Chapter 256 A Wasted Effort
A soft buzzing sound came from the air conditioner vents, and brown leather chairs were arranged in a circle. White porcelain teacups were lined up, and a crystal ashtray gleamed and transparent.
The LED screen displayed the slogan: "Symposium on the Excavation Plan of Hejin Kiln Site and the Protection, Research and Utilization of Cultural Relics".
With ten minutes to go, the heads of various units began to enter the venue one after another.
Everyone was in a good mood, with happy expressions on their faces. After chatting for a while, as the clock was about to strike nine o'clock, Deputy Director Zheng and Deputy Mayor Jiang accompanied Shui Jisheng into the room.
After settling down, Shui Jisheng smiled apologetically at Sun Jiamu and Wang Qizhi: "I'm getting old, my legs aren't very nimble, and I can't walk fast even if I want to!"
The two laughed and said, "It's not late, we just arrived too!"
After exchanging greetings, the meeting officially began, with Deputy Director Zheng giving a general overview of the meeting's theme and guiding principles.
To sum up what I've said, it boils down to two points: protection first, strengthen management, explore value, utilize effectively, and bring cultural relics to life.
Strengthen cooperation with universities and research institutions, increase academic discussions, incorporate expert suggestions, and formulate specific plans as soon as possible to make the historical value of the site clearer, the protection path more scientific, and the utilization method more precise.
Deputy Director Zheng spoke eloquently, while Section Chief Sun looked up and glanced around. Besides the six institutions that had established experimental centers at the Municipal Museum, the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau had invited several more:
Taiyuan Ancient Ceramics Research Institute, Taiyuan Normal University Ceramics Research Institute, Shanxi Arts and Crafts Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanxi Jintao Purple Clay Art Research Center, and the Department of Archaeology, School of History, Shandong University.
This means that there are as many as eleven research institutions.
With so many institutions involved, how will they participate in the subsequent archaeological work? Which institution will assist in the excavation of which site? Is it a Tang Dynasty kiln, a Song Dynasty kiln, a Jin Dynasty kiln, a Yuan Dynasty kiln, or even a Ming Dynasty kiln or a Qing Dynasty kiln?
How should cultural relics be distributed after they are unearthed, and how should research fields be divided? Who studies black porcelain, who studies white porcelain, and who studies sandstone pottery?
This includes research focus and topics: who conducts basic research, who conducts chronological research, and who conducts research on craftsmanship, technology, art, and culture?
Therefore, if we were to summarize today's meeting agenda in eight words: strengthen collaboration and conduct joint research.
Let me translate it again: To cut the cake.
Honestly, with so many discoveries, so many directions, and so many research topics, even if we gave them to the Yuncheng branch of Northwest University, let alone Northwest University itself, we absolutely couldn't possibly study them all.
Given Lin Sicheng's character, he would never have kept everything to himself.
Therefore, joint research with universities and research institutions within the province is inevitable; even if local departments don't bring it up, Lin Sicheng will.
But why did they choose this crucial moment when he wasn't around?
Is it because they're afraid it won't be easy to bring it up when he's around, or because they don't want to argue or fight over it in front of him?
Subconsciously, Sun Jiamu turned his head: Wang Qizhi would occasionally scribble a few notes on the paper, as if taking notes. Upon closer inspection: the paper was full of incomprehensible symbols, without a single Chinese character.
Judging from his expression, he seems quite indifferent?
Wow, not bad, you're getting more and more composed.
The leader was still speaking, so it wasn't appropriate to ask directly. Sun Jiamu remained silent.
After that, we moved on to the second item on the agenda. The atmosphere was relaxed; some people were drinking tea, while others were smoking.
Zheng Ming flicked his cigarette ash, a smile on his face:
"Last week, the bureau submitted an application report to Beijing, and the subsequent excavation plan is pending instructions. Today's main topic is still the research field and research direction."
We invite all experts and teachers to freely express their opinions and speak actively. Please feel free to offer any thoughts or suggestions…
After a slight pause, Director Zheng smiled again: "When it comes to archaeology, I certainly know a little, but when it comes to ceramic craftsmanship and technical restoration, I'm definitely a novice. So, I'd like to ask you experts first: how difficult is it to restore the firing process of egg white jade, and what are the chances of success?"
Sun Jiamu's heart skipped a beat: The main event is about to begin?
With so many sites discovered this time, spanning from the Tang to the Qing dynasties, the scope of research is broad enough, and the research directions are numerous enough. But if we were to say which research is of the highest value, most representative, and most influential, there would only be one: the Northern Song Dynasty egg-shaped white jade.
If we break it down further: the origin of the craft, the evolution of the technology, the distribution of the product, the cultural connotation, the historical status, and so on, all these aspects combined cannot compare to the concept of "craft restoration".
To borrow a phrase from a leader's instructions on national cultural relics and archaeology work: "Let cultural relics come alive, use technology to restore civilization, and use civilization to inspire the future."
So Sun Jiamu wasn't surprised at all that Zheng Ming asked this right away.
To his surprise, Wang Qizhi remained silent, his head bowed, constantly writing and drawing on the paper.
No... Professor Wang, if you don't speak up soon, someone will snatch the meat from your mouth?
Thinking back to the bet Lin Sicheng made with him a few days ago when they first found the Beijianggeda site, Sun Jiamu subconsciously frowned:
If Lin Sicheng loses, he'll have to sell himself to me. How come you, his teacher, aren't worried at all?
In a flash, the heads and experts from various units spoke one after another. Whether it was the eight official research institutions or the two private research companies, their opinions were surprisingly consistent: it was difficult.
Moreover, it's not just difficult; the probability of success is practically zero.
"First, there's a lack of documentation, making it impossible to trace the technology's origins... Oh no, to be more precise: it's not a matter of lacking documentation, it's that there simply isn't any..."
"Works like *Tiangong Kaiwu*, *Pingding Prefecture Gazetteer*, and *Guangyu Ji* contain the most historical records of the ceramic industry in the province during the Ming and Qing dynasties, but there is no mention of 'Hejin Kiln' or 'Egg White Jade'. The only relevant content is found in two places: but both records pertain to Puzhou Kiln Fahua ware..."
"Going further back, to the Yuan, Jin, and Song dynasties, there are no records of even cloisonné enamelware, let alone eggshell-white jade. So, let alone how to reconstruct the glaze formula and firing process, whether we can even analyze the origin of the initial technology is still a problem..."
"Secondly, the most crucial firing process is too difficult to reconstruct. Researching the shaping and decoration is somewhat possible because the required samples are few and the losses are minimal. Furthermore, the kiln, clay preparation, and shaping remains are relatively intact, so with more time, reconstruction should be achievable."
"But the composition of the porcelain body, the ratio of glaze, the coloring factors, the stage temperature control, and the atmosphere adjustment, etc., all these aspects require a huge amount of materials, and through continuous experimentation and analysis, comparison, combination, and trial and error."
Even a single glaze formula requires the analysis of tons of samples and hundreds of trial firings to accurately determine the glaze's fluidity and sintering process. And how many fine white porcelain samples might exist from the five sites combined to date?
Ren Xinbo spread his fingers and gestured: "Less than 300 kilograms, and at least half of them are relatively inferior celadon and yellow-white porcelain."
"Therefore, instead of setting an impossible goal, it's better to settle for second best, conserve limited resources, and try to restore auxiliary processes: such as raw materials, molding, or even decoration. Or, focus on researching one aspect at a time; at least the chances of success are much higher..."
The representatives from several companies offered their opinions, one after another, and their analysis was undeniably thorough and their suggestions undeniably pertinent, making Sun Jiamu want to nod in agreement.
That's basically what he thought too.
But Wang Qizhi remained silent.
"So how exactly do we conduct the research?"
Zheng Ming reviewed the list of more than ten people in charge one by one. "Should we concentrate resources and efforts, or should we let each person give full play to their strengths and do their best?"
Is there even a need to say that?
With such a small sample size, spanning eleven institutions, if studied separately, each institution could only yield about ten kilograms.
Let alone restoring the three basic elements, it would be quite an achievement for each company to even understand the composition of the porcelain body's raw materials. As for the remaining shaping and decoration, forget about it.
The best approach is to establish a dedicated team, with each center sending representatives to concentrate resources and collaborate on the research. Of course, to avoid unequal distribution of the results, certain things must be agreed upon beforehand: who is in charge, who leads, who assists, how the research findings will be distributed, and so on.
The group of people were secretly making plans, and no one spoke.
After a long pause, Ren Xinbo cleared his throat: "To facilitate coordination, I suggest that the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau organize the effort, with guidance from an expert group from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage!"
Zheng Ming remained noncommittal: "What are the specific divisions of labor?"
Ren Xinbo opened his mouth, but swallowed the words back: "A group of Shaanxi people have been busy for half a year, not for fame or profit, isn't this what they came for?"
To be honest: without Lin Sicheng, where would the five kiln sites and so many research topics come from?
To be honest, the local units basically didn't contribute much to these five kiln sites. They just gritted their teeth and took over the organization and leadership themselves, which was already shameless enough. He really couldn't bring himself to put the Provincial Ceramic Research Institute or the Archaeological Institute in charge.
Seeing that he remained silent, Zheng Ming looked at Shui Jisheng again.
Shui Jisheng nodded, about to speak, when Yao Jianxin, sitting next to Ren Xinbo, raised his hand: "I suggest that the Provincial Ceramic Research Center be in charge!"
Zheng Ming was stunned, as were Shui Jisheng and Vice Mayor Jiang: This was a sudden unexpected turn of events, and it was different from what they had discussed before.
They planned to have the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau take the lead, with the Xida Yuncheng branch center as the core force, and other units assisting in the research. The reason was simple: Lin Sicheng's research sample was the largest, and the research progress was the fastest.
But on the other hand: who doesn't want to improve?
There are far too many things involved. Just the issue of fame, influence, and subsequent control is enough for Yao Jianxin to gamble on.
At least, the provincial ceramics center is of a higher level...
No one spoke, but their eyes were all quite strange. Sun Jiamu looked at Wang Qizhi again: He had stopped scribbling, but he was looking down at his nose, as if he were meditating.
Something's wrong, something's very wrong...
Based on Sun Jiamu's understanding, Wang Qizhi was not someone who could control his temper at all. In the past, even if he hadn't slammed his fist on the table, his face would have been as black as the bottom of a pot...
As he was secretly pondering this, Shui Jisheng sighed: "Let Xiaolin be the team leader and take charge of the specifics!"
Zheng Ming nodded: "I agree!"
Jiang Chengying nodded in agreement: "I agree too!"
Sun Jiamu muttered to himself: "Huh?"
No wonder they held a meeting while Lin Sicheng was away; they were waiting here all along.
You agreed, but didn't you ask Lin Sicheng if he agreed?
That's right, he has the most research samples, but Lin Sicheng spent millions to collect them from county to county and township to township.
Among the various institutions, his research progress is indeed the fastest, but why not take into account when the other institutions' experimental teams arrived?
Two whole months earlier than you...
No, it wasn't even Lin Sicheng's place to ask: once this group was established, the possibility of restoring the egg white jade craftsmanship would be infinitely close to zero, so the bet between the two of them was naturally lost by Lin Sicheng.
He has no chance of becoming a team leader anymore; he'll have to work as a long-term employee...
Just as he was thinking about it, Wang Qizhi finally straightened up: "He doesn't have time!"
The group of people were all stunned.
Zheng Ming, Jiang Chengying, and Shui Jisheng all considered this, but Wang Qizhi might disagree or directly propose that the branch center take the lead and be responsible for it.
Since Lin Sicheng was the one who found all the ruins, this proposal is reasonable based on that alone.
The three even prepared that if Wang Qizhi objected, the topic would be shelved and discussed again when Lin Sicheng returned.
Everything can be discussed; there's nothing that can't be talked about. If Lin Sicheng insists, it's not impossible to have the branch center take charge.
But what I never expected was that Wang Qizhi would say something like: "Lin Sicheng doesn't have time?"
Wang Qizhi, expressionless, slowly leaned back: "Reporting to all the leaders: the center's work arrangements at each stage were all planned in advance. Including the archaeological team, the laboratory, the auxiliary groups, etc., when reporting to their original units, the applications were all submitted strictly in accordance with the plans."
These groups are primarily responsible for tasks centered around Lin Sicheng. If he becomes a group leader, will the branch center's work plan still be implemented? Should these people return to their original units, or wait for him here?
The group of people were stunned for a moment before they remembered: Lin Sicheng's team was entirely drawn from various units.
What would happen to the Shaanxi History Museum, the Shaanxi Institute of Archaeology, the Xijing Cultural Relics Bureau, Northwest University... if Lin Sicheng were to be transferred out separately?
But then another problem arises: from beginning to end, Lin Sicheng had only one goal: to restore the white jade. All his explorations, excavations, and experiments were centered around this.
If we stick to the original plan, wouldn't that mean going down a dead end?
"The applications submitted to each unit were all discussed and decided upon in meetings; otherwise, these people wouldn't have come here. Therefore, the leaders should understand: the plan cannot be changed or altered at will by Lin Sicheng!"
Wang Qizhi smiled again: "Regardless of whether the sample size is sufficient, whether we can make any progress, or whether we get any results, we should proceed with the research according to plan first!"
Everyone fell silent: They thought of everything, but forgot this one thing?
Lin Sicheng was not an individual; he had a work unit and organizational affiliation.
Moreover, being in another province, there's no way to respond to emergencies. Putting everything else aside, just going through the procedures alone would probably take months.
Subconsciously, the group looked at Shui Jisheng: they finally understood why Chief Engineer Shui had suggested more than once to poach Lin Sicheng.
Shui Jisheng glanced at Zheng Ming and sighed inwardly:
Lin Sicheng gave a weekly report, including the progress of each group's work, as well as the quantity of materials and research progress, all written in the report.
That means all those organizations in Shaanxi Province have data backups, so how can you still try to take advantage of them?
All that effort for nothing, all that scheming and plotting...
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