Capítulo 53: Apprenticeship (Part Two)
"Hmm? This string of beads bears a striking resemblance to the prayer beads in our museum..."
As he held each bead, examining it closely, Zhao Hongtao suddenly exclaimed, looking up at Fang Yi, "Fang Yi, do you know the origin of these beads?"
"This string of fragrant wood beads was passed down from my master, but beyond that, I am not well-informed..." Fang Yi shook his head, unable to disclose that these sandalwood beads had been seized from the Eight-Nation Alliance, and he lacked detailed knowledge of his master's past.
"Hongtao, are you suggesting that our museum possesses such sandalwood beads? How was I unaware of this?"
Hearing Zhao Hongtao's words, Sun Lianda paused in surprise. His son had encountered similar sandalwood prayer beads abroad, and he was astonished to learn that Zhao Hongtao claimed their museum also had a set. How many beads could there possibly be in total?
Moreover, having dedicated his life to the museum, Sun Lianda was intimately familiar with its contents. If he had seen similar sandalwood prayer beads, he would surely remember, yet he had no recollection of such items.
"Teacher, this occurred after your retirement..."
Zhao Hongtao, his eyes fixed on the string of fragrant wood beads, explained, "Three years ago, a pastor who once lived in Jinling donated a string of sandalwood beads to the museum. However, the beads were quite damaged, and I never displayed them..."
Jinling had suffered significant destruction from warfare over half a century ago, yet during that tumultuous time, many foreign friends forged deep bonds with the city.
The pastor Zhao Hongtao mentioned was a German who had lived in Jinling. His grandfather had participated in the Eight-Nation Alliance, thus intertwining his fate with China. He had come to this country with his father as a teenager.
After the horrific massacre, the pastor left Jinling, only to return more than half a century later at the age of eighty, donating a collection of items taken from China by his ancestors, including the string of sandalwood beads.
While foreigners do wear ornaments, it is rare for them to adorn their wrists, and the concept of decorative playthings is virtually nonexistent. The pastor's beads had been placed in the attic, exposed to rain, significantly degrading their condition. Had it not been for Zhao Hongtao's keen interest in miscellaneous artifacts, he might not have noticed them at all.
Upon discovering these beads, Zhao Hongtao had felt a pang of regret. His research suggested that these sandalwood beads could very well have belonged to Emperor Kangxi's early reign; however, the pastor had only donated six genuine old sandalwood beads, with the remainder being later additions, rendering it a fragmented piece.
"Hmm? What a coincidence! Just a few days ago, Xiaochao mentioned encountering similar beads abroad..." Sun Lianda's expression mirrored surprise at Zhao Hongtao's revelation.
Typically, a hand-held string comprises either eighteen or thirty-six beads. With Sun Lianda's twelve beads and Zhao Hongtao's six, the total could indeed amount to thirty-six, suggesting the complete original set.
"Ah? Such a thing exists? How remarkable..." Zhao Hongtao marveled at the conversation he had overheard in the hospital just days prior.
Over the past century, countless precious artifacts have been lost abroad. While bronze wares, porcelain, or paintings might still be preserved, it was astonishing to find that this disassembled string of beads had all been traced back to its origins, with every bead accounted for.
"Fang Yi, this is a collector's item; you must take good care of it..." After expressing his admiration, Zhao Hongtao carefully returned the beads to Fang Yi, repeatedly advising him against wearing them on his wrist.
"Zhao Ge, I understand; I won't wear them regularly..." Fang Yi replied with a wry smile. To him, such beads were merely tools for cultivating tranquility and focus in Taoist practice, and wearing them seemed unnecessary for their effectiveness.
However, upon learning that frequent wear could damage the beads, Fang Yi decided to place them beneath his pillow, wearing them only during meditation before sleep and storing them during the day while he worked.
"What do you think, Hongtao? I doubt Fang Yi would find your beads appealing..." Sun Lianda turned to Zhao Hongtao, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Teacher, the two cannot be compared..." Upon hearing his teacher's words, Zhao Hongtao chuckled, "Fang Yi's string is truly an antique, while mine can only be considered decorative. However, if this Huanghuali string were of such age, its value would undoubtedly rival that of the sandalwood beads..."
Zhao Hongtao's explanation highlighted the distinction between antiques and decorative items; antiques must possess a rich historical provenance. During the Kangxi era, these sandalwood beads could only be classified as decorative, but centuries later, they would be deemed antiques.
Similarly, the Huanghuali beads Zhao Hongtao gifted were decorative now, but given time and wear, they too would become invaluable, as the quality of this premium Huanghuali wood is on par with sandalwood.
"Teacher, the string of beads that Zhao Ge has given me is already quite precious..."
Noticing that his teacher was somewhat insistent, Fang Yi quickly defended Zhao Hongtao, understanding that the gift was not solely due to their friendship but rather a gesture of respect towards his teacher.
"You are indeed a considerate child..." Sun Lianda's demeanor softened as he regarded Fang Yi, smiling, "Hongtao, the saying goes that teaching a man to fish is better than giving him a fish. Do you comprehend my intent?"
Sun Lianda was not dismissing the value of Zhao Hongtao's gift; on the contrary, presenting an item worth several thousand was indeed generous. Had it been Sun Lianda himself, he would have never accepted such a gift.
However, Sun Lianda's purpose in bringing Zhao Hongtao was to impart knowledge about antiques and miscellaneous items to Fang Yi, who aspired to engage in the business of decorative artifacts but lacked the requisite knowledge and experience.
"Teacher, I understand your meaning..."
Hearing his teacher's words, Zhao Hongtao couldn't help but smile wryly. Clearly, Sun Lianda was genuinely concerned for this disciple. If he didn't share his deepest knowledge with Fang Yi, he would likely face his teacher's disapproval.
"Good, understanding is all I require..."
Sun Lianda laughed heartily, embodying the wisdom that comes with age. Approaching the age of unrestrained freedom, he was unafraid of being accused of favoritism; his sole focus was on nurturing Fang Yi's potential.
"Hongtao, let's do this: since you don't return home for lunch, why not have Fang Yi come to your office each day at noon? You can provide him with a systematic understanding of antiques and miscellaneous knowledge. What do you think?" Sun Lianda offered without giving Zhao Hongtao a chance to decline.
"Whatever you say, Teacher, I shall comply..." Zhao Hongtao readily agreed. He needed Sun Lianda's support to secure the position of museum director, and he had no intention of opposing his teacher's wishes.
"Sun Laoshi, congratulations on receiving a fine disciple. I would like to offer you a toast..." Seeing Sun Lianda in high spirits, having concluded the matter of accepting a disciple, Man Jun stood up to raise his glass.
"Man Jun, I owe you my thanks as well. Fang Yi has greatly benefited from your care these past few days..."
Sun Lianda, devoid of pretense, raised his glass and drank deeply. However, after setting it down, he added, "Man Jun, now that Fang Yi has become my disciple, I would like him to stay with me for convenience in teaching him. What do you think?"
Although he held a favorable view of Man Jun, Sun Lianda worried that Fang Yi might be influenced by the antique dealers around him, driven by profit. Thus, he preferred Fang Yi to reside with him. After all, Sun Lianda had a residence near the museum and could easily move.
"Ah? That sounds wonderful, but let us consider Fang Yi's preference..." Man Jun's response seemed somewhat disingenuous. After all, Fang Yi was a vital link between him and Sun Laoshi, and if he moved away, their connection might gradually weaken.
"Teacher, I think I should continue staying with Man Ge for now..."
Fang Yi contemplated briefly before speaking, "Man Ge has been in the antique business for some years, and his experience is invaluable to me. Additionally, he has some sourcing channels I still need to learn about, so staying here would be more convenient..."
Understanding his teacher's reputation in the antique world, Fang Yi recognized why Man Jun was so eager to curry favor with him. He knew that if he moved away, it would sever the connection between Man Jun and Sun Lianda, and his words were meant to reassure Man Jun.
As soon as Fang Yi finished speaking, Man Jun cast a grateful glance in his direction.
Man Jun understood that as long as Fang Yi resided with him, Sun Laoshi would undoubtedly visit often. If word got out, even if Sun Laoshi did not authenticate a single item for him, no one in Jiangnan would dare sell him a counterfeit.
"Your point is indeed valid..."
Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, Sun Lianda pondered. While he could impart knowledge to Fang Yi, he would not teach him the business side of things. Given Fang Yi's current pursuit in the antique and decorative artifact trade, he certainly needed someone well-acquainted to guide him.
"Let's do this: you can come to my place each evening for two hours of study, and then return to consult with Man Jun on the business aspects. Fang Yi, how does that sound?"
Having lived a long life, Sun Lianda could easily discern Fang Yi's intention to support Man Jun. However, he felt no displeasure; in fact, he was quite pleased. Fang Yi's actions demonstrated loyalty and integrity, traits that were commendable and worthy of recognition.
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