“Very good. If it is indeed a genuine work by Tang Yin, I can place the deal with you. If I find out it is not, your shop may be shut down!” Hong Sheng’s slightly chubby face showed an abnormal flush.
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper looked Hong Sheng up and down again, and said seriously, "If you open it, young master, you must immediately put down a deposit of five thousand taels. Do you really want to see it? If you don't buy it, the deposit will not be refunded!"
Seeing that the shopkeeper looked extremely smug and didn't seem flustered at all after his earlier intimidation, Hong Sheng couldn't help but lower his slightly arrogant expression.
"Open the cabinet!" Hong Sheng said, straightening his back slightly.
The shopkeeper remained humble and respectfully led Hongsheng into a private room. This room was specially designed to entertain distinguished guests and wealthy individuals, and its furnishings were elegant. Many big customers made their deals here.
The innkeeper invited Hongsheng into a private room to sit down. The shrewd waiter had already served fragrant tea, so he asked Hongsheng to sit for a moment while he went to get some for himself.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the innkeeper returned, but this time he was accompanied into the private room by an elderly man wearing Western-style glasses.
"Young master, this is our shop's accountant. If you want to see this painting, you'll need to pay a deposit of five thousand taels first," the shopkeeper said, holding up the scroll in his hand.
Hongsheng gestured to the servant beside him to go and pay the deposit to the accountant.
When the servant returned, the shopkeeper happily placed the painting in his hand on the table.
In front of Hongsheng, the shopkeeper slowly untied the thread of the painting tube, and then slowly unfolded an antique-style calligraphy and painting in front of Hongsheng.
Hongsheng had seen many fine things, including genuine works by Tang Bohu.
However, when he saw Tang Yin's "Southern Journey" painting, he couldn't help but be shocked. He had never seen such a large-scale authentic work by Tang Yin before.
The shopkeeper smiled slightly and introduced the painting with a respectful yet somewhat proud air: "Sir, this is our shop's prized possession, Tang Bohu's 'Southern Journey' painting."
He knew that this painting was enough to astound anyone. Even in the imperial palace, such a painting was probably rarely seen.
"The Southern Journey Map!"
Hongsheng immediately stood up, walked over to the shopkeeper's side, and examined the painting closely. The figures were depicted with delicate and vigorous brushstrokes, the master was riding a donkey slowly, and a page was carrying a zither. The whole scene was unrestrained and free, with winding landscapes, and the brushwork was simple yet precise. The strokes were elegant and graceful. It was indeed a genuine work by Tang Bohu.
"Young master, what do you think?" the shopkeeper asked, seeing that Hongsheng seemed to like it. His meaning actually had another layer: if you don't buy it, the deposit you just paid is non-refundable.
"Good, it really is an authentic work! How much silver do you want for it?" Hong Sheng asked.
"Young master, you are indeed a straightforward person. This painting is priced at this price!" the shopkeeper said, gesturing with his hand.
"Eighty thousand taels! Not expensive, not expensive! Then I'll go back and get the silver, and you can pack it up for me right away." Hong Sheng said generously, throwing away a fortune.
Upon hearing Hong Sheng's words, the shopkeeper quickly replied, "Alright, then I will put this painting away and wait for you to come again, young master."
The shopkeeper personally escorted Hongsheng and his servant out of the "Baozhen Pavilion".
Hongsheng pondered the painting he had just seen, thinking that the Fourth Prince would surely like it. His heart leaped with joy, and he immediately instructed the coachman outside to speed up the procession. He wanted to get back as soon as possible to discuss it with his mother; she would surely be pleased with his idea.
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