Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3947 The Story of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao: A Different Kind of Change
The hotel room was dimly lit.

Professor Tang sat alone in a chair by the window, the television screen hanging on the wall of the room flashing blue and white light.

The program host chattered on with a serious expression.

Soon after, the spokesperson for Hyuga City appeared to be bald.

Facing numerous cameras, the spokesperson for Hyuga City read a prepared statement with an awkward and stiff expression. The statement expressed regret over recent "inaccurate reports about the management of local museums and the research of cultural relics," and promised to "further standardize internal management and enhance academic transparency," among other things.

The audience included many reporters from South Korean media outlets, who asked very pointed questions, making the atmosphere far from friendly.

The flash went off intermittently, but it was unclear what it was illuminating.

Professor Tang picked up the remote and turned off the TV.

The effect is indeed quite good.

Instead of following Tomoko Takenaka's advice to launch a media offensive directly in China, he consulted with his son in China and, on the advice of one of his son's friends, chose a different detonation site...

As expected, South Korean media seized upon this opportunity to put pressure on Japan while showcasing their own cultural heritage and world-class level of cultural relic protection. They published numerous reports and commentaries, ranging from museum management loopholes to questioning Japan's cultural relic protection and historical research, creating considerable momentum.

This directly brought considerable public pressure to Hyuga City, which led to the somewhat rushed crisis management press conference on television.

In return, Professor Tang also received some previously sought-after information via email.

A batch of archival materials that were kept inside the Hyuga Museum but had never been made public or even to most scholars, as well as high-resolution photocopies of some artifact details.

Professor Tang wasn't actually interested in the internal conflicts at the Hyuga Museum; he only wanted to uncover the truth of history.

These precious documents are laid out on the table in Professor Tang's room, bathed in the glow of the desk lamp, as if radiating the brilliance of history.

Professor Tang, wearing his glasses, held his breath and focused intently, flipping through the pages slowly and carefully searching...

After Professor Tang studied it repeatedly for several days, he discovered two clues that he had never known before!

It was like two bright lamps suddenly appearing in the dark night, illuminating the fog of history!
Clue 1:

Fragments of a bronze bell.

Internal number: SJ-MT-1970-08.

This is a record of a broken bronze bell that was accidentally unearthed around 1970 in the outer area of ​​the Yada Kofun Group.

The bronze bell itself was severely damaged, with only the curved surface and the part where the bell tongue connects remaining.

At the time, it was considered to have limited research value and was kept deep in the underground storage of the museum. It was never publicly exhibited, and the relevant records were extremely brief, almost forgotten.

However, it was the few casually taken black-and-white photographs attached to this file, along with the later-made rubbings, that greatly shocked Professor Tang.

In photographs of the inner wall of the surviving bronze bell, after being rubbed and enhanced using current computer imaging technology, some extremely blurry incised inscriptions are revealed!

These inscriptions are not in a single style, but rather a peculiar hybrid...

The main characters appear to be Small Seal script from the late Eastern Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms period, but these characters also contain some simple carvings similar to early Japanese sacrificial symbols.

Professor Tang finally identified three seal script characters from the mixed and difficult-to-distinguish inscription!
"Mah!"

"Georgie!"

"To quell the chaos!"

"Miko" - The queen of the Yamatai Kingdom was called "Himiko"!
'Georgie' – a woman whose surname is 'Georgie'! 'Georgie' is a term of endearment for women, especially noblewomen!
"Suppressing disorder" – as the name suggests, means quelling unrest. This refers to a significant historical event, most likely a political or military pacification operation.

The fact that these three words appeared in this way on a bronze bell unearthed from a 3rd-4th century Japanese burial site is truly astonishing in its historical significance!

Was it a noblewoman from the Qiao family who participated in suppressing the rebellion, or was it Himiko who quelled the Qiao family's rebellion?

However, there is no doubt that the Queen of the Jamatai Kingdom appeared in the third century!
But who could be "Qiao Ji," who is connected to Jiangdong and the Qiao family?!
Professor Tang recalled his discovery in Quanzhou, and his heart pounded with excitement, unable to calm down for a long time...

The second clue is a, or rather, a heteromorphic hajime.

Internal number: SJ-HW-1982-01.

This is an excavation record from 1982, documenting the discovery of a uniquely shaped horse-riding samurai hain in another area of ​​the ancient burial complex.

Haniwa is a custom in East Japan, somewhat similar to the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang. It consists of clay figurines made and fired to accompany deceased nobles in their burial, symbolizing that even in the world of the dead, these servants and soldiers still follow.

Initially, researchers from eastern Japan dated this unusual hane to around the 6th century, during the middle to late Kofun period, based on the strata where it was unearthed and common knowledge. However, others later raised objections, arguing that its design details differed significantly from the style of hane commonly found in the 6th century, suggesting it was more of a modern product and likely a replica deliberately buried by later generations around the Kofun site.

Therefore, this objection was recorded, and the pottery wheel was classified as an unverifiable "isolated piece of evidence" and shelved.

But Professor Tang doesn't think so...

He believes it is not only genuine, but may also be an artifact from the 3rd century!
Because this heteromorphic haribu has a striking resemblance to the horse-riding terracotta figurines he had seen before, unearthed from tombs in the Eastern Wu region of China!

The warhorse form of the heteromorphic Haniwa has a short and thick neck, a broad chest, and leg muscles that emphasize a sense of power, which is completely consistent with the typical characteristics of warhorse sculptures during the Eastern Wu period!
This technique is distinctly different from the style of Haniwa from the Kofun period in Japan, where the horses are relatively slender and more decorative!

The image depicted on this pottery wheel likely points to a soldier from Eastern Wu!
As a funerary object, it reflects that there was likely one or even a group of soldiers in the ruling class of Yamatai at that time who were influenced by the military culture of Eastern Wu, or even the core armed force composed of or trained by people from Eastern Wu!

Professor Tang's body trembled slightly, not from the cold, but from the excitement and shock of about to touch the truth of history.

He picked up a pen, listed all the clues he had collected, and began to connect them with lines...

Quanzhou Harbor Ruins

Pottery fragments and metal remnants dating from the 3rd to 4th centuries, bearing characteristics of ancient tombs, were unearthed...

This proves that there was active trade and personnel exchanges from Jiangdong to the southeast coast and even to the eastern Japanese pirates at that time.

Yokooka Museum:
Pottery sacrificial utensils suspected to be of Jiangdong style, and fragments of clothing suspected to be from noblewomen of the Wu region of Jiangdong...

Direct material evidence suggests that during the Kofun period, women from Koto may have arrived in Wa (Japan), or at least that valuable goods were traded to East Wa.

Hyuga Museum:
The phoenix head design of the shrine maiden hairpin is typical of the Eastern Wu style, and the hairpin body appears to have the seal script character "Qiao"...

The inscriptions on the newly discovered bronze bell fragments, including the words "Miko," "Gyohime," and "pacification of the rebellion," directly record the connection between "Gyohime" and "Miko," that is, the Yamatai royal power, in a certain event of quelling a rebellion!
The presence of the "alternate haimiya" suggests that around the 3rd century, the Yamatai Kingdom of East Wa had at least one, or even an entire, military force from the Eastern Wu of Jiangdong! This may indicate the direct influence of Eastern Wu's military culture and technology on the Yamatai armed forces!

These key points, which were originally isolated, vague, and controversial, have now been connected through Professor Tang's gradual exploration and discovery, forming an incredibly clear logical chain!
"In the mid-to-late 3rd century AD, a man from the Qiao clan of Jiangdong..."

Professor Tang paused briefly, then added a note at the end: (likely related to the Qiao sisters)...

"Perhaps due to political upheavals, maritime exploration, or other reasons, they accompanied some of their supporters..."

"Including those with military skills, they crossed the sea by ship and arrived at Yamatai, a province in northern Kyushu, Japan..."

"Thanks to the advanced culture of the Central Plains, which may include farming, weaving, tool making, and clothing styles, they integrated into the Yamatai Kingdom and even participated in a certain important event..."

"Perhaps he collaborated with Himiko at the time, and may even have been regarded as a revered figure akin to a divine messenger, exerting a significant and far-reaching influence on stabilizing the Yamatai regime, strengthening royal power, and integrating Chinese and Japanese cultures. This is why artisans recorded his deeds in the form of inscriptions, and why his relics have been preserved for posterity..."

However, due to separate excavations in eastern Japan and the influence of certain changes in the political and cultural environment, this period of history has been intentionally or unintentionally buried and obscured...

Professor Tang's hands trembled slightly.

A historical panorama that had been dormant for nearly a thousand years slowly unfolded its astonishing corner before Professor Tang.

This is not only a major archaeological discovery, but it may also completely rewrite the history of early Sino-Japanese exchanges, especially regarding the nature of the Yamatai Kingdom's regime and its cultural composition!

Professor Tang put down his pen, let out a long sigh, and felt a surge of exhilaration mixed with exhaustion.

He knew that this was only a preliminary hypothetical framework based on existing evidence. To become a conclusion, it would require more rigorous argumentation and more supporting evidence. At the same time, it would inevitably face unprecedented questions and challenges from all sides!

Professor Tang first sent a thank-you message to Tomoko Takenaka, and then began drafting a paper to be sent to a domestic archaeological research platform.

In any case, he has already pried open a crack in the door to the truth!
The brilliance of history seems to have penetrated into reality!
……

Eastern Wu horse-riding terracotta figurines
……

Time flowed through Sanlun Mountain, and the simple etiquette and agricultural and textile techniques promoted by Da Qiao gradually took effect. The indigenous people around Sanlun Mountain in Yamatai naturally began to truly respect Da Qiao from the bottom of their hearts.

Regardless of the country or dynasty, people may have different customs and habits, but the needs of the most ordinary people are the same...

Clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

As the lives of the core tribes of Yamatai became more stable, they became increasingly devout in their rituals of the spirit path after Xiao Qiao's integration and reform.

However, the core of power has never truly been at peace.

Himiko grew increasingly old, her body weakening like a candle in the wind, deteriorating day by day.

She felt her life force seemingly draining away faster and faster through her withered fingers, and no matter how hard she tried to grasp it, it was all in vain.

The fear of death also altered the nature of the elderly Himiko. As the prestige of the two Qiao sisters grew and their involvement in Yamatai affairs deepened, she gradually succumbed to suspicion and hatred. The elderly Himiko even resented why the two Qiao sisters were so young, while she herself had aged so considerably…

She looked at her young granddaughter, who was still innocent and naive. How could she possibly be a match for those two divine messengers who possessed both the aura of miracles and the skills of the Central Plains?
She could almost see it all: after she breathed her last, her granddaughter would either become a puppet, or…

We must never hand over Himiko's divine authority and the Yamatai's territory to outsiders!
Once the idea was born, it grew wildly.

She wanted to take advantage of her remaining breath and the fact that she still had a group of loyal followers who were absolutely devoted to Himiko and not the new divine messenger, to launch a thunderous attack, completely eliminate the two Qiao sisters and their core supporters, then install her granddaughter as emperor, and declare to the world that "the divine messenger has completed his mission and returned to the divine kingdom!"
So Himiko began to secretly contact the Japanese, making promises and mobilizing her trusted troops.

However, the elder Himiko underestimated the power of the two Qiao sisters and also misjudged the power of the so-called "demons and gods"...

For ordinary people, regardless of time, place, or dynasty, the most important thing is not the change of officials or top politicians in a dynasty, but the availability of food, clothing, and warmth for daily life!
Da Qiao brought new technology to Yamatai, which also made the lives of the indigenous people of East Japan better than before, so the indigenous people naturally had some inclination towards her.

In particular, Ruji never let his guard down for a single day. He quietly planted spies among many lower and middle-class Japanese, especially among the artisans and farmers who benefited from the new policies of the two Qiao sisters, as well as among the young leaders who could not be promoted under the old Himiko's rule.

Just as Himiko thought her plan was perfect and was preparing to launch a surprise attack on the residence of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao during the new moon, so that they could "return" to the divine realm, the news had already been delivered to Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao...

Moreover, the whistleblowers came from two different directions.

One is the leader of a small Japanese patrol team responsible for night patrols. His sister's improved weaving skills, taught by Ōgō, have improved the family's financial situation. The other is a young priestess who serves food to Himiko. She secretly admires a young Japanese man who is learning iron smelting under the guidance of Ryūki and does not want him to be involved in a deadly conflict.

What was bound to happen has finally happened.

Xiao Qiao didn't show much surprise.

No matter how grand the name of the statue or how gleaming its exterior, its interior remains wood, clay, and stone...

Da Qiao looked at Ruji, "Try to...minimize unnecessary casualties, but the ringleader must be swiftly and decisively suppressed."

Rugi immediately accepted the order and left.

He laid an ambush around the Divine Palace where the two Qiao sisters lived.

The inner circle consisted of core guards equipped with Wu-style lamellar armor and ring-pommel swords, while the outer circle comprised a group of Japanese warriors who had completely pledged allegiance to the "Sun and Moon Divine Envoys".

In a way, loyalty and rebellion in Japan seem to blend together seamlessly.

These Japanese warriors, loyal to the "Messengers of the Sun and Moon," felt no fear at the impending attack by Himiko; on the contrary, they were eager to try, even more excited than the Jiangdong guards...

That night, the mountain wind was exceptionally fierce.

Himiko's assassins, led by the priestess guard, reached the Divine Palace halfway up the mountain, but instead of a sleeping palace and panicked guards, they were met with torches that suddenly lit up in the darkness, and swords, spears, and arrows that rushed out from both sides!
"An ambush!" The priestess's guard captain was shocked and furious, and ordered a retreat, but it was too late.

Luji personally led his armored soldiers out from the front, the glint of their blades reflecting the firelight, staining the air with blood.

The battle did not last long.

The priestess guard captain attempted to charge towards the location of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, but was directly intercepted by Lu Ji. After less than ten exchanges, she was cut down by Lu Ji with a single stroke.

Jiangdong's armor and weapons overwhelmed Himiko's elite warriors, and as these core warriors fell, the morale of the rest quickly collapsed.

When the news reached Himiko's residence, the old witch king was struck dumb, and the last bit of energy that sustained her instantly dissipated.

She struggled to do something, perhaps to plead, perhaps to curse, but her decaying body could only cough as she awaited the flickering firelight and the blood-stained blades and spears…

The dying Himiko knelt before the two Qiao sisters, pleading desperately, "...My grand...granddaughter...spare her...she's still a child...please...please...give her...a way to live..."

Upon hearing this, Da Qiao's heart softened. Looking at the once dignified but now pitiful old man before her, a wave of compassion washed over her. She opened her mouth, as if to agree, but before she could utter a word, excited shouts rang out from the side of the hall, "Haha! We caught him!"

Immediately afterwards, a scream rang out.

Old Himiko shuddered and collapsed to the ground.

A blood-soaked, yet triumphant-looking native of East Japan strode forward, carrying the head of Himiko's granddaughter. He knelt before the two Qiao sisters, raising Himiko's head high. "The bandit chieftain has been beheaded!"

The last trace of terror remained frozen on that still-developing, youthful face.

Amidst the old Himiko's weeping, the surrounding indigenous people of the East Japan began to cheer, seemingly celebrating their victory in advance.

Opening champagne at halftime is not a good habit, but many people can't resist.

"you……"

Before Da Qiao could speak, Xiao Qiao secretly tugged at her.

"Well done!" Xiao Qiao stepped forward and spoke on behalf of Da Qiao, "The divine kingdom has accepted this child! Now... leave her a dagger and ask her to go to the divine kingdom on her own!"

Having had deeper exposure to the supernatural practices of the Eastern Japanese, Xiao Qiao understood the survival logic of this land better than Da Qiao.

The barren land and cramped space have led many tribes on this land to follow the same rule for generations—

The winner takes all, while the loser loses everything.

This is the tragedy of cultural poverty, and also the natural constraint of limited living space.

They yearn for change, yet they also fear it.

After receiving some benefits, they couldn't resist immediately opening champagne to celebrate, and then lost themselves in the bonus.

Similar situations also exist among the nomadic peoples surrounding China.

Their low level of production and living technology also prevented them from accepting the defeated with a tolerant attitude.

To die with dignity is the best ending they would accept.

Xiao Qiao knew her sister was kind-hearted, but from a political perspective, especially in power struggles when one's position is not yet secure, there is never room for mercy.

At this moment, all the natives at the foot of Miwa Mountain are waiting, waiting for dawn to break and for the sun to rise to reveal who will stand on the altar...

If the old gods do not die, where will their flesh and blood come from to fill the bellies of the newcomers?

Allowing Himiko to end her own life was a way to give the defeated one some dignity. It not only demonstrated the new master's magnanimity but also, to some extent, appeased the tribe members who still harbored feelings for their former master.

Ruji pulled a short knife from his pocket and threw it in front of old Himiko. Then everyone left the palace, leaving Himiko in the darkness.

A moment later, an ancient song echoed through the palace: 'Yamato ni wa, murayama aredo…'

Da Qiao didn't quite understand and asked in a low voice, "What is she singing?"

Xiao Qiao replied in a low voice, "It probably means that Yamatai came from the mountains and will return to the mountains."

The ballad was melodious, but it gradually faded away halfway through.

A moment later, at Xiao Qiao's prompting, Rugi pushed open the palace gate.

Old Himiko has committed suicide.

Xiao Qiao's gaze swept over the aged corpse. 'Now that he is gone, all past grievances are wiped clean. Bury him with... the rites of a king at the sacred site of Miwa Mountain.'

The surrounding indigenous people of East Japan all bowed and kowtowed, saying, "Yes, sir!"

That night, Sanwayama was reborn amidst flames and blood!

The old theocracy collapsed amidst conspiracies, and a new theocracy was established through iron and blood!
As dawn broke, the indigenous people of East Japan discovered that a new flag had been raised at the highest point of Mount Miwa!
A flag embroidered with a golden sun and a silver crescent moon!

『かみのみこ! 』

"Himiko!"

"The Goddess protects you!" 』

Amidst the cheers of the people of East Japan, the two Qiao sisters were officially hailed as the new rulers by the tribal chiefs around Yamatai Miwayama and the people of East Japan, inheriting the title of "Himiko".

However, to distinguish themselves and show respect, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were also known as the "Goddess of the Sun" and the "Goddess of the Moon," respectively, and used sunglasses and a crescent moon as their divine tokens to jointly govern Yamatai.

Rugi became the goddess's blade, leading the newly loyal indigenous Japanese people to wipe out and pacify the remnants of the old order in the surrounding area.

However, while a bloody night could establish control over the core area of ​​Miwayama, it could not immediately make the thirty-six kingdoms submit.

The Kingdom of Dog Slave and the Kingdom of Tsushima still harbor ulterior motives towards Yamatai.

In more remote areas, the indigenous tribes of Dongwa have not changed much.

The radiance of the Sun Goddess and the Moon Goddess did not reach those remote mountain corners...

The new power structure needs to be stabilized, and the friction between the new laws and old customs brought about by the Qiao sisters also urgently needs to be reconciled.

For Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, although they became the queens of Sanlun Mountain, it did not mean that everything would go smoothly in the future.

But no matter what, at this moment, they are the queens of Yamatai!