antique masters in modern times

Seeing Xu Shinian's hesitant expression, the thin man gave him a sideways glance, and his tone was threatening: "Mr. Xu, I had a hard time finding you. Back then you said you were in a hurry to get the goods, so I tried my best to find them for you. I posted the capital and handed it over to you. Now you just say no with your lips. I’m afraid it’s not in line with the morality of the teacher? How about we ask your principal to talk about it? As long as they nod, I will take the things immediately without saying a word leave."

Xu Shinian was like a crab in front of Yan You, but now he didn't dare to be tough when facing the man who was posing as a meat hob.He has a family, a family, and a bright future, how can he be willing to ruin it for the benefit of his tongue?

Although he had greeted the other party's ancestor dozens of times in his heart, Xu Shinian didn't dare to show any displeasure on his face. Instead, he put on a smile and said in a very low voice: "Brother Wang, calm down first. I didn't do anything about it." Unexpectedly, the customer was a wealthy man from the United States, obsessed with Chinese culture, and bought several things from me. He was generous and straightforward and never refused to pay, so I didn't ask him for a deposit this time. After you delivered the goods, I asked him to come and see him, but he said he was busy at first, but after waiting for a few days, he couldn't get in touch at all. Brother Wang, I kept the Zhuge drum at home, and no one saw it. Or, you can look for it again Sell ​​it through other channels, or discuss with the seller and return it to him? I am willing to pay you [-]% of the lost wages."

"Return it?" Brother Wang glared at him, and said with a sneer, "The electrical appliances in the store are not allowed to be returned. You asked me to return the antiques, who do you think I am? A kiln sister who is obedient and obedient? I will put my words here today: Within three days, if you can’t come up with 5000 yuan, I have plenty of ways to ruin your reputation! Anyway, I’m a bachelor, and I’ve got nothing to do with you, but you’re just dragging your family. Whether money is important or life is important, you decide for yourself Do it!"

"You—" In the end, Xu Shinian is not a good-tempered person. Seeing that Brother Wang threatened him with his family, he couldn't help but become tough: "I just want to advise you to think carefully and don't mess around. I am a dignified university teacher. , you’re just an ordinary person, even if you get stabbed in the sky, I’ll just make some money in private, and at worst, I’ll be criticized by the leader, what’s the big deal?”

"Really." Brother Wang threw the cigarette he hadn't smoked for a long time into the half-cold noodle tea bowl, and let out an unpleasant white smoke with a snort.Surrounded by clouds and mist, his smile looked very strange: "You have a distant grandfather who is Taishan Beidou in the antique world. Anyone who sees him should respect the old man. After you graduated, you were influenced by him and started to make antiques. I took a job as a teacher. After so many years of tossing around, you should know how the country punishes the smuggling of antiques."

Xu Shinian was a little confused: "The country stipulates that antiques before 1795 cannot be exported, otherwise they will be sentenced——"

He was trying to think about how many years he would be sentenced to imprisonment, when he suddenly saw that the smile on Brother Wang's face became more and more secretive, he couldn't help but feel chills in his heart: "What do you mean by that? All the antiques I dealt with were Qingshun Houye and the Republic of China. Impossible to break the law!"

Brother Wang leaned forward, which made Xu Shinian feel more psychologically oppressed: "Are you sure? Mr. Xu, you know how good your antique appraisal is. Although your grandfather is a senior among the seniors, but But you are far behind, and only talk on paper. For example, this time, do you really think that the Zhuge drum I brought was imitated at the beginning of the Republic of China?"

Feeling the implication of these words, Xu Shinian shuddered suddenly: "You, what do you mean?"

Seeing his ugly face, Brother Wang smiled triumphantly, and said leisurely: "The Zhuge Drum is made of copper, with patterns of four horses and four frogs engraved around it, it looks like a drum from the front, but it is a pot when turned upside down. As the name suggests , it was made by Zhuge Liang. When they used troops against Meng Huo in Yunnan, the Shu army used this drum. How many years? How many years since 1795?"

"No, it's impossible!" Xu Shinian was so panicked that his legs were shaking, and the small table was shaking, the tea was spilled all over the table, and the pancakes in the hanging stove rolled to the ground: "That's obviously a fake, it's definitely a fake !"

"Hahaha, I might as well teach you a good lesson: The texture of bronze wares is the first to look at, the inscriptions second, the pattern third, and the rust color fourth. The bronze wares of the Qingshun period are basically brass mixed with zinc, tin, Lead is not pure copper, so its ground is blue-yellow with flashing white. In Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, there was no brass, and the bells and tripods were all made of bronze. Most of the bronze wares are still made of bronze. Mr. Xu, please recall carefully what kind of material that Zhuge Drum is made of.”

Xu Shinian has never been quick-witted, he is the kind of person who can't hold his breath.In addition, he has limited knowledge of copperware, so he doesn't know which details to pay attention to.Under such circumstances, it was impossible for him to recall the texture of the Zhuge drum, but he just remembered it.

Because, on the day when Brother Wang handed the things over to him, he beat the drum and said, "Look at this bronze surface, it's gray in the green, and there's no brass mixed in, it's really heavy. If you talk about the ancients, they are real." , these days, everyday objects are cut corners, and they are becoming more and more useless.”

At that time, he thought it was just casual chatting and didn't take it seriously.Looking back now, Brother Wang clearly set him up at that time!

Realizing this, Xu Shinian suddenly felt a chill run from his head to his spine and coccyx.Standing up suddenly, almost overturned the table: "What the hell are you trying to do?!"

"Hey, buddy, I was joking with you just now, don't just turn it over like a cat." Brother Wang seemed to have expected his reaction, still smiling, and greeted casually: "Sit down Sit down, don't let people see the joke. You know, you are a person of status, so you should cherish your face even more."

Seeing that Brother Wang didn't take it seriously, the people around all looked away curiously.As for Xu Shinian, he heard a vague threat from those casual words.Although he really wanted to run away, his reason still made him sit back where he was.

He sized him up and down like he didn't know Brother Wang, but he found nothing.He tried to pretend to be calm, but his calf still swaying betrayed him: "What do you want? I'm just a teacher, me, I can't give you anything."

"Hehe, Teacher Xu, don't be in a hurry. You might as well listen to my words before you know whether you can give it or not."

As he spoke, Brother Wang leaned forward and whispered something in a low voice.

Following his words, Xu Shinian's expression kept changing, and finally turned pale with shock: "No, this is absolutely impossible! I will not tell anyone about this!"

Brother Wang suppressed his smile, and his tone suddenly became tough: "It's not up to you here."

Xu Shinian was at a loss for words, thought for a moment, and begged in a low voice: "You don't know his temper, but I know. I can be sure that he will never agree. You change other conditions, even if I give all the money I earn You can too."

"Oh? Then you might as well look at this again." Then, Brother Wang lifted the backpack, unzipped it with a swipe, and pushed it in front of Xu Shinian.

Seeing the things inside, Xu Shinian changed his color again, and tremblingly said in disbelief: "You... this is the first time I sold something to that American, you... are you in the same group?"

He is not an idiot, seeing that the item sold to the customer is actually in the hands of Brother Wang, how could he still not be able to figure out the beginning and end: "You guys set up a trick to deceive me!"

"Calm down, Teacher Xu, I haven't finished yet." Brother Wang took up the zipper, patted the backpack lightly, and said with a half-hearted smile: "The few things you handled, including that Zhuge drum, are all I picked it up from the bun in the grave. Oh, I carried that Zhuge Drum all the way from Yunnan, and it was dead. It’s a pity that the owner hasn’t seen it yet, so it’s cheaper for you. It’s a crime to resell cultural relics out of the country. Tomb robbery is also a crime. Double crime and punishment, can you bear it?"

Xu Shinian was angry and scared: "You stole the tomb, and the things are in your hands. It has nothing to do with me! I want to call the police!"

Seeing that he was still taking chances at this moment, Wang Ke couldn't help but sink his face. He didn't bother to go around in circles anymore, and directly made the words clear: "We dare to set you up, so naturally everything is ready. No matter who you sue , There is only one result: you take risks in order to get rich, hire grave robbers to dig tombs and steal treasures, and then sell them to gringos. If you want to ruin your reputation and spend your life in prison, just go to the police! "

Xu Shinian is a person who is keen on power and wealth. After working hard all these years, he finally got a place in the school.How could he be willing to let go of the chair of the department?

The words ruin and ruin seemed to have magical powers, draining the courage he had accumulated so hard in the blink of an eye.Sitting paralyzed on the crude wooden bar, he slumped and closed his eyes: "This matter... can't be rushed, I have to find a suitable opportunity and talk to the old man slowly."

Seeing his understanding, Brother Wang lost his stern expression, and smiled again: "Hehe, I also heard that the old man is not in good health, so I should be more on the safe side. How about this, I will give you five days. If you can't If you don’t reply, the photo of the American teacher who traded with you at the beginning will be posted on the school bulletin board.”

Hearing that they still had photos, Xu Shinian's body tensed up, his conditioned reflex wanted to yell at him, but he didn't dare, so he gritted his teeth and nodded, and said with difficulty, "I see."

"Teacher Xu is really a pleasant person. Dealing with you saves you worry and effort." Brother Wang dropped this sentence with a sneer on his face, picked up his backpack and walked away, leaving Xu Shinian slumped on the chair with empty eyes, and he didn't know why. Regret or fear.

Even when arguing, they did not forget to lower their voices.But after all, after talking for a long time, Yan You, who had been listening attentively, still heard about [-]% to [-]%.

Combined with the reactions of the two of them, they put together pieces together, and quickly deduced the truth: Xu Shinian was set up in a serial scheme, thinking that he had found a wealthy buyer, but he didn't know that this was just a good show colluded by interested people.Now the other party is tearing up their faces and showing their cards. If Xu Shinian doesn't listen to them, he will expose this matter.

Yan You didn't know what the native mouse wanted Xu Shinian to do, but seeing that the other party was even willing to take out ancient relics from the Three Kingdoms period as bait, what he wanted must not be simple.

However, he and Xu Shinian did not have friendship, instead there was a hint of grudge.So he didn't plan to get to the bottom of it and help.Hearing what he wanted, he ate a few bites and left early.

This accident delayed a lot of time, and when he hurried to the school gate, he did not find Chen Boyi.Yan You asked passers-by for the time again, only to realize that it was nearly nine o'clock, and he couldn't help but feel ashamed in his heart.

He guessed that Mr. Chen would not be able to wait for him to enter first, but the opportunity was rare, and he was reluctant to leave just like that.After hesitating for a moment, he simply inquired all the way, and asked where the assessment place of the Department of Archeology was.Fortunately, he was young, and the students thought it was a classmate asking for directions, so they told him very readily.

The assessment site is in an office building remodeled from an old house. The old Chinese buildings are covered by green trees and flowers, which is very beautiful.Yan You climbed up to the fourth floor by stepping on the old wooden stairs, passed through the silent offices, and found his destination at the end of the corridor.

There were more than a dozen students in the room, and three or four teachers.The desks were cleared away, and several ancient relics of different styles were placed on each.The atmosphere in the room was a little tense. The teachers seemed dissatisfied with the assessment, and almost all of them were stern.

Waiting for the student who was doing the operation to drop the tile on the ground again clumsily, a teacher who pushed his flat head finally couldn't stand it anymore and threw the cattail fan in his hand to the ground: "Go on! After studying for a year, the most basic cleaning The work is still not good, the theory is not solid, where have all the books gone?!"

The student blushed, and shrank to the last row under the sympathetic gaze of his classmates.

"Four people have already passed the assessment, and none of them passed the test. For the rest of the students, I hope you all take care and don't make those low-level mistakes again." The flat-headed man glanced at the old-fashioned Big Ben on the wall, Waved his hand: "Take a break for 10 minutes, and continue at the hour."

As soon as he gave an order, most of the students dispersed.Only a few remained in the room, staring nervously at the rusted bronzes, pottery covered with calcium, and glued fabrics on the table... They were still muttering words, obviously recalling the operation steps.

Seeing them working so hard, the faces of the teachers softened a little.The flat-headed man also said: "Maybe it was because the funds were insufficient in the past, and there were too few opportunities for them to practice. They need to strengthen their practice in the future. Otherwise, they will only talk on paper. What about field work in the future?"

Yan You, who was watching outside the door, was very disappointed.He specially came to the school, originally to observe and learn, but he didn't expect that these heavenly favored children were as green and clumsy as the new apprentices in Liulichang.There is no way to talk about learning.Yan You almost wanted to turn around and leave immediately.

But since he's here, it doesn't make sense not to say hello to Chen Boyi.However, Yan You didn't find him in the room.

While looking around, he inadvertently poked his head a little further, and was immediately caught by the sharp-eyed man with the flat head: "Which teacher are you a student? Why haven't I seen you before?"

Being pointed out, Yanyou walked in generously and said hello: "Hello, teachers, I'm a freshman. I heard that there is an assessment today, and I want to come to visit and study. If I disturb you, I will leave now .”

Naturally, it was impossible for him to talk about his plan to transfer to a strange teacher.And the teachers mistook him for a freshman in the Department of Archeology, thinking that this young man was quite studious, and couldn't help showing a smile on his face.The flat-headed man waved his hand generously: "Since you are here, let's take a look before leaving. You will apply for the Department of Archeology, so you should have some knowledge of antiques, right? Or, are your elders working in this field?"

Yan You didn't want to be too ostentatious, so he said vaguely: "Well, I know a little bit, but I still need to learn."

Just a freshman, not a celebrity.The teachers were fresh for a while, then let him go.Yan You walked around the room, and found that these are actually fakes, dismantled to pieces, probably used for students to practice their hands.

And the Yan Er Zun that Chen Boyi asked him for last night was placed on the largest desk alone in a precious place, obviously enjoying the treatment of "the only authentic product".

Yanyou's family has a long history of learning, and the first thing he used for practice was genuine products, so he naturally looked down on these fake products that are not even exquisite imitations.

Turned around, but still didn't wait for Chen Boyi. He was about to retreat outside to continue waiting, but when he passed a certain long table, he saw a shy and fair boy with a small side part, facing a brass-yellow-looking, and There are spots of yellow rust like patches, but the inside is black iron, with an expression of crying, and unconsciously muttering in his mouth: "How can there be yellow rust on iron? What are these rust marks?" The reason? Why can’t I remember it. Oh, I wish I had known that I would also copy the cheat sheet.”

Not only Yanyou could understand his muttering, but also the teachers.At that moment, a certain teacher took a closer look and slapped his head: "It's broken, why did you take this thing out? With their current eyesight, they still can't understand."

Muttering in his mouth, the teacher was just about to take away the misplaced fake, but he heard Yan You say to the student: "This is not a natural rust, it is mixed with tin powder and mercury and then applied to the utensils, and then painted on the rust." Put old vinegar and adjust the juice of copper sand powder. After the surface of the utensil changes, then immerse it in the well water just drawn in. When you pick it up, the surface becomes bronze. Fumigate with straw burning smoke, and then use Wipe it with an old cloth, and the color will be as bright as ancient bronzes. As for the rust marks on the surface, it is softened with shellac and rosin, added with copper rust powder, and then painted and solidified."

The boy let out an "ah" and said doubtfully, "I don't have any impression of what you said. Although I don't quite remember how it was written in the textbook, shouldn't I have no impression?"

Just now, Yanyou was reminded by his focused and anxious appearance, which brought back memories of the past.When asked by the boy, he suddenly came to his senses: it might not be suitable for me to talk about these rivers and lakes in school, so I smiled and didn't answer, turned around and wanted to leave.

At this time, someone behind him suddenly asked: "This is iron, but it is made of bronze, how can this be explained?"

Yan You didn't want to answer at first, but when he looked back, it was one of the teachers who asked the question.Knowing that among this group of people, one might be his future teacher, he must not be offended, so he replied: "This utensil is too rough in old ways, and it is obviously used by novices for practice. As for why iron is used instead of copper, I have no idea." It is estimated that iron pieces are cheaper than copper ones, so I use iron pieces to practice my hands."

As soon as this remark came out, the teachers were all shocked: This vision, this knowledge, let alone the students, even the teachers are not as good as him.How could this boy be so good at antiques at such a young age?

The flat-headed teacher has always been a bit impatient, so he immediately jumped off the chair, pointed to another object and asked, "Look at this again, how can I remove the traces of the glaze on the porcelain body?"

Is this trying to test yourself?Yanyou raised his eyebrows, glanced at the object he was pointing at, and immediately said: "This porcelain has traces of patching, it cannot be cleaned by ordinary methods, otherwise the patches will peel off. You can add a little alkali in warm water, Soak it, and the stain will disappear naturally after it becomes soft. But do not add too much alkali, let alone use strong acid, otherwise the glaze will fall off.”

"Hey, absolutely!" Mr. Pingtou stared at Yanyou as if he were looking at a national treasure, his eyes became more and more intense: "Where is that clay pot? There is fabric stuck to it, what should I do?"

"Is the fabric stuck?" Yan You glanced at the beam-lifting pot, which was a so-so imitation, and smiled slightly: "For unearthed cultural relics, it is necessary to retain appropriate attachments. For example, there is no embroidery on the bronze tripod. One would want to get rid of it, but there are counterfeiters who deliberately create rust patterns to prove that it is an antiquity. The linen on this pottery is actually a cultural relic in a sense. My suggestion is not to remove, keep."

clap clap-

Before the words fell, the teachers applauded one after another.They whispered again, asking whose child it was.Such a wealth of antique knowledge is beyond the reach of ordinary people.They believed that Yan You must be the junior of a certain antique family.If you can receive such a good material and quality under your door, you will not be in vain teaching books for half your life!With his aptitude, he might be an old English professor in the future!

For a while, almost all the teachers had this thought in their minds, but it was still the flat-headed teacher who responded the fastest.

He couldn't wait to grab Yan You's shoulder, and said with a smile on his face, "there are not many students in the Department of Archeology, and the teachers take four or five students according to their emphasis. What's your name? I'll take you after the journal opens." Right. My surname is Tu, and my name is Tu Zhi. I'm the deputy director of the Department of Archeology, and I focus on Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties bronzes. You have passed the examination just now, and you can get a scholarship as soon as you enroll."

——Do you want to start so quickly?

The other teachers, who were a step behind, were glaring at Tu Zhi. Suddenly, a voice cut in: "Who wants to get the scholarship? The students I lead have the best grades in the department. These four places should all be given to Tu Zhi." They are right."

This domineering speech made everyone frown.But although the faces of the teachers were not good, none of them dared to speak up.Because, it was none other than the head of the Department of Archeology, Xu Shinian.

Several students embraced Xu Shinian like stars and entered the room.He looked around with his hands behind his back, and was about to speak, but his eyes fixed on Yan You, and then he said with disgust: "What are you doing to eat, and let a sleazy worker get in here. What if you break something? ? Hurry him out!"