In the north there's Liulichang, in the south there's Xiaohuating. ☆→
Liulichang needs no introduction. It stands proudly in Beijing and has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, many scholars who came to Beijing to take the imperial examinations stayed here, so the cultural atmosphere was rich. Some shops selling writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, antiques, and calligraphy and paintings opened here. Over time, it became a famous cultural street.
Now, times have changed, the imperial examination system has long been abolished, and the scholars who passed the examinations have vanished like dust in history. However, this cultural street, which flourished because of the imperial examinations, has been preserved to this day.
However, as the saying goes, "There is Liuli in the north and Huating in the south," their Haishan may also have such a place.
Huating is an ancient name that has long been forgotten, but it has been preserved in another form: the name itself.
Just as Liulichang isn't a factory, Huating isn't a pavilion either. It's a street, an antique street with similar cultural attributes and market positioning to Liulichang. Legend has it that this street was built on the site of the former residence of Dong Qichang, a calligrapher and painter from the early Ming Dynasty, but it's unclear why it was named Huating. However, Huating was originally a rather large place name, so using it as a street name is somewhat inappropriate. Therefore, the word "small" was added, making it "Little Huating".
Moreover, the location of places like antique streets is also important; you can't just choose any random spot! Otherwise, you'll be laughed at by experts.
First, it must be located in a place with a strong "literary atmosphere." After all, antiques are thousands of years old, and it's more appropriate to let the "righteous spirit" of scholars temper them (Duanmu Ci...). For example, Liulichang in Beijing was chosen because it was a gathering place for scholars who came to the capital for the imperial examinations. It was a gathering place for the most outstanding scholars in the country, so the literary atmosphere was naturally strong, and opening an antique street there was no problem at all.
As for this Xiaohuating, it is no ordinary building. It was built on the site of the former residence of Dong Qichang, a calligrapher and painter of the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that it was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, specifically to cater to the emperor who admired Dong Qichang.
Dong Qichang was one of the most famous calligraphers and painters of the Ming Dynasty. His painting style and theories had a profound influence on the art world of his time and for the next two hundred years. Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty praised him highly and held him in high esteem. Moreover, he had served in the Hanlin Academy, risen to the position of Minister of Rites in Nanjing, and even tutored the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace. Such a figure is generally regarded as a literary genius by the common people. Therefore, his former residence would certainly be more than enough to build an antique street.
Moreover, Xiao Huating is different from Heyuan. Heyuan has a very high threshold; without a certain amount of wealth, one cannot cross the threshold. Also, that place is an auction, which is quite different from here. Xiao Huating is more like Liulichang, with its banners prominently displayed, welcoming guests from all directions. Whether to buy or not is just a matter of a single thought.
Even just sightseeing is fine.
Two unfamiliar tourists visited Xiaohuating today.
...
...
It was a rare, sunny day with no snow, no wind, not many clouds, and Duanmu Ci had planned to quietly brew a good cup of tea and then snuggle into bed for a warm afternoon nap. The plan was wonderful, but unfortunately, things changed.
The change came from the dangerous moon.
This Japanese nobleman, who was half Chinese, said he had heard that a fine treasure had appeared in Xiaohuating and wanted to see it for himself, asking Duanmu Ci to lead the way. Duanmu Ci replied, "Haishan, I haven't even explored this place properly yet, how can I lead the way?" Wei Yue said, "Then let's explore it together."
Then the two of them arrived.
These two well-dressed "young men" backed their car into a parking space by the street corner, and then stood there on the street—two prime targets for prey! The shopkeepers and their assistants on both sides of the antique street were all knowledgeable and had sharp eyes; they could tell at a glance that these two must be rich young men who had been born into wealth and had gotten tired of playing with women and turned to collecting antiques!
Immediately, many men were itching to take these two fat sheep to their shops and rip them off! The meat they could carve off would probably be enough to feed them for a long time. This is the true essence of the antique shop's "three years without business, but three years of food when it opens"!
Sometimes, antique shop owners even feel that the sole purpose of their shops is to await a wealthy customer willing to spend a fortune! It's almost like a fateful encounter...
The main source of these high-roller clients is various types of wealthy second-generation heirs...
But having a lot of money doesn't mean you're stupid. Rich kids are intelligent too. Stupid rich kids are a minority, otherwise how would they inherit the family business? So after several setbacks, the antique shop owner gradually figured out the trick: try to find rich kids traveling together, then provoke them with some words. That way, even if they're just trying to save face, they'll have to buy the goods!
This tactic has always worked, but it backfired today because the two of them completely ignored them!
While refusing the offers from the antique shop owners, Duanmu Ci asked Wei Yue, "Didn't you say you had treasures? What treasures? Where are they?"
Although he was asking questions, Duanmu Ci was not really interested. After all, there were very few treasures that could attract him in the field of antiques. Not to mention how many he had collected, he himself was an antique.
Apart from some special antiques, ordinary antiques are not considered treasures in his eyes, even Western Zhou bronzes are no exception.
Wei Yue chuckled softly, "I heard it's Wang Xianzhi's calligraphy that has resurfaced. Isn't it worth seeing?"
Wang Xianzhi?
Duanmu Ci was taken aback.
Wang Xianzhi was the son of Wang Xizhi, the Sage of Calligraphy. His calligraphy was unique and appreciated by calligraphers throughout history. He and his father were known as the "Two Wangs." Putting aside other matters, the fact that Wang Xianzhi was able to stand out and be on par with his father Wang Xizhi, rather than being completely overshadowed, speaks volumes about his ability.
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