Chapter 257: Calculated for Nothing

The air conditioning vent emitted a faint buzzing sound, and brown leather chairs were arranged in a circle. White porcelain tea cups were lined up in a row, and the crystal ashtray was polished and transparent.

The LED screen displayed a slogan: Symposium on the Excavation Plan, Cultural Relics Protection, and Research Utilization of the Hejin Kiln Site.

With ten minutes left, the persons in charge from various units arrived one after another.

Everyone was in a good mood, with joy on their faces. After chatting for a while, as the clock hands were about to point to nine, Deputy Bureau Chief Zheng and Deputy Mayor Jiang accompanied Shui Jisheng as they arrived late.

After sitting down, Shui Jisheng smiled at Sun Jiamu and Wang Qi Zhi with a slight apology: "I'm getting on in years, my legs and feet aren't very nimble, I can't walk fast even if I want to!"

The two smiled: "You're not late, we just arrived too!"

After exchanging greetings, the meeting officially began, and Deputy Bureau Chief Zheng gave a general overview of the meeting's theme and guidelines.

He spoke at length, but it could be summarized in two sentences: prioritize protection, strengthen management, excavate value, utilize effectively, and let cultural relics come to life.

Strengthen docking and cooperation with universities and scientific research institutions, increase academic seminars, absorb expert suggestions, and form 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 Bureau Chief Zheng spoke eloquently, and Division Chief Sun raised his head and scanned the room. In addition to the six units that had established an Experimental Center at the Municipal Museum, the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau had invited several others:

Taiyuan Institute of Ancient Ceramics, Taiyuan Normal Ceramics Research Museum, Shanxi Industrial Arts Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanxi Jin Tao Purple Sand Art Research Center, and the Archaeology Department of the History School of Shanxi University.

This meant there were as many as eleven research institutions alone.

With so many units, how would they participate in the subsequent archaeological work, and which one would assist in excavating which site? Would it be the Tang Kiln, Song Kiln, or the Jin Kiln, Yuan Kiln, or perhaps the Ming Kiln or Qing Kiln?

How would the cultural relics be distributed after they were unearthed, and how should the research fields be divided? Who would study black porcelain, who would study white porcelain, and who would study pottery?

This included research priorities and topics: who would conduct basic research, who would conduct chronological research, and who would conduct research on craftsmanship, technology, art, and culture?

Therefore, if one were to highlight the agenda of today's meeting, it would be eight words: strengthen collaboration, conduct joint research.

To translate that further: divide the pie, split the cake.

Asking himself: with so many discoveries, so many directions, and so many topics, let alone giving it to the Xida Yuncheng Branch Center, even giving it to Xida, they absolutely could not finish the research.

Given Lin Sicheng's character, it was impossible for him to hog it all.

Therefore, joint research with universities and scientific research institutions within the province was inevitable; even if the local departments didn't bring it up, Lin Sicheng would have.

But why choose the exact moment when he was away?

Was it because they were afraid to bring it up when he was there, or was it awkward to argue or snatch it in front of him?

Subconsciously, Sun Jiamu turned his head: Wang Qi Zhi was writing on paper from time to time, as if taking notes. Looking closer: the paper was full of symbols he couldn't understand, not a single Chinese character.

Looking at his expression again, he seemed quite indifferent?

Tsk, not bad, getting better and better at keeping his cool?

The leader was still speaking, so it wasn't appropriate to ask directly, and Sun Jiamu remained silent.

Afterwards, they entered the second item of the meeting; the atmosphere was very relaxed, with people drinking tea or smoking.

Zheng Ming flicked his cigarette ash, a smile on his face:

"Last week, the bureau submitted an application report to Beijing; the subsequent excavation plan must wait for instructions. Today's main agenda is still focused on research fields and topic directions.

Please, experts and teachers, feel free to express your opinions and speak actively. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please feel free to bring them up..."

After a slight pause, Bureau Chief Zheng smiled again: "When it comes to archaeology, I certainly know a little, but when it comes to ceramic craftsmanship and technical restoration, I am definitely a layman. Therefore, I must first ask you teachers: if we were to restore the firing technique of Luanbai Jade, how difficult would it be, and what is the probability of success?"

Sun Jiamu's heart stirred: is the main event here?

There were so many sites discovered this time, with a time span from the Tang to the Qing dynasties, and the research scope was broad enough with plenty of topic directions. But if one were to ask which had the highest research value, was the most representative, and had the greatest influence, there was only one: the Northern Song Dynasty Luanbai Jade.

If broken down further: origin of craftsmanship, technical evolution, product distribution, cultural connotation, historical status, etc., all the directions combined could not compare to one "craft restoration."

Borrowing a sentence used by the leader when giving instructions on national cultural relic and archaeological work: let cultural relics come to life, restore civilization with technology, and inspire the future with civilization.

Therefore, Sun Jiamu was not surprised at all that Zheng Ming asked this as soon as he started.

What surprised him was Wang Qi Zhi's attitude: still keeping his head down, writing and drawing on the paper non-stop.

No... Professor Wang, if you don't state your position, the meat in your mouth will be snatched away by others?

Thinking back to a few days ago, when the Beijian Geda Site was just found, and the bet Lin Sicheng made with him, Sun Jiamu subconsciously frowned:

If Lin Sicheng loses, he has to sell his services to me, so why aren't you, his teacher, the least bit anxious?

In a flash, the persons in charge and experts from various units spoke one after another. Whether it was the eight official research institutions or the two private research enterprises, their opinions were surprisingly consistent: it's difficult.

And it wasn't just ordinarily difficult; one could say the probability of success was infinitely close to zero.

"First, there is a lack of literature, making it impossible to trace the technology... oh no, to be precise: it's no longer a problem of lack, but that there is none at all..."

"Works like *Exploits of Nature*, *Pingding Prefecture Gazetteer*, and *Guangyu Record* are the historical records with the most documentation on ceramic industries in the province during the Ming and Qing dynasties, but there is no mention of 'Hejin Kiln' or 'Luanbai Jade.' The only relevant content is in two places: but they only record the Fahua Ware of Puzhou Kiln..."

"Pushing further back, to the Yuan, Jin, and Song dynasties, let alone Luanbai Jade, there isn't even a record of Fahua Ware. Therefore, let alone how to restore the glaze formula and firing process, whether we can even analyze the initial source of the craftsmanship is still a question..."

"Second, the core firing process is too difficult to restore. If researching the molding and decoration is somewhat possible, it's because it doesn't require many samples and the loss is small. Furthermore, the remains of kiln furnaces, clay preparation, and embryo making are relatively complete, so with more time, reconstruction should be achievable."

"But the composition of the porcelain body, the ratio of glaze materials, coloring factors, stage temperature control, and atmosphere adjustment, etc. —which of these links doesn't require massive amounts of materials, through constant experimental analysis, comparison, combination, and trial and error?"

"Just for one glaze formula, it requires tons of material testing, and hundreds of trial firings and comparisons, before it's possible to accurately grasp the data on glaze fluidity and sintering causes. As of now, how many fine white porcelain samples exist across all five sites?"

Ren Xinbo spread his fingers and gestured: "Less than three hundred kilograms, and at least half of that is relatively inferior celadon-white porcelain and yellow-white porcelain."

"Therefore, rather than setting a goal so difficult it's impossible to complete, it's better to settle for the next best thing, save limited resources, and try to restore the auxiliary crafts: such as raw materials, molding, or even decoration. Or better yet, focus on researching one of them; at least the possibility is much higher..."

The persons in charge of the various units spoke one after another; their analysis was thorough and their opinions were sincere, making Sun Jiamu want to nod along.

It could be said: he basically thought the same thing.

But looking at Wang Qi Zhi, he still didn't make a sound?

"Then how exactly should we research it?"

Zheng Ming looked at each of the more than ten persons in charge, "Should we concentrate resources and strength, or should each display their own strengths and do their best?"

Did this even need to be said?

With only that many samples and eleven institutions in total, if they researched separately, each unit would only get about ten kilograms.

Let alone restoring all three items, it would be good if each unit could figure out the composition of the porcelain body raw materials. As for the remaining molding and decoration, that was out of the question.

The best way was to set up a special group, with each center sending some people to concentrate strength and collaborate on research. Of course, to avoid uneven distribution of spoils, some things had to be agreed upon in advance: who is responsible, who leads, who assists, and how to distribute the results when they are achieved, etc., etc.

A group of people were secretly calculating, and no one spoke.

After a long while, Ren Xinbo cleared his throat: "For the sake of coordination, I suggest that it be organized by the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau and guided by the expert group of the National Cultural Heritage Administration!"

Zheng Ming was noncommittal: "What about the specific division of labor?"

Ren Xinbo opened his mouth, but the words reached the root of his tongue and were swallowed back: A group of old Shaanxi folks had been busy for half a year, not seeking fame, not seeking profit—wasn't this exactly what they were aiming for?

To speak the truth: without Lin Sicheng, where would the five kiln sites come from, and where would all these research topics come from?

Honestly, the local units had basically contributed little to these five kiln sites; it was already shameless enough to bite the bullet and seize the organization and leadership, so if he were to let the Provincial Ceramics Research Center or the Archaeological Institute take charge, he truly couldn't bring himself to say it.

Seeing him remain silent, Zheng Ming looked at Shui Jisheng again.

Shui Jisheng nodded, and just as he was about to speak, Yao Jianxin, who was sitting next to Ren Xinbo, raised his hand: "I suggest that the Provincial Ceramics Research Center take charge!"

Zheng Ming was stunned, and Shui Jisheng and Deputy Mayor Jiang were also stunned: a "surprise intruder" had jumped out halfway; this was different from what they had discussed before?

They had planned to let the Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau lead, with the Xida Yuncheng Branch Center as the backbone, and other units assisting in the research. The reason was simple: Lin Sicheng had the most research samples and the fastest research progress.

But looking at it the other way: who doesn't want to advance?

There were too many things involved; just the popularity, influence, and subsequent leadership were enough for Yao Jianxin to fight for.

At the very least, the level of the Provincial Ceramics Research Center was higher...

No one spoke, but their expressions were all quite strange. Sun Jiamu looked at Wang Qi Zhi again: he wasn't doodling anymore, but he was observing his nose and his nose was observing his heart, just like an old monk in meditation.

Something was wrong, very wrong...

Based on Sun Jiamu's understanding, Wang Qi Zhi was not the type of person who could restrain his temper at all. In the past, even if he hadn't slammed the table, his face would have long since turned as black as the bottom of a pot...

Just as he was secretly speculating, Shui Jisheng sighed: "Let Little Lin serve as the Group Leader and be responsible for the specifics!"

Zheng Ming nodded: "I agree!"

Jiang Chengying also nodded: "I agree too!"

Sun Jiamu let out a secret: Huh?

No wonder they held the meeting while Lin Sicheng was away; so this was what they were waiting for?

You all agreed, but did you ask whether Lin Sicheng agreed?

That's right, he had the most research samples in his hands, but those were collected by Lin Sicheng spending millions, county by county, Xie by Xie.

Among the several units, his research progress was indeed the fastest, but why didn't anyone calculate when his experimental team arrived?

A full two months earlier than yours...

No, it wouldn't even be Lin Sicheng's turn to be asked: once this group was established, the possibility of restoring the Egg-white Jade Craft would be infinitely close to zero, and the bet between the two would naturally mean Lin Sicheng lost.

How could he still have any chance to be any kind of Group Leader? He would have to work as a long-term laborer for himself...

Just as he was thinking this, Wang Qi Zhi finally straightened his back: "He doesn't have the time!"

The group of people was stunned in unison.

Including Zheng Ming, Jiang Chengying, and Shui Jisheng, all had considered that Wang Qi Zhi might say he disagreed, or might directly propose that the Branch Center lead and take charge.

Because the ruins were all found by Lin Sicheng, and on this point alone, this proposal would be reasonable and fair.

The three had even prepared that if Wang Qi Zhi objected, the topic would be shelved until Lin Sicheng returned.

Things are meant to be discussed; there is nothing that cannot be negotiated. If Lin Sicheng insisted, it wouldn't be impossible to let the Branch Center take charge.

But they never expected Wang Qi Zhi to say this: Lin Sicheng has no time?

Wang Qi Zhi was expressionless and slowly leaned back: "Everyone has seen the reports: the work arrangements for each stage of the Center are planned in advance. Including the Archaeology Team, laboratories, auxiliary groups, etc., when submitting to the original units, the applications were submitted in strict accordance with the Work Plan.

And the links these groups are responsible for are basically centered on Lin Sicheng. If he takes on any Group Leader position, then does the work plan of the Branch Center still need to be executed? Should these people return to their original units, or wait for him here?"

The group of people was stunned for a moment before they remembered: Lin Sicheng's team was entirely drawn from various units.

Shaanxi History Museum, Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology, Xijing Cultural Relics Bureau, Xida... if Lin Sicheng were to be pulled out alone, what would happen to these people?

But then the problem arose: from beginning to end, Lin Sicheng had only one goal: to restore the Egg-white Jade, and everything, including surveying, excavation, and experiments, was centered on this.

If they still followed the original plan, wouldn't that mean going down one path to the end?

"The applications submitted to each unit at the beginning were discussed collectively at meetings before decisions were made; otherwise, these people wouldn't have been able to run here. Therefore, the leaders should be able to understand: the plan is not something Lin Sicheng can change just because he says so, or change whenever he wants!"

Wang Qi Zhi smiled again: "Regardless of whether the samples are enough, whether we can find a clue, or whether there are results, we must first study according to the plan!"

Everyone was silent: they had thought of everything, but had forgotten this point?

Lin Sicheng is not a natural person; he has a unit and, more importantly, organizational affiliations.

Moreover, in another province, there is no way to adapt to circumstances. Not to mention anything else, just going through the procedures would likely be counted in "months."

Subconsciously, the group looked at Shui Jisheng: they finally understood why the General Engineer Shui had suggested more than once to poach Lin Sicheng?

Shui Jisheng looked at Zheng Ming and sighed secretly:

Lin Sicheng reports once a week, including the progress of each group, and even more so the quantity of materials and research progress, all written in the reports.

This means that all those units in Shaanxi Province have data backups, so how could you still scheme?

A bamboo basket to draw water—all in vain; the scheming was for nothing...