Chapter 205: Are You Really Daring Enough to Say That?

Daylight crossed the city wall, and the ice crystals refracted a seven-colored light.

A few bird calls rang out from the locust tree; the air was slightly cold, yet fresh.

Having finished a large bowl of mutton soup and feeling a bit full, Ye Xing'an took his secretary for a walk along the tree-lined path to aid digestion.

Passing by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center, he took a glance.

The glass was covered in a thin layer of mist, with dew drops gathering into long lines, leaving winding trails. Two female university students were cleaning, and two duty Researchers were wiping down cabinets in the exhibition hall.

He checked his watch again; it was just eight o'clock.

"Was it Assistant Zhang who said the training was at nine yesterday?"

"Yes, Director."

"Then there's still time, let's walk another two laps!"

Ye Xing'an swung his arms, and just as he walked past the entrance, a Mercedes-Benz drove up.

With a Beijing license plate, he took a subconscious look.

With a few "thump-thump" sounds, four men jumped out of the car, two old and two young.

With a "clatter," they opened the trunk, and the older one gave careful instructions: "Oldest, Second, you two go at noon. While your master is away, take these to his home... Remember, put them down and leave, don't stay long, otherwise, however you carried them over, you'll have to carry them back..."

"Dad, if Master's master and mistress give us Red Envelopes, should we take them?"

"Take them!" Zhao Xiuneng nodded. "Why wouldn't you take what Master's master and mistress give? Remember to kowtow!"

The two sons nodded vigorously, and Zhao Xiuneng pointed at his younger brother: "Also, Xiuxian, if you want to display that thing of yours, do it quickly. Just mention it when I introduce you to Junior Brother Lin later..."

Zhao Xiuxian looked puzzled: "No... Big Brother, why does giving a gift feel like acting like a thief?"

Zhao Xiuneng glared: "What do you know? Do you believe that once you see him, you won't even be able to give it away?"

Zhao Xiuxian looked at the box in his hand: "How is that possible?"

Zhao Xiuneng let out a "ha," too lazy to argue with him.

Closing the trunk, the four of them entered the exhibition hall.

Secretary Wang looked at the license plate: "Director, that person just now should be Teacher Lin's Partner!"

Ye Xing'an nodded.

The license plate was the same, and the age and appearance matched.

The two young ones were his sons, who were also Lin Sicheng's apprentices. The remaining one should be Zhao Xiuneng's brother.

Judging by their appearance, they had likely just returned from Beijing.

Just as he was thinking this, the secretary muttered: "Coral!"

Ye Xing'an turned his head to look; Zhao Xiuneng was holding a bright red coral tree and was in the middle of placing it into a display cabinet.

Underneath was a bluish copper flower pot, filled to the brim with pearls.

Even with his extensive experience, Wang Yingtai couldn't help but squint: delicate and dripping with color, as vibrant as blood wax, this had to be top-tier Aka Red Coral, pigeon-blood red.

The pearls were round and large, bright and translucent; they were definitely East Pearls produced in the Northeast. A single one like that could probably cover half his salary.

And how many were in this basin?

And that basin underneath, it was definitely a Cultural Relic, and its value was likely not low either.

Adding the three items together, Wang Yingtai's eyelids twitched: how much would this cost?

Just as he was astonished, Lin Sicheng came down from upstairs and entered the exhibition hall. It was unclear what was said, but Zhao Xiuneng looked helpless as he moved the coral tree out and packed it back into the box.

Wang Yingtai was stunned: Lin Sicheng didn't accept it?

He understood the logic—the so-called reciprocity of giving and receiving. But what puzzled him was Lin Sicheng's self-control: this was a gift for him, not a sale. It was worth at least a few million, if not ten million; how could he resist?

After watching for a moment, Ye Xing'an turned around and began doing chest expansions, one by one: "Let's go!"

Wang Yingtai followed behind.

Seeing him deep in thought and silent, Ye Xing'an smiled: "Can't figure it out?"

"Leader, I understand the logic!" Wang Yingtai thought for a moment. "I just feel quite impressed!"

"Is that so?" Ye Xing'an nodded, thinking to himself: High aspirations and a clear heart—that is exactly what Lin Sicheng is like.

To borrow a phrase from Wang Qi Zhi: He lacks nothing, so naturally he has no greed, and naturally he can uphold his original heart.

Everyone understands the logic, but the hard part is, who would ever feel they lack nothing?

Having it and wanting more, wanting it and still desiring it—that is why it is so rare.

Ye Xing'an swung his arms rhythmically, with his secretary following closely behind.

In the exhibition hall, Zhao Xiuxian stood woodenly, looking at the box in his big brother's hand, then at Lin Sicheng.

When they were at home, his mother would occasionally mention: "That child has light in his eyes."

His big brother also constantly talked about how his two nephews had made a priceless choice in taking this master. His character and virtue were the best he had ever seen...

Zhao Xiuxian had always wondered, just how good could he be to deserve such praise from his mother and big brother?

Including when he was outside just now, he had thought: A gift worth over ten million, and he won't accept it?

Big Brother, you really can brag...

And then, within three minutes, he witnessed it.

No... Teacher Lin, look closely, this is Qing Dynasty tribute coral? It's not just a treasure; it's a Cultural Relic.

And these East Pearls, the old lady personally took apart two strings of Court Beads from the bottom of her chest and picked them out one by one.

And this basin, this is a Copper Bean (an ancient ritual vessel), there are patterns on the side and characters on the bottom...

It was no exaggeration; Zhao Xiuxian blinked his eyes, shifting his gaze constantly between the box and Lin Sicheng's face, as if looking at an alien.

Roughly guessing what he was surprised by, Lin Sicheng just smiled: "Noon is too rushed, let's do it in the evening. I'll host a welcome dinner for the two Senior Brothers..."

"Okay!" Zhao Xiuneng nodded. "But don't go to too much trouble, let's just do it at the school!"

Lin Sicheng was indifferent either way.

To be honest, the school cafeteria is truly not bad; even if provincial leaders came, they would be received the same way.

Several people walked toward the office again, and just as they reached the reception area, Zhao Xiuneng was stunned again: Tian Chengming and Song Jingxian were sitting on the sofa, and upon seeing them, they stood up again.

No... these two haven't left yet?

Calculating the time, from the opening of the Center until now, excluding the few days for the New Year, these two have been guarding here for over half a month.

But what is the use?

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Lin Sicheng walked over: "Director Tian, Director Song, there will be training on the third floor in a moment. If possible, I invite you both to offer some guidance!"

Eh, so kind?

To be honest, they both knew very well how annoying they were and how much Lin Sicheng disliked them. So, how could he possibly invite them to offer guidance?

Tian Chengming felt something was not quite right: "Teacher Lin, what exactly is the training about?"

Lin Sicheng smiled: "Yaozhou Porcelain?"

The two of them were shocked in unison: What the hell?

As if they had agreed upon it, the two turned their heads back abruptly and looked at the materials on the magazine rack: No wonder it was placed here so openly and aboveboard.

Even, they were still secretly pleased yesterday?

Secretly pleased my foot, secretly pleased!

Tian Chengming was dumbfounded, not knowing what was best to say.

While they were stunned, Lin Sicheng had already turned around and led the four members of the Zhao family into the office.

The two looked at each other, stunned and speechless. Suddenly, Tian Chengming gave a start and hurriedly fished out his phone:

People are about to hold public training, what the hell are he and Lao Song still guarding here for?

Just as the call was connected, three more cars arrived outside, and eight or nine people got out.

The leaders were all familiar faces from when the Center was unveiled last time. Two people in the back were carrying equipment, with the words "Beilin Radio and Television" printed on it.

Meaning, not only is there public training, but it's also going on television?

Song Jingxian's hand trembled: It's over...

……

Ten minutes before nine, Ye Xing'an and Wang Yingtai entered the venue.

There were many people: leaders from the college and leaders from several bureaus including culture, tourism, Cultural Relics, and industry were sitting in the front row. In the middle were researchers from various bureaus and professors from the college.

There were even more graduate students from the college, and adding the Center's staff, more than half of the hundred-person conference room was filled.

It had been mentioned in advance; seeing Ye Xing'an, several college leaders only nodded and did not stand up. He didn't go to the front either, just found a corner at random.

Lin Sicheng stood on the stage, adjusting the equipment for the last time; at nine o'clock sharp, the training began on time.

He clicked the mouse, and a Tang Dynasty Yaozhou Kiln Yellow Porcelain ewer (pitcher) appeared on the big screen behind him.

At the same time, Li Zhen carried up a physical piece and placed it in front of Lin Sicheng.

Lin Sicheng held the microphone and pointed to the screen: "To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools. Since we want to restore and protect Yaozhou Porcelain, we must understand its origin, development, craft styles of various periods, technical characteristics, as well as its advantages, disadvantages, and difficulties..."

It is no exaggeration to say that the fifty or sixty people in the venue were all stunned in unison.

No... you just start directly?

There are so many leaders below, what about your opening remarks, your greetings?

Wang Yingtai finally understood why the researchers at the Wang Qi Zhi Laboratory had that attitude when they visited yesterday.

It was definitely taught by Lin Sicheng.

What is strange is that whether it was the college leaders or the district leaders, they all seemed to have become accustomed to it...

"The Yaozhou Kiln began in the early Tang Dynasty; the early period mostly appeared dark gray, with a coarser body... The prosperous Tang produced Black Porcelain, with a body as deep as ink, matte and lusterless... In the late Tang, the body became denser, and the glaze color became deeper, thinner, with a strong glass-like texture and good transparency..."

"And gradually, yellow glaze and White Porcelain appeared, along with simple decorations like Incising Flowers, stamping, and appliqué. The most typical spotted glaze of iron, manganese, and magnesium crystals, which is the 'Tea Dust Glaze' recorded in history, appeared in the mid-Tang Dynasty..."

"Strictly speaking, Tea Dust Glaze belongs to Kiln-transmutation Porcelain that occurred by chance, which is a special variety that appeared when Black Glaze Porcelain was overfired... The temperature requirement is relatively high, above 1280 degrees. The firing atmosphere requirements are strict: fired in a Reduction Flame, the iron element forms ferrous oxide (FeO) and crystals in an oxygen-deficient environment... Therefore, in the Tang Dynasty, it absolutely belonged to an epoch-making product..."

"The one in my hand and on the screen is exactly that. At first glance: is it quite ordinary? But in the prosperous Tang, it was because of the Tea Dust Glaze that the Yaozhou Kiln became the eighth-ranked famous kiln. Although the Tea Dust did not reach the level of Tribute Porcelain, it definitely counts as famous porcelain..."

"The firing technique is the Three-Foot Support Method. The early period was half-glazed, and the middle and late periods were fully glazed. The vessel shapes are relatively simple, basically consisting of pots, Bowls, and jars. The decorative patterns are mostly plain, so the Artifact Restoration is relatively simple: Gold Stapling, Gold Repair, and Lacquer Repair—these three types can basically meet the restoration needs..."

The latest novel is first published here!

As he explained, the pictures on the screen changed from time to time, and at the same time, Li Zhen and Xiao Yuzhu would also bring up the physical objects.

Lin Sicheng was unhurried and methodical; when he encountered key points or places that particularly needed explanation, he would also emphasize them.

As the saying goes, the expert looks at the technique, the layman looks at the excitement. Although Ye Xing'an didn't understand too much, at least he knew how to watch: apart from the leaders in the first row, everyone else—whether professors, graduate students, or researchers from various units—was focused and attentive.

As soon as Lin Sicheng paused, the pen tips began to move, and for a moment, it was as if they had entered a silkworm room, "Swish, swish, swish, swish..."

Wang Yingtai turned his head, looking to the left and then to the right. Except for him and Ye Xing'an, everyone was taking notes.

But he felt that what Lin Sicheng was saying was very ordinary?

And don't think that Secretary Wang is too flighty or unstable; he is not the only one with similar feelings. The bureau leaders sitting in the first row basically had the same thoughts.

They just felt that what Lin Sicheng said was very simple, and even laymen like them could understand it.

But why was everyone looking so solemn, with their pens moving fast, for fear that Lin Sicheng would suddenly skip over something?

If it weren't for the fact that the researchers brought by the bureaus were the same, they would have suspected that the college had arranged it in advance...

As if guessing what they were thinking, the accompanying Deputy Director explained in a low voice:

"It is mainly because the ancient high-kiln temperature technology was not up to par, and secondly, the Yaozhou Kiln at that time was still mainly producing civilian porcelain, so the Tea Dust Glaze on the stage, which is close to Tribute Porcelain, was produced very rarely.

Furthermore, the era is quite distant, so fewer Cultural Relics have been preserved, and there are fewer samples available for Artifact Research. Consequently, there are fewer research institutions. Therefore, there is naturally less authoritative, detailed, and searchable information available for study..."

"Just like what Lin Sicheng just mentioned: the spotted glaze of iron, manganese, and magnesium crystals, kiln temperatures above 1280 degrees, firing in a Reduction Flame, the iron element forming ferrous oxide and crystals in an oxygen-deficient environment, etc., all belong to the key technologies of ancient Yaozhou Kiln Tea Dust Glaze, which are hard to look up and cannot be found..."

As if infected by Lin Sicheng, the college leaders were calm and spoke in a plain narrative, but the several bureau leaders slowly widened their eyes.

Dean Jing, what did you say? Lin Sicheng is talking about the key technology of Tea Dust Glaze?

No... this technology has been lost, right?

I still remember the day we opened, those few leaders from Tongchuan came. Afterward, the higher-ranking ones went to the district, and the lower-ranking ones went to various bureaus.

They pestered us for a full ten days or more, saying every nice thing they could, promising any condition, with only one request: Tea Dust Glaze.

Lin Sicheng, on the other hand, is actually taking it out and lecturing on it openly and aboveboard?

The Dean laughed again: "It is merely Tang Dynasty technology; under modern industrial production conditions, it has basically no practical utility. Furthermore, it requires systematic, long-term study combined with practice; just listening to training lectures, one basically learns nothing..."

Does that mean what Lin Sicheng lectured on today is just the tip of the iceberg?

But no matter how much of a tip of the iceberg it is, it is still a lost technology...

Startled for a moment, the leader from the Industrial Bureau lowered his voice: "Dean Jing, has it been verified?"

"Of course!"

Deputy Director Jing replied, gesturing with his chin toward the stage.

A few people didn't understand what he meant, thinking he was referring to Lin Sicheng, and subconsciously looked up.

Looking closely, the Tang Dynasty ewer had been taken away, and the Assistant had brought up a few more pieces.

At the same time, the image on the screen flashed: first a plain green glaze Flower-shaped Cup without flowers, then a Green Glaze Carved Plum Vase, and finally a yellow-green glaze carved beam-handled Inverted Pot.

Simultaneously, the large screen displayed an image, with a line of large characters annotated at the top: Five Dynasties Yaozhou Kiln!

As soon as the image appeared, someone let out an "Eh."

At first glance, the vessel shape, the glaze color, as well as the patterns and engraving... were all indistinguishable from the unearthed Five Dynasties Yaozhou Porcelain.

But the problem is, they are all very new; whether it is the physical objects or the photos, they are gleaming with light.

Furthermore, they were a bit far away, so for a moment, everyone couldn't tell: were these Cultural Relics borrowed from the Museum, or newly imitated fakes?

After staring carefully for a few seconds, someone in the second row raised their hand: "Director Lin, are these pieces Cultural Relics or imitations?"

Lin Sicheng was just about to start lecturing and paused: "Of course they are imitations!"

The person who raised their hand had eyes that lit up, and they stood up: "Teacher Lin, can I take a look at them?"

No... brother, I'm in the middle of training here?

Besides, they are just a few imitations, what are you so curious about?

Just as he was feeling suspicious, the Deputy Director gave him a wink: "This is Division Chief Liu from the Technical Planning Division of the Industrial Bureau..."

Understood, he might be an expert.

Lin Sicheng nodded, and Division Chief Liu walked onto the stage in two or three steps.

He first picked up the Bowl, touched it, looked at it against the light, and finally tapped it.

Following a "Dang" sound, he sighed: "Green as the sky, bright as a mirror, thin as paper, sound like a Chime..."

Lin Sicheng almost couldn't keep a straight face.

What he was reciting was that line from Ouyang Xiu's "Record of Returning to the Fields" from the Northern Song Dynasty: Color like the sky, sound like a Chime, bright as a mirror... rare in the world, those who obtain fragments use gold to decorate them as vessels.

But Ouyang Xiu was talking about the Chai Kiln from the Later Zhou Dynasty.

Both the Chai Kiln and the Yaozhou Kiln inherited from the Yue Kiln, and the technologies have commonalities. But compared to it, whether in terms of craftsmanship, historical influence, or the quality of the objects, the Yaozhou Kiln is a bit inferior.

Like the piece in his hand, it is even further off, basically not touching the Sky Blue Glaze, at most called a light green glaze.

Just as he was thinking this, he looked up: "Director Lin, where was this borrowed from, Tongchuan?"

Borrowed?

Lin Sicheng was confused: "Division Chief Liu, this was fired right here, at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center!"

Division Chief Liu was suddenly stunned.

He only just understood that this was something Lin Sicheng had imitated himself.

Thinking this leader was newly transferred and might not know much, Lin Sicheng explained: "Division Chief Liu, before the New Year, I went to Tongchuan to inspect and study for a period of time..."

"No..." Division Chief Liu widened his eyes, "Didn't you only 'learn' the carving craft and the Tea Dust Glaze?"

Lin Sicheng was the one who was stunned: Who said that?

Even Director Meng doesn't know the Tea Dust Glaze, who would I learn it from?

As for the Two-Knife Mud carving, I learned it after watching it twice; why would it take twenty days?

With so many people present, it wasn't good to slap someone in the face, so Lin Sicheng was ambiguous: "The Tongchuan Porcelain Research Institute provided quite a few samples, so I tried a bit more..."

Tried it out?

Division Chief Liu moved his lips, not knowing what to say: No, Director Lin, this is their core craft. Unlike carving or glaze dipping, which you can watch and steal the technique for, the key processes of firing, like temperature control and firing atmosphere, are all completed inside the factory; how can you steal that?

To say it was done just by relying on samples and hard experimentation, Division Chief Liu didn't quite believe it...

After a long silence, he pointed to the rim of the bowl: "Director Lin, may I ask, how was this glaze color—this blue-green between yellow-green and gray-green—and the vitreous jade-like texture achieved? And how were the dull glaze surface and glaze running phenomena solved?"

Eh, he really is an expert?

Lin Sicheng was surprised: "The potassium (K2O) content in the glaze was increased to the range of calcium-alkali glazes, promoting the blue-green color and inhibiting the excessive growth of anorthite crystals..."

Division Chief Liu was even more surprised than him: No, did you really crack it for them?

No wonder Deputy Mayor Wang ran to the district every few days, and even during the New Year, it never stopped?

Do you know that you dug up their money tree?

After being stunned for a long time, he skipped the Plum Vase and picked up the Inverted Pot: "Director Lin, another question: how was the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the conduit and the body solved, and how was the stable internal molding structure achieved?"

"This is a bit complicated, let me put it simply..."

Lin Sicheng pointed with his finger, tapping the pot mouth, body, and bottom: "Using the principle of 'communicating vessels having equal liquid levels,' an internal dual-conduit system is placed: that is, two conduits are set inside the pot, the water injection pipe connects to the hole at the bottom, and the water outlet pipe connects to the spout..."

"The overall molding generally adopts the Inverted Three-Firing Method, that is, segmented throwing, internal conduit placement, and sealing for re-firing; the expansion difference is solved through three high-temperature kiln firings, while ensuring structural stability..."

Division Chief Liu's eyes were round: Director Lin, oh Director Lin, I just asked casually, and you really dared to say it?

The light green glaze and the Double Knife Method are nothing; this is the lifeblood of Yaozhou Porcelain.

He finally understood what the Dean meant by gesturing with his chin earlier: the things have already been fired, so what need is there for verification?

(End of chapter)