Un corazón puro en una vasija de jade

Capítulo 128

The attendant gave a cold laugh: "Does the young master even want to be one?!"

Yongye was furious, his words laced with sarcasm: "Others heard that Dachang Bank was offering twenty taels, and they all offered eighteen or fifteen taels. How could we not accept such a high price from Dachang Bank? Just write a pawn ticket! We'll pawn it to death!"

"Of course, of course. Our shop is the largest in Qi, so naturally our prices are more fair than others!" Chao Feng replied with a forced smile.

Amidst the repeated announcements of the votes for the broken, rotten stone seal, Yongye took twenty taels of silver and a pawn ticket and left in a huff.

At this rate, even if the Golden Cicada Crown is cut into pieces, it won't last long.

Yongye had no intention of stealing wallets or breaking into wealthy households in Qi to borrow money. She had already caused chaos in the three great powers, and now Crown Prince Yan was searching for her everywhere. She wanted to live a peaceful life with Yuepo in Qi. She didn't want to commit crimes or become a thief.

Her eyes caught sight of Jigu Zhai across the street, and Yongye chuckled. Thinking of Dachanghao, she pursed her lips; her reluctance to act recklessly didn't mean she didn't want revenge. Her skills from her past life had been further enhanced in this life with the guidance of her beautiful master. Since she couldn't leave the capital city anytime soon, she decided to return to her old trade.

Like Da Chang Hao, Ji Gu Zhai is the most prestigious antique shop in Shengjing. It is said that the princes, nobles, and wealthy families of Qi are frequent customers here. Yong Ye squinted at the Ji Gu Zhai signboard, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and went inside.

Jigu Zhai's storefront wasn't large, but inside, antique shelves displayed various rare items, and the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. Only one waiter was attending to a portly customer.

Yongye watched slowly and deliberately, listening intently to the conversation between the guest and the waiter.

"How could this be a fake? This is a painting by Zhang Liancao of Kyoto." The customer seemed to be consigning the painting for sale.

“Sir, look at this seal, it’s a bit blurry. And take a look at this painting in my hand. Also, Zhang Liancao is skilled in meticulous flower and bird paintings, but yours is a watercolor painting. I dare not accept this painting.”

Upon hearing this, Yongye perked up and quickly went over to take a look. She might not be familiar with other people's paintings, but she knew Zhang Liancao from Anguo Capital, who had drawn palm prints on her father's face, all too well.

Yongye glanced at them a few times and saw the waiter and customer arguing heatedly. He then smiled and said, "I know a little about this. May I tell you?"

The shopkeeper glanced at her. Seeing that she was dressed in the most common gray cloth robe, with no hems on the sleeves or hem, and that although she was dressed as a scholar, she looked extremely shabby, he snorted and said, "This young master has been lingering in the shop for quite some time. Is there anyone you like?"

Yongye knew he judged people by their appearance, but he wasn't angry. He pointed to the painting and said, "People only know that Zhang Liancao is good at meticulous flower and bird paintings, with delicate brushwork and a fondness for vibrant colors. But they don't know that he named his style name Liancao and is best known for his ink orchid paintings. The leaves are graceful and beautiful, and the flowers resemble the delicate head of a beautiful woman. Moreover, Master Zhang often paints orchids when he is drunk and in a good mood. When he is drunk, his hand trembles when he uses the seal, so the seal may be slightly blurred. This painting is a rare example of Master Zhang's orchid painting after he was drunk."

The more the guest listened, the brighter his eyes became; the more the waiter listened, the more alert he became.

After receiving the painting for a hefty sum, the shopkeeper's attitude instantly became humble: "I was blind to its value, thank you for your guidance, sir."

Seeing that he knew how to yield and be humble, Yongye had a different opinion of Jiguzhai and secretly admired the owner for employing people properly.

"Young master, is there anything you fancy?"

Yongye walked around the shop and said with a smile, "Young man, the things displayed in the outer room are not to my liking."

"Oh, what kind of painting could please your eye, young master?" An elderly man with white hair and beard came out from the backyard, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and said, "Greetings, young master. My name is Liang, and I am the manager of this shop. I have already heard of your insightful opinions. May I ask which artist's masterpiece you would be interested in?"

"My name is Li Lin, from Anguo. I have heard that Jiguzhai has countless treasures and would like to feast my eyes on them, but I do not intend to purchase them." She spoke with an Anguo accent and did not hide this fact.

Old Liang had already witnessed what had just happened. He glanced at Yongye and saw her standing there calmly. Although she was dressed in simple, poor clothes, she had an air of composure in her every move. She was still probing him in her words, and his face darkened: "If my Jiguzhai has no treasures, then there will be no other antique shop in the entire Qi Kingdom with treasures to sell."

In her previous life, Yongye's family made seals, so she frequently dealt with antique dealers. Naturally, she was well aware of the centuries-old rules of antique shops. Good items weren't usually displayed all at once; at most, one or two rare treasures would be kept in the shop. "Three years without business, then three years of profit." Selling just one valuable item was enough to sustain them for a long time. Unless wealthy individuals had a penchant for finding rare treasures, the shop owner would often personally deliver them to their door.

She smiled, cupped her hands in farewell, and said, "In that case, farewell."

"Young master, please wait!" Old Liang, realizing he had met an expert, perked up immediately and exclaimed, cupping his hands in greeting, "I have a request! Could you please look at another painting, young master?"

Yongye turned around and said, "Jiguzhai is the largest in Qi, so naturally it has experts in appraisal. You're too kind, Elder Liang."

Seeing that she was still leaving, Liang Weng quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply: "I apologize for my rudeness! Young master, would you mind accompanying me to the inner courtyard for a look?"

Yongye glanced at him indifferently and nodded reluctantly: "Old Liang, please go first!"

Turning through the corridor into the inner hall, Liang Weng carefully unfurled a scroll. It was a large landscape painting in blue and green. The brushstrokes were bold and expansive, depicting majestic and precipitous mountains and rivers.

“Young master, please look. This brushwork and style could only be achieved by Chen Qiushui. The seal of ‘Water Margin Hermit’ is indeed Chen Qiushui’s. However, he only paints three paintings a year. As far as I know, Master Chen has already painted three paintings this year. I am somewhat uneasy about acquiring this painting and would like to ask you to take a look.”

Yongye had heard from the beautiful gentleman that Chen Qiushui of Qi was the foremost master of blue-green landscape painting in his time. His output was extremely limited, and his paintings, with their extraordinary grandeur, were deeply admired by royalty, nobles, and prominent families. He then asked, "Do you have any other paintings by Master Chen? I'd like to make comparisons!"

Then, Mr. Liang presented another scroll and unfolded it.

Yongye examined it carefully, and after a full incense stick's time, he exhaled and said, "This painting is an authentic work by Master Chen. Is Elder Liang questioning it because he thinks Master Chen only paints three paintings a year?"

"Exactly!"

“Upon closer inspection, the brushstrokes are bold and executed in one go. Although it features extensive use of blue and green outlines, the brushwork is free and flowing. The signature is also completed in one stroke, with the flying white brushwork bold and spirited. It must have been painted by Master Chen while he was drunk. It’s possible that he broke his rule of painting three paintings a year. Moreover, this seal is the hardest to forge. Elder Liang, please look here. The seal is in red and white characters. The last character is slightly raised, which is not noticeable unless you look closely. If you put it… put it together and compare it carefully, you can see the difference.” She almost blurted out the word “magnifying glass,” but then thought that it would be even better if she had one. In her previous life, she used not only magnifying glasses but also microscopes to forge things. In this life, since others don’t have one, it will be even harder for them to detect her forgery. Yongye smiled leisurely.

Old Liang was full of admiration and thanked him repeatedly.

Yongye immediately took his leave: "I have failed to find my relatives and need to go to work to raise money to return home. I will not delay any longer. Farewell!"

"Please wait a moment, young master. Did you say you wanted to see a job?"

Yongye sighed and said, "I am short of money and did not come here to buy paintings. I just like them. I came to the Jingguzhai shop because I like them. It is already a blessing to be able to appreciate Master Chen's paintings with my own eyes. I will not think about anything else. Thank you, Elder Liang."

“Jiguzhai is in dire need of talent. Young master, you have excellent judgment. Why not stay at Jiguzhai?” When Liang Weng heard that Yongye was going to apply for a job, he decided to let him stay. He deeply admired Yongye’s insight and would not let such a talent slip by.

Yongye was overjoyed. She had been wondering how to visit Jiguzhai more often, but she hadn't expected such a good opportunity. She quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, sir."

"Hehe, Young Master Li, there's no need to be so polite. How about ten taels of silver per month?"

Fifty taels is enough for an ordinary family of three to live comfortably for three months. Ten taels is a considerable monthly allowance, enough for her and Yuepo to live a simple life, and also to carry out her plan to make money and take revenge. How could she not agree?

"You'll have to find another place to stay. You'll work during the day and go home in the evening. Can you start work tomorrow?"

She knew that the shop assistants at antique shops were required to live and work there, and only trusted individuals were employed. Someone like her, a stranger earning wages to pay for her journey home, wouldn't be allowed to stay at the shop. She hadn't wanted to stay there anyway, but readily agreed.

Leaving the antique shop, Yongye revealed a sly smile. She bought a bunch of food, paper, pens, paints, and other tools, ready to start making forgeries. She spent the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but what she looked at most was the red seal of the Hermit of Water Margin.

She went back with a beaming smile, thinking that Yuepo had made a good profit selling the medicinal herbs today, and she would definitely celebrate her success in making money that night.

The setting sun cast a golden glow, giving the alleyway a warm hue.