Chapter 213 Emperor's Image

Jing Daoshi was a regular at the bank, and it was said that he had millions in deposits, so the manager specially opened a VIP room for him.

After making the arrangements, the four of them entered the hall. Squinting, Taoist Jing suddenly gasped:

Hao Jun was invited by him, so why did he come with the buyer?

Suspicious in his heart, the old Taoist priest moved quickly and went to meet him.

The two shook hands, and Hao Jun introduced with a smile, "Master Jing, what a coincidence! You probably don't know, but this is Professor Lin Changqing's grandson..."

The old Taoist priest was stunned for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat: No wonder these two got together?

The Dongwang Temple often holds folk activities and rituals, and the old Taoist priests often help out.

He hadn't spoken to them much, but he knew that Hao Jun, Lin Changqing, and some director from the Public Security Bureau were all advisors to the Municipal Cultural Relics Center, the Folk Museum, and the Dongwang Temple (a three-in-one entity).

The three had an excellent relationship: eight out of ten times, if you saw one of them, you would also see the other two.

The problem is that the incense burner was originally designed by Director Wan of the Folk Museum, who also provided the estimated value of 300,000 yuan.

With such a close relationship, how could he just stand by and watch Lin Changqing's grandson spend a million to buy an incense burner worth three or four hundred thousand?

If things go wrong, today's business might fail...

With a guess in mind, the old Taoist priest invited the person into the VIP room.

Once everyone was seated, Lin Sicheng got straight to the point: "Daoist Master, did you bring the things?"

"certainly!"

The old Taoist priest was suspicious, but he still took out the incense burner.

As soon as he placed it on the table, Zhao Xiuneng leaned forward.

Minimalist design: round, no ears, openwork knob cover, three-legged studs.

But something feels a little strange: sloping shoulders, constricted neck, and bulging belly. At first glance, it looks like the shape of a li-style incense burner, but the shoulder line is extremely sharp, as if cut by a knife and axe.

To recap, neither the "Xuanhe Bogu Tupu" (compiled by Wang Fu under the order of Emperor Huizong of Song, specializing in bronzes from the Shang to Tang dynasties) nor the "Xuande Dingyi Tupu" (an illustrated catalog of imperial ritual vessels from the Ming dynasty) contains any record of this type of furnace.

The craftsmanship is quite good; it's made of red copper, with a symmetrical shape and a smooth surface without any casting marks. To the touch, it has a slightly matte feel.

Although the decoration is simple, it is all done with the technique of chasing and inlaying gold: the front is decorated with two cranes, the back with ancient pine trees, and the border is decorated with sea waves and auspicious clouds.

Looking at the patina: the whole piece has a simple black glaze feel, very bright and smooth, and looks brand new.

In the past, Zhao Xiuneng would only know that this was caused by incense burning in the incense burner over the years, but he would not know exactly how it was formed.

But after hanging out with Lin Sicheng for so long, he can actually explain it now: prolonged high temperatures cause potassium, sodium, carbon and other elements in the incense ash to permeate the incense burner, forming a dense copper compound and a layer of carbon deposits.

This indicates that the incense burner has been in continuous use, with the incense burning almost never ceasing, and it is extremely old, at least two hundred years old.

Let's look at the inscription on the bottom: Po Chen Jushi (破尘居士).

Zhao Xiuneng tried hard to recall, but really couldn't remember anything.

Looking at it back and forth like this, Zhao Xiuneng frowned: "Secretary-General Hao, what kind of furnace is this?"

"A gilded double crane incense burner!"

"What about the furnace design?"

Hao Jun paused for a moment: "You don't know?"

"Judging from the patina and burn marks, it should be around the mid-Qing Dynasty!" Zhao Xiuneng examined the inscription on the bottom. "Po Chen Jushi... Secretary-General Hao, who is this?"

Hao Jun didn't say anything, but glanced at him: "President Zhao, are you doing this on purpose?"

I need to know who this is, and whether Lin Sicheng got to pick up a piece of this furnace.

The two exchanged a glance, and Zhao Xiuneng knew: it wasn't that he lacked insight, but rather that this thing was too obscure, and even Hao Jun, who specialized in miscellaneous items, only had a vague understanding of it.

On the other hand, because of its strange shape and unknown origin, even though the craftsmanship is excellent, it is still an extremely rare gold-inlaid decoration, but the estimated price is only three to four hundred thousand.

But Lin Sicheng dared to spend one million, there must be some reason behind it.

Just then, Lin Sicheng pointed, and Zhao Da opened his bag and took things out one by one: bank cards, contracts, ink pads...

Jing Daoshi's pupils contracted slightly: How come this is different from what he expected?

Looking at Hao Jun, his eyes revealed suspicion and his expression was filled with doubt. It was clear that he still thought the furnace was only worth three or four hundred thousand.

But he didn't even say a few words, let alone offer any advice.

That kid was pretty casual; he only glanced at it twice and didn't look at it much. Even yesterday, he barely looked at it, and didn't even touch it?

Even if you haven't eaten pork, you've still seen pigs run, right? Even if Master Jing doesn't understand much, he at least knows what a normal antique transaction looks like.

It's definitely not like this now.

But as the old saying goes: once you miss this village, you won't find another shop like it.

How many years would he have to live in fear to swindle a million dollars?

After a slight hesitation, the Taoist priest opened the contract. He glanced at it and felt relieved.

Once the deal is done, he certainly won't go back on his word; what he's afraid of is Lin Sicheng going back on his word.

He quickly signed his name, and the bank manager, along with a teller, transferred the money on the spot.

With a "ding," the text message arrived, showing the exact number of digits. I counted it three times: one million ninety-five thousand, with both zeros and whole numbers, clear and accurate.

There was no trap as he had imagined, and no twists and turns. Everything proceeded smoothly from beginning to end, just like buying vegetables at the market: you fill the containers, and I pay.

With a hint of suspicion, Zhao Da put away the incense burner and the contract, while Lin Sicheng packed away the card: "Taoist Master, farewell!"

His expression remained unchanged, neither sad nor happy, utterly calm. It was as if he had just pulled out not a million, but a hundred dollars…

Suddenly, the old Taoist priest's mind started working again: How many years does it take to meet such a generous and wealthy man?

Since he's got nothing better to do, he might as well give it a shot, no matter what, just in case.

After pondering for a moment, the Taoist shook hands with Lin Sicheng and smiled, "To be honest, sir, we have a few more items in the temple, all relics of past patriarchs. I originally wanted Secretary Hao to take a look at them, but if it's convenient, we can take a look together!"

besides?

And there were several of them...

Lin Sicheng's eyes lit up slightly, and he nodded: "Okay, let's take a look together!"

It's called a Taoist temple, but it's really just that Jingtang (Quiet Hall). It's right across from the Jiaotong University gate, just around the corner.

Without driving, the group crossed the road directly.

There was someone guarding the shop, a young man of about twenty-six or twenty-seven, also dressed as a Taoist priest.

The Taoist priest said he was a disciple, and after he had some tea made, he went into the inner room to fetch something.

In just a few minutes, Taoist Jing came out carrying a pile of boxes.

There were five or six pieces, some long, some short, some square, some flat.

The box was new and quite clean, but when they opened it, everyone frowned.

A short scroll with a pine end, but its original color is no longer discernible; it is entirely black and glossy like ink.

Looking at the back of the mounting, the color is yellowish-black, as if it had been baked by fire.

As soon as the ribbon binding the painting was untied, a rich aroma of smoke wafted out.

The composition is very neat: a stream at one's feet, a stone beneath the sword, and pine trees on the bank. However, it is not well preserved; it has turned yellowish all over, and several parts have been discolored by smoke.

So, how many years has this been hanging in the temple and being fumigated?

Looking at the painting itself: painted on silk with colors, it depicts a ragged monk with a headband standing barefoot in the water, holding a sword in both hands and sharpening it on a stone.

"A gourd hanging from his waist, a crutch at his feet, is this Tieguai Li (Iron-Crutch Li)?"

"The painting is alright, the lines are smooth, the composition is neat, the still life has distinct layers, and the figures are graceful and vivid..."

"In the twelfth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, Fan Zhengze of Lanzhou Prefecture in Gansu imitated... Fan Zhengze... I don't remember him?"

"Secretary-General Hao, which painting is this copied from?"

"I don't know... There are many painters who paint the Eight Immortals, but I don't think I've ever heard of one who paints Li Tieguai sharpening his sword?"

Hao Jun and Zhao Xiuneng took turns commenting, observing very carefully.

Lin Sicheng glanced at it briefly, his eyes flickering slightly: "Imitation of Huang Ji's Sword-Sharpening Painting"?

Huang Ji was a court painter in the Ming Dynasty. He held the official position of Zhenyiwei Zhenfu (a nominal post). During the Jiajing era, he was ordered to paint the Eight Immortals, one of which was "Tieguai Li Sharpening His Sword to Exorcise Demons", also known as "Sharpening the Sword".

Looking at this one, I wouldn't say it's exactly the same, but it's at least 80-90% similar. It's definitely a meticulous copy of the painting.

The problem is that Huang Ji's "Sharpening the Sword" painting has been passed down from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty and to the present day, never leaving the Palace Museum. So where did this copy come from?

Looking at the seal again, Fan Zhengze... After a moment's thought, Lin Sicheng suddenly realized: this painting and that incense burner were most likely from the same source.

It's not by a famous artist, and its value is only average, but it can be used to prove the origin of the bronze censer...

After pondering for a moment, Lin Sicheng pointed with his finger: "Master Jing, how much is this one?"

Without hesitation, the old Taoist priest replied, "Eight hundred thousand!"

"How many?"

"Eight hundred thousand!"

Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment, and Hao Jun and Zhao Xiuneng raised their heads in unison: No... does this old Taoist really think Lin Sicheng is a sucker?

Hao Jun and Zhao Xiuneng each have their own specialties; they are not experts in calligraphy and painting, but rather ignorant of them. Even if a piece were only worth 80,000, let alone 800,000, it would certainly belong to a well-known artist, and they couldn't possibly be unfamiliar with it.

Then look at this Fan Zhengze, I've never even heard of him.

Seeing the two people staring intently at him, the Taoist smiled and clasped his hands in prayer towards the shrine: "My grandmaster is Shang Fanxia Zheng, courtesy name Zhengze, sobriquet Kangu Zhenren."

Hao Jun and Zhao Xiuneng turned around at the same time: So it turns out he's the founder of the old Taoist school.

But Lin Sicheng didn't believe it. Looking at the painting again, he thought it was just average, if you didn't think it was particularly good.

They felt that even eight thousand was too much...

Lin Sicheng pointed to the painting: "This painting has been repaired!"

After a pause, Zhao Xiuneng and Hao Jun leaned forward.

Lin Sicheng was referring to the gourd in Tieguai's waist. The two looked at it for a while and then exchanged bewildered glances.

If Lin Sicheng hadn't pointed it out, they really wouldn't have noticed: the gourd's mouth had been eaten by worms and then the color had been touched up.

Lin Sicheng smiled and said, "Taoist Master, look closely. Is it a repentance ritual?"

The Taoist priest remained calm and said, "This old Taoist priest doesn't really understand!"

"Which famous artist is being imitated?"

"I don't know, but he must be a renowned scholar!"

You don't understand painting, and you don't even know which painting you're imitating, yet you dare to ask for 800,000?

Lin Sicheng gestured: "Fifty thousand!"

The Taoist priest shook his head without hesitation: "Please forgive me, sir!"

Lin Sicheng smiled again: "Okay!"

Upon hearing the "good," the Taoist priest was stunned: Was the price too high?

He knew, of course, that the painting wasn't worth 800,000, and might even be worth 50,000. But the Taoist priest thought: everyone has their own taste; these are all things passed down from our ancestors. Incense burners sell for millions, so this painting must be worth at least half, right?

Fifty thousand, that's a huge difference...

The Taoist priest put away the first scroll and then unfolded the second one:

Also painted on silk with colors, it depicts a recluse dressed in Taoist robes, riding on a raft, traveling between the sky and the sea.

Upon closer inspection, the composition, lines, atmosphere, and artistic conception are all superior to the previous one.

Similarly, there was no seal, only an inscription: "Imitated by Fan Zhengze of Lanzhou Prefecture, Gansu Province, in the tenth year of Yongzheng's reign!"

Lin Sicheng glanced at it briefly, then smiled and asked, "Daoist Master, is it still 800,000?"

Even the old Taoist priest, with his thick skin, couldn't help but twitch his lips.

He thought for a long time, then held up two fingers: "Two hundred thousand!"

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "Yes, Daoist, please roll it up first!"

The Taoist priest stared at him: "How much do you think is appropriate, sir?"

"fifty thousand!"

Another 50,000?

The Taoist priest shook his head and rolled up the scroll.

Lin Sicheng didn't mind and had the Taoist priest unfold the third picture.

Both paintings are on silk with colors. Beneath an ancient pine tree and beside a sea of ​​clouds, two Taoist priests sit facing each other. One leans back leisurely, while the other stands upright and humble. Between them is a gourd shrouded in ethereal mist.

Compared to the previous two paintings, the composition is more rigorous, the lines are more delicate, and the scenery is more vivid.

Even the artistic conception is much higher than the previous two paintings.

It's the same author; besides the title, there's also an afterword:

Heaven and earth, the radiant silver sunset shines brightly.

She resembled a fairy from Mount Guye, possessing a natural and elegant appearance, and a noble and pure spirit.

Who can believe in the myriad forms and their diversity? It does not stand among the ranks of ordinary flowers.

His noble spirit and outstanding talent are indistinguishable from those of the mortal world.

Below is a postscript: "Respectfully presented by disciple Fan Zheng in the year of Yiyou, Renchen, the thirteenth year of Yongzheng, to celebrate the birthday of the Venerable Changchun."

After taking a quick look, Hao Jun suddenly realized.

He remembered these four lines; they were the second half of "Without Worldly Thoughts" written by Qiu Chuji, the leader of the Quanzhen School of Taoism in the Southern Song Dynasty.

From Zhuangzi's "Free and Easy Wandering": On Mount Miaoguye, there dwells a divine being, whose skin is like ice and snow, and whose grace is like that of a virgin.

It implies that a person of high moral character is untainted by worldly dust, as pure as jade in an ice pot.

Qiu Chuji later went into seclusion in Longmen Cave in Liupan Mountain (at the border of Shaanxi and Gansu), where he founded the Longmen School. From the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, it rivaled Longhu Mountain and controlled half of Taoism.

Looking at the bottom line, "Celebrating the birthday of the Immortal Changchun," it should have been written by the patriarch of Jing Daoren on the occasion of Qiu Chuji's birthday.

After looking at it again, Hao Jun raised his head: "Master Jing is from the Longmen Sect?"

“Indeed!” Taoist Jing bowed. “My grandmaster was the tenth patriarch of the Longmen School. He cultivated in seclusion on Qiyun Mountain (Gansu) and founded the Zizai Sect…”

Zizaimen, never heard of it?

Hao Jun remained noncommittal, then looked at Lin Sicheng and asked, "How about this one?"

"good!"

Lin Sicheng nodded slightly, but felt a strange feeling in his heart.

All three are imitations. In terms of composition, brushwork, coloring, and even artistic conception, they are still somewhat inferior to those of famous artists, and can only be considered to be at an above-average level.

The key element is the figures depicted inside:

The previous painting, "The Immortal Riding a Raft," was a copy of "Emperor Yongzheng's Pleasure Album: Riding a Raft to Immortality."

The Taoist priest in the painting, sailing on the sea in a raft, is Emperor Yongzheng.

The second one is a copy of "Yinzhen's Pleasure Album: Daoist Attire with Two Circles in One Breath".

Let's look at the inscription: "Celebrating the birthday of the Venerable Changchun, in the thirteenth year of Yongzheng's reign (1725), by your disciple Fan Zheng."

The "Changchun Zhenren" mentioned here is not Qiu Chuji, but a Taoist title bestowed upon Emperor Qianlong by Emperor Yongzheng after he ascended the throne.

And below, the thirteenth year of Yongzheng's reign, the year of Yiyou and the year of Renchen, according to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, should be the thirteenth day of the eighth lunar month in 1735.

Coincidentally, this was Emperor Qianlong's birthday. Therefore, the male Taoist priest reclining in the painting is Emperor Qianlong.

The key point is that it's still done in meticulous brushwork and colorful decoration. What does that mean?

These are two portraits of Qing Dynasty emperors...