Siheyuan: Pretend to be a Pig and Eat the Tiger

Grandpa Guan gave the ragged man a meaningful look, as if to say, "You didn't even notice? Have you wasted all these years?"
The ragpicker rolled his eyes. Isn't it normal that he can't tell? Besides, this thing is just He Yuzhu's guess. We don't even know if there's anything inside!

"Tell me, where did this thing come from?"

"Old sir, here's the situation... Of course, I'm not relying on my eyesight, it's purely a guess. Our ancestors were quite distinguished; they had a huanghuali box and collected a copy of a painting. But something just doesn't seem right, so I came to ask you to take a look!"

"Hmm, that doesn't make sense. Let me take a look!"

Grandpa Guan carefully rubbed the calligraphy and painting, and was immediately stunned. This was not the material used for painting in the Qing Dynasty. Logically speaking, it shouldn't be this thick. Could there really be something inside?
He then took out his special tools and first applied an unknown liquid to the edges of the calligraphy and painting. After waiting for a while, Grandpa Guan carefully used his special knife to rub it on. The people in the house were stunned by Grandpa Guan's actions and dared not breathe!

"Haha... Ragman, you've really misjudged this time. Look, this is a national treasure-level painting. This old man is more than satisfied to have seen this!"

A silk painting pasted on a piece of paper appeared before everyone's eyes. Han Chunming and the ragged Hou looked at the silk painting in disbelief.

The figures in the painting are lifelike and the details are exquisite. For example, Feng Jieyu's bravery and Ban Jieyu's solemnity are highlighted through dynamic contrast.
The brushwork employs the "floating silk" technique, with fine, continuous lines and elegant colors. It combines educational function with aesthetic value, making this painting invaluable!

"Grandpa, this isn't right. It shouldn't be this short, should it?"

The ragged man stared in disbelief at the painting before him, but the length was wrong!

"Hehe, this is folded up. I dare not unfold it. If I break it, I'll be a sinner. It would be a life wasted!"

"The Tang Dynasty copy is in the British Museum. It is said that there are nine sections that exist. It is a colored silk painting with a simple and exquisite style."

The Palace Museum has 11 sections of a Song Dynasty copy, drawn on paper with two extra sections. Master, is this an authentic work?

Han Chunming's lips were trembling. If it was genuine, then...

"That's right, it should be real. This painting is in line with Gu Kaizhi's style. Zhu Zi, I have to say, you're incredibly lucky, even managing to get something this good!"

Even Grandpa Guan had to admit that treasures aren't something just anyone can obtain; without extraordinary luck, it's simply impossible.
"Sir, according to you, this is Gu Kaizhi's 'Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies'?"

Looking at the scenes of noblewomen and court ladies in the painting, He Yuzhu thought, "Not having much knowledge of antiques doesn't mean I've never seen a picture of the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies. It's unbelievable!"

"If I'm not mistaken, the painting should be the Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies. Have you figured out what to do with the pillars? This is a national treasure!"

"Sigh... It seems this treasure is beyond saving. I guess I'll have to give it away. As for what happens next, that's not up to me!"

He Yuzhu understood what Grandpa Guan meant, but wouldn't it be a huge loss to give such a thing directly to the Palace Museum?
Do I need that kind of empty fame? I'd rather give it away; that way, I can maximize my profits. I'm so smart.

If no one knows, keeping it is fine, but there are too many people here, and the secret might be leaked. It's better to give it away openly and gain a favor, haha! "Sure enough, you're a shrewd businessman. But, once it's in that person's hands, it's also in the hands of the country. Not bad!"

Grandpa Guan and the ragpicker were satisfied with He Yuzhu's handling of the situation. Of course, since the items belonged to He Yuzhu, there was nothing they could do if he didn't want to donate them, but it wasn't a very good solution after all.

Collectors may possess valuable items, but holding such national treasures is never truly safe.

If they were damaged or lost, they would be sinners in history. Therefore, these people would hand over any national treasures they came across to the country!
The appraisal was over. Su Meng's uncle dared not covet the "Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies" painting, because who would dare to snatch the tiger's teeth from the person He Yuzhu mentioned?
Conversely, given his strength, it would be impossible for him to capture the Instructress to the Court Ladies; on the contrary, he might even incur He Yuzhu's malice!

A few days later, Li Huaide received news that Su Meng's uncle had sold the entire batch of antiques for 2.3 million yuan!

"Sir, I have a question for you... Is this true?"

"Mr. Li, it's true that many people saw it. It was the Huo family's auction house, but it was bought by a mysterious person before it even started, and the Huo family paid for it!"

"Great, the promised payment has been wired to you, thank you!"

The information about Li Huaide was naturally leaked 'unintentionally' by a guest from Hong Kong Island. This person was also an extremely cautious individual who specifically hired a private investigator from Hong Kong Island to verify it!
In the end, Li Huaide became certain that Su Meng's uncle had indeed sold it. Speaking of this, Li Huaide was so angry that his teeth itched. It turned out that he had only received the smallest share.

If I had known this would happen, I would have gone to Hong Kong Island to make the deal myself. However, considering the complicated relationships there and the unsafe security situation, I ultimately gave up.

After witnessing two people being drowned, he realized that Hong Kong was completely different from Beijing. It was the domain of capital and triads. As long as the Governor of Hong Kong didn't interfere with their interests and adopted a laissez-faire attitude, Beijing was at least a little safer!
"Thank you, Mr. Li. By the way, Mr. Li, I found the person you asked me to find. You Fengxia is the deputy general manager of a company in Hong Kong. The general manager seems to be from Beijing, named Xu Damao!"

"What? Xu Damao? Are you sure his name is Xu Damao?"

"Yes, Mr. Li, I'm sure his name is Xu Damao. He's from Beijing and supposedly has the support of a powerful figure to establish an entertainment company..."

"Very good, really good, thank you, goodbye!"

Li Huaide stared coldly at the teacup in front of him. No wonder his television was targeted as soon as it arrived in the capital. It turned out that these two people had set a trap together.

You Fengxia, Xu Damao, you two adulterers, just you wait! Once I've made enough money, I'll deal with you!
Xu Damao and You Fengxia, far away in Hong Kong, were unaware that they were being targeted by a sinister figure, and Li Huaide was also unaware that he was being targeted by He Yuzhu's men...

"Brother Zhu, someone saw Bang Geng today. He might be targeting He Ying or Nian En. He Ying is fine, since he's a man, but Nian En is in danger!"

As soon as Cai Qiuyue got home that evening, she anxiously recounted the information she had obtained: Who is Bang Geng? He's been missing for so many years, who knows what he's been through? Nian En is being targeted, what good can come of it?
"That kid actually showed up. I have to say, he's learned some skills over the years, but he's still a bit lacking when it comes to winning hearts and minds!" (End of Chapter)