Chapter 257 If Lin Sicheng says it exists, then it exists.
The point has been made so bluntly that it couldn't be more so.
But Zheng Ming felt he still had to offer some advice.
He tapped the table, paused for a moment, and said, "Professor Wang, as you know, with such a small sample size, restoring the eggshell jade technique is extremely difficult..."
“Director Zheng, I know, and Lin Sicheng knows too!” Wang Qizhi nodded vigorously. “But the question is, should we follow the procedures? Should we adjust the decision?”
He silenced Zheng Ming with a single sentence.
What does it mean to have a collective review and a vote?
Want to change it? Sure, gather all the participants together, resubmit, and discuss it again.
The problem is that this thing carries administrative responsibility: if you only think about changing it now, doesn't that mean the direction was wrong from the beginning?
So many people wasting so much time, isn't that a loss?
Since the previous decision was problematic and caused irreparable damage, should the decision-makers bear responsibility?
To give a less-than-ideal example: Why do those in charge at every stage, knowing that some cases are miscarriages of justice, insist on making them airtight cases?
Adjustment implies negation, and the key point is that this decision was made by departments from other provinces, and more than one department.
That would mean many leaders would be held responsible, so what are you dreaming about?
Wang Qizhi put down his pen and leaned back: "The original plan must be carried out. Besides, so many people have been away for nearly four months, which has affected a lot of work in their original units. So not only must it be carried out, but it must be carried out as soon as possible."
"If you all abandon the restoration of the eggshell jade technique, then the branch center can only conduct independent research. Of course, it won't affect the material quotas of each unit. We'll just use what we've already collected and are planning to explore, and once we've finished researching it, that's it!"
Yao Jianxin raised his hand: "Professor Wang, what are the follow-up research plans?"
What happened next?
Wang Qizhi narrowed his eyes: "Director Yao, you might as well explain yourself more clearly!"
"What I mean is, will the follow-up research be conducted independently by the branch center, or will it be conducted jointly with us?"
Yao Jianxin chuckled dryly, "After all, resources are limited, so it's best to concentrate our efforts and conduct collaborative research!"
Did you say this? This was the policy that Deputy Director Zheng set at the very beginning of the meeting...
Hehe... Strengthen collaboration and conduct joint research? I see, they're afraid Lin Sicheng's research will be too fast, leaving all the local research institutions behind?
"Of course, the branch center will conduct independent research. But Director Yao, rest assured, our research direction will not conflict with yours! Because when the branch center was established, the agreement clearly stated that after the site excavation was completed, the branch center would only be responsible for the restoration of the egg white jade craftsmanship!"
If you still don't understand, let me put it more bluntly: whether it's the branch center or Lin Sicheng, they will only study the egg white jade and will not participate in any further research after the excavation..."
Wang Qizhi remained expressionless, glancing around. "If you're still worried, do you want me to write you a guarantee?"
Yao Jianxin beamed with joy: "Professor Wang, you've misunderstood, that's not what I meant!"
Wang Qizhi snorted: Bullshit, it's written all over your face...
Everyone was stunned for a moment, their faces full of disbelief: Yes, that's what was written in the agreement, but they didn't expect Lin Sicheng to actually do it.
The difficulty in archaeological excavation lies not in the subsequent research, but in whether key remains can be discovered and representative sites can be found.
To give an analogy, it's like finding treasure; the difficulty lies in finding it. As for how to dig it up, even a fool could do that.
Wang Qizhi now gives the impression that they have painstakingly found the treasure, and have even opened the treasure vault, and now all they have to do is move it out.
But when it came time to divide the spoils, the group that found the treasure and opened the vault suddenly said they wouldn't participate.
This unusual behavior is truly baffling.
"It's actually not hard to understand!"
Seeing a group of people looking at him like he was a monster, Wang Qizhi tapped the table, "For the restoration center, our goal is to learn the craft, ensure the diversity of restoration techniques, and improve the success rate of the World Heritage application."
As agreed, the Yuncheng authorities and the chief engineer have already provided us with the technical data on Chengni inkstones, Pingding black-flowered inkstones, and pottery, which means we have perfectly achieved our goal and exceeded expectations.
"For the field institute, the archaeological team, and Professor Huang Zhifeng, their mission is singular: to assist Lin Sicheng in finding Song Dynasty sites, collecting enough experimental samples, and reconstructing the egg white jade firing process."
Now, the site has been found, the jade has been found, and all the necessary experiments have been conducted. As for the small sample size, that's an external and uncontrollable factor, and no one can be held responsible. Even if the leaders are unreasonable, they can't expect us to conjure tons of jade out of thin air, can they?
A burst of laughter erupted in the hall.
Once the noise subsided, Wang Qizhi continued, "In this way, it's equivalent to all groups completing their tasks, except for Lin Sicheng. If he can't recreate the process, that's his problem; so many people can't afford to waste time with him."
Even if the leader were willing to keep everyone tied down with him, we would only see it through to the end: our sole purpose would be to restore the craftsmanship; we wouldn't engage in any further archaeological research, otherwise it would be like trying to find a better path while still having one, going in the opposite direction... Do you all understand what I mean?"
I can certainly understand that. But understanding is one thing, and being able to comprehend it is another.
No matter how shameless the leaders present are, they cannot erase Lin Sicheng's contributions and achievements. Of the five historical sites and five main directions, Wang Qizhi will definitely be given the first choice.
With Lin Sicheng's guidance and research capabilities, as well as his excellent teamwork with Huang Zhifeng's team, and the fact that they started early, the branch center's research progress has already far surpassed that of the other ten institutions.
Putting everything else aside, just look at journal articles—wouldn't they be publishing so many that they'd be overwhelmed?
Lin Sicheng gave up the achievements and honors that were within his grasp so easily, as if he didn't want them at all.
Shui Jisheng thought for a moment, then sighed: "Professor Wang, should we put this aside for now and ask Xiaolin for his opinion?"
“No need!” Wang Qizhi shook his head decisively. “I am his teacher, and more importantly, the head of external relations for the restoration center. My opinion is his opinion!”
Everyone was stunned: You really don't want it?
No, that would be such a waste!
Putting everything else aside, wouldn't all of Huang Zhifeng's experimental data and interim results be rendered useless?
Oh no… it’s just useless to Lin Sicheng. For the other centers, that information is incredibly useful: it can save them at least several months of time.
Suddenly, several people's eyes lit up.
Subconsciously, Yao Jianxin's heart was pounding uncontrollably. He tried to hold it in and thought about it again and again.
He knew that if he brought it up, it would be too unseemly, and he would definitely be criticized behind his back afterward. But if he didn't bring it up now, he would definitely miss the chance later.
Even if he brought it up, Wang Qizhi would most likely refuse, or even scold him. But what if he did?
It's a waste to just leave it there; what difference does it make who gets it?
In a flash, he gritted his teeth and forced a smile: "Professor Wang, I have a suggestion: since the branch center is not participating in subsequent research, could we share the research data from Professor Huang's laboratory?"
No, what did you say?
shared?
Wang Qizhi was stunned.
He guessed these people might be shameless, but he didn't expect them to be this shameless.
Subconsciously, he recalled Lin Sicheng's parting words: "This meeting will probably test everyone's patience. Teacher, if you can't stand it, just have a fight. It's okay..."
It seems he already knew what these people wanted to do back then.
To be honest, Wang Qizhi felt like his heart was about to explode, let alone be unable to tolerate it. He really wanted to point his finger at Yao Jianxin and curse his ancestors for eighteen generations.
But when he thought of Lin Sicheng's subsequent plans, he forced himself to swallow his anger.
I'll endure it. But there will come a time when you cry...
Wang Qizhi took a deep breath and then exclaimed, "Director Yao, how about this: I'll notify Professor Huang to immediately evacuate everyone and clear out the lab for you. All the experimental data, testing materials, and all the samples and artifacts that Lin Sicheng spent millions collecting—we'll leave them all to you?"
"Forget about carrying out any plans, and Lin Sicheng shouldn't try to restore the Egg White Jade. He should get back to Xijing as soon as possible, take responsibility, and do some self-criticism!"
Yao Jianxin's face flushed red: "Professor Wang, that's not what I meant..."
Wang Qizhi sneered: "Then what do you mean? You listened to all that I said, did you? Fine, I'll say it again: Lin Sicheng's task is only one: restore the egg white jade craftsmanship!"
"Insufficient materials and samples made restoration impossible, which was due to objective factors. Even if the leadership is dissatisfied, they can only say he's incompetent. But he hadn't even had a chance to do anything, and you're already asking him to share data? If he shares it, will he even get the rest of the work done?"
If he doesn't want to do it, then it's a matter of attitude. Director Yao, you've been a researcher for over ten or twenty years, and you've spent half your life in government offices. Do you know what's important and what's not? Do you want me to teach you?
Wang Qizhi paused, then looked around: "Even if you want to discard the donkey after it has finished grinding the millstone, shouldn't you wait until the donkey has finished grinding the millstone? Wait a minute... for you, it seems that Lin Sicheng has really finished grinding the millstone?"
Before he could finish speaking, Yao Jianbo's face was like a paint shop: a mix of green, black, red, and white.
Not only him, but everyone's face changed: Professor Wang, Professor Wang, this is a meeting, how can you say these things here?
The clerk, pen in hand, glared out: How the hell am I supposed to take notes like this?
Zheng Ming and Jiang Chengying's faces turned as black as the bottom of a pot: Why did they choose to hold the meeting when Lin Sicheng was not there?
The concern was that Lin Sicheng, being young and impetuous, might lose control of his emotions and cause a scene. But unexpectedly, it ended up like this?
It's all Yao Jianxin's fault, that idiot: he's already taking advantage of people's kindness, but he even did it in front of so many people!
Okay, you've got it all out of control, haven't you?
Zheng Ming quickly tried to smooth things over: "Professor Wang, you've misunderstood. Please calm down..."
"Director Zheng, I'm not angry. If I were, I'd flip the table!" Wang Qizhi said slowly, tapping the conference table. "I really meant flipping it!"
The group of people were all stunned for a moment.
Sun Jiamu sighed: Do you think he wouldn't dare to lift the lid?
It's not like he hasn't done it before; he even did it in front of a vice-ministerial level leader.
These people really went too far: the focus of this exploration and excavation is egg white jade, which was agreed upon by both parties in advance and written into the agreement when the branch center was established. There must be nothing wrong with that, right?
The local authorities simply didn't expect Lin Sicheng to find so many historical sites, let alone that they were all groundbreaking and significant historical discoveries. Putting ourselves in the shoes of the local departments, their urgency and adjustment of their priorities are understandable.
But you can't have both?
Allowing a branch center in a prefecture-level city to lead the subsequent excavation and research, especially one with the prefix "outside the province," is indeed quite a slap in the face. Therefore, it's only natural that you've seized control of the subsequent work. Wang Qizhi remained silent.
Then you went too far and divided up even the few remaining samples of egg white jade. To put it bluntly, this was like discarding a useful tool after it has served its purpose: since Lin Sicheng's main task was this, if he divided up all the samples, what would he have left to study?
Of course, Wang Qizhi still did not object, perhaps because even if they did not separate the samples and gave all the samples to Lin Sicheng, it would not be enough to support the research on the restoration process.
Then, this "joint research and development team" was established in a grand manner, which sounded pretty good, and Lin Sicheng was put in charge. But even a fool knows why he was put in charge: he had the most samples, he started working on it the earliest, and his research progress was the fastest.
The plan was well-thought-out, but it didn't consider Lin Sicheng at all: he has a large group of people under him, what will happen to them if he joins this group and becomes the group leader?
Therefore, Wang Qizhi refused without hesitation.
Then, when one plan failed, another was devised: "You're having trouble managing your subordinates, right? Why don't we bring them together and work on it together?"
They keep talking about concentrating resources and efforts, but they never mention the millions of dollars Lin Sicheng spent collecting the materials, let alone their progress which was several months ahead of theirs. They are mainly using moral blackmail.
Unsurprisingly, Wang Qizhi refused again. Fearing further harassment, Wang Qizhi even stated directly that Lin Sicheng would withdraw from all subsequent research.
What does this equal?
It's as if the general has taken the lead in breaching the city, achieving a great victory, and has also cornered the dying enemy general. With just a light swing of his sword, he can complete his mission.
But for the sake of internal stability, he relinquished the credit. Wasn't that magnanimous, selfless, and altruistic?
However, no one expected that even after yielding to this extent, these people would still not be satisfied and would once again take advantage of our kindness.
Should Lin Sicheng share data?
If the hierarchical data is shared, what's the point of Lin Sicheng researching the egg white jade? Isn't this just cutting off his path and ruining his business?
Given Wang Qizhi's usual temperament, he would have flipped the table long ago. The fact that he didn't stand up and start cursing was already a testament to his remarkable restraint and magnanimity…
Zheng Ming and Jiang Chengying belatedly realized that things had gotten out of control and they had gone a bit too far.
The two couldn't help but feel a little regretful: In fact, when Yao Jianxin first raised his hand and asked if the sub-center would participate in the follow-up research, they had already guessed what Yao Jianxin wanted to do.
The two did indeed want to test Lin Sicheng's limits. They just hadn't expected Yao Jianbo's ambitions to be so vast, to the point of being utterly shameless.
To my surprise, Wang Qizhi reacted so strongly, directly bringing the matter to the forefront.
If it were just an internal meeting, it wouldn't be a big problem; it would simply be a matter of appeasing them first and then discussing the matter. But unfortunately, Sun Jiamu, from a ministry, was also present at the meeting.
Discarding a useful tool after it has served its purpose, repaying kindness with enmity... This is practically throwing someone out of the capital?
The more Zheng Ming and Jiang Cheng thought about it, the more embarrassed they felt. They wanted nothing more than to slap Yao Jianbo across the face. But what good would killing him do now that it had already happened?
The two exchanged a glance, pondering how to ease the tension, when Wang Qizhi straightened up: "Since this is a discussion, I'll also say a few words: Restoring the egg white jade craftsmanship is very difficult, and Lin Sicheng and I both agree on this."
If the final decision is to halt the research on restoring the eggshell jade technique and instead focus on related crafts, we have no objection. However, this would mean the termination of the agreements we signed with the municipal government and the provincial cultural relics bureau.
However, to be clear: it's not a withdrawal, but rather the end of the collaborative mission with Yuncheng and the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau. The Northwest University Cultural Relics Center will definitely continue its research, and it will be independent research. I hope you all understand that.
Of course I understand. The terms are clearly written in black and white: after the site excavation is completed, the branch center will be responsible for the restoration of the egg white jade craftsmanship. If the cultural relics bureau decides to abandon the research, then the agreement will naturally terminate.
If Lin Sicheng insists, then neither the process nor the outcome will concern this side.
But no one spoke.
Wang Qizhi tapped the table again: "Breaking up sooner is breaking up, breaking up later is also breaking up, so we might as well break up sooner and save the government some salaries. Oh, right..."
As if he had just remembered, Wang Qizhi smiled again, "It seems we won't be able to wait for the complete excavation of the Beijiangeda site. This will save you all more specimens, which is a good thing!"
Okay, let's send it.
Before he could finish speaking, Zheng Ming and Jiang Chengying's faces turned green. The heads of the dozen or so centers were all incredibly embarrassed.
Let me translate Wang Qizhi's words: You want to discard me after I've served my purpose, right? Fine, I'll do it myself; you won't even need to lift a finger. See, isn't that considerate?
The problem was that Sun Jiamu was sitting next to them, listening in.
Zheng Ming let out a breath and forced a smile: "Professor Wang, don't be impulsive. Let's discuss it again when Teacher Lin comes back."
"Furthermore, Mayor Jiang and I will discuss this. If it doesn't work out, we won't set up this joint research and development team. After the Beijian Geda excavation, we'll distribute all the eggshell jade samples to the sub-center. What do you think of this?"
I'm not a beggar, am I?
"Thank you, Director Zheng, but no need. As the saying goes, a broken mirror cannot be mended, and spilled water cannot be gathered up again. To say things to this point is tantamount to tearing apart the last bit of face we have left. If we continue to cooperate, how can we get along in the future?"
"I'll go back and write the report now, and try to submit it this afternoon. Professor Huang should be able to vacate the lab by tomorrow at the latest..."
Wang Qizhi stood up abruptly. "Sorry, I'll be going now!"
They left without hesitation.
Watching Wang Qizhi pack up his documents and leave his seat, Zheng Ming and Jiang Chengying looked at each other.
Is this really a sign that they're breaking up?
How did things develop to this point?
Lai Yaojianxin?
But if Zheng Ming hadn't set the tone, how could Yao Jianxin have dared to be so presumptuous? However, he was quick-witted and immediately grasped the underlying meaning of those eight words: strengthen cooperation and conduct joint research.
The question is, should we stop them or not? Should we try to persuade them or not?
If you're going to try to persuade someone, what can you offer?
Is it about having the lead in subsequent excavation and research, or the autonomy to conduct independent research?
To put it simply, the prefix for Lin Sicheng's branch center is "Xida," not "Shanxi"...
After a moment of quiet reflection, the group watched as Wang Qizhi left the conference room.
The meeting room was eerily quiet.
After a long silence, Zheng Ming sighed, "Director Sun, you must be laughing at me!"
Sun Jiamu said seriously, "How can there be no disagreements when doing work? It's normal!"
Let's assume that's how you understand it.
Zheng Ming nodded: "We'll need Director Sun's help with the follow-up excavation guidance!"
A strange glint flashed in Sun Jiamu's eyes: "It's my duty!"
"Thank you, Director Sun!"
At this point, it was naturally impossible for today's meeting to continue. After chatting for a few more minutes, Zheng Ming adjourned the meeting.
Sun Jiamu stood up first, and the heads of various departments left the conference room one after another. As before the meeting, Zheng Ming, Jiang Chengying, and Shui Jisheng stayed until the end.
After having his secretary replace the tea and closing the door, Zheng Ming sighed deeply, "I didn't expect Wang Qizhi to be so stubborn?"
Jiang Chengying didn't say anything. He even wondered: Would it be a little better if it were Lin Sicheng instead?
It might be a little better, but at most it won't escalate to this point. The result will definitely be the same: since everyone agrees that the possibility of restoring the egg white jade craftsmanship is zero, then what's the point of wasting time and energy?
Once the project is terminated, it also means the end of the collaboration with Lin Sicheng.
If Lin Sicheng were to join and participate in subsequent research, both Yuncheng and the Cultural Relics Bureau would absolutely welcome him wholeheartedly.
It wouldn't be a problem to even put Lin Sicheng in overall charge and let him continue to serve as the commander-in-chief.
If the entire team continues to participate, and it remains under the name of the Xida Restoration Center, then there is only one outcome: strengthened collaboration and joint research.
To put it bluntly: you must obey and follow orders.
But the result is already clear: Lin Sicheng has neither the obligation nor the time to make contributions to them.
Therefore, breaking up was inevitable. As Wang Qizhi said: it's better to break up sooner rather than later.
There's only one thing: no one expected Yao Jianxin to be such a variable, and even less expected that things would turn out so badly.
It's impossible not to feel embarrassed or guilty.
No matter how much you talk about it, no one can deny Lin Sicheng's contributions and achievements: five kiln sites, all of which were discovered for the first time in Shanxi.
Five firsts represent five uniques, and in such a concentrated manner: the discovery time is concentrated, the site location is concentrated, which in itself breaks the history of the province.
As Director Sun said, applying for new archaeological discoveries this year or next year should not be a problem.
Therefore, in terms of both significance and representativeness, it is unparalleled. But in the end, Lin Sicheng, a meritorious official, ended up being discarded after his usefulness was over?
Conversely, one's position determines one's perspective. From Zheng Ming and Jiang Chengying's standpoint, they must first and foremost be responsible to the local area and the collective.
As for personal feelings, what are those?
Suddenly, Jiang Chengying had a sudden thought: "Once the agreement is terminated, it means that Lin Sicheng and his center will no longer be bound by any constraints. Is it possible that he might suddenly restore the firing technique of egg white jade?"
"Unlikely!"
Zheng Ming shook his head decisively, "I consulted Sun Jiamu, and he said it was unlikely. But I wasn't entirely convinced, so I asked around, including the Shanghai Institute of Silicon Salts (Chinese Academy of Sciences Ceramics Research Center), the Palace Museum Ancient Ceramics Research Center, and the Key Ceramics Laboratories of Tsinghua and Peking Universities..."
These experts were remarkably unanimous in their opinion: "Without any written records, without any historical materials documenting the techniques and formulas, relying solely on limited archaeological excavations and a few hundred kilograms of experimental samples, restoring a porcelain-making technique that has been lost for thousands of years is no different from the difficulty of handcrafting an atomic bomb..."
So, Director Zheng, you were so fearless, refusing to listen to any advice. And then, things turned out like this?
Shui Jisheng sighed inwardly.
He also thought it was unlikely, but something still felt off: before finding Beijian Geda, Lin Sicheng certainly didn't know how big the next site would be, let alone how many artifacts could be unearthed, whether there was fine white glazed porcelain among them, and even if there was, how much.
Why did he dare to distribute the few pieces of fine white porcelain in the Shangxia Bamu site equally?
Given Lin Sicheng's background at the time, even if he had let Huang Zhifeng take everything away, absolutely no one would have dared to say anything.
So, it gives the impression that Lin Sicheng had already concluded that it was impossible to restore the egg white jade craftsmanship at that time.
Since there's no hope, of course I don't care anymore.
Considering Wang Qizhi's actions today, it seems he deliberately created this situation to lessen Lin Sicheng's responsibility.
Leaders, look: it's not that Lin Sicheng didn't do the research, nor that he lacked the ability; it's that Shanxi officials are discarding him after he's served his purpose. They divided such a small experimental sample into six parts—how can they possibly recreate the process?
The more I think about it, the more possible it seems.
He wasn't the only one who thought this way; Sun Jiamu also shared this view.
But as soon as he asked, Wang Qizhi sneered: Shifting responsibility and delegating blame to others—Wang Qizhi couldn't bear the shame of that, and Lin Sicheng couldn't bear the shame of that either.
If there is any responsibility, the teacher should take it all on himself. How could it be Lin Sicheng's turn?
However, he was indeed going with the flow today, because Lin Sicheng had long anticipated that such a thing would happen locally: knowing that it was impossible, why insist on doing something that was a dead end and wasting manpower, material resources, and financial resources?
The project to restore the eggshell white jade craftsmanship was naturally terminated.
Since we're going to break up sooner or later, it's better to be decisive and cut ties cleanly. That way, we won't have these people backing out and causing endless trouble later when Lin Sicheng makes some progress in his research.
Today's outcome was perfect: the meeting was held, opinions were expressed, and a resolution was reached. Tomorrow, another application will be submitted; once the relevant leader signs it off, everything will be clear where everyone goes their own way…
Sun Jiamu thought about it: It seems to make sense?
However, Sun Jiamu expressed strong doubt about Wang Qizhi's statement that Lin Sicheng might make some progress in his research later.
"Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice; Lin Sicheng needed something to study if he wanted to do research!"
“Yes!” Wang Qizhi nodded vigorously. “So, Lin Sicheng went to find research samples.”
Sun Jiamu was taken aback: "Besides Hejin, where else can you find egg white jade?"
Wang Qizhi shook his head: "I don't know."
He genuinely didn't know, but if Lin Sicheng said it existed, then it must exist!
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