Chapter 376: Waiting for Him Here?

People often say that something is priceless, but sometimes this doesn't just refer to how expensive an item is, but rather the value and significance it embodies.

The so-called "Seventh Under Heaven" does not refer to how much this Imperial Edict is worth, but rather its reflective function and representative capacity in the process of historical, social, and political development.

Of course, it is definitely very valuable; once reported, it would absolutely cause a nationwide sensation, the kind that makes thousands of collectors explode with excitement.

And what is even more unbelievable is the circulation trajectory of this national treasure, as well as its tortuous experience: suddenly encountered bandits and drifted overseas—pearl covered in dust—tossed and turned back to the country—pointed at as true and became false—

Especially after returning to the country, the process of the seller going through major auction houses, antique companies, and appraisal institutions: it was clearly as real as it could be, yet no one dared to take it?

The price even dropped from the initial ten-plus million to seven or eight million, then to three or four million, then to over a million, and finally down to several hundred thousand.

It was even "buy one get two free."

At first thought, it feels so incredible: they were all top-ranked large auction houses and large companies with long histories and crowds of Experts; it is possible for one to be mistaken, but impossible for all of them to be mistaken.

But upon closer reflection, it feels like a matter of course: the most important point of why Cultural Relics are valuable lies in the value history bestows upon them.

Then what if you cannot find traces of its existence in history?

At this step, it is no longer a question of how much it is worth; even if everything about it is correct and it looks like a genuine item no matter how you look at it, one hundred out of one hundred people would be suspicious.

Because this is not hundreds or thousands, but millions or tens of millions; no one's money is blown in by the Wind. Therefore, it went to auction so many times and went to so many Antique Trade shops, yet it remained completely ignored.

It doesn't need much; if it goes to a major auction house two or three times, this thing can become infamous. Then word spreads from ten to a hundred, and even if it is real, it becomes fake.

Then it turned around and around, and finally turned into the hands of Lin Sicheng. So in the eyes of outsiders, the fact that he could pick up this bargain has very little to do with luck.

One reason is that he is professional and extremely comprehensive; the second is that he has a retentive memory, strong enough to distinguish the false from the true, to peel the cocoon and find that thread of truth—so weak it could be ignored—within history that has been tampered with for hundreds of years.

And how many people are there who can be professional to this degree and so comprehensive?

Sheng Guoan could already imagine, given time, what kind of achievements Lin Sicheng would reach.

One can only say, the younger generation is to be regarded with respect—

A group of old Experts was even more full of praise, complimenting him non-stop.

Because they knew very clearly: being young represents great stamina, and even more, it represents infinite, promising growth potential.

Lin Sicheng was just blindly humble.

During this time, the old Mrs. Wang asked if he wanted to come to Beijing, and Lin Sicheng gave an affirmative answer.

However, it would still take some time; things in Xijing cannot just be abandoned at will.

After chatting for a while, Wang Qi Zhi arrived late and was teased and ridiculed by a group of old Experts, saying that as a teacher, he was not even as good as his student.

Wang Qi Zhi felt no shame, but rather pride, and even retorted half-jokingly: not to mention other places, just take the Forbidden City; how many are better than his student?

The group of old Experts lost their temper, laughing and scolding him.

Unknowingly, it was already noon; Lin Sicheng had arranged it in advance, letting Zhao Xiuneng help book a private room at the Gui Bin Lou.

It was only separated from the Forbidden City by a wall, just around the corner.

The atmosphere during the meal was very enthusiastic, and a few old Experts even had a few drinks.

After the meal, Lin Sicheng saw them off one by one.

In the lobby lounge area, Wang Qi Zhi and Sheng Guoan each had a cup of coffee, watching Professor Jin outside the window, who was holding Lin Sicheng's hand and talking non-stop.

One minute, two minutes, five minutes—

Wang Qi Zhi frowned: "Senior Brother Sheng, why do I feel something is not quite right?"

"Drop the 'feel'!" Sheng Guoan stirred his coffee, "How scarce are talents in Buddhist Cultural Relics research, especially in the field of Tibetan Buddhism—don't you know yourself?"

It is more than just scarce; it is pitifully rare.

Because you not only have to learn the Tibetan language, Tibetan culture, and the history of Tibetan Buddhism, but you also have to learn Sanskrit and the languages of India.

The key is that the prospects are extremely narrow; this point alone is enough to make 99 percent of talents shrink back in fear.

Suddenly encountering a talent who understands Sanskrit, understands Tibetan culture, understands Buddhist history even better, and has an extremely profound foundation in Cultural Relics, someone who doesn't even need much teaching and can be used as soon as they are coaxed back—how could Professor Jin not be tempted?

Of course, the probability is extremely small, but what if?

Wang Qi Zhi, however, was not worried at all, picked up his coffee and took a sip: Lin Sicheng is not a three-year-old child, is he?

Sheng Guoan looked curious: "Everything else is easy to say, but Lin Sicheng knowing Sanskrit is quite hard to figure out: where did he learn it?"

Wang Qi Zhi said off the cuff: "From books, self-taught!"

No—what kind of nonsense are you spouting? Is this something you can learn by self-study?

Knowing that asking was a waste of time, Sheng Guoan glared at him and changed the subject: "I plan to communicate with the leadership after I go back and submit an application."

Wang Qi Zhi was stunned for a moment: apply for what?

Of course, it is to apply for the purchase of the Imperial Edict in Lin Sicheng's hands; if possible, purchase those three seals together as well.

But Sheng Guoan knew very well that even if Lin Sicheng were willing to sell, the leadership would definitely not approve it.

The reason is very simple: although this Imperial Edict is rare and highly representative, for the Forbidden City, it is not indispensable.

And the bigger reason is one word: expensive. If Lin Sicheng sold it for a few tens of thousands, the Forbidden City would certainly accept it with a smile.

Sheng Guoan knew it was impossible but still wanted to do it, just to give Lin Sicheng a push without violating principles:

Buying a Great Ming Imperial Edict for five hundred thousand—how is this any different from picking it up for free?

Believe it or not, it could make it into the People's Daily?

The key lies in this: so many auction houses, so many companies, and countless collectors all had eyes that failed them, yet a college student in his early twenties who just graduated from the Cultural Heritage Conservation Department picked up the bargain—how much of a sensation would that cause?

The so-called making a name for oneself—can it cause a nationwide sensation, can it make all his peers' jaws drop—is that enough to make a name?

When his fame reaches a certain level, to the point where staying in Xijing no longer has much significance, Lin Sicheng will naturally have to move.

For those in this line of work, apart from Beijing, there is no second place. And once he arrives in Beijing, the places he can enter are only those few—

Wang Qi Zhi squinted his eyes: "What if he goes solo?"

"Appraisal is certainly no problem!" Sheng Guoan was noncommittal, "But are you prepared to let him go solo to do research?"

Wang Qi Zhi stopped making a sound.

Doing Cultural Relics and archaeological research, if you don't cooperate with an institution, you can't even get the quota for the lowest-level project.

Wang Qi Zhi sighed: "Senior Brother Sheng, Lin Sicheng actually doesn't really like to be in the limelight!"

Sheng Guoan nodded: Lin Sicheng is indeed too low-key.

Just look at those Three Imperial Seals: even if they can't compare to the imperial mandate of Wang Shu, these three pieces are enough to cause a sensation in the circle. Especially those two from Qianlong:

One was rejected for acquisition by the Poly company, and Lin Sicheng took it in stride. The other was a lucky find directly at a Xiling auction. But after so much time has passed, he actually hasn't heard any news about it?

If it were anyone else, they would have already inflated to the point of flying high, appearing in all sorts of newspapers and giving all sorts of interviews.

After thinking for a while, Wang Qi Zhi put down his coffee: "Another thing, it's still early!"

First, he is only a graduate student; even if he just holds a nominal position, he still has to finish the three years.

Furthermore, Xida has such a large operation, and the World Heritage Application has only reached the City Level; it's impossible to just abandon it.

"I know! That's why I'm discussing it with you—"

Sheng Guoan smiled, "I won't hide it from you either; actually, it was old Lu who proposed it, asking me to sound you out: could we, by way of cooperation, jointly establish a research group with Lin Sicheng? We provide the equipment, materials, and funding, you provide the personnel and technology, we handle all the connections, and then we share the results—"

A research group?

Wang Qi Zhi paused: "Research what?"

"With so many Imperial Porcelain pieces, which one can't be researched?" Sheng Guoan counted on his fingers, "Ming Dynasty sweet white, sacrificial red, blue and white,"

"sprinkled blue, doucai—Qing Dynasty red glaze, Famille Rose, porcelain mother, revolving—even the Song Dynasty Daimyo kilns—"

Upon hearing "sweet white," Wang Qi Zhi immediately thought of the project currently hosted by the Cultural Relics Research Institute and jointly researched by the Research Center and the Jingdezhen Porcelain Research Institute: the restoration research of Hutian Kiln Shadow Blue Porcelain.

The Palace Museum Porcelain Research Institute wants to find another way, to try and cooperate with Lin Sicheng to see if they can perfectly restore other lost Imperial Porcelain crafts.

Or perhaps cooperate with Lin Sicheng to work on those that already have phased results but haven't been snatched up by others yet: for example, doucai, for example, Thin-body Porcelain, for example, eggshell porcelain.

The reason is simple: if Lin Sicheng wants to maximize his benefits, he still has to cooperate with relevant departments, for instance: the slow-release technology for Iron Artifacts in cooperation with the Cultural Relics Research Institute.

Since he has to cooperate, why not cooperate with anyone? At the very least, the Palace Museum's level is high enough, the name is loud enough, and the qualifications are complete enough.

What's more critical is that the Palace Museum has enough materials: to say nothing of anything else, just the waste porcelain shards buried at the Old Summer Palace amount to hundreds of tons—

Wang Qi Zhi, however, didn't quite understand: "Even if we cooperate, there's no need to make such a big scene, right?"

"Nonsense, shouldn't the foundation of cooperation be based on the strength of both sides?" Sheng Guoan teased, "Use your brain and think carefully!"

Wang Qi Zhi pondered for a moment, his face looking strange: "Senior Brother Sheng, you want me to help blow wind for my father-in-law, but you won't say it clearly?"

""

"I didn't say anything, did I?" Sheng Guoan wouldn't admit a single word: "I just feel that this student of yours is not like you at all, low-key to a fault!"

Wang Qi Zhi gave a fake smile: "Heh~"

Sheng Guoan—oh no, to be precise, Director Lu saw the fat meat fed to his mouth, and just as he was about to open his mouth, a pack of wolves suddenly surrounded him, blocking him out.

He was burning with anxiety inside, yet had no way to deal with it, so he came up with this devious idea.

Because one piece of Imperial Porcelain is not enough to make the leadership agree to let the Palace Museum Porcelain Research Institute change direction on the spot, or even shelve projects that have been researched for a long time to develop new topics.

But he is also incomparably clear: at Lin Sicheng's speed, and with the intuition of his peers, if he is even a little bit slow, he might miss the opportunity.

Having no choice, he can only use crooked methods—

Who isn't a partner? Lin Sicheng is certainly no problem.

The ministry shouldn't have much of a problem either: after all, with the iron slow-release project of the Cultural Relics Research Institute as a foundation, the leadership will have heard something.

Furthermore, the Palace Museum has relatively high autonomy; as long as the project itself is fine, it's unlikely they won't approve it.

Wang Qi Zhi leaned back, "Then what about the institute leadership?"

"Do you think the old Experts today are pushovers?" Sheng Guoan gave a "heh" sound, "What you need to consider is, will your school agree?"

Stunned for a moment, Wang Qi Zhi suddenly realized: Good heavens, so that's where they were waiting?

No wonder Sheng Guoan said it was cooperating with Lin Sicheng, not cooperating with "Lin Sicheng's Research Center"?

It turns out they are prepared to ditch Xida and cooperate with Lin Sicheng alone: in this way, the one cooperating with the Palace Museum Porcelain Research Institute would be a private research institution, not a well-known university ranked high in the country.

Once research results are produced, there will be a qualitative change in the academic circle, the official level, and even political influence: because Lin Sicheng doesn't need this, it will all be added to the Porcelain Research Institute.

It is also very beneficial for Lin Sicheng: having fewer front-end titles is equivalent to having fewer shackles, and his influence in the industry will rise straight up.

Moreover, just the point of "cooperating with the Palace Museum" alone is enough to shake the Cultural Relics Protection and archaeological circles.

Subconsciously, Wang Qi Zhi sighed: the problem is, will the school agree?

The answer is obvious: after working hard for several years, watering and fertilizing, and finally reaching the time of harvest, the peach has grown wings and is preparing to fly away?

If Lin Sicheng were still the current Lin Sicheng, it would be basically impossible.

But what if Lin Sicheng suddenly becomes nationally famous, highly sought after, and doesn't care whether he has the school's research center or not, or even has a more promising development direction than doing archaeology and research?

As soon as this Imperial Edict and these Three Imperial Seals are revealed, and the news of the Palace Museum applying for acquisition spreads, it means one of Lin Sicheng's feet is already stepping on the heads of major auction houses and major antique companies.

Opening an appraisal company, or even an antique company, wouldn't that make money faster than doing research?

At least at this stage, it is certainly quite fast to make money.

At this time, the Palace Museum suddenly proposes cooperation, but only with Lin Sicheng alone; of two evils, choose the lesser, so even if the school is unwilling, it can only agree.

Although the peach has grown wings and will fly away sooner or later, at least it won't fly away now: as long as Lin Sicheng is still doing research, he won't leave so quickly, and the school's research center won't be discarded just like that—

Wang Qi Zhi shook his head: "Impossible—I mean, Lin Sicheng won't agree!"

"I know, old Lu knows too!" Sheng Guoan smiled, "But things are negotiated!"

With Lin Sicheng's character, he wouldn't do something like killing the donkey after the millstone is used, or biting the hand that feeds him.

If he were that kind of person, he wouldn't have made Director Lu and Sheng Guoan take such a big detour and spend so much brainpower.

But as the old saying goes: man proposes, God disposes—

Wang Qi Zhi was startled, having a bad premonition: "Senior Brother Sheng, how are you planning to talk?"

"Of course, talk to the school! Don't worry—" Sheng Guoan was calm and relaxed, "Talk openly and honestly, guaranteed to make everyone satisfied—"

Wang Qi Zhi shook his head decisively: Impossible.