Chapter 34: Words Manifesting as Law

The three of them exited the shop, Li Xinfang tilting her head, her two eyes blinking and fluttering, blinking and fluttering.

The week before last, when Gu Ming told her that her godfather was some kind of Expert, she hadn't quite believed it.

It wasn't until Gu Ming brought over photos and she made some half-believing inquiries that she realized Gu Ming hadn't lied: Professor Lin Zhangqing was quite famous in the antique and appraisal circles, and could be ranked among the best in Xijing, or even the entire province.

Later, when preparing to ask the grandfather for help, Gu Ming said again that the grandfather was hospitalized, but his foster younger brother was also very capable.

Li Xinfang naturally didn't believe it.

There were plenty of cases of a tiger father having a dog for a son, let alone a generation gap. Besides, he was only a senior in college; how much experience and how sharp an eye could he have?

But she could let Gu Ming's brother take a look to deepen their relationship, and once Professor Lin was discharged, the chances of asking him for help would be greater.

Therefore, she had come today completely with the attitude that being idle is still being idle, but she hadn't expected such a result?

The owner of the Jade shop looked as if he had seen a ghost, almost asking: How did you know... So, could that string of Court Beads be real?

Thank goodness, thank goodness, it was just a hair's breadth away, and tens of thousands would have been gone...

She let out a breath and looked at Lin Sicheng, whose brows and eyes still held a hint of childishness: A true master doesn't show his face; she really hadn't been able to tell.

Gu Ming wasn't much better off, but what he found astonishing wasn't Lin Sicheng's eye for antiques: he had already witnessed that several times and was used to it.

What he found astonishing was Lin Sicheng's nose: he had said at the time there were over a dozen types of spices, even a dog might not be able to smell them out, right?

"What was that you mentioned? The last one: the one that was Chinese medicine, tea, and fruit branches all in one!"

"Wubu Tibetan Incense!"

"What?"

"It's a transliteration of the Tibetan word 'bsangs', meaning to offer to heaven, gods, and Buddhas. It is traditionally translated as 'Wei Sang' and was the most solemn sacrificial ritual of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties... The incense used during the sacrifice is called Wubu Tibetan Incense, also known as Heavenly Incense or Divine Incense..."

"Because the scent is too rich and pungent, it never became popular in the Central Plains; it was only used in Lama temples in Tibetan, Mongolian, and other regions."

"And since there was a lot of soot residue in the holes of that string of beads, it must have been used for offerings in a Lama temple before being acquired, and for a long time—at least several decades. Therefore, it couldn't possibly be Court Beads; at most, they are just a monk's Prayer Beads."

Li Xinfang was very surprised: Xida didn't seem to teach this, did it?

But she didn't say a word.

Gu Ming pondered for a moment: "Although they are Prayer Beads, they are made of Jade after all, so the value shouldn't be low, right?"

"There is some value, but compared to Court Beads, whether in terms of worth or significance, they are worlds apart..." Lin Sicheng paused slightly, "Furthermore, it's not appropriate to use them as a birthday gift."

"Why?"

"Do you remember, among the Jade beads of the Court Beads, there were four large beads?"

"I remember!" Gu Ming recalled, "They weren't very bright, and they were a bit dirty. I don't know why, but they felt quite chilling!"

Chilling is exactly right.

Lin Sicheng sighed: "Those were human skull caps!"

The two of them were stunned in unison: A human skull cap?

Li Xinfang naturally knew those four beads were carved from bone; she had asked before, and the owner said they were rhinoceros bone.

But thinking about it now: since that string of Court Beads was offered in a Lama temple, it must have been the relic of a Lama who had already passed away. Thinking again of certain customs of Tibetan Buddhism...

"Swish," her little face turned pale.

"Lin Sicheng, thanks to you today!"

Gu Ming also reacted: It had nothing to do with what kind of bone it was; the key was that this thing was meant to be a gift, and a birthday gift at that.

And you end up gifting dead people's bones?

Haha, Lin Sicheng had helped out a lot today.

He secretly gave a thumbs up. Lin Sicheng smiled: "It's only right. If you're not in a hurry, just keep looking slowly. If you are in a hurry, let Gu Ming help you think of another way!"

"It is indeed a bit urgent. The main thing is that the uncle's status is somewhat special. He doesn't accept ordinary things, so I can only cater to his preferences."

Understood, the other party is an official, and there is something they need the person to do.

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "How about this, you take another half-day off this afternoon, let Gu Ming accompany you, and we'll go to Bi Mansion!"

"I definitely have time, but Bi Mansion requires booking in advance; I'm afraid it's too late."

Indeed.

Bi Mansion mainly deals in paper for Calligraphy and Painting, the Four Treasures of the Study, and secondarily acts as an agent for ordering famous Calligraphy and Painting, seal carving works, and other antiques.

The key lies in "acting as an agent": you have to go and book first, and they have to check if it's in the Treasury. If not, they check if there are any registered pre-sale customers.

For example, with Calligraphy and Painting works, Bi Mansion itself collects them. If they aren't in Xijing, they can be transferred from Beijing or Tianjin.

But if it's other categories, you can only search slowly. If you need it too urgently, Bi Mansion will reject the order.

"Can you be more specific, like what category?"

"Preferably Jade!"

"Then they definitely have it."

They definitely have it, the problem is: if you aren't an internal member, they won't sell it.

And to become a member, you must have the joint recommendation of three or more members who have been members for over five years... It's just hard to understand, how can they do business like that?

Lin Sicheng thought for a moment: "Don't worry, I have a friend who works inside. I'll call and ask in a moment!"

It definitely wouldn't work.

Her father was a regular customer and knew several managers at Bi Mansion, and it still didn't work.

Li Xinfang still said thank you: "Then I'll trouble you!"

Lin Sicheng nodded: "It's only right."

Gu Ming was confused: "Why must it be Bi Mansion?"

Li Xinfang sighed: "At least there are no fakes, and the origin of the items is guaranteed!"

Just like that string of Court Beads earlier, not to mention whether it was real or fake, it was almost a case of being too clever by half.

Gu Ming understood, then glanced at Lin Sicheng, meaning: Should we let our grandfather step in?

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken?"

The market is too noisy; I'll give Senior Brother Hao a call to ask once we're out.

Just as he was pondering this, a voice came from behind: "Hey, stop right there, what are you running for?"

Lin Sicheng turned around instinctively and immediately chuckled: Is it really that much of a coincidence?

I was just thinking about Senior Brother Hao, and Senior Brother Hao pops up?

What is this, "thought manifests into reality"?

"You kid skipping class again?"

"What kind of joke is that? I'm a good student."

"If you're a good student, then I'm a model worker. Just in time..." Hao Jun threw an arm around Lin Sicheng's neck: "Let's go!"

"Go where?"

"To Lao Song's place, to see if there's a second Mansheng Pot."

What kind of wishful thinking is that?

If there were one, Lao Song would have brought it out that day.

Lin Sicheng pointed behind him: "I still have friends here!"

Hao Jun looked up, saw Gu Ming and Li Xinfang, and realized he was here to appraise items for friends.

"Alright then, you guys keep browsing, Lao Guan is still waiting!"

"Director Guan is there too?"

"He's the one who instigated it, saying he'd go first to sound out Lao Song and ask where that pot was sourced. If he can find out, then I'll step in!"

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "I think it's unlikely!"

Hao Jun felt the same: "I think so too, but Lao Guan said, better than sitting around doing nothing!"

The two were whispering to each other, and Gu Ming was still puzzled: This man is about the same age as Uncle Lin, yet he's walking arm-in-arm with Lin Sicheng?

Meanwhile, Li Xinfang beside him had his eyes wide open; having been there several times, he naturally recognized the man before him: the General Manager of Xijing Rongbaozhai and Secretary-General of the Folk Art Association.

So, the "friend" Lin Sicheng mentioned was referring to him?