บท 104: Taking Medicine or Finding a Bargain (Part Two)
As the saying goes, there are rules within every trade. Man Jun understood that although Yu Xuan could engage in lighthearted conversation with him, he would not assist in appraising items unless Man Jun could afford a price befitting Yu Xuan's status. However, for a mere old book, Man Jun would never part with such a substantial sum to have Yu Xuan authenticate it.
"Ah? Elder Yu, my apologies, I am new to this field and truly do not understand these matters..." Fang Yi, possessing a keen intellect, quickly grasped the situation upon hearing Man Jun's words and promptly apologized to Elder Yu.
"It's quite alright. You are referring to that 'Yongle Dadian,' correct?"
Yu Xuan regarded Fang Yi with a favorable impression and was not particularly upset. In truth, given his current stature, the exorbitant fees for appraisals were primarily to avoid entanglements in such matters; setting a high price certainly deterred many.
"Elder Yu, please consider this as if I never mentioned it..." Noticing Man Jun's persistent gestures toward him, Fang Yi couldn't help but smile wryly, realizing that his earlier remarks may have violated an unspoken taboo in the industry.
"Elder Yu, it's merely a reprint of a book; what is there to warrant your expertise?" Man Jun chimed in, laughing nervously. If word of this spread, the circles would surely deem him ignorant of the proper etiquette.
"Indeed, I have dozens of copies of the 'Yongle Dadian' in my store. Such items would tarnish Elder Yu's discerning eye..." Xie Qingyang, rather inopportunely, interjected, further undermining Man Jun's standing.
"Actually, it wouldn't hurt to take a look; some late Qing and Republican versions still hold certain collectible value..."
Yu Xuan's gaze drifted dismissively over Xie Qingyang's face. As the saying goes, "Forgive those who can be forgiven." He was not fond of Xie Qingyang's aggressive demeanor. However, appraising the authenticity of this book was merely a trivial task for Yu Xuan.
"Elder Yu, perhaps... it would be best to let this go?" Upon hearing Yu Xuan's words, Man Jun was momentarily taken aback. He had not anticipated that the often-unapproachable Yu Xuan would be willing to help him verify the book's authenticity.
However, Man Jun was reluctant; regardless of the monetary aspect, he did not wish to squander the fragile rapport he had just begun to establish with Yu Xuan over a book he already knew to be a counterfeit.
"What's the matter? Afraid I'll ask you for money?" Seeing the troubled expression on Man Jun's face, Yu Xuan burst into hearty laughter.
"Not at all, Elder Yu! If you are willing to assist, what does money matter?" At this point, Man Jun had no choice but to put on a brave front; he would begrudgingly accept spending a hundred thousand if necessary.
"Alright then, consider this a complimentary appraisal from me. Now, bring it forth..." Although Man Jun spoke sweetly, Yu Xuan could see he was still hesitant to act.
Nevertheless, this trip to Jinling had not only allowed Yu Xuan to acquire an item from Wang Lao's early collection but also introduced him to the intriguing Fang Yi. Thus, he felt quite content, and assisting Man Jun with a free appraisal was of little consequence.
"How can I accept such generosity, Elder Yu? Rest assured, I will pay what is due..." Though Man Jun's heart ached, he still felt compelled to utter the obligatory pleasantries.
Upon hearing Man Jun's words, Yu Xuan suddenly adopted a stern expression and said, "Very well then, thirty thousand. Will you agree?"
"This... Elder Yu, could we negotiate a lower price?" Man Jun was taken aback by Yu Xuan's statement; had they not been seated in a five-star hotel's upscale restaurant, he might have leaped from his chair.
"Haha, young man, enough with the pretentious banter..." Yu Xuan waved his hand, chuckling, "Quickly bring it out; I have matters to attend to. Don't regret missing this opportunity..."
"Alright, Elder Yu, here it is. Please take a look..." With the conversation having reached this point, Man Jun could only open the wooden box and reveal the 'Yongle Dadian.'
"Wait, let's examine it over at that table. We must avoid getting any stains on the book..."
Yu Xuan gestured for Man Jun to halt his movements and instead retrieved a pair of white gloves and a magnifying glass from his bag. He then approached a nearby clean table, laying down a cloth before signaling Man Jun to place the item down.
While everyone present believed the 'Yongle Dadian' to be counterfeit, they all admired Yu Xuan's meticulous approach to the appraisal process.
"Ah, Elder Yu is about to assist in an appraisal..."
"Is it true? Aside from that Mr. Su, who could possibly afford Elder Yu's services?"
"It is indeed true; he is over there. Let's go take a look. I heard Elder Yu is offering complimentary appraisals..."
"Such a rare opportunity? Hurry, let's see if Elder Yu can help us with an appraisal as well..."
As news of Elder Yu's impending appraisal spread, those attending the auction began to gather around, and soon a crowd of about ten had formed near Fang Yi and the others, eager to witness Yu Xuan evaluate the 'Yongle Dadian' and provide his insights.
"This book is in excellent condition; the cover is virtually free from damage..." Yu Xuan picked up the 'Yongle Dadian' but did not rush to open it. Instead, he scrutinized the cover through the magnifying glass.
"While the condition is commendable, regrettably, the cover dates back to the Republican era. Therefore... this 'Yongle Dadian' must have been copied during that time; it is a later imitation."
In less than a minute, Yu Xuan had made his determination. He placed the book on the table and remarked, "Although I have yet to examine the content, the craftsmanship of this cover is remarkably intricate, almost indistinguishable from the genuine article. One could argue that this book still possesses some collectible value..."
In reality, throughout the late Qing Dynasty, there had been ongoing attempts to replicate the 'Yongle Dadian,' which rendered non-imperial versions from the Ming Dynasty virtually worthless. Yu Xuan's comments were merely intended to save face for Man Jun.
"Old Man Man, I told you this 'Yongle Dadian' was a later imitation, yet you refused to believe me."
Upon hearing Yu Xuan's definitive statement, Xie Qingyang couldn't help but smirk with satisfaction. He had always been somewhat petty, and after feeling slighted by Man Jun earlier, he was now keen to target him at every opportunity.
"Elder Yu, you haven't finished your appraisal yet..." Fang Yi suddenly interjected, and his comment incited public outrage.
"Young man, are you implying you doubt Elder Yu?"
"Today's youth truly lack manners. Elder Yu has already made his determination, yet you still question him?"
"Exactly! This young man must be blinded by greed; he clearly has been duped yet refuses to accept Elder Yu's words..."
Yu Xuan's reputation in the world of antiques was on par with that of Sun Lianda, and he cherished his reputation, rarely assisting with appraisals. Thus, his appraisal certificates held immense credibility within the industry, and there had never been a case of misjudgment.
"Fang Yi, I have been in the antiques and miscellaneous items trade for nearly forty years, and I have studied the Ming Dynasty version of the 'Yongle Dadian.' This one is indeed a product of a later era; I assure you, it cannot be mistaken..."
Fang Yi's words caused Yu Xuan to furrow his brow slightly. Were it not for his favorable impression of the young man, he would not have bothered to elaborate further. Nonetheless, even so, Yu Xuan felt a twinge of displeasure.
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