The sound of shattering porcelain rang out, and all three sunflower-petal-shaped cups were destroyed.

I reminded him with concern, "Mr. Leng, this porcelain piece could fetch a good price. At least it matches the characteristics of the Chai kiln that people have heard about. If you encounter someone like Master Hongfu, it wouldn't be difficult for him to make a purchase."

“The Chai kiln is no longer in existence, and there are very few people who dare to collect it. I bought this item out of curiosity, and I would not ruin my reputation for money. In fact, before you came in, I had already spoken on the phone with a leading expert in ancient porcelain appraisal at the Palace Museum, and his opinion was very similar to yours.”

After answering my question, Mr. Leng turned his gaze to Hongfu: "You first identified the fake Yuan Dynasty bronze incense burner for me, which is a merit. Later, you collected the counterfeit Chai kiln, so your merits and demerits cancel each other out. You are a monk, so I will not make things difficult for you, but our karmic connection has come to an end. I will send someone to take you back to the mountains first thing tomorrow morning."

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Leng, but I have been misled today and have no face to stay any longer! Farewell!"

The monk Hongfu glared at me resentfully, then turned and left. The large gourd swayed with his body, completely losing its previous unfathomable appearance.

Seeing Hongfu leave, I smiled at Mr. Leng and said, "Mr. Leng, I have done what you asked me to do. Shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"

"I keep my word and never go back on my word."

Mr. Leng paused for a moment: "But you broke two of my porcelain pieces, how do you plan to settle this?"

Looking at the shards on the ground, I confidently assured you, "As long as you let me take Song Laosan away, what I bring back for you will be far more valuable than the two fakes that were destroyed."

Mr. Leng laughed heartily, his gaze towards me full of admiration: "This matter concerning Song Laosan has indeed angered me greatly. I am willing to release him, not because I want anything from you, but because I find you a rather interesting young man. Rather than you going out to search for treasure on your own, let me show you a way. Do me a favor, and our grudges will be wiped clean."

I had no choice but to nod and say, "Please go ahead."

Mr. Leng said calmly, "Go to Luoyang and find something for me. Once you bring it back, we'll pretend that Song Laosan's matter never happened. I'll also give you an extra two million as a reward."

When the monkey heard that there was money to be made from this, its eyes widened immediately.

I felt uneasy about this matter. After all, Song Laosan had only swindled Mr. Leng out of one million, and now he wanted me to do something worth two million for him. I was afraid this matter was not simple.

Mr. Leng did not consult my opinion: "There is a man in Luoyang named Su Jialiang, nicknamed Su Gouzi. He has a Shang Dynasty rhinoceros-shaped zun with the two characters 'Gongxin' inscribed in bronze script. I don't care what method you use, bring this rhinoceros-shaped zun back to me."

Upon hearing this request, I pondered for a moment: "If I'm not mistaken, Gongxin is a person's courtesy name. This person is Ya Yun, the eldest son of Ya Wei, the seventh ruler of the vassal state of Guzhu during the Shang Dynasty, and his posthumous title is Boyi. After his father's death, Boyi followed his father's dying wish and did not compete for the throne as the eldest son. Instead, he ceded the throne to his younger brother Ya Zhi, whose posthumous title was Shu Qi. The two of them even had a beautiful story of Yi and Qi yielding the throne."

When Mr. Leng saw that I could answer so readily, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes: "That's right, it is indeed this person."

"Mr. Leng, aren't you asking a bit too much of me?"

I looked at him speechlessly: "Bo Yi is a figure who has left his mark in history. This rhinoceros-shaped wine vessel doesn't use his posthumous title, but his courtesy name, which means it was a wine vessel he used during his lifetime. You are a great collector, you should know the value of this thing better than I do. The two million you offered me probably wouldn't even buy the patina on it. Isn't this making things difficult for me?"

How you get your hands on the goods is your business; I only care about the result.

Mr. Leng looked at me expressionlessly: "You can only take one of Song Laosan's life or his ashes with you. The choice is yours."

Hearing this unreasonable request, I was furious. Such a precious treasure, let alone taking it by trickery, even if you offered real gold and silver to buy it, the other party might not agree.

But whether it was for Duan Jinyan's sake or for Song Laosan's safety, I had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree: "Okay, as long as you agree to release him, I'll take the job!"

Mr. Leng's lips curled slightly: "Don't even think about running away with Song Laosan. It won't be difficult for me to find you."

I looked at Mr. Leng and said, "I, Duan Shenxing, may not have many other merits, but I am persistent. Since I have promised you, I will do my best to fulfill my promise."

Mr. Leng laughed heartily: "You're quite interesting. Let's make a deal. If you stumble and fail to retrieve the item for me, you'll stay by my side for ten years. How about that?"

I had no choice but to agree to his terms: "Deal!"

"Hand over Song Laosan to him."

Mr. Leng gave Uncle Mao some instructions, then patted my arm: "I have something to attend to, so please excuse me. Uncle Mao will give you his contact information. If you ever pass through the capital, remember to come here for tea!"

After Mr. Leng left, Liu Shusheng breathed a sigh of relief and gave me a thumbs-up with admiration: "Mr. Duan, you are truly a master! I've known Mr. Leng for six years and still haven't been able to fully understand him. I never expected that after just one meeting, he would give you such high praise, even if it meant messing things up, he would still keep you by his side! Amazing! Truly amazing!"

"Alright, stop flattering me."

I waved my hand, walked to the tea table and poured myself a cup of tea. The scene just now was thrilling, and my back was soaked with sweat.

This is the first time I've made an assessment without relying on the information in the Judge's Records, but instead using my own knowledge.

Fortunately, he passed the test smoothly; otherwise, given Mr. Leng's personality, Song Laosan would probably have been truly ruined.

However, my knowledge was still insufficient, and I was almost misled by the monk Hongfu.

I had just put down my teacup when I heard footsteps outside the door.

Liu Shusheng looked in the direction of the voice and said to me, "Mr. Duan, Song Laosan has been brought here."

When Song Laosan saw me, he smiled and said, "Xiao Duan, I knew that as long as you took action, I would be safe and sound!"

"Third Master, how can you still laugh!"

Seeing that Song Laosan was safe and sound, Liu Shusheng looked resentful and said, "Who did you have to offend? You had to offend Mr. Leng. If it weren't for Brother Duan coming to my rescue today, I probably wouldn't have survived in the capital!"

Old Song walked over and put his arm around my shoulder, saying in a carefree manner, "Don't worry, my brother here is known for his uncanny ability to see through things. I knew that when Mr. Leng saw him, he would be overjoyed, as if he had found a priceless treasure!"

The monkey glared at him: "Shut up! You've really gotten Young Master Duan into trouble! Do you know what conditions Mr. Leng offered us to save you? He told us to go find Shu Qi!"

Song Laosan was taken aback: "Weren't you going to Henan? How come you've suddenly gone to Hong Kong?"

I suddenly turned my head and stared sharply at Song Laosan: "How did you know Mr. Leng wanted me to go to Henan? Could this be a setup you two orchestrated together?"

"Come on, I'm not that bored. I deliberately sold him that fake item."

Old Song whispered something in my ear, then put his arm around me and walked outside, continuing to mutter, "Didn't you want to find Duan Jinyan? My plan has already begun, and this Mr. Leng is part of it!"