Chapter 256 - Chapter 256: 123 Rainy Night (First Watch)

Chapter 256: 123 Rainy Night (First Watch)

Translator: 549690339

“The reason Songru Ware is so precious is that its production process has been lost and its exquisite craftsmanship is difficult to replicate. Nowadays, there are fewer than seventy authentic pieces left in the world. This Narcissus Basin was created during the reign of Song Huizong, Zhao Ji. The name ‘sky-blue’ originated from him, making Songru Ware famous worldwide.”

Gu Tiantian passionately explained, “The Song Dynasty’s Songru Ware

Narcissus Basin was collected by Wen Chang, a great collector during the Qing Dynasty. He meticulously recorded the provenance of this cultural relic in his book, Wen Qing’s Story. Wen Chang later died in a war, and the whereabouts of his entire collection were unknown. It was not until the 1970s that Wen Chang’s great-grandson pawned the Narcissus Basin due to financial difficulties. Wen Chang’s son had taken a portion of the collection and hid it in a rural cellar after his father’s death. They changed their names and hid their identity for decades. One year, a severe drought struck the countryside, and the family had no choice but to pawn one of their treasured items. The Songru Ware Narcissus Basin was purchased by a country gentleman named Zhao Gang during the same year. Fifteen years ago, Zhao Gang’s grandson lost all his fortune in gambling, and the Narcissus Basin was also lost. To my knowledge, it ended up in Ran Bowen’s hands.”

Upon hearing the name Ran Bowen, everyone present froze.

Although the name had disappeared for twelve years, it remained a terrifying one no matter how much time had passed.

“Ran Bowen? Hasn’t he been dead for twelve years?” Mrs. Gu blurted out unconsciously.

If the Narcissus Basin in Ran Bowen’s possession was confirmed to be authentic, how could it have ended up in the hands of a grave-robbing gang? Wasn’t this contradictory?

If what Gu Tiantian said was true, the Narcissus Basin in Jiade Group’s possession must be a fake.

Cold sweat broke out on Zou Dawei’s forehead. Matters were getting out of control; how could it now be connected to Ran Bowen, who had been dead for twelve years?

Madam Shen grinned and said, “Isn’t that simple? After Ran Bowen’s death, his property must have been inherited by his descendants. Just ask them. There’s no need to make things so complicated.”

“Yes, yes, asking Ran Bowen’s descendants. For a wealthy family like the Rans, they wouldn’t easily sell their antiques,” said Gu Tiantian.

Jiang Chunlan nodded and ordered Zhou Xue, “Contact Ran Tengxiao.”

Everyone looked at each other, feeling that things were becoming increasingly complicated this evening.

Zou Dawei glared at Ming Jing, blaming her for causing all this trouble.

Ming Jing didn’t expect to drag Ran Tengxiao into this. She glanced at Jiang Chunlan, wondering if everything was just a coincidence.

Although it was almost ten o’clock, no one suggested leaving.

“Madam, Ran Tengxiao said he knows nothing about the cultural relics left by Ran Bowen,” Zhou Xue whispered to Jiang Chunlan as she walked in.

Ming Jing, who was close by, happened to hear it.

Her eyes widened in surprise, suspecting that something was amiss.

If Ran Tengxiao was not lying, the Rans hadn’t found Ran Bowen’s secret chamber.

If Ran Tengxiao was lying… Why would he lie?

Why would this counterfeit circulate on the market? This needed a thorough investigation. Perhaps many people could be exposed in the process, which might be the reason behind Ran Tengxiao’s lie.

All these secrets had been accidentally exposed by Ming Jing.

Ming Jing curled her lips, finding the situation increasingly interesting.

Jiang Chunlan frowned, “Did he really say that?”

Zhou Xue nodded.

Zou Dawei looked at Gu Tiantian, “Master Gu, after all these twists and turns, you still can’t make your story coherent. Is it possible that someone is deliberately framing our Jiade Group’s reputation?”

By this time, Gu Tiantian had regained her composure, “Although it is impossible to determine the authenticity of the artifact from its source, it makes sense from Ms. Zhu’s perspective. Everyone believes me, and I cannot disappoint their trust.”

“Exactly, Mrs. Gu was the one who initially said that Master Gu is an industry leader and authority. Now when the Master has spoken, you don’t believe it. Why do you get to have the last word?” Madam Shen sneered at Mrs. Gu.

Mrs. Gu’s face darkened, unable to find any way out of the situation. She never expected Gu Tiantian to side with Zhu Mingjing.

Jiang Chunlan looked at Zou Dawei, “Mr. Zou, tell me, what should we do about this situation?”

Zou Dawei patted his chest and said, “Madam Jiang, I guarantee that every auction item in our Jiade Group is authentic. I don’t know why Master Gu would say this, but perhaps he was deceived by someone. After all, our Jiade Group has established many enemies in the competitive market….”