Chapter 483: My Student Is A Bit Incredible

"Wait... Old Peng, who did you say?"

"The one surnamed Wang..."

"No... I mean that student?"

"Surnamed Lin..."

"Haha..." A hearty laugh came over the phone, "It's Lin Sicheng!"

Peng Yanzhi froze: "Director Lv, you know him?"

"Know him? He is a Partner of the Ceramics Research Institute..."

Hearing that this plate was scouted by Lin Sicheng, Director Lv was very happy: it showed that Lin Sicheng was extremely attentive to the collaboration and was already looking for samples in Guangzhou.

Of course, this plate definitely had nothing to do with the research project, but at least it showed that after dragging his feet for over a month, Lin Sicheng had finally started taking action. Peng Yanzhi, however, was extremely shocked: the Ceramics Research Institute that Director Lv mentioned... what other institute could it be?

But, that is the Forbidden City?

To put it without exaggeration: the Forbidden City is the historical palace with the highest regulations, the largest scale, the strongest representativeness, the greatest historical significance and political influence, and the highest status in China.

In terms of ceramics research, the Ceramics Research Institute of the Palace Museum might not dare to claim it is the most authoritative in the entire country. But in the field of Ming and Qing imperial ceramics research, it is absolutely number one in the country; even Jingdezhen has to rank behind it.

Think again about Lin Sicheng's status: he is still a student today, and only a Graduate Student Year One?

Therefore, no matter how Peng Yanzhi thought about it, he could not connect Lin Sicheng with the status of "Partner of the Ceramics Research Institute of the Palace Museum." Never mind him as a student, even Northwest University couldn't do it.

To collaborate, the Forbidden City would only work with the most top-tier and authoritative ancient ceramics research institutions like the Jingdezhen Ceramics Research Institute... Seeing him not speak, Director Lv could roughly guess a few things: was he stunned?

It was normal; when he first finished listening to Lin Sicheng's Academic Report (BTA Slow-Release Technology) and saw the Yongle Sweet White Glaze and Chenghua Egg-Shell Cup that Lin Sicheng had imitated, he was even more shocked than Peng Yanzhi.

Is this something a human can do?

What's more, he is just a young man in his early twenties...

"Old Peng, it's hard to explain in a few words, I'll talk to you again when I have time... You're with Sicheng, right?"

Peng Yanzhi came back to his senses: "Yes, Director Lv. I have a friend who is a relative of Professor Wang, and I was invited here to keep them company..."

"Oh, is that so? Alright, then you all go eat first, I'll contact Lin Sicheng later..."

Ah, he's hanging up already?

Peng Yanzhi hurriedly spoke up: "Director Lv, wait a moment, I want to ask you for a favor..."

"Alright, go ahead, Old Peng!"

"Lin Sicheng said this Five-Colored Plate is Lang Kiln Porcelain, and he clearly pointed out its origin and history: in the 40th year of Kangxi, the French missionary Hong Xinghan returned to the Roman Curia to report on his duties, returned to China two years later, and offered Quinine to cure Kangxi's malaria.

Afterwards, Hong Xinghan specifically requested an Imperial Edict, asking Kangxi to allow the Imperial Kiln to fire badge-pattern sample porcelain plates for the Auri Family, the Spanish Minister of Finance... Lin Sicheng also mentioned that there are historical records related to this porcelain plate in several Qing Palace Archives, but they cannot be found through public channels. So, Director Lv, could I ask you to help me check?"

Lv Chenglong hesitated for a moment.

It wasn't that he didn't want to check; the two belonged to the same system and were both Experts in ceramics research, and their personal friendship was quite good. Just helping to look up some information that couldn't be found outside wasn't some top-secret matter; it was an easy task.

He just felt it was unnecessary.

Lv Chenglong also knew what Peng Yanzhi was doubting: in the currently publicly available official Qing dynasty documents, there has never been a record of the Imperial Kiln firing Export Porcelain. Whether it was custom-made or sample-style.

It can be said like this: if what Lin Sicheng said is true, then this plate can completely be called a product that breaks history.

At this point, it can no longer be summarized by the two words "unique piece"; these two words can at most only indicate that this is an extremely rare and extremely precious antique.

If viewed from the perspective of Cultural Relics: this is a powerful witness to a major historical event, and even more so, a key to decoding history and correcting history... What kind of concept is this?

What, too exaggerated?

Kangxi caught malaria and almost lost his life; does this count as a major historical event?

The first introduction of the specific drug Quinine for treating malaria into China; does this count as a major historical event?

A pan-European war leading to the destruction of an emerging noble family; does this count as a major historical event?

It was just that it was too far away; if it were any closer, Peng Yanzhi would have rushed to the Forbidden City overnight.

That is one point; the second is: the supporting evidence listed by Lin Sicheng was too detailed.

He could be specific to the year: the 40th year of Kangxi (1701) to the 43rd year of Kangxi (1704).

He could be specific to major historical figures: Kangxi, Hong Xinghan, and the European Auri Family.

Especially the latter: the Chinese ones are easier to explain, but when it involves foreigners, especially these historical figures who rose and fell in a flash, even foreign historians might not remember them. Why would Lin Sicheng remember so clearly?

What's more: Lin Sicheng could even be specific about the reason why this plate was fired, what processes occurred in the middle, what twists and turns there were, and what the final result was.

It was as if he had watched these historical events happen one by one before his very eyes.

To ordinary people, it seems there is nothing strange about it. But to professionals who study history, this is an incredibly inconceivable thing. Because history is not a single-player event, nor is it a game that can develop in a single line; it involves thousands upon thousands of aspects.

How much related historical knowledge must one understand, and how profound must one's historical knowledge reserve be, to be able to speak about it off the cuff and be absolutely certain?

Therefore, it is no wonder Peng Yanzhi was suspicious; he would be suspicious too if he were in his shoes...

"Old Peng, I'll arrange for someone to help you check tomorrow..."

After replying, Director Lv sighed, "But I personally think there shouldn't be any discrepancies."

Peng Yanzhi's eyes bulged slightly: Personally think?

It meant that whether the materials Lin Sicheng mentioned existed or not, Director Lv didn't know either. However, he was very certain: as long as Lin Sicheng said they existed, then they definitely existed.

In other words: if Lin Sicheng said this porcelain plate was from the Imperial Kiln, then it definitely was from the Imperial Kiln.

No... is he the Emperor, that his words are an Imperial Edict?

No, the Emperor is nothing; he must be a prophet: whatever he says will happen...

Peng Yanzhi had an expression of disbelief: "Director Lv, it's not that I don't believe you, it's that I can't figure it out: how much historical material does this involve, how could he possibly remember it all?"

"Old Peng, don't doubt it, he really can remember it. Believe it or not, he really has a photographic memory?"

Peng Yanzhi moved his lips and froze for a long time: "Then what about his eye for antiques, his appraisal skills?"

Lv Chenglong smiled: "Since he has a photographic memory, of course it's all self-taught!"

Peng Yanzhi froze and said categorically: "Impossible!"

It is no wonder Peng Yanzhi could not understand; it was truly too subversive to his cognition.

Director Lv could also roughly guess what he was thinking, yet it was difficult to explain.

Because he, too, had once had the same experience, and more than once:

The first time was when Wang Qi Zhi brought that Chenghua Blue and White Cloud Dragon Jar, which Lin Sicheng had repaired, to the Forbidden City. At that time, he was exactly the same as Peng Yanzhi is now:

How could someone possibly have used repair techniques unique to the Forbidden City—techniques that hadn't even been made public yet—to repair such a large blue and white jar?

At the time, Wang Qi Zhi's explanation was that he had found some materials for Lin Sicheng, and Lin Sicheng had learned it himself.

But everyone took that statement as nonsense: this was a unique skill; how much energy, heart, and time had so many experts spent to research and summarize it?

If one could learn it just by reading materials, then everyone working in the Forbidden City would be able to learn it.

But the repaired object was solid and real, and Wang Qi Zhi even played the repair footage, leaving no room for them to doubt.

Just consider this: Lin Sicheng didn't even know which way the gate of the Forbidden City opened; if he didn't rely on self-study, who else could have taught him?

That time, Director Lv finally understood the true meaning of the idiom "young talent."

The second time was in August, when Lin Sicheng gave an Academic Report at the Cultural Heritage Research Institute: BTA Slow-Release Technology.

This time it was even more incredible: an unprecedented cultural relic protection technology, an absolute breakthrough in scientific research.

With no materials to consult, no prior paths to rely on, and even without any funding or technical support, Lin Sicheng was completely crossing the river by feeling the stones.

Yet he, a graduate student, relying solely on a university-level laboratory that had nothing to do with the major, produced results from a year of independent research that actually exceeded the results of many years of joint research by the most authoritative institutions, led by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, including the National Museum of China, the Cultural Relics Research Institute, and Peking University.

Come now, how do you explain this?

Therefore, when for the third time, Lin Sicheng placed the fired Sweet White Glaze and Shadow Blue Porcelain in front of him, and even frankly stated that given a certain amount of time, he could absolutely replicate Doucai and the Chicken Cup, Director Lv was both amazed and felt it was only natural.

A genius is a genius; there is no need for any reason...

"Old Peng, I know you don't believe it, but it's hard to explain in a word or two. Besides, the more I say, the less you'll believe me."

"However, there's no need for you to be too surprised or too conflicted; it's nothing more than a Qing Dynasty plate, it has some significance, but it's limited... Compared to that, the cooperation project he has reached with our Pottery Research Institute is the main point: new kiln sites (Hejin Kiln, Huo Prefecture Kiln), new porcelain types (Hejin Porcelain, Hozhou Porcelain), and the restoration of lost crafts (Shadow Blue Porcelain, Sweet White Glaze, Song, Yuan, and Ming Palace Porcelain)...

As well as a brand new and complete lineage of inheritance, the distribution of new northern Folk Kilns, and so on... If you have time, you can look into it; I guarantee it will shock your eyeballs right out of your head."

"Also, he and Wang Qi Zhi going to Guangzhou this time is to find relevant clues. If they ask for your help, please, for the sake of our friendship, do them a favor if at all possible. Because if the project is successfully researched, it will be of even greater significance to the Forbidden City..."

"Director Peng, I'm counting on you!"

After giving instructions for quite a while longer, Peng Yanzhi mostly gave mechanical replies: No problem... Don't worry... I will cooperate fully...

By the time Lv Chenglong hung up the phone, he was still dazed, his mind filled with the words Lv Chenglong had just said:

New kiln sites, new porcelain types, restoration of lost crafts, a brand new and complete lineage of inheritance, and the distribution of new northern Folk Kilns... Which one of these is not a major historical discovery, not a major project at the national humanities and social sciences level?

And in this one project that Lin Sicheng and the Forbidden City Pottery Research Institute are collaborating on, they are actually all gathered together?

If these words hadn't been spoken by Lv Chenglong himself, Peng Yanzhi would absolutely not believe it: you don't even brag like that, do you?

After digesting it for a good while, he finally entered the private room.

The drinking had basically stopped, but the atmosphere was still lively, and even more so than before.

Wang Qi Zhi wore a reserved smile, using as objective a tone as possible to talk about that research center of Lin Sicheng's, as well as the projects that had already been completed and the results achieved.

Unfortunately, Ye Xingchi was a complete layman, and it was basically like playing the lute to a cow.

A group of young people were discussing how much this porcelain plate could actually be worth if it really were Imperial Kiln porcelain.

Lin Sicheng was vague: Just a few hundred thousand.

Peng Yanzhi really wanted to laugh: A few hundred thousand, you couldn't even buy the edge of the plate...

Seeing him enter the private room, Ye Xingchi waved his hand, meaning for him to sit down and chat.

But Peng Yanzhi did not sit in his previous seat; instead, he moved a chair and sat between Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng.

Ye Xingchi didn't mind and asked with interest: "Old Peng, did you find out?"

"Not yet!" Peng Yanzhi shook his head very honestly and looked at Wang Qi Zhi again, "Professor Wang, are you and Director Lv very close?" Wang Qi Zhi was startled: "Oh? Did Director Peng ask Director Lv for help?"

Immediately, he realized: they were both Level One national history museums, both experts in the field of ceramics; it would be strange if they didn't know each other. Wang Qi Zhi nodded: "We do know each other, and we are quite close!"

Peng Yanzhi secretly said "as expected": "Director Lv said you are currently collaborating on a project regarding ancient palace ceramics. Professor Wang, could you tell me more about it?"

The project initiation procedures had already begun, so there was nothing that couldn't be said.

Furthermore, others couldn't snatch it away even if they wanted to.

Wang Qi Zhi nodded and gave a rough explanation.

Peng Yanzhi listened quietly, but his eyes grew wider and wider.

Wang Qi Zhi started from Lin Sicheng going to Shanxi to learn Chengni Inkstone techniques and accidentally finding a few porcelain shards from the Tianqi period of the Ming Dynasty. Then, he talked about Lin Sicheng's journey to find kilns.

He first found a pottery kiln from the Neolithic period; never mind how long ago it was or how large the scope was. The key was that he dug up a Pottery Carved Silkworm Cocoon that had never appeared before.

Understand, the history of that pottery kiln was at least four thousand years old. So, naturally, it alarmed the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The Ministry directly sent an expert group, led by a Deputy Director-General in person...

Afterwards, Lin Sicheng discovered a porcelain kiln from the late Tang and Five Dynasties. It directly pushed the history of Celadon production in the Northwest region forward by nearly five hundred years. From the Ming Dynasty, it was moved up to the late Tang...

After that, Lin Sicheng discovered the Hejin Kiln and Huo Prefecture Kiln, which had shaken the archaeological world. This influence was even greater: it filled the gap in the history of Shanxi having no famous kilns and the Northwest having no Tribute Porcelain. It even filled the gap regarding the origin and subsequent distribution of Song Dynasty Shadow Blue Porcelain.

No need to ask anyone, and certainly no need to inquire; based on so many years of work experience, Peng Yanzhi could guarantee: either this year or next, this project would 100% be selected as one of the National Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries.

And there was something even more incredible: Song Dynasty Shadow Blue Porcelain, Southern Song Ru Porcelain, Yuan Dynasty Egg White Glaze, Ming Dynasty Sweet White Glaze, Doucai Thin-Bodied Porcelain, and Ming and Qing Dehua White Porcelain, etc. —among these famous porcelains, they were actually part of the same lineage of inheritance?

Let alone researching it, in the past, no one had even thought in this direction.

More importantly, Lin Sicheng... had actually restored these crafts that had been lost for who knows how many years. He even fired replicas with 100% craft restoration?

Understand, this wasn't just one type of porcelain, but involved more than a dozen types of famous porcelain crafts...

Think back to that passage Director Lv said:

New kiln sites, new porcelain types, restoration of lost crafts, a brand new and complete lineage of inheritance, and the distribution of new northern Folk Kilns... Director Lv hadn't just been bragging; he had actually understated it!

At this moment, looking back at the porcelain plate on the coffee table, it actually gave one a feeling of "it's nothing special."

What did self-taught and learning without a master count for?

Compared to these discoveries Lin Sicheng made in Shanxi, and compared to this project he was collaborating on with the Forbidden City, what was mere "eye for antiques" or "appraisal"? It didn't even count as a drop in the ocean.

Because an eye for antiques can at least be trained, and appraisal techniques can at least be learned—at least there are places to learn them. But scientific research is technological innovation; where would you learn that? For a moment, Peng Yanzhi looked at Lin Sicheng, his eyes shining with light.

Thinking he was asking because of that plate, Ye Anlan said with an excited face: "Uncle Peng, you asked, right? Is it very valuable?" "Yes, very valuable!"

Peng Yanzhi gave a perfunctory reply, took out his phone, and stood up: "Sicheng, if it's convenient, shall we exchange numbers?"

"Of course... Director Peng, please sit, I'll come over!"

Peng Yanzhi nodded: "That works too. Sicheng, you come over, let's have a chat."

That half of the table was full of young people and must be very noisy; the large table for sixteen only had nine people sitting at it, leaving plenty of empty space. Peng Yanzhi pointed to the side: "You sit here!"

As he spoke, he got up to go to the back to fetch a chair.

Everyone was stunned, including Lin Sicheng: Could it be that the chair he was moving wasn't for Lin Sicheng to sit on?

Lin Sicheng reacted the fastest and hurried over two steps: "Director Peng, you sit... let me, let me..."

Zhao Xiuneng followed closely behind and grabbed his sleeve: "Director Peng, don't be so polite, I'll go move it..."

Ye Anning was the fastest of all; just as Lin Sicheng intercepted Peng Yanzhi, she had already moved the chair Lin Sicheng had been sitting on and placed it between Peng Yanzhi and Wang Qi Zhi.

The others remained in a daze.

Especially Ye Xingchi, whose expression was indescribably strange: Has the sun risen from the west?

What kind of personality does Peng Yanzhi have?

To put it nicely: scholarly integrity; to put it bluntly: aloof and arrogant, with a foul and stubborn temper.

His status is special enough, and having known Peng Yanzhi for so long, he had never received such treatment.

But suddenly, it was as if he had become a different person?

No matter how you look at it, Lin Sicheng is a junior; you are moving a chair for him?

Besides, even if it is an Imperial Kiln piece, it is just a piece of Qing Dynasty porcelain, not a national treasure. Since when did you, Director Peng, become so unreserved and so inexperienced?

In his astonishment, Peng Yanzhi grabbed Lin Sicheng's arm and sat down: "Sicheng, Director Lu specifically instructed that if you need my help with anything, I am to cooperate fully..."

"As long as there is anything you need, just speak up. It doesn't matter how late you call me..."

Lin Sicheng nodded hurriedly: "Thank you, Director Peng!"

"No need to thank me. I've known Director Lu for many years, so please don't be polite with me. I won't be polite with you either: before entering the Museum, I worked in both the Cultural Bureau and the Cultural Relics Bureau. I have many colleagues and know many people: the Cultural Relics Bureau, the Provincial Culture Department, various museums, Customs..." "Of course, certainly not as many as Director Ye knows. But his rank is too high, and the people he knows are also of too high a rank; it's not cost-effective to owe them favors. If it's nothing major, you can just come to me..."

Lin Sicheng was stunned for a moment, then nodded vigorously: "Okay, Director Peng!"

Ye Xingchi was even more confused: No... what is going on here?

Previously at the teahouse, Wang Qi Zhi said that coming to Guangzhou this time might trouble the local cultural relics and cultural departments, and he might need to ask him for help. Ye Xingchi felt that given the relationship between the two families, it would be better to handle it all at once. So, he simply invited Peng Yanzhi over.

It was indeed as Peng Yanzhi said; he knew many people. Ye Xingchi had indeed considered this: if it were a small problem, Peng Yanzhi could help. But the problem was, he hadn't even had a chance to speak yet?

In fact, no one had even mentioned it, yet Peng Yanzhi had rushed to offer a favor first?

Oh no... it even felt like he was competing to offer the favor, even saying things like "it's not cost-effective to owe Director Ye a favor"?

Ye Xingchi, unable to fathom it, looked at Wang Qi Zhi opposite him.

Wang Qi Zhi finally reacted: No wonder Peng Yanzhi specifically asked about the project Lin Sicheng was collaborating on with the Forbidden City?

Nine times out of ten, Director Lu must have revealed something.

This man is an expert, his rank is not low, and he is professional enough to know exactly what this project represents.

There is no need for any further major research breakthroughs or technical achievements; Lin Sicheng only needs to digest what he already has to shake the archaeological and historical circles three times over.

As for the ceramics circle, that would be a super earthquake.

Peng Yanzhi didn't address Lin Sicheng as "Teacher Lin" but still called him "Sicheng," which was already him being reserved.

While pondering, Wang Qi Zhi raised his wine glass and took the initiative to sit next to Ye Xingchi.

Ye Xingchi raised his glass, clinked it with his, and gestured with his chin: "What's going on?"

Wang Qi Zhi smiled: "Fourth Brother, different professions are like mountains apart; no matter how much I brag, you won't understand. Let me put it simply: this student of mine is a bit formidable!" Nonsense.

If he weren't formidable, could he make Peng Yanzhi act like this?

Ye Xingchi drank it all in one gulp and picked up the wine bottle again: "How formidable?"

Wang Qi Zhi didn't stand on ceremony and let him fill it up: "Fourth Brother, you might not believe me if I tell you: as long as Lin Sicheng is willing, he could enter the Great Hall of the People by next year at the latest..."

"National Excellent Youth, Youth Changjiang, Four Batches of Youth Talents, China Youth Science and Technology—he will at least win one..."

Ye Xingchi looked as if he were stunned, holding the wine bottle motionless, while his eyelids twitched "twitch, twitch, twitch."

He didn't know much about research, but he understood exactly what Wang Qi Zhi was talking about: these four, commonly known as the Four Youths, are the highest-level youth scholar awards in the country and are among the top honors for young scientific research talent in China.

How rare are they?

Over a million young scholars apply nationwide every year, but the pass rate is less than one in a thousand.

How difficult are they?

More difficult than being promoted to a full professor at a 985 university.

And listen to what Wang Qi Zhi said: as long as Lin Sicheng is willing, he will at least win one?

Wang Qi Zhi, the national ministries have the surname "State," not "Wang"; do you think it's run by your family?

Ye Xingchi looked skeptical, but Wang Qi Zhi just smiled without saying a word.

What's the point of just listening to himself brag?

Once the banquet is over and Peng Yanzhi explains it to him, wouldn't it shock Ye Fourth Brother enough to make his eyeballs fall to the ground?