Chapter 34 Reciting the Dharma Followers

The three of them left the shop. Li Xinfang tilted her head, her eyes blinking rapidly.

Two weeks ago, when Gu Ming told her that her godfather was an expert, she didn't quite believe it.

It wasn't until Gu Ming brought the photos that she asked him some questions, half-believing, that she realized Gu Ming wasn't lying: Professor Lin Changqing was quite famous in the antique and appraisal circles, ranking among the top in Xi'an and even the entire province.

Later, when Gu Ming was about to ask his grandfather for help, he said that his grandfather was in the hospital, but his godson was also very capable.

Li Xinfang, of course, did not believe it.

There are plenty of cases of tiger fathers and dog sons, let alone one from a generation apart. Besides, he's only a senior in college; how much experience and insight could he possibly have?

However, it would be better to let Gu Ming's younger brother take a look and strengthen the relationship. This way, the chances of getting help from Professor Lin after he is discharged from the hospital would be greater.

So, she came here today with the attitude that she had nothing better to do, but she didn't expect it to turn out like this.

The jade shop owner looked like he'd seen a ghost, almost asking: How did you know... So, that string of court beads could be real?

Thank goodness, thank goodness, it was just a hair's breadth away; tens of thousands would have been gone...

She sighed and looked at Lin Sicheng, whose features still showed a hint of childishness: "True talent is often hidden; I really didn't realize it."

Gu Ming wasn't much better off, but he was surprised that Lin Sicheng wasn't so perceptive: he had seen this several times before and was used to it.

What surprised him was Lin Sicheng's nose: he mentioned at least a dozen kinds of spices, which even a dog might not be able to smell.

"What are you talking about? The last one: the one with Chinese medicine, tea, fruit, and tree branches!"

"Incense from Ubuzang!"

"What?"

"The Tibetan word 'bsangs' is a transliteration meaning to offer sacrifices to heaven, gods, and Buddha. It is traditionally translated as '煨桑' (wēisāng), and was the most solemn sacrificial ceremony of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties... The incense used in the sacrifice is called Ub Tsang incense, also known as heavenly incense or divine incense..."

Because the fragrance was too strong and pungent, it did not become popular in the Central Plains region, but was only used in Tibetan and Mongolian temples.

The beads had a lot of soot residue in the holes where they were strung, indicating they must have been offered sacrifices at a lama temple for a considerable time before being acquired, at least several decades. Therefore, they couldn't possibly be court beads; they were more likely a monk's rosary.

Li Xinfang was quite surprised: It seems that Xida University doesn't teach this?

But she didn't say anything.

Gu Ming pondered for a moment: "Although they are prayer beads, they are made of jade after all, so their value should not be low?"

“There are some, but compared to court beads, their value and significance are worlds apart…” Lin Sicheng paused for a moment, “Furthermore, they are not suitable as birthday gifts.”

"Why?"

"Do you remember, in the middle of the jade beads on the court necklace, there were four large beads?"

"I remember!" Gu Ming recalled, "It wasn't very bright, and it was a bit dirty. I don't know why, but it just felt kind of creepy!"

That's what makes it funny.

Lin Sicheng sighed: "That's a kapala!"

The two of them were both stunned for a moment: a person's skull?

Li Xinfang knew, of course, that the four beads were carved from bone. He had asked the shopkeeper before, and he said they were rhinoceros bone.

But now I think: since that string of prayer beads was kept in a lama temple, it must have been the relic of a lama who had passed away. And then I think about certain customs of Tibetan Buddhism…

In a flash, her little face turned white.

"Lin Sicheng, thank you so much for today!"

Gu Ming also realized: it had nothing to do with what kind of bone it was; the key point was that this thing was meant to be given as a gift, and it was a birthday gift at that.

So you're sending bones to the dead?

Haha, Lin Sicheng was a huge help today.

He secretly gave a thumbs up, and Lin Sicheng smiled: "Of course. If you're not in a hurry, take your time looking. If you are, let Gu Ming help you find a solution!"

"It is indeed a bit urgent, mainly because that uncle's status is somewhat special. He won't accept ordinary things, so we can only cater to his preferences."

I understand. The other party is an official, and I need their help.

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment and said, "How about this, you take another half-day off this afternoon, and have Gu Ming accompany you. Let's go to Rongbaozhai!"

“I definitely have time, but Rongbaozhai requires advance booking, so I probably won’t have enough time.”

really.

Rongbaozhai mainly deals in calligraphy and painting paper, the Four Treasures of the Study, and secondly, it can order calligraphy and paintings by famous people, seal engravings, and other cultural artifacts on behalf of customers.

The key lies in "ordering on behalf of others": you have to place an order first, and they need to check if it's in stock. If not, they'll check if there are any customers who have registered for pre-orders.

For example, Rongbaozhai itself collects calligraphy and paintings. If Xijing doesn't have them, they can be transferred from Beijing or Tianjin.

However, for other categories, you can only search slowly. If you are too eager, Rongbaozhai will refuse your order.

Could you be more specific, such as what category?

"Jade is the best choice!"

"Then it definitely exists."

Yes, they do exist, but the problem is: they won't sell to non-members.

To become a member, you need to be recommended by three or more members who have been with you for more than five years... I just don't understand how business can be run like this.

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment and said, "Don't worry, I have a friend who works there. I'll call and ask later!"

It's definitely useless.

Her father was a regular customer and knew several managers at Rongbaozhai, but it still didn't work.

Li Xinfang still thanked her, saying, "Thank you for your help!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Of course."

Gu Ming asked, bewildered, "Why does it have to be Rongbaozhai?"

Li Xinfang sighed: "At least there are no counterfeit products, and the origin of the goods is guaranteed!"

Just like that string of court beads from earlier, regardless of whether they were real or fake, it almost backfired.

Gu Ming understood, and then glanced at Lin Sicheng, meaning: Should we ask our master to step in?

Lin Sicheng shook his head: Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?

It's too noisy in the market. I'll call Brother Hao after I get out and ask him.

Just as I was pondering this, a voice came from behind me: "Hey, stop right there, why are you running?"

Lin Sicheng turned around subconsciously and immediately chuckled: What a coincidence!

I was just talking about Senior Brother Hao, and now he's suddenly appeared?

What is this? Reciting the Dharma?

...

"You skipped class again, kid?"

"Are you kidding me? I'm a good student."

“If you’re a good student, then I’ll be a model worker. Perfect…” Hao Jun put his arm around Lin Sicheng’s neck: “Let’s go!”

Where to?

"Go to Old Song's place and see if he has a second Mansheng teapot?"

What good thoughts are you having?

If he had one, Lao Song would have taken it out that day.

Lin Sicheng pointed behind him: "I still have friends here!"

Hao Jun looked up and saw Gu Ming and Li Xinfang, realizing that he had come to appraise his friend's eyes.

"Alright, you guys go ahead and look around, Old Guan is waiting!"

"Director Guan is here too?"

"It was he who instigated this. He said he would first try to find out from Old Song where the teapot came from. If he could find out, then I would step in!"

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "I think it's unlikely!"

Hao Jun deeply agreed: "I think so too, but Lao Guan said, 'We're just idling around anyway!'"

The two whispered to each other, while Gu Ming was still wondering: This man is about the same age as Uncle Lin, yet he's arm in arm with Lin Sicheng?

Li Xinfang, standing beside him, stared wide-eyed. Having been there several times, he certainly recognized the man before him: the general manager of Xijing Rongbaozhai and the secretary-general of the Folk Art Association.

So, when Lin Sicheng said "I have a friend," he was referring to him?