"What kind of talk is that?"
Zhao Hanxuan rolled his eyes at Zhuang Rui and said, "I know I don't know much about bronzes, but Old Xu has a good eye. He's seen a few pieces himself, and he's the one who said that..."
The "Old Xu" that Zhao Hanxuan mentioned is an antique shop in Panjiayuan that specializes in replicas of bronze artifacts. Zhuang Rui had met the owner before; he was an expert and wouldn't be fooled by ordinary tricks.
Zhuang Rui pondered for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Old Zhao, what's your opinion? If it's real, should we buy it?"
Zhao Hanxuan shook his head and said, "Even if it's true, I suggest you don't get involved. I've looked at a few items, and their designs are all from before the Qin and Han dynasties. Boss, you're not short of money, why get involved in this trouble..."
Zhao Hanxuan's concerns were valid. Although many wealthy collectors in China possess bronze artifacts that are prohibited from being traded, they mostly purchase them through overseas auctions or domestic intermediaries, such as the black market for antiques, making it difficult for the police to trace them.
However, the person holding the item that Zhao Hanxuan saw claimed it was an heirloom, but Zhao Hanxuan could smell the earthy stench emanating from him from a great distance. Zhao Hanxuan was certain that this person was an expert at digging up graves.
"I'm not short of money, but I'm missing something..."
Zhuang Rui smiled wryly upon hearing this. His museum would open in two months at most. Although he now had a batch of porcelain and could exchange a batch of collections with the Guimet Museum in Paris in a few days, and there were quite a few valuable items in Zhuang Rui's collection that could be considered unique, these items were still a bit lacking for a museum with the name "National".
"I'm missing things? I'm missing these things too, but I can't buy and sell them openly, so what's the use of them?"
Zhao Hanxuan was taken aback. He had assumed that Zhuang Rui wanted to see these items because he wanted to resell them.
"It's like this..."
Zhuang Rui's plan to set up a museum was only started in the last few days, and even Ouyang Wan only found out about it yesterday. Of course, Zhao Hanxuan and the others were unaware of it, so Zhuang Rui explained the whole story to them.
Although these bronze artifacts cannot be traded on the market, it is easy to launder their value. As long as they are not items targeted by relevant national departments, Zhuang Rui has plenty of ways to launder them. At most, he would have to trouble Ezkena to sign a donation agreement.
However, Zhuang Rui wouldn't dare to accept an item if it was too obviously "raw" from an ancient burial site, so he decided to examine it first.
"Damn, boss, is what you're saying true?"
Even though Zhao Hanxuan had been in the antique business for two or three decades, he was shocked by what Zhuang Rui said. Beijing wasn't without private museums, but one that was run as smoothly as his was absolutely unique.
Zhuang Rui nodded and said, "Of course it's true. The museum is currently undergoing renovations and the installation of security systems. It should be open in a month or two at most..."
After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, Zhao Hanxuan thought for a moment and said, "Boss, the sale of bronze artifacts isn't anything special in Panjiayuan, but if you've got your eye on something, don't say anything yet. I'll find a middleman to buy it for you; that way it'll be safer..."
Although buying and selling bronzes privately is illegal, the law does not punish the masses. There are many private transactions, and whoever gets caught is just unlucky. Among the bronzes that Zhao Hanxuan bought when he was tricked before, there were some that were "freshly unearthed" items.
While Zhuang Rui was talking to Zhao Hanxuan, Monkey knocked on the door and entered the private room, saying, "Brother Zhuang, Brother Zhao, we've made contact with that person. They said they'd meet at the teahouse in half an hour. Should we go now?"
Zhuang Rui nodded and said, "Okay, Lao Zhao, let's go take a look together if you're free. Hey, Monkey, where does that person live? Is it a half-hour drive?"
"Brother Zhuang, people in this line of work wouldn't tell us where they live, but that guy's been hanging around Panjiayuan a lot lately, he might be here right now..."
The monkey's words made Zhuang Rui chuckle. He realized he had asked a rather blunt question. If those people had told everyone their address, they probably wouldn't have sold anything, but would have ended up in jail.
"Da Xiong, keep an eye on the shop. I'm taking Monkey and Manager Zhao out for a bit..."
Before leaving, Zhuang Rui said goodbye to Da Xiong.
Perhaps it was because he had a girlfriend, but Da Xiong became more mature and steady after coming to Beijing. Zhao Hanxuan was also very satisfied with him, and sometimes he would let Da Xiong handle things like purchasing goods on his own.
"Boss, what's the name of your museum? We can use our Xuanrui Zhai seal to stamp some of the calligraphy and paintings on the artifacts, it'll be good advertising..."
The teahouse was located near the exit of Panjiayuan, not far away, and the group chatted as they walked.
"It's called the China Dingguang Museum, named after the 'Dingguang Sword' I acquired. As for the calligraphy and paintings bearing the Xuanrui Zhai seal, let's just forget about that..."
It was already past five o'clock in the afternoon, and the flow of people in Panjiayuan had decreased considerably. In just a few minutes, the three of them arrived at the entrance of the teahouse.
As Zhuang Rui and his companions entered the teahouse, they didn't notice that just as they stepped inside, a pair of eyes lingered around them from the corner, scrutinizing them before glancing left and right, and looking in all directions. ...
"Hey monkey, these people are so unreliable! What time is it? Why aren't they here yet?"
Zhuang Rui and his friends booked a private room and ordered snacks and tea. They waited forty or fifty minutes, but the person Monkey had arranged still hadn't shown up. Zhuang Rui started to get anxious. He had planned to go home for dinner today, but now it seemed he wouldn't make it again. Qin Xuanbing had just called to ask.
"Brother Zhuang, I'll call again to urge them..."
The monkey pulled out his phone and dialed. He had already dialed twice already, and both times the other party said they would arrive soon. The monkey was furious; this was making him lose face in front of Zhuang Rui.
"They're here, Brother Zhuang. I'll go out and bring them in..."
After hanging up the phone, the monkey said to Zhuang Rui.
"Brother Zhuang, this is Brother Ren. He says he has a few family heirlooms..."
Less than two minutes later, Monkey pushed open the door to the private room. Behind him was a short man, only about 1.5 meters tall. At first glance, Zhuang Rui thought it was a child who had come in.
However, upon closer inspection of the man's eyes and eyebrows, he should be over thirty years old. He is very thin, and as Zhao Hanxuan said, he exudes a muddy smell. Just by looking at his physique, he is definitely a master at digging up graves.
"Brother Ren, this is my boss. Please let him take a look at this first..."
The monkey then introduced Zhuang Rui to the person, but of course, he didn't mention his name or anything.
"It's an old family heirloom. I don't know if it's worth anything. Please take a look first, sir..."
Although he knew no one would believe him, the short man still said it and placed a round cake box on the table.
Upon opening the box, Zhuang Rui saw two bronze wine vessels inside.
The two bronze jue are exactly the same size, both with round bellies. One side has a spout for pouring wine at the front of the mouth, and a pointed part at the back. There is a pillar between the spout and the mouth, a handle on one side of the belly, and three long conical legs for support.
Both bronze jue (wine vessels) are decorated with animal patterns, with floral designs carved in the middle. The craftsmanship is exquisite and intricate. Although the objects are not large, Zhuang Rui could tell at a glance that they should be ritual vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
The ancient jue was used as a wine cup, but it was also used for sacrifices to heaven. The jue was divided into two types: drinking vessels and ritual vessels. The drinking vessels were used by people in daily life, while the ritual vessels were used for sacrifices to heaven. The ritual vessels were much more exquisite and valuable than the drinking vessels.
Zhuang Rui put on gloves, picked up a bronze wine vessel and began to examine it. Unconsciously, the spiritual energy in his eyes traveled around the inside of the bronze vessel, confirming that it was indeed an authentic piece.
After setting down the bronze jue (a type of ancient Chinese wine vessel), Zhuang Rui smiled at the short man and said, "Hehe, this thing shouldn't have been unearthed for more than ten years, right?"
Chapter 674 Trouble (Part 1)
Since bronze artifacts can be found in "raw pits" or "ripened pits," there is naturally also the concept of "ripened pits."
"Cooked pit" refers to bronze artifacts that have been unearthed from "raw pit" and, after a long period of circulation, have undergone natural wear and tear or human cleaning, resulting in a surface texture similar to wax, while the underlying layer still retains the original color of the "raw pit".
Most of the artifacts that have survived to this day have gone from being unearthed to being unearthed again, and eventually, there are virtually no traces of their original location.
However, many "aged" bronze artifacts are produced by chemically cleaning "raw" artifacts to remove the original rust and applying a protective coating to prevent further corrosion.
The two bronze jue in front of Zhuang Rui had not undergone artificial rust removal and retained their original color when they were unearthed. There was still some copper rust on the outside of the jue.
However, judging from their luster, they do not appear to have been unearthed recently. Therefore, Zhuang Rui estimates that these two objects are indeed unearthed cultural relics, but the time since their excavation should be more than three years and no more than 10 years.
The short man's eyes lit up for a moment when Zhuang Rui mentioned ten years ago, but he quickly regained his composure, looked up at Zhuang Rui, and said, "I don't know if it was unearthed, but this item is indeed a family heirloom. If this gentleman is interested, he can name a price. If not, I'll take my leave..."
There's a saying among northerners when it comes to drinking: "If the person falls, the frame doesn't; if the frame falls, the momentum doesn't." This short man was just talking to himself. Even though Zhuang Rui could tell the year the object was unearthed, he still stubbornly refused to admit it.
"The item is yours, so please name a price and let's hear it..."
Zhuang Rui smiled. If it were him, he certainly wouldn't admit the excavation date of this thing either. He then said, "These two bronze jue (wine vessels) are 'identical,' but since the items are yours, you should set the price..."
It was obvious that even if this thing wasn't taken out of the ancient tomb by the person in front of him, it was still related to him. Zhuang Rui simply admitted that the item was good. "Having an eye" is a term in the antique world, meaning that the item is good and is an authentic piece.
"One costs 100,000, two cost 200,000..."
The man surnamed Ren was not talkative and was very cautious. After he sat down, Zhuang Rui poured him a glass of water, but he never picked up the teacup on the table.
"200,000, that's a reasonable price..."
Zhuang Rui pondered upon hearing this. Among the bronze jue (wine vessels) from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, those from the Zhou dynasty were the most exquisite in craftsmanship and the most expensive. On the black market for antiques, one of them would sell for at least 200,000 RMB. This person's asking price was not expensive.
"This thing hasn't been exposed to the light, has it?"
Zhuang Rui suddenly asked a question, implying that this thing had been targeted by someone.
Less skilled tomb raiders rarely manage to completely empty the tomb of all its burial goods, and may leave behind some items. Based on these leftovers, relevant departments can deduce the stolen artifacts and their quantity.
The short man shook his head and said, "No, we searched everywhere. These were the only two items left at home. We brought them all with us, so there won't be any problems..."
Zhuang Rui understood what the other party meant. They were saying that he had done a clean job, that there were only two items in the tomb, and that he had taken them all out, so no one would be able to trace him back to them.
Of course, Zhuang Rui didn't believe this. A Shang and Zhou dynasty tomb that could produce bronze ritual vessels must be at least a royal tomb. How could it only contain these two burial items? If what the short man said was true, then their trip would have been in vain.
Zhuang Rui said noncommittally, "I've looked at the items, you can put them away..."
"Put it away" means that the buyer doesn't want it anymore and asks the seller to take the item back. This is the usual way to say "put it away." However, if you say "keep it" or "wrap it up," the meaning is completely opposite.
"Hmm? No, then I'll take my leave..."
Upon hearing Zhuang Rui's words, the short man's expression changed. He stood up, quickly put the items back into the cake box, and prepared to leave.
If you didn't see this person's face, you would really think he was a primary or middle school student carrying a cake home.
Seeing that the person was about to leave, Zhuang Rui suddenly said, "Wait..."
"What? Is this boss trying to keep his guests here?"
The small man's face turned extremely ugly. He was holding a cake box in his right hand, but his left hand reached behind his waist.
Zhuang Rui waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, Mr. Ren, you misunderstand. I've taken a liking to this, but I can't afford it now, and I can't have it. Let's find someone to buy it from you at a different time and place. Monkey will contact you then..."
"Um?"
After hearing Zhuang Rui's words, the short man thought for a moment and immediately understood the crux of the matter. It turned out that the man opposite him wanted it, but was afraid that he would be implicated if problems arose in the future, so he said these words in a roundabout way.
"Hehe, then thank you, boss..."
After entering the room, the short man smiled for the first time.
"Mr. Ren, is there anything else I'd like to ask? If you're not in a hurry, please sit down and have a cup of tea, and we can chat for a bit more."
Zhuang Rui said.
"Okay, is there anything else this boss would like to ask?"
The man hesitated for a moment, then sat back down, but remained oblivious to the freshly replaced cup of hot tea in front of him.
"Good things are never too many. I wonder if Mr. Ren's house might have any other items to find?"
Zhuang Rui saw that the man surnamed Ren was cautious and really wanted to do more business with him. After all, even if he didn't buy these things himself, they would eventually fall into other people's hands. If these bronze artifacts were really clean, it wouldn't hurt to take them.
Even if something goes wrong in the future and it gets traced back to you, at most you'll get a refund and a fine. This has happened before, and that's how it's always been handled. Buyers who have actually been sentenced are usually middlemen who resold the items overseas. I've never heard of any collectors in China who bought the items for their collections being arrested; it's just that dealing with it is a bit more complicated.
Zhuang Rui has now become somewhat accustomed to the fact that he is a rich man. Although money is not everything, it cannot be denied that in this society, money and power still dominate at times.
"My hometown is in Shaanxi, and my family is quite well-off. I wonder if this boss wants a large piece of furniture, or just some wine or tableware? After this is over, I'll go home and tidy things up; maybe I'll find something else..."
"Ren" was quite confident in his judgment. He had met Monkey and Zhao Hanxuan before and knew they had a shop in Panjiayuan and were definitely not cops.
After spending some time with Zhuang Rui, he could tell that Zhuang Rui wasn't a government employee, which is why he subtly revealed some of his background to Zhuang Rui in his conversation.
"Is there a powerful artifact? Is it complete? Does it have inscriptions?"