Chương 103: Taking Medicine or Finding a Bargain (Part One)
"Indeed, I promised to tell you what kind of person Old Wang is..." Yu Xuan chuckled heartily and said, "Come on, let's eat while we talk. This auction has dragged on for several hours, and I'm famished."
Although they had entered the venue at nine-thirty, the authentication process consumed nearly two hours, and coupled with the auction itself, it was now one-thirty in the afternoon. Aside from a few individuals, most attendees had already retreated to the buffet after completing their transactions.
This was Fang Yi's first experience with a buffet, and he was unaware that everything in the restaurant was complimentary. Initially, he only filled his plate with the cheapest fried rice and vegetables. After hearing Man Jun's explanation, he finally ventured to get some seafood, but only enough to satisfy himself.
"This young man is quite unpretentious..."
Observing Fang Yi's actions, Elder Yu nodded to himself. To truly discern a person's character, one need not witness grandiose deeds; it often reveals itself through the minutiae of their actions.
"Come, Fang Yi, let me tell you about Old Wang..." The modern generation no longer adheres to the old adage of avoiding conversation while eating. After consuming a satisfactory portion, Yu Xuan set down his chopsticks and began to converse with Fang Yi.
However, since Fang Yi was brought along by Man Jun, Elder Yu assumed he was merely a business partner of Man Jun and did not inquire about his background, treating him purely as a promising junior.
"You already know Old Wang's name; he is Wang Shixiang, a renowned expert in cultural relics, a scholar, an appraiser, and a collector in our country. He is indeed a venerable figure in the realm of antiques and miscellaneous artifacts, having established this category himself..."
When Wang Shixiang was mentioned, Yu Xuan's face lit up with reverence. Although he had made some contributions in the field of antiques, he could only consider himself a disciple in the presence of Wang Shixiang, as one of his teachers had studied under him.
Wang Shixiang was not only a scholar but also a passionate enthusiast. He elevated the seemingly trivial "skills" within the antique market to a status of great elegance.
His interests spanned a wide array of subjects, including crickets, pigeons, eagles, badgers, competitive games, cooking, fire painting, lacquerware, bamboo carving, and Ming-style furniture. He engaged in these pursuits not merely for leisure but out of genuine passion. To acquire the items he loved, Wang Shixiang traveled great distances, unafraid of hardship.
Most importantly, Wang Shixiang was not only an enthusiast but also a writer. He played with objects and studied them, creating a cultural narrative and developing a "century-old expertise." Thus, he earned the title of "the foremost player in the capital."
Among the modern scholars of national studies in China, Wang Shixiang was indeed a remarkable figure. In his youth, while studying at Yenching University, he was known for astonishing acts, such as bringing a large eagle or carrying crickets to class. If the professor heard a cricket chirping, it was undoubtedly from Wang Shixiang.
Most people tend to view folk artifacts as inferior due to the connotation of "commonness." However, what was once considered mundane became refined in Wang Shixiang's hands. What was most admirable was the old gentleman's keen attention to the scholarly aspects of play; unlike ordinary enthusiasts, he could both engage and articulate.
Everything Wang Shixiang engaged with left behind written records and insights. In the past, activities like raising eagles or fighting crickets were associated with idlers or former banner soldiers. However, through his descriptions and analyses, these pastimes were elevated to cultural significance.
It can be said that while the appreciation of cultural artifacts has existed since ancient times, it was Wang Shixiang who played a pivotal role in making it understood and accepted by modern society. Anyone with even a slight understanding of antiques in China regards Wang Shixiang as a master who established a school of thought.
Thus, an item like the cricket gourd, which might seem ordinary to a casual player, was viewed as a treasure by Yu Xuan, simply because it had once been in Wang Shixiang's possession, imbuing it with a unique significance in Yu Xuan's eyes.
"What an extraordinary person..." Hearing Yu Xuan recount stories about Old Wang, Fang Yi couldn't help but express admiration. Living a life devoted to play, Wang Shixiang truly embodied a carefree spirit.
"Old Wang is approaching ninety this year, yet his spirit remains as youthful as a child's..."
Speaking of this elder, Yu Xuan smiled and said, "If the opportunity arises, I could take you to visit Old Wang. If you have something interesting, he would certainly regard you as a friend across generations..."
"Absolutely, Elder Yu, please take me to visit Old Wang when the chance presents itself..."
Fang Yi nodded earnestly. A master of national studies like Wang Shixiang, at this advanced age, speaks with profound wisdom; engaging with such an elder would undoubtedly impart valuable lessons.
"Ah, Old Man Man, after purchasing those two items, can you still manage to eat?"
As Fang Yi conversed with Elder Yu, an unexpectedly discordant voice interrupted. Turning to find its source, he saw that Xie Qingyang had approached their table at some point.
"Hmm? Elder Yu, you are here as well?" Xie Qingyang spoke with his back to Yu Xuan, but upon finishing his sentence and turning around, he recognized him instantly.
Seeing Yu Xuan, Xie Qingyang inwardly groaned. He understood that Yu Xuan valued integrity and was particularly intolerant of discord among peers; his previous remarks had been somewhat excessive.
"Oh, it's you, Little Xie? Are you looking to have a word with Little Man?"
Unlike Sun Lianda, Yu Xuan was not strictly academic; he occasionally engaged in trading collectibles he had acquired himself, so he held no disdain for antique dealers. A few years ago, he had even assisted Xie Qingyang in appraising some items.
However, after their interactions, Yu Xuan felt that Xie Qingyang was overly opportunistic and often ruthless, lacking compassion. Thus, after assisting him once, Yu Xuan had not maintained further contact.
"Not at all, my judgment pales in comparison to yours, Elder Yu. That gourd of yours must surely be a fortunate find?"
Seeing Elder Yu seated at Man Jun's table, Xie Qingyang dared not be too forward. He knew that Yu Xuan delighted in being praised for his fortunate finds, so he deftly shifted the conversation to the gourd Yu Xuan was playing with.
"A small find, nothing significant. The main thing is that it belonged to an elder, and I wish to keep it..." Xie Qingyang's words indeed scratched Yu Xuan's itch, and he softened his tone while conversing.
"Naturally, Elder Yu's discerning eye is formidable. Little Man, I must say, you seem to have taken quite a hit today..." Xie Qingyang's demeanor was decidedly petty, as he took the opportunity to further undermine Man Jun, pulling up a chair to sit down, clearly intent on adding salt to his wounds.
"Taking a hit" is a colloquial term in the antique trade, typically denoting having been deceived into purchasing a counterfeit or spending a large sum on something worthless.
"Old Xie, how can you be so certain that I've taken a hit?"
Upon hearing Xie Qingyang speak about him in front of Elder Yu, Man Jun's expression darkened. As the saying goes, one should not strike a person's face or expose their shortcomings, yet Xie Qingyang's sharp remarks were piercing right to Man Jun's vulnerabilities.
"You were aiming for that 'Yongle Dadian,' weren't you?" A cold smile appeared on Xie Qingyang's face as he said, "Old Man, there are at least a hundred versions of the 'Yongle Dadian' here in Jinling. Did you genuinely believe you could find a rare gem?"
Among the seven or eight ancient books displayed on the table, only the 'Yongle Dadian' was in good condition, and Xie Qingyang had certainly noticed it. However, like everyone else, he did not believe it to be an authentic version from the Ming Dynasty.
"Perhaps we should have Elder Yu take a look at it..." Suddenly, Fang Yi interjected.
"What's going on? Why is everyone looking at me?" Fang Yi noticed that after he spoke, the atmosphere around him suddenly grew tense, prompting his curiosity.
"Fang Yi, how could Elder Yu casually appraise items for others? Best not to bring it up..."
Man Jun, his face flushed, replied to Fang Yi before turning to Elder Yu, saying, "Elder Yu, please don't take offense. Fang Yi is new to the field and doesn't understand the protocols..."
Individuals of Elder Yu's caliber rarely accept private commissions, except for obligatory duties to the state. Even if he were to assist someone out of goodwill, the fee for such an engagement would be considerable.
For instance, when Elder Yu came to Jinling, Su Shilun had paid a staggering five hundred thousand to invite him, a sum that far exceeded Su Shilun's expenditures for the day. Of course, the affluent Su was unconcerned about such trifles.
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