discover this entrance. We really are a remarkable team... I hope we can work together again."
Xiaoge watched him for a moment and then nodded at what Wu Xie had said. That made Wu Xie smile even more, releasing Xiaoge's hand. He didn't notice the way Xiaoge glanced down, squeezing his hand closed before opening it again. However, the brief warmth from his hold felt good. Wu Xie squeezed his hand closed to hold on to that warmth for a moment longer.
Entering the hall, Wu Xie glanced at the walls on either side of him, the same stonework extending into this area as well. He could see Xiaoge's torchlight moving behind him, hearing when the man stepped into the hall as well. The silence was brief, and then Xiaoge let out a sudden breath a moment later.
"Wu Xie,"
Before he could reply to his name, a deep cracking echoed down the hall as his foot sank under him. Eyes widening, Wu Xie immediately stopped moving, realizing they might have just walked into a trap. A cleverly hidden trap at that. If that was, in fact, the case... then that had not been a good sound.
There was no doubt that Xiaoge felt the same.
Hearing another click echoed in the confined space, Wu Xie slammed his hands together in prayer and squeezed his eyes closed. "Please, please don't let that be what I think it is. If I stepped on a trap, I am so sorry. Forgive me for going someplace that I probably, most likely, shouldn't be. I swear I meant no harm to the tomb and don't want to die quite yet!" The words were said quickly, taking in shallow breaths every few words that left him lightheaded. "If I remove my foot, please don't shoot me with arrows or anything unseemly like that!"
"Wu Xie!" The young man opened his eyes, hearing his voice, and turned slightly. Xiaoge motioned for him to stop, his eyes fixed on the slab that had sunk into the floor and bore Wu Xie's weight. "Don't move."
"Wonderful advice," he muttered. This time he only moved his head, regarding the man behind him. "I wasn't planning on it." He paused then, breathing out. "Okay, maybe I was. But I need to do something, don't I? How do we know this trap isn't time-sensitive, or the continued weight will trigger it?" Wu Xie ran a hand through his hair, the torch in his free hand moving this way and that, trying to look for any further traps. "Why does this always happen to me? I'm the one who woke up that stupid blood zombie. I was the one who fell into the old waterway when a piece of wood gave out on the swinging bridge six months ago. Sanshu says I'm cursed, but I keep wanting to come on these trips!"
He heard Xiaoge let out a light huff of amusement at his rants about past experiences despite the current situation. "Wu Xie," he said when the man finally stopped. Wu Xie swallowed, meeting his eyes again as Xiaoge pulled a rope out of his pack. He flung one end to Wu Xie, motioning to him. "Fasten it around you." Black eyes looked over at the walls and the design carved into them. "I'll pull, we must be quick." Nodding at the wall, Wu Xie looked over at it as well. "In case the wall triggers."
"Are you sure this will work?" Wu Xie asked.
"Trust me," he whispered, looking back at Wu Xie.