Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3948 The Qiao Sisters: A Helpless End
The river of time flows quietly inside and outside Sanwayama.

Since that bloody night, the two Qiao sisters, known as the "Goddess of the Sun" and the "Goddess of the Moon," jointly ruled Yamatai. With the assistance of Ruji and others, they established their rule around Sanwa Mountain by combining and improving the mystical arts of the way of the gods and demons, the etiquette and laws of the Chinese land, and relatively superior armor and weapons.

However, the process of expanding outwards and establishing control over the thirty-six kingdoms proved to be far more difficult.

First, there isn't enough manpower, and second, there isn't enough material.

However, thanks to the efforts of Qiao Da Qiao, Lu Ji, and others, and after several years of effort, they gradually united the originally scattered and conflict-ridden indigenous tribes in the Kyushu region, establishing a more stable and cohesive alliance kingdom than the old Yamatai.

Once the foundation is somewhat solid, the longing for one's homeland, deeply hidden in the heart, surges forth like an unstoppable tide.

The two Qiao sisters began trying to make contact with Jiangdong.

At first, they were hesitant and dared not send envoys directly to Wu County. Instead, they dispatched a small fleet of ships, carrying shells, pottery, and rough jade from Yamatai, to sail cautiously westward. Their target was the coastal area of ​​Kuaiji County further south, in an attempt to gather information from the sidelines and establish a tiny bit of contact.

However, the sea is impartial and will not spare anyone just because they are less skilled.

The shipbuilding and long-distance navigation capabilities of the indigenous people of East Japan were undoubtedly somewhat inferior to those of those of Jiangdong.

The first exploratory fleet could not withstand the raging winds and waves of the open sea, and along with the messengers and hopes on board, they were swallowed up by the endless blue waves.

After waiting for two years without any news, the two Qiao sisters were inevitably saddened, but they did not give up.

After several more years of preparation and exploration, the Qiao sisters improved the ships and selected and trained more capable sailors. The second fleet finally successfully crossed the strait and the monsoon, and arrived at a remote harbor in Kuaiji County. They made contact with the locals and successfully brought back silk and copper coins from Jiangdong, as well as news that made them even more worried...

The envoy reported that in the Central Plains, the flames of war in the north had gradually subsided, and a powerful new dynasty was rising. Although it had not yet turned its military might south, the Jiangdong region was already feeling a chill. Facing a tremendous test, the Sun family regime in Jiangdong was plunged into unprecedented chaos. The pro-war and pro-peace factions were locked in a fierce debate over whether to fight or surrender, with tensions rising in the court and even escalating into localized bloodshed. The people were filled with fear, and the future looked bleak.

The news that their homeland was in danger and their relatives might be killed weighed heavily on the hearts of the two Qiao sisters.

Misfortunes often come in pairs.

Just as the two Qiao sisters were anxious about the situation in Jiangdong, the Dog Slave Kingdom once again gathered its forces and launched a large-scale invasion, its army heading straight for the heart of Yamatai.

Left with no other choice, the Qiao sisters had to put aside their endless worries and face the crisis before them.

Jiangdong is far across the ocean, beyond the reach of the authorities, while the flames of war have already spread to the Kingdom of Dog Slave.

"Sister will stay in the capital to stabilize morale and manage logistics. Lord Lu will accompany me on the expedition." Xiao Qiao removed her magnificent goddess robes, donned a sharp military uniform, and spoke with a fierce aura.

From the day Himiko died, Xiao Qiao abandoned her needlework and took up a sword.

Although she was a woman, she had spent many years by Zhou Yu's side and had learned some military strategy from what she saw and heard.

On the battlefield, facing the fierce but chaotic charge of the Dog Slave Kingdom, Xiao Qiao commanded with composure. She placed Lu Ji and other core armored soldiers in the center of the army, forming a solid fish-scale formation to defend layer by layer and wear down the enemy's morale.

After the soldiers of the Dog Slave Kingdom were exhausted, he ordered the warriors of the Japanese tribes who had submitted to the Sanwa Mountain to split into two wings, form a flying goose formation, and launch a swift and fierce attack from both flanks, cutting and encircling them.

This simple yet effective formation was nothing short of a game-changer for the Dog Slave Kingdom's army, which was accustomed to chaotic battles and overwhelming attacks.

The Yamatai army was well-organized and advanced and retreated according to plan, while the Gounu army quickly fell into a predicament of fighting alone and being unable to support each other.

In the Battle of Kyushu, King Gou Nu was killed in battle, and his army was routed.

Xiao Qiao pressed her advantage, defeating several tribes in succession and expanding the territory of Yamatai to the northern part of Gounu Kingdom. Her prestige soared, and the surrounding tribes of Gounu Kingdom hurriedly sent people to express their willingness to submit, no longer daring to provoke her easily.

Meanwhile, Da Qiao, who remained in the capital, officially established the "Liyuefang" at the foot of Sanlun Mountain.

Da Qiao personally taught the selected intelligent Japanese boys and girls some Chinese characters and basic etiquette.

Teach them how to use a calligraphy brush, and how to walk and sit upright...

He also summoned craftsmen to the workshop to imitate the Jiangdong style of curved-hem robes and straight-hem robes.

Although the fabric and dyeing techniques could not be completely replicated, these garments gradually became fashionable among the adults and children of Miwayama Sakon.

Da Qiao then instructed them on firing more aesthetically pleasing pottery and experimenting with making lacquerware featuring cloud and animal patterns. Of course, in these areas where she was less skilled, Da Qiao could only offer guidance and could not directly make improvements.

As a result, the cultural landscape of Yamatai began to change, with everything from clothing, food, housing, and transportation to sacrificial rites gradually taking on a strong Wu flavor...

As a result, the prestige of the two Qiao sisters, Himiko, reached an unprecedented peak!
Internal strife subsided, external threats were temporarily averted, and civilization began to flourish.

The two Qiao sisters were finally able to turn their attention to the west once again.

They dispatched a larger and better-prepared fleet of messengers, carrying specialties from Yamatai and tokens of greeting, hoping to establish more direct contact with Jiangdong, and perhaps even...

Amidst potential upheavals, can we do our part for our hometown and loved ones, or find a way back for ourselves in the future?
However, the news brought back by the envoy was like ice water in the dead of winter, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in the hearts of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao.

The Central Plains army has been advancing step by step, approaching the Yangtze River, and the defense line in Jiangdong is in grave danger.

The infighting within the Sun family intensified, and signs of their impending downfall became apparent. Rebellions broke out in Kuaiji Commandery, Changsha Commandery, and other places. The envoys dared not proceed north at all, and would only pause briefly before hastily turning back...

In Wu County, the situation of the Lu family, the Zhou family, and even the few old friends of the Qiao family is unclear.

But when the nest is overturned, how can any egg remain intact?

Da Qiao was already sensitive and frail, and upon hearing this devastating news, her heart was filled with sorrow and depression. Coupled with years of hard work, she fell seriously ill. Although Xiao Qiao searched far and wide for medicinal herbs and took meticulous care of her, the illness was too painful to cure, and Da Qiao's condition worsened day by day.

Another year has passed. In the season when cherry blossoms have fallen, Da Qiao held her sister's hand, looked at the hazy distant mountains outside the palace window, and seemed to see the springtime of Wancheng in her youth. With a faint smile on her lips, she passed away suddenly.

Xiao Qiao was devastated.

She buried her sister on a sunny slope of Miwayama, where she could see the bay from which they had come.

The tomb was enormous, with a round sky and a square earth.

Among the burial objects were a rhombus-patterned blouse left by Da Qiao's most cherished mother, an old hairpin she brought from Jiangdong, a tea canister they taught the Japanese to brew tea, and an exquisite haimiya wheel symbolizing status.

The funeral followed some of the rituals of the Central Plains, while also incorporating customs from the Japanese lands, making it solemn and sorrowful.

Da Qiao's death drained Xiao Qiao of half her vitality and spirit.

She became taciturn and lost interest in handling the heavy political affairs.

She gradually entrusted the daily governance of Yamatai to several loyal tribal leaders who were deeply influenced by Central Plains culture. She herself often lived alone deep in the palace, muttering to herself every day in front of the divine beast mirror given to her by Zhou Yu, missing her young and untimely Zhou Lang and reminiscing about her gentle and kind sister.

She also grew old...

In her later years, one of her favorite things to do was to climb to the highest observation deck in the capital and gaze longingly at the vast, boundless sea to the west, hoping to see sails from her homeland on the horizon, bringing news from home, or...

A vague prospect of returning home.

Time is merciless. The once stunning beauty is now an old woman with white hair and deep wrinkles. Her body has gradually weakened due to years of worry and the dampness of the island.

Finally, sporadic fleets returning from maritime adventures and trade brought back confirmed news...

Jiangdong has completely fallen to the Central Plains dynasty.

The Sun Yat-sen regime vanished without a trace.

My homeland has vanished.

She, too, is too old to endure the turbulence of a long voyage.

On her deathbed, Xiao Qiao summoned the tribal chief and his main advisors.

She instructed all the leaders and advisors: "The rites and customs of Yamatai originated from the Central Plains and are suitable for this land; they are the foundation of our nation… We must uphold them and not let them be lost."

She formally passed on the divine title of "Himiko" to a Japanese woman who had studied in the Ritual and Music Bureau since childhood, was proficient in Chinese language and etiquette, and whose virtue was widely recognized, thus completing the transfer of power.

Finally, with someone's help, she climbed the observation platform once again, and for the last time.

The sea breeze was fierce, blowing her sparse white hair.

Her cloudy eyes strained to look westward, her hand clutching the divine beast mirror tightly.

The mirror's gilding had long been worn away by the passage of time, and the inscription on the back of the mirror had become blurred, but in her heart, Zhou Yu's voice, appearance, and commanding presence had never faded.

Take me... to the beach.

She gave the instructions in a low voice.

Her attendants carried her in a sedan chair to the shore near where they had landed years ago.

Waves crash against the rocks, ceaselessly.

Xiao Qiao asked everyone to step back a distance, and she faced the western sea alone, the sea breeze caressing her aging face.

She pressed the mythical beast mirror to her chest, and with her last strength, whispered a prayer, her voice blending into the sea breeze and the waves…

My love... I did it...

"Sister...I'm here...I'm sorry to have kept you waiting..."

After a long while, she used all her strength to throw the bronze mirror, which held her life's memories of longing, glory, wandering, and perseverance, into the sea.

The bronze mirror traced a dim arc in the air, then fell into the azure waves with a thud, creating a few splashes before sinking into the endless blue and disappearing without a trace.

As if she had finally put her mind at ease, Xiao Qiao leaned against the rocks by the sea, slowly closed her eyes, and looked peaceful, as if she were asleep.

The sea breeze carried away the life of a legendary woman, a life marked by ups and downs across the ocean.

The people of Yamatai held an unprecedentedly grand ceremony for this moon goddess.

The newly enthroned Himiko, following her last wishes, buried her next to Da Qiao's tomb. Among the burial objects were nautical charts they used to cross the sea, fragments of lacquerware from their homeland of Eastern Wu, and a simple map of Jiangdong drawn by Xiao Qiao herself in her later years, on which the names of Wu Commandery, Kuaiji, and Wancheng were faintly marked… For the first time, ancient Japanese symbols and clear Chinese characters were simultaneously engraved on the sacrificial vessels—

『Georgie』.

The newly appointed Himiko proclaimed to the people:

The spirits of the Sun Goddess and the Moon Goddess have returned to the heavens and will forever protect Yamatai!

From then on, in the faith of Miwayama, not only the sun god was worshipped, but also the moon god of the night was worshipped and worshipped for generations.

A life adrift in turbulent times eventually transformed into an immortal legend and a divine totem on foreign soil, shimmering with a timeless glimmer amidst the dust of history.

Yamatai.

"Yamato..."

……

Hyuga Sea
……

Professor Tang condensed his months of arduous investigation, thrilling evidence gathering, logical deduction, and bold hypotheses into a first draft of a paper of nearly 50,000 words.

He carefully considered the title and finally settled on "From Jiangdong to Yamatai: Historical Research on the Hidden Tales of the Two Qiaos and Himiko".

This paper systematically examines key evidence such as pottery shards from Quanzhou harbor, textiles from the Yokooka sacrificial pit, hairpins from Saga shrine maidens, newly discovered bronze bell inscriptions, and unusual haimiya wheels, constructing a complete hypothesis about "Giohime's" eastward journey, her involvement in the Yamatai regime, and her profound influence on early Japanese civilization.

He sent the first draft of the paper back to China, where it was published on the Archaeology Network platform and quickly circulated within his research institute and several closely related academic circles.

A group of intellectually active young scholars and interdisciplinary researchers were thrilled, believing that Professor Tang's paper was a "disruptive new approach" and "opened up unprecedented imaginative space for the history of early East Asian exchanges!"
They also said that Professor Tang's "chain of evidence was intricately linked and highly insightful," and they enthusiastically forwarded and discussed it, even starting to propose new extended topics based on it.

However, many people have also begun to criticize...

In particular, senior academic authorities and experts from mainstream institutions who have the right to criticize react with doubt, vigilance, and even outright rejection.

"Outlandish! To dare to depict such a grand historical panorama based solely on a few scattered artifacts and faded inscriptions?"

"Directly linking Chinese aristocratic women to the early Japanese monarchy lacks direct and solid documentary evidence and constitutes over-interpretation, or even baseless speculation."

The history of ancient Sino-Japanese relations is already well-established. Such a "novel" viewpoint smacks of sensationalism and is likely to cause unnecessary misunderstandings and controversies.

Young people must be rigorous in their historical research and avoid pursuing sensationalism for the sake of attracting attention...

That's right, to them, Professor Tang is still a 'young man'.

skepticism quickly spread from the academic level.

What Professor Tang did not expect was that, at almost the same time, this paper was subjected to large-scale and organized whistleblowing on multiple domestic academic platforms and social networks.

The reasons for the accusations are basically these: "distorting history and fabricating facts," "undermining the traditional friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people," and "historical nihilism, intending to provoke disputes between China and Japan"...

Amidst this uproar, the relevant platforms quickly blocked and deleted all discussion posts and links related to Professor Tang's paper to avoid controversy.

Immediately afterward, the institute director called from overseas, his tone anxious and helpless: "Old Tang, come back quickly! Public opinion in China is very unfavorable for you right now. Some people are saying that your research involves sensitive historical issues between China and Japan, which may cause diplomatic disputes and trouble for the country! The institute is also under a lot of pressure... Come back first, and we'll discuss this further and lay low for a while!"

The situation took a sharp turn for the worse, like a sudden winter.

Professor Tang held his phone, standing in a hotel room in a foreign country, feeling a chill run down his spine.

This is clearly academic research and hypothesis, so how did it become so-called "damaging Sino-Japanese friendship" and "provoking Sino-Japanese disputes"?

Indeed, following the institute director's advice, returning to China was the best option, but it also meant that Professor Tang had to abandon everything he had discovered in Japan!
He didn't understand why there was such a high degree of tolerance for Western artifacts that were unique and historically irrelevant, but when it came to the assumptions and research of his own people, even if some relevant evidence was found, they were still judged as isolated evidence and not credible.
He also realized that he had touched not only an academic issue, but also a carefully maintained taboo in the established historical narrative, which may involve certain hidden interests and a balance that no one wants to break.

The truth of history may be destined to be buried under the dust of power and the silent collusion.

But he was not willing to give up.

He worked overtime and revised the manuscript again overnight, organizing the most crucial evidence photos, rubbings, line drawings, and logical arguments into a more concise version.

He tried to contact influential international archaeology and history journals, such as World Archaeology and East Asian Studies, hoping to make his voice heard through international academic platforms.

However, the replies were mostly polite but cold rejections...

"While the manuscript presents novel viewpoints, the chain of evidence is weak, particularly lacking crucial direct textual corroboration. Therefore, it does not currently meet the publication requirements of this journal."

"This research involves sensitive discussions about early East Asian history and ethnic origins, which may spark controversy beyond the academic sphere. This journal is not in a position to intervene."

Thank you for your submission, but after review by the editorial board, the topic is deemed too sensitive and will not be accepted at this time.

Only a few smaller, relatively independent online academic platforms have expressed their willingness to publish the article, but admitted that their readership is limited and their influence is negligible.

Just as Professor Tang was facing setbacks in his international publication efforts, Japan's response was swift and decisive.

It is unclear how the information about Professor Tang's paper was obtained, but the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, relevant prefectural police, and even some academic organizations began to intervene and launch an investigation into the "Hyuga Museum artifact data leak incident."

One late night, Professor Tang received an email from Tomoko Takenaka containing only a shocking phrase!
Run!
A chill ran down my spine and straight to the top of my head.

Professor Tang hurriedly turned on the television, and the local news showed footage of Tomoko Takenaka being taken away in a police car...

Although Tomoko Takenaka's face was blurred on television, Professor Tang still recognized her!

She's been arrested!

I could very well be the next target!
He immediately dialed the Chinese Consulate, urgently explained the situation, emphasized that he might face unfair treatment or even personal danger due to his academic research, and requested consular protection.

The consulate staff were serious and professional, saying they had taken note of the situation and would immediately report it to the relevant authorities and coordinate with them. They also advised Professor Tang to remain calm and avoid going out as much as possible, and that they would send someone to investigate and provide necessary assistance as soon as possible.

However, danger arrived even faster than the consulate staff...

The next morning, Professor Tang looked out through the gap in the curtains of his hotel room and his heart suddenly tightened!

Near the hotel's front and back entrances, several men dressed in plain clothes, but with efficient demeanor and sharp eyes, were showing their identification to hotel staff and asking them questions.

Without a doubt, these were Japanese police officers or personnel from relevant agencies who were there specifically to target him...

There's no time to wait for the consulate staff!

Professor Tang grabbed the suitcase containing all the artifact data and hurriedly escaped through the hotel's fire escape.

He had just turned into a small alley when he heard hurried footsteps and shouts in Japanese behind him!
He's been discovered!
A chase ensues in unfamiliar streets and alleys of a foreign land.

The sounds of the chase grew closer, and the police's calls echoed through the nearby streets via walkie-talkies, forming a tightening net.

In his panic, Professor Tang ended up at the beach.

A relatively secluded concrete embankment with reefs.

There was no way forward, and pursuers were behind.

The waves crashed against the embankment, creating an eternal roar.

Professor Tang, panting heavily, glanced back at the indistinct figures of the pursuers, then looked down at the heavy briefcase in his arms.

This contains all his hard work and is the only key to bring that history, buried for thousands of years, back to light!

But at this moment, these are his death warrant and evidence of his crimes!
If arrested, this information will definitely be confiscated!
Moreover, no matter how Professor Tang explains it, the police can directly classify it as "illegally obtaining" and "fabricating history"!

If reasoning makes sense, then Professor Tang wouldn't have been branded a "voyeur" in Yokooka!

Others can be caught, but this information...

We absolutely cannot let them fall into the hands of those people!
Without further hesitation, he rushed towards the edge of the embankment...

The waves surged and the sea breeze howled.

He suddenly pulled open the suitcase and dumped out the thick stack of documents, photos, and USB drives inside!

The package of documents partially dispersed in the air, the papers fluttering and drifting in the sea breeze like giant white butterflies, eventually falling into the waves.

USB drives and heavier documents sank quickly, while other papers were carried further and further away by the tide.

Waves swept in and then swept away, leaving layers of foam on the beach.

The pursuers eventually caught Professor Tang on another stretch of beach, but his suitcase was empty.

The police approached, questioned, and searched the premises, but found nothing.

Several hours later, consulate staff finally arrived, took the exhausted Professor Tang away, and assisted him with the fastest possible procedures to return to China.

The plane soared into the sky, leaving behind the small land that had brought him both awe-inspiring discoveries and relentless suppression.

Professor Tang gazed at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window, feeling neither the joy of success nor the frustration of failure, but only a deep sense of sorrow and desolation.

His manuscripts and evidence vanished like sea foam, forcing his research on Georgie to a halt.

But he knew that perhaps at some point in the future, another piece of pottery washed ashore by the waves, another hairpin unearthed by chance, and another pair of eyes unblinded by prejudice would pick up this forgotten journey again, allowing this history covered in dust to shine brightly once more.

The vast ocean below the plane window, its waves rising and falling endlessly, seems to be guarding something, or perhaps waiting for something...

(The End of the Side Story of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao)