Chapter 183 Let's go wash up and go to bed.

The slightly worn Coaster only had eight or nine seats, making the carriage feel rather empty.

Shang Yan leaned back in her chair, picked up a small mirror, and looked at herself from all angles.

During this time, she was very angry with Liu Dong, and couldn't sleep at night, so her complexion was naturally not good.

But last night, in order to get that chicken, Lin Sicheng coaxed and tricked her into drinking half a bowl of sticky, thick, and bitter ointment that made her roll her eyes.

Then, I didn't dream at all that night and slept straight until nine in the morning. Even more surprisingly, my complexion visibly improved, and I was unusually energetic.

Did you only drink one dose, and it was bought from a street stall?

This is the first time I've heard that traditional Chinese medicine is so effective.

After looking at it for a long time, she put down the mirror and said, "Lin Sicheng, that Dean Hou is quite impressive, isn't he?"

"Of course!"

Without sufficient ability, it would be impossible to become the honorary president of the Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"But you can't take this medicine too often. Dean Hou still occasionally goes to the Air Force Hospital for consultations. Professor Shang, if you feel unwell, you can see her then..."

Shang Yan remained silent: "Even leaders of slightly lower ranks can't get appointments with top-tier experts like this, let alone her."

I guess I'll have to ask Lin Sicheng for help again.

It's strange, really: he always has some weird and unusual skills, and then inexplicably, he gets noticed by some strange and unusual experts.

Just like Old Lady Zhao from Qishan, and also like Dean Hou this time...

"Lin Sicheng, where did you learn that?" Shang Yan put away the mirror and gestured again. "That ability to diagnose a condition with just one glance?"

"From an ancient book!" Lin Sicheng smiled: "Qin Yueren's medical book!"

What is that?

Qin Yueren, wasn't he Bian Que?

Shang Yan, of course, didn't believe it. And it wasn't just him; including the driver, no one in the car believed it.

Bian Que lived during the Warring States period, about 2,400 to 2,500 years ago. Aside from being mentioned in historical records, no related medical treatises have survived. Where did these medical books come from?

Thinking Lin Sicheng didn't want to talk about it, Shang Yan didn't ask again. She just drawled out a soft "Hmph," and said, "Lin Sicheng, you're getting better and better at making things up?"

Lin Sicheng didn't explain, he just smiled.

He wasn't talking nonsense; he really learned it from "Bian Que's Medical Notes," also known as "Tian Hui's Medical Notes."

That was in 2012, his second year at the Forbidden City, when the Western Han Dynasty royal tomb was discovered at Laoguanshan in Chengdu. On a whim, Mrs. Wang said she would take him to broaden his horizons.

As a result, they discovered the "Bian Que Medical Notes" upon first glance.

It consists of more than eighty volumes, totaling over 20,000 to nearly 30,000 words: including "The Upper Classic of Pulse," "The Lower Classic of Pulse," "The Five Colors of Pulse and Their Manifestations," "The Method of Treating Sixty Diseases and the Qi Decoction," "Needling Techniques," "The Principles of Pulse," "The Meridians," and so on.

Then, the amazing part comes: a comparison reveals that the *Huangdi Neijing*, revered as a sacred text in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is merely a commentary on a portion of the *Bian Que Medical Bamboo Slips*. Furthermore, many of its diagnostic methods and prescriptions contain errors, including many formulas still used in modern TCM.

Of course, research had to be intensified, and then gradually, the prescriptions of major TCM hospitals and TCM colleges began to be adjusted, and new prescriptions were added one after another.

Regardless of other factors, there are over a hundred prescriptions for treating hernia (pediatric hernia) derived from the "Treatment of Sixty Diseases and Qi Decoction Method" and subsequently included in the "Prescription Records" of major medical colleges.

This is just one of the illnesses; there are fifty-nine more... Isn't that amazing?

Who wouldn't value or be curious about something that can prolong life and even save lives?

At that time, there were several retired experts in the Palace Museum who were close to 100 years old, and a large number of those over 80, all of whom were quite interested in this. So they were determined to use their remaining expertise and formed a group to conduct joint research with several national-level institutions for a period of time.

Lin Sicheng also followed the research intermittently, and he was still doing so even when he transmigrated.

The technique of observing qi that he used yesterday is "observing qi and discerning spirit," which was restored by the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine based on medical texts.

It's the same story from the historical records, "Bian Que's Three Visits to Duke Huan of Cai": Bian Que met Duke Huan of Cai and stood for a while. Bian Que said, "Your Majesty has an illness in the skin and muscles; if it is not treated, it will likely worsen..."

Isn't that amazing?

But it's no exaggeration to say that most people really can't learn it.

In order to learn, Lin Sicheng diligently studied Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases" and "Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber"... As a result, his medical skills greatly improved...

So even now, when he thinks about it, he realizes he was indeed a bit of a slacker...

Lost in thought, the minibus drove out of the city and was about to enter the highway when the phone rang.

After glancing at it, Lin Sicheng sat up straight.

The contact name was "Dean". He had saved the number for a long time, but this was the first time he had received a call from the dean himself.

After the call was connected and a greeting was given, the others sat up straight and began to listen intently: What else could it be that the dean called Lin Sicheng's cell phone?

The dean got straight to the point: "Xiao Lin, we received a letter from Yaozhou this morning, saying they want to visit and learn from our World Heritage application project, tentatively for a week... The principal has assigned your teacher and me to be in charge of receiving them..."

"Although they didn't mention it to my face, I've heard some things... I also asked your teacher for their opinion, but they were all talk and no action, just going around in circles without giving me the truth. So I called to ask for your opinion..."

"Dean, I have no objection!" Lin Sicheng said without hesitation. "I'll listen to my teacher!"

At first glance, it seemed like the problem had been pushed back to us, but the dean chuckled and said, "Okay, I understand! When are you coming back?"

"Dean, we'll arrive around noon, and if possible, we can get to the school this afternoon!"

"There's no need to rush!" the dean said slowly. "Going home and resting for a few days is perfectly fine!"

"Okay, thank you, Dean!"

After he hung up, Shang Yan turned her head and asked, "What does the school mean?"

Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Just asking when we're going back!"

Business Research Instantly: If you want to visit, then visit; if you want to learn, that's fine too.

What? Tea dust glaze... Sorry, I've never even heard of it... That's what the school meant.

Previously, Shang Yan was worried that the school might ask Lin Sicheng to consider the bigger picture due to political considerations.

Looking at it now, it seems the school leaders were also furious, but they were afraid that Lin Sicheng would be easily swayed and, after a lot of roundabout persuasion, would raise the white flag and surrender.

So the dean made a special call to remind you: just listen to your teacher.

Let me make my stance clear to Lin Sicheng: the fact that you specifically arranged for your teacher to receive him means that no matter who pleads for him or who makes the request, it's all useless.

Shang Yan breathed a sigh of relief...

...

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, and the snow on the lawn reflected dappled light.

A group of people stood at the entrance of the experimental center, with bright red characters scrolling on a sign behind them: Welcome the TC City Intangible Cultural Heritage Study Tour Team to our institute...

It must be said that the reaction speed was fast enough: the incident happened at noon yesterday, and it was not reported to the city leaders until the afternoon, and a group of people rushed to Xijing in the evening.

Then, early the next morning, I visited the school's main leaders.

Perhaps sensing that the school leaders' attitude was not quite right, and realizing that this approach was not working, they simultaneously adjusted their strategy. They had just visited the leaders that morning, probably before they even entered the cafeteria, when the letter was sent to the school.

Then, just after noon, the inspection team arrived on the spot and was able to rush to the school to conduct inspections and learning.

With this reaction speed and efficiency, it absolutely surpasses more than 80% of organizations of the same level.

But then, thinking about why they came here, it feels utterly absurd: just from this set of response mechanisms and organizational capabilities, you can see the level of the two sets of leaders at the municipal level.

How did the events that preceded this happen?

After a moment's thought, Wang Qizhi frowned: "Dean, this might not be easy to handle!"

The dean glanced at him, then smiled and said, "Secretary Wang, broaden your perspective: when brother units from other prefectures come to inspect, we must certainly receive them well, and we must meet their requests within our capabilities... How can we just go through the motions?"

Wang Qizhi curled his lip: This tone, this manner, it's like his second sister is standing in front of him?

But as far as our capabilities are concerned: before this, Lin Sicheng had never mentioned tea dust glaze at all. Not to mention the school, even the teacher Wang Qizhi didn't know about it. How can we satisfy him?

So, the leader is indeed a leader; he speaks with great skill.

He nodded, and then the three cars drove into the school.

As soon as the car came to a stop, the dean stepped down the stairs first and shook hands with Vice Mayor Wang.

He also served as the executive vice president (vice director-general level), and below him was the vice dean. Wang Qizhi (low rank but high position) was at the division level, so the reception he received was definitely not low.

And they were very enthusiastic, with smiles all over their faces.

Mayor Wang's heart sank: in his experience, if the other party was even slightly agitated, the matter would be easier to handle. It would simply involve an apology and then negotiating terms.

If they treat you politely and warmly, it means one thing: business is business.

They don't need to waste any words; a few sets of official jargon and platitudes will be enough to send you out the door.

Fortunately, we've made several preparations; if one problem doesn't solve the other, another will. We must resolve this trouble as soon as possible.

While pondering to himself, Mayor Wang continued to chat and shake hands with everyone.

Then, a group of people arrived at the studio.

The signs are eye-catching, with two plaques on the left and right: Lin Sicheng Cultural Relics Protection and Restoration Research Studio and Northwest University World Heritage Application Project Preparation Center.

When I sent the letter before going to Tongchuan, wasn't it still "Lin Sicheng Ancient Ceramics Restoration Studio"? How come the sign now says "Cultural Relics"?

Out of sheer curiosity, a group of people filed in.

The place was large and well-equipped, and Wang Qizhi was in charge of the introduction.

The group seemed distracted. After about half an hour of touring, they were led to the training center.

The newly renovated two-story building is equipped with brand-new tables and chairs, and features a state-of-the-art multimedia teaching system and LED screen.

What's going on here? A meeting, or perhaps negotiations?

Mayor Wang and everyone else were immediately invigorated.

It's good to have something to talk about; the worst thing is not having anything to talk about at all...

But then, Wang Qizhi picked up his notebook and went on stage.

"Please forgive me for the lack of preparation due to time constraints..."

As he spoke, Wang Qizhi turned on his computer and plugged in the external hard drive. "At the same time, I also welcome any corrections or suggestions from leaders and teachers..."

As he spoke, he tapped the keyboard, and an image appeared on the large screen.

The entire delegation was stunned: "We said we were here to learn, but that was just a pretext. You knew exactly why we came, and yet you actually want us to learn?"

It can't really be like what Liu Dong did, keeping you hooked until you've exhausted all your patience.

Just as he was wondering, the video started playing. It seemed to be in a laboratory, with Lin Sicheng wearing a white lab coat and an enamel basin on the workbench in front of him.

It's very old and broken, with chipped porcelain in many places. At first glance, it looks like it was picked up from a garbage dump.

"In mid-September, Lin Sicheng's Ancient Ceramics Studio was established. Due to funding issues, the equipment was not yet in place. Therefore, for more professional artifact restoration, we had to borrow the school's research rooms and laboratories... This Qing Dynasty Yongzheng enamel sunflower-shaped plate was restored in Professor Shang's ceramics laboratory..."

Wang Qizhi turned on the screen, and the video began to play.

"Base glaze: natural minerals... oxidizing agent... key points: melt at 900 degrees Celsius, quench in water to form granules, grind to a fineness of 200 mesh or higher..."

"Colored glazes: 1. Dark green, temperature 800°C, oxygen-enriched firing, granulated grinding to 200 mesh... 2. Light pink... 3. Golden yellow... 4. Crimson red... 5. Bright silver..."

Lin Sicheng stood on the stage, making arrangements calmly and methodically, while the two research assistants proceeded smoothly.

Below the stage stood Wang Qizhi, who was giving the presentation, Shang Yan, whom he had met in Tongchuan, and several graduate students.

After the preparations were completed, Lin Sicheng began to work on the copper base of the basin: design, pattern, sculpting, attaching, welding, and making corrections...

Many people only partially understood what they saw, such as Deputy Director Song, Director Tian, ​​and Deputy Mayor Wang.

Invited at the last minute to serve as the deputy head of the inspection team, Director Xu of the TC City Museum quietly introduced: "This is cloisonné enamel on a copper body, invented during the Jingtai period of the Ming Dynasty, also known as Jingtai Blue... During the Qing and Ming Dynasties, it was an imperial ware..."

Vice Mayor Wang paused for a moment: "Enamel on copper body, isn't that just copperware?"

"It is indeed bronze, which is definitely a completely different field for a porcelain restorer... but this Mr. Lin... Mr. Lin's cloisonné technique seems to be very advanced..."

Halfway through the conversation, Director Xu suddenly froze: Wang Qizhi pressed fast forward, and on the screen, Lin Sicheng started clicking blue.

Fill with glaze, put it in the kiln, fire it, cool it down, take it out of the kiln... There is some blue glaze in the cloisonné that was repaired before.

At first glance, it seems quite ordinary: the missing parts are filled with copper wire, then glazed, and then fired again.

But the problem is, it's enamel.

From the Han to the Qing dynasties, porcelain was fired in every dynasty, and kilns were set up in almost every province except Tibet and Mongolia.

There were many craftsmen who knew how to fire, and many who knew how to repair and restore, leaving behind a wealth of historical documents.

However, enamelware was only produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and only the Imperial Kiln Factory produced it.

Not only did it exist for a very short time, but it was also confined to the capital city, so even among the imperial artifacts, this item was considered an extremely rare and uncommon item.

Therefore, Director Xu previously thought that Lin Sicheng would fix it with dyed resin after pinching it.

I never imagined that Lin Sicheng would actually be able to use blue.

And it was done over and over again, six times in total?

He stared, unsure how to explain.

It wasn't just Director Xu, but also Deputy Director Du and Director Meng.

They are indeed the Porcelain Research Institute under the Industrial Bureau, but this is because Yaozhou porcelain has already been industrialized and mass-produced. The current and future research focus is on technological innovation and new product development.

But fundamentally, their earliest research focused on ancient porcelain. While they might not be experts, they at least possessed basic knowledge of cultural relics.

The porcelain restorer who can add blue is like a butcher who can fly a plane... The key is the "six-six firings": the color fusion of six firings and the final color... Could a professional painter achieve such a vivid, bright, yet harmonious color without making any changes?

Therefore, Lin Sicheng's skill level went far beyond just cloisonné enamel. His craftsmanship was more than enough to qualify him for a place in the Forbidden City…

The inspection team suddenly realized: there was no such thing as baiting; they were just pulling out all the stops right from the start.

The meaning is very simple: Is Lin Sicheng, whom you have mocked with almost despicable means, really the incompetent, seniority-seeking nepotism that you believe him to be?

And what about the so-called core technologies that you cherish and guard so closely? Are they really worth stealing?

Honestly, cloisonné enamelware was, after all, an imperial ware. In terms of technical skill, craftsmanship, and difficulty, it does seem to be slightly superior to Yaozhou porcelain...

The group of people looked at each other, each with their own thoughts.

But Wang Qizhi didn't care what they thought and continued playing the recording.

It was still a laboratory, but it had moved from the business research laboratory to Wang Qizhi's laboratory. In between, it had also moved to a studio with some newly added equipment.

Lin Sicheng never changed careers again; he started repairing porcelain and has been doing so ever since.

But the things he added, and the techniques he demonstrated, made the entire inspection team's eyelids twitch:

First came the matte-glazed plum vase from the late Qing dynasty, then the gold-flecked bowl from the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty, and then the Dehua lard-white bowl...

From metal staples to gold plating, to kintsugi, and then to lacquer...

When they saw the final Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain jar with dragon design, everyone from Deputy Mayor Wang to Deputy Director Du was speechless with shock.

They had considered that although Lin Sicheng was young, he must be capable and technically skilled. Otherwise, he couldn't have endured twenty days of hard work, studying samples and deriving the core technology of Yaozhou porcelain.

But they never imagined that Lin Sicheng could repair even blue and white porcelain so well.

Even Mayor Wang, who is not very knowledgeable about the subject, knows how difficult it is to repaint blue and white porcelain and how difficult it is to re-fire blue and white porcelain.

It can be said that as long as one knows how to repair blue and white porcelain from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, there is no porcelain from the Han dynasty to the Republic of China that he cannot learn or repair.

So why would he need to steal any technology?

The so-called "need to learn the firing techniques of Yaozhou porcelain" and "systematic research on repair techniques" were just polite words. Because if you didn't teach him, Lin Sicheng could actually deduce it.

In the end, Lin Sicheng did indeed deduce it.

Secretly taken aback, the dean and Wang Qizhi then led them to the experimental center...

They were already somewhat numb from the shock, but they were still puzzled: whatever their ultimate goal was, whether it was to investigate, learn, negotiate, or even to meet Lin Sicheng... they all had one goal: to get their hands on the tea dust glaze technology.

But what was the purpose of bringing them to the experimental center? Was it to recall Lin Sicheng's achievements and to commemorate the process of Lin Sicheng's research?

Looking at the sign again: That's right, it's the Metal Cultural Relics Research Center of the School of Cultural Heritage at Xida University.

But soon they learned that it had nothing to do with the World Heritage application, but it was related to Lin Sicheng—he was the person in charge of two projects that had already been approved in this laboratory.

Wang Qizhi gave a detailed introduction, and the materials were also distributed to a group of people.

Most people don't understand it: for example, Director Du, Meng Shufeng, and even Vice Mayor Wang.

But some people can understand it, such as Deputy Director Song and Director Tian. These two are exemplary in applying what they have learned: they are proper engineering graduates.

Take Director Xu, for example. He's a veteran of cultural relics and museums; while he might not be an expert in everything, he has a basic understanding of the relevant knowledge within the scope of cultural relics.

But look at the title: Study on the alloy composition of bronze artifacts unearthed from the Banpo site, that is, an exploration of the indigenous origin of metallurgy in China.

Corrosion mechanisms and intervention measures for bronze artifacts, and the application of plant extracts and amino acid derivatives in the desalination, slow release, and protection of metallic cultural relics.

Yes, it is indeed a cultural relics protection research project, but the ultimate goal of the research is far broader:

The origins of Chinese metallurgy, rust prevention with plant extracts... are these just topics for cultural relic preservation?

These are industrial chemistry and biological research projects...and they're among the most cutting-edge of both categories...

Scrolling to the end, yes, it's a school-level research project, only approved by the provincial education department. But with this title, it wouldn't even qualify as a city-level, or provincial-level project, let alone a school-level one.

Looking at the content again, the group didn't know what else to say: They were really working hard towards the goal outlined in the title, and had already achieved considerable results and progress.

Crucially, Lin Sicheng was the project initiator, the person in charge, and the academic advisor.

His teacher, Wang Qizhi, who is also the head of the laboratory, is only the leader.

From porcelain restoration to industrial metals and biotechnology research, this field spans far more than just a few large areas.

But that's not the point. The real reason Xida brought them here is: You think Lin Sicheng is just a student who knows a little about porcelain making and is also a potential successor who plans to apply for World Heritage status?

No, he can also repair enamelware and blue and white porcelain. He is also the initiator, person in charge, and supervisor of two quasi-national scientific research projects.

Taking the first two points as an example, given time, it is not impossible for the School of Cultural Heritage at Northwest University to add two more related majors.

As for the latter two items, the so-called comprehensive university rankings and the level of disciplines, such as A+ and B+, where do they come from?

It relies on research projects and scientific research results.

So, what price would you have to pay to make Xida reluctantly risk losing talent and switching to their rival, and help you so that Lin Sicheng would consider the bigger picture and compromise once?

You should go back to where you came from... Xida University is telling you this in plain language...

A group of people looked at each other.

Last night I spoke with city leaders on the phone and spent the whole night discussing what to say, but I couldn't utter a single word.

But things still need to be resolved...

Vice Mayor Wang gritted his teeth, forced a smile, and said a long string of words of thanks.

The dean responded with a smile, while Wang Qizhi watched coldly: What, if the right way doesn't work, you'll try something crooked?

Given Lin Sicheng's personality... well, honey, go wash up and go to bed...

Seriously, he, as the teacher, didn't even need to lift a finger...