In some literary works and film and television dramas, we often hear the name "toast". In fact, the toast system has existed in China for a long time, and it is a special local ruling institution implemented in the minority areas in ancient China.
According to historical records, as early as the Tang and Song dynasties, in order to rule the frontier areas, the imperial court reached an agreement with the local tribal leaders and crowned them as local toastmasters. They were also given some autonomy, not only tax deductions, but also allowed for the recruitment of troops, and these non-commissioned officers were hereditary. Although on the face of it, it was under the jurisdiction of the imperial court. However, due to the particularity of ethnic minority areas, in fact they are indeed the earth emperors in remote areas.
During the Qing Dynasty in China, there was an official named Li Xianzhi, who was awarded a hereditary title by the emperor because of his meritorious efforts in counter-rebellion. As a result, his entire family also ascended to heaven, developed rapidly in the local area, and accumulated more and more wealth. In the generation of his sixth generation of descendants, Li Runzhi, he really had a wealthy family and became a local party.
But despite this, Li Runzhi was still not satisfied. Because the Ailao area is located on the Tea Horse Ancient Road, the terrain is very dangerous, and there is only one road to pass through. Therefore, he ordered people to build checkpoints here, specifically to intercept passing merchants and collect a large amount of ill-gotten wealth from them. This is only a small part of his many industries, he also built various factories, and even built a mint using local gold and silver mines, which shows how strong his family foundation is.
After saving a lot of money, Li Runzhi's heart was not steady, afraid that someone would worry about his wealth. Therefore, he built a "Longxi Clan" manor covering an area of nearly 3,000 square meters. It has modern equipment, security facilities, and even running water.
According to the local people, after Li Runzhi built the manor, he exchanged all his wealth for 300 boxes of gold, all of which was buried in the underground tunnel of the manor. As for the specific location, only Li Runzhi himself knows.
In 1952, with the gradual liberation of the whole country, the toast system also disintegrated into history. And Li Runzhi, who has been ruling the Ailao Mountain area, was also shot in public trial, completing his sinful life. Although Li Runzhi's death was a very happy thing, the 300 boxes of gold bars left by Li Runzhi have also become a mystery and disappeared.
And in the courtyard of the manor there are four stone slabs on which mysterious patterns are carved. Whether it is its placement or the content of the carving on the pattern, it is rather strange and out of place in the manor. Some people speculate that this is the treasure map of the three hundred boxes of gold bars, and as long as these patterns are cracked, the gold bars can be found. But today there are countless tourists who come here to visit, hoping to crack these patterns, but in the end they find nothing.