Zhuang Rui was stunned for a moment, then laughed. The timing was so coincidental, it must have been organized by Li Dali. It was a good thing that Fatty Jin thought of him.
"Hey buddy, there's something on the black market this time. Have you heard about the Cizhou official kiln porcelain that's been making headlines lately?"
When Fatty Jin saw that Zhuang Rui was unmoved, he became a little anxious. He hadn't called Zhuang Rui for no reason; it was an order from his superior.
"Hey Jin, you're not into porcelain, why are you so concerned about this?"
Zhuang Rui found it rather strange. Fatty Jin was an expert in calligraphy and painting. Although he was no stranger to ceramics, everyone has their own area of expertise. Surely this guy wouldn't change his profession?
"Ahem, brother, I just know you like playing with porcelain, don't I?"
Fatty Jin was a little embarrassed and coughed a few times.
"Hey, Brother Jin, we've known each other for quite a while now, so just say what's on your mind..."
Zhuang Rui realized something was amiss; it turned out that Fatty Jin only came to him when he needed something.
"I knew you'd be straightforward, so I'll get straight to the point. It's like this, the boss knows we're on good terms and wants... wants me to discuss with you whether... if we could arrange an exchange of exhibits between the Palace Museum and the Dingguang Museum..."
Fatty Jin still retained some of the aloofness of a scholar, namely, he disliked asking for favors. He stammered as he spoke, indicating that he had been pressured by his superiors.
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Rui frowned. Huangfu Yun had mentioned this matter to him some time ago.
Zhuang Rui felt that the pirate treasure and the golden mask were the most prized possessions of the Dingguang Museum, and most of the visitors came specifically for these items. He believed that these items were indispensable to the museum's current visitor numbers.
Conversely, the Palace Museum mainly displays the buildings of the Palace Museum itself to the public. As for antiques, which are more difficult to preserve, they are mostly stored in the warehouse and rarely taken out. Therefore, Zhuang Rui rejected this suggestion at the time.
Unexpectedly, the other side was persistent and actually sent Fatty Jin to find him indirectly, which made things a bit difficult for Zhuang Rui.
In any case, it was Fatty Jin who introduced the master to him, and the master even inscribed calligraphy for Xuanrui Studio and the museum. This huge favor would fall on Fatty Jin's shoulders.
Furthermore, when Zhuang Rui requested to visit the Palace Museum's collection of fine artifacts, Fatty Jin was very accommodating, arranging not only a tour of the calligraphy and painting collection but also a tour of the ceramics warehouse. He certainly gave Zhuang Rui a great deal of face.
Therefore, Zhuang Rui could refuse those who were leaders without hesitation, but he really couldn't say "no" to Fatty Jin. This is the way Chinese people interact with each other.
"Brother Jin, to be honest, I'm not really keen on this kind of exchange. The Palace Museum is a huge organization with many attractions, but we only have a few highlights. Exchanging them might affect our business..."
Zhuang Rui was telling the truth, but Fatty Jin on the other end of the phone felt a little uncomfortable. Just as he was about to speak, Zhuang Rui's voice came through again: "If your boss brought this up, I definitely wouldn't agree. But since you've brought it up, we can't let you lose face, can we?"
Zhuang Rui's heavy breathing made Jin Pangzi's chubby face turn red and white in turns, but he was secretly overjoyed. Didn't you see? Even a department-level official couldn't get through to Zhuang Rui, but he got it done with just a word from me. What a prestigious thing!
"Brother Jin, which items would your museum like to exchange?"
Zhuang Rui's voice came through the phone, and Fatty Jin quickly said, "Here's the thing, the exhibition exchange is scheduled for about a month. Your Dingguang Sword, Picasso's sketches, Klaus's golden anchor, and the Egyptian gold mask are all exhibits we'd like to exchange. What do you think, bro?"
"Damn, these are the only few worthwhile items; we need to exchange them all..."
Zhuang Rui cursed inwardly, then asked, "Brother Jin, I wonder which collections the Palace Museum is willing to contribute?"
"Hehe, brother, don't worry. The leader said that as long as you agree to exchange those four items, you can pick any ten items from the Palace Museum..."
Jin Pangzi's words greatly eased Zhuang Rui's resentment. The Palace Museum has many treasures, and if they are really willing to offer their best items, this exchange will not be a loss for them.
After thinking for a moment, Zhuang Rui said, "The Qianlong-era Golden Cup of Eternal Stability can be one of the items for exchange. In addition, there's Zhang Cheng's carved lacquer plate with cloud patterns from the Yuan Dynasty, the celadon jade incense burner with cloud and dragon patterns from the Song Dynasty, Zhang Zerui's 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' Lu Ji's 'Pingfu Post' from the Western Jin Dynasty, and the bronze treasure, the Zunyi Square Vessel... If the Palace Museum is willing to offer these items, I don't mind if you pick a few more from our museum..."
"Brother, you're really asking for a fortune! Well, I can't make that decision for you. I'll call you back later..."
Before Zhuang Rui could finish speaking, Jin Pangzi hurriedly interrupted him. Although he had just said that he could pick anything he wanted from the Forbidden City, these items were all national treasures of the Forbidden City, each a masterpiece among its kind.
The Qianlong-era Golden Cup of Eternal Stability is a representative work of the Palace Museum's cultural relics. When this cup was made, not only were precious materials such as gold, pearls, and gemstones from the Imperial Treasury used, but it was also modified many times until the emperor was satisfied. Therefore, the cup was regarded as a precious ancestral treasure by the Qing emperors.
Zhang Cheng was a master lacquerware maker in the Yuan Dynasty. His surviving works are unanimously considered to be treasures among carved lacquerware, and the Palace Museum has only a few pieces in his collection.
As for Zhang Zerui's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," there is no need to say more, while Lu Ji's "Pingfu Post" from the Western Jin Dynasty is a representative work of the Palace Museum's calligraphy collection and can be called a priceless treasure.
Zhuang Rui wants to exchange these collections, but even the leaders of the Palace Museum can't make that decision, let alone Jin Pangzi. This matter must be approved by the next higher level of leadership.
"Hehe, let's trade. I won't lose out if we do..."
After hanging up the phone, Zhuang Rui smiled slyly. Who told Fatty Jin to make such a boast, letting him choose whatever he wanted? Zhuang Rui naturally wasn't going to be polite to him.
To Zhuang Rui's surprise, the next day, Fatty Jin called again. Except for "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" and "Pingfu Post" which were not accepted due to their fragility, the Palace Museum agreed to accept the other items.
Out of respect for Jin Pangzi, Zhuang Rui agreed to the exchange of collections, leaving the specifics to Huangfu Yun. Meanwhile, the Dingguang Museum would host a month-long special exhibition of rare national treasures from the Palace Museum. ...
"Brother, you have no idea, when I told the boss about your conditions, his face turned green, and he almost fell off his chair, haha..."
Sitting in Zhuang Rui's newly bought Hummer, Fatty Jin smiled happily. He had gotten the job done. The "deputy" in "deputy researcher" would soon be removed. He was still receiving a government salary and valued his rank.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Zhuang Rui said with a smile, "Alright, Brother Jin, I'm only doing this because of you. If it were someone else with so many treasures, I wouldn't bother with them..."
The driver was Peng Fei. Their destination was the black market for antiques in Langfang. Zhuang Rui hadn't planned to go, but after hearing about it, Peng Fei, who had been idle for several months, insisted on dragging Zhuang Rui out for a stroll.
Zhuang Rui also wanted to see who would buy those porcelain pieces, but he didn't want people to know that he was close to Li Dali, so he contacted Fatty Jin to come and participate in this black market for antiques together.
Langfang is right next to Beijing. After driving out of the city for more than half an hour, you enter Langfang.
After making a few phone calls, at an intersection, a black Volkswagen sedan pulled up in front of Zhuang Rui's car, blocking the way.
Chapter 861 The Person I Least Want to See
I followed that black Volkswagen around Langfang City for almost a whole loop before the car finally headed towards the outskirts. These people who run the black market for antiques all use the same methods.
Zhuang Rui glanced out the window and said, "Hmm? Why are we heading towards Beijing again?"
"Brother, this black market isn't fixed; it might be right here in Beijing..."
Fatty Jin, however, was used to it. He leaned back in the back seat and closed his eyes to rest. He wasn't very interested in this black market because, regardless of whether the two pieces of Cizhou porcelain were real or fake, it was beyond his reach.
The car drove on for another twenty minutes or so, and then turned onto a side road surrounded by birch forests.
"This place does resemble my garden a bit..."
Behind the woods was a small manor, much smaller than Zhuang Rui's garden. It was surrounded by a wooden fence, and inside were two small buildings, with a row of brick houses behind them, the purpose of which was unknown.
"Hey, I know this place. It's an equestrian club..."
When the car stopped, Fatty Jin opened his eyes and looked around. He had once appraised calligraphy and paintings for a businessman from Beijing and had been invited to visit this place. That businessman kept two horses here as his private property.
In China today, bowling and golf are outdated. The truly wealthy and sophisticated people have started playing horse racing. They spend their own money to keep a horse, which stays at the club during the week and invites a few bosses to race on weekends. That's what's truly prestigious.
"Horse farm?"
As soon as Zhuang Rui asked the question, he saw a girl riding a tall, chestnut-red horse galloping in a very open space behind the house. She looked very heroic, but she was wearing a protective headgear, so her face could not be seen.
At this moment, a man in his early thirties stepped out of the car that had led the way. He approached Zhuang Rui and the others and said, "Mr. Jin, gentlemen, the auction is scheduled for 11:00 AM sharp, but it won't start for another hour. You can go inside and rest for a bit, or you can go to the horse farm for some fun. It's all free..."
"Was the person on horseback also participating in this auction?"
Zhuang Rui pointed to the girl on horseback and asked, "In all the black market auctions I've participated in, the organizers have always been extremely cautious. This time, however, they've arranged it in a public place. This is the first time Zhuang Rui has ever seen anything like it. It seems that Li Dali isn't afraid of being investigated."
The middle-aged man glanced towards the horse farm and said nonchalantly, "No, those should be customers of the horse farm..."
Aren't you afraid the cops might sneak in?
Zhuang Rui asked curiously.
"Don't worry, the boss has taken care of everything. You can relax and have some fun. We're just organizing an exchange activity for antique enthusiasts. It's not illegal, and even if the police come, they can't do anything..."
The middle-aged man said nonchalantly, in his eyes, Boss Li had connections everywhere and could handle any trouble.
"Okay, is that the building? We'll go there ourselves later..."
Zhuang Rui glanced at his watch; it was only a little past 10 a.m., and he and his companions had arrived far too early.
"Okay, you can all enjoy the drinks over there. Just put the bill on our tab..."
The middle-aged man greeted them politely and then left on his own.
"Why do I feel like we're here on vacation?"
After the man left, Zhuang Rui said with a smile, "Participating in this black market for antiques doesn't make me feel nervous at all."
Fatty Jin chuckled and said, "Brother, don't underestimate this guy who organizes the black market. He's been in this business for over ten years and has extensive connections in Hebei, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Beijing. He has a lot of good stuff too. You'll see later..."
"Oh, that's certainly a formidable figure..."
Zhuang Rui raised an eyebrow. He really hadn't expected Li Dali to have such a prestigious reputation in the antique circle. Even someone like Fatty Jin spoke of him with a hint of admiration.
"Brother Zhuang, wanna go for a horse race?"
Peng Fei wasn't interested in what the two men were talking about. He walked up to the row of houses, looked at the long row of stables, and felt a little excited.
"Raise horses with me? Why don't you compete with me in appraising antiques?"
Zhuang Rui glared at Peng Fei with annoyance. He had never seen this kid unable to handle any mode of transportation. Whether it was an airplane, a car, or a ship, Peng Fei could drive them all with ease. He must be quite good at horseback riding as well.
"Brother Jin, would you like to have some fun...?"
Zhuang Rui wasn't interested in horse racing, but he did want to experience riding a horse for a while. In other countries, horseback riding is considered an elegant sport.
When Zhuang Rui was very young, he was able to ride a horse once when he was taking pictures in the park. Looking at the tall horses in the stable, he couldn't help but feel a little tempted.
"Come on, look at the boss's eyes, do you think he'd let me ride?" Fatty Jin waved his hand with a wry smile. With his weight of over 200 pounds, sitting on a horse would definitely make the horse owner's heart ache.
"Boss, how much do you charge here?"
Peng Fei had already gone over and started chatting with the boss.
"Gentlemen, this is a members-only horse farm, and most of these horses belong to members and are not usually open to the public. However, since you're here to have some fun, we can't spoil the mood, can we?"
The horse farm owner was from Beijing and spoke with a thick Beijing accent. After rambling on for a while, he finally pointed to the stable and said, "This horse and the one that the customer was riding are mine. They are quite docile and I guarantee they won't throw you off. It's 300 yuan an hour. Would you like to have a ride?"
"Alright, bring out two horses, the two of us can ride them..."
Zhuang Rui was dressed casually today, in jeans and sneakers. If he were dressed in a suit and tie, he really wouldn't be able to make it.
"Alright, that guest's time is almost up. Another guest will have to wait about five minutes. Which of you would like to go first?"
The horse owner only had two horses, so they had to wait for the girl to return before they could ride together. Seeing Peng Fei's eager expression, Zhuang Rui said, "Peng Fei, you go play first..."
The horse owner then led out a white steed, which was very tall. When he brought it to Zhuang Rui's side, its back almost reached his neck.
Taking the whip from the horse owner, Peng Fei waved his right hand, ignoring the headgear offered by the owner. Instead, he grabbed the reins with his left hand, gave it a gentle pull, and as the horse's head tilted slightly, he slipped his left foot into the stirrup, flipped himself over, and mounted the horse with remarkable agility.
"Hey, this guy's a pro. Only the coach could pull off that move around here..."
The horse owner's gaze towards Peng Fei changed somewhat; this movement was something only someone with extensive equestrian training could perform.
Peng Fei cracked his whip, gave a knightly salute to the group, spurred his legs, and shouted, causing the white horses to trot.
Unlike the female knight on the field who was trotting slowly, Peng Fei's horse picked up speed after trotting for twenty or thirty meters. With the "clatter" of the horse's hooves, the white horse galloped along the track like a white lightning bolt.
"Show-off..."