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墨書 Inktalez
"Is this painting fake?" Mom Han asked like an expert on TV, checking the paper and checking the signature, and finally came to a conclusion. Hanno couldn't help but laugh. Even if this painting was not painted by Li Sixun, it was copied by an ancient person. It is an ancient painting, not a modern forgery. "No, this "River Sail and Pavilion Painting" has a rigorous composition. It uses the One Jiao of the mountains to set off the vast river waves, and the green trees to set off the refreshing coolness. It uses scattered perspective to gather thousands of people. Thousands of scenes are displayed on one piece of paper. In the specific creation, the artist uses the method of first drawing lines and then filling in colors to outline the outlines of mountains and rocks with thick and slightly square ink lines to express the changes of hills and valleys, near and far. Carefully, it skillfully expresses the spatial perspective of front and rear, far and near...forming a golden landscape painting style with a profound and majestic artistic conception, strong brushwork, steep style, uniform and elegant colors, and a decorative style, with high artistic conception and strong brushwork. The rich colors and uniqueness are the characteristics of the Li Sixun genre, which modern people cannot imitate. I think, even if this painting is not the work of Li Sixun, it is an imitation of the painting by Tang Dynasty. It's a thousand-year-old painting." Mom Han took a breath: "How much does it cost?" Hanno: "I don't know, but it should be worth tens of millions. You know I only spent two hundred yuan to buy it." "Two hundred yuan! It's so cheap. Even if this painting is not real, it is still worth it if you can't sell it. I will frame it and hang it. In our living room. “Mom Han still doesn’t believe that the painting is real. As for tens of millions, Mom Han doesn’t expect it. I have food, clothing, and shelter at home, and I don’t expect a windfall. HanDad was troubled by the fact that he had not heard the name of the painter and asked: "Who is Li Sixun?" "A relatively famous painter in the Tang Dynasty, he was praised by Ming Dynasty Dong Qichang as one of the 'Northern Sect's of landscape painting" Ancestor." Hanno explained to his father, "This person can be regarded as a member of the Li Tang clan, the grandson of Tang Gaozu Li Yuan's cousin Prince Changping Li Shuliang. The son of Li Xiaobin, the governor of Yuanzhou, and the uncle of the famous prime minister Li Linfu. He was famous for his military exploits and was known as "General Li" in the world. Then he smacked his lips: "During the Tang Dynasty, there were many people with both civil and military skills. Li Bai, the immortal poet, knew the art of fencing and traveled around wearing a sword." Hanno nodded: "The Tang Dynasty was the most prosperous and interesting one. Dynasty. By the way, I will go to Provincial Capital tomorrow to understand her purpose. My daughter must be selling paintings. "Where are you going?" Mom Han asked. Hanno said: "Up to three." Han Dad: "Go and stay at your Third Uncle's house. He has a vacant room there, and it's close to Songxian Bridge."
Hanno shook her head. "It's troublesome; I'd rather stay at a hotel."
If Han Dad and Mom Han were going to the Provincial Capital together, she would follow them to stay at her uncle and aunt's house. But since Hanno was going alone, she preferred the convenience of a hotel, avoiding the constraints of staying at someone else's home.
"Suit yourself," Han Dad and Mom Han understood that their daughter had become somewhat estranged from her relatives due to spending years away from home, so they didn't press her.
The next morning, Hanno headed to the train station and bought a ticket to the Provincial Capital. Perhaps because taking the train was both fast and cheap, there were many people traveling to the Provincial Capital. Even though it wasn't the weekend, all the seats were sold out, and the aisles were packed with people, including those standing by the restroom door. Hanno stood at the entrance, swaying with the train until it finally arrived at the Provincial Capital. As soon as the conductor opened the door, she rushed out. Emma, it smelled terrible inside!
After exiting the train station, Hanno took a taxi directly to the Song Xian Bridge Antique Market. The Song Xian Bridge Antique Market is located in the Huanhua Cultural Scenic Area by the Mo Di River in downtown Provincial Capital. It is said that Lu Dongbin descended to attend a lantern festival at Qingyang Palace and crossed this bridge on his way west, hence its name "Song Xian Bridge."
The Song Xian Bridge Antique Market was quite bustling, with antique shops and stalls lined up like a maze, giving one a sense of "not knowing the true face of Mount Lu, only being born in this mountain." Hanno wasn't in a hurry to sell her paintings; instead, she began wandering through the antique market. She strolled past various stalls filled with Qin bricks and Han tiles, Ming and Qing porcelain, ivory carvings, Buddhist decorations, Yixing purple clay teapots, Henan three-color pottery, various jade items, snuff bottles, smoking pipes, ceramic figures, badges, pictures, comic strips, stamps, and even Red Guard badges from the Cultural Revolution period. There was an overwhelming array of items to see. Unfortunately, many were fakes. As for genuine items, they were relatively expensive and wouldn't hold much collectible value after purchase.
Hanno pouted slightly; she had hoped to find some good deals but realized that wouldn't be possible. She turned around and entered some of the more established shops. As she walked through them one by one, although there were shops dealing in paintings and calligraphy, Hanno didn't take out her two paintings to inquire about prices. She felt that these shops wouldn't be able to handle her two pieces.
After wandering around the entire antique market, Hanno finally settled on an auction house called Denglin Pavilion. It wasn't because of its large storefront but because Hanno had checked online and found that this place had a good reputation. So she walked between two stone lions standing upright at the entrance.
"Hello, ma'am. Are you here to buy or sell?" A receptionist dressed in a qipao approached her with a warm smile.
"To sell; I have two ancient paintings," Hanno replied.
"Okay, please follow me." The receptionist led Hanno upstairs. There was a row of reception rooms on this floor; she took Hanno into a relatively spacious room and offered her a cup of hot tea. "Please wait a moment; our appraiser will be here shortly."
A few minutes later, a middle-aged man in his forties walked into the reception room. After introducing himself as Mr. Zhang, he asked Hanno for the ancient paintings that needed appraisal.
Hanno first took out "River Sail and Pavilion Painting."
The man's nonchalant demeanor vanished as he laid eyes on the "River Sail and Pavilion Painting." His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the artwork on the scroll. "Is this... the 'River Sail and Pavilion Painting'?"
Hanno smiled slightly. "Yes. I can't be certain if this is an original by Li Sixun, but I can confirm that this painting is from the Tang Dynasty. Even if it's a copy, the quality of the imitation is exceptionally high."
The man hardly heard Hanno's words, completely engrossed in appraising the ancient painting. With white gloves and a magnifying glass in hand, he even donned a mask to avoid breathing on the artwork. This action left a favorable impression on Hanno.
After more than half an hour, the man finally lifted his head and removed his mask. Hanno thought he had completed his appraisal and asked, "How is it?"
The man replied, "I'm not sure yet; I need to consult a few more people for verification. You wait here for a bit longer, Xia, please attend to this lady."
With that, the man swiftly turned and exited.
Xia, also known as the Receptionist, offered an awkward smile. "Mr. Zhang wants to be responsible for your ancient painting; that's why he won't jump to conclusions so easily."
Hanno smiled back. "Don't worry; I understand."
A few minutes later, a cacophony of footsteps echoed from outside. When the door opened, several people entered. Along with Mr. Zhang were a few middle-aged men of similar age and an elderly white-haired gentleman.
Mr. Zhang introduced Hanno, saying, "This is Master Yuan, an authority on antiques and calligraphy in our circle."
"Hello, Master Yuan," Hanno greeted politely.
Master Yuan merely nodded before moving to the table. Hanno chuckled softly, not minding Master Yuan's lack of courtesy. She understood that everyone's attention was captivated by the ancient painting.
In total, there were five people including Master Yuan and Mr. Zhang; it seemed Mr. Zhang had gathered all the appraisers from Denglin Pavilion. The group began to study and discuss among themselves until they finally reached a conclusion.
"Ms. Han, this 'River Sail Pavilion Painting' of yours is genuine." Master Yuan beamed with delight as he spoke to Hanno, his attitude markedly warmer than before.
Hanno smiled and replied, "That's great to hear. I look forward to your appraisal, Master Yuan."
Master Yuan laughed heartily and asked, "Ms. Han, are you looking to consign this painting for auction at our auction house, or would you prefer to sell it directly to us?"
He thought to himself that he must close this deal; it would make all the time spent studying the 'River Sail Pavilion Painting' worthwhile.
Naturally, consigning the painting would yield a higher price, but Hanno was in urgent need of cash and decided to sell the 'River Sail Pavilion Painting' directly to the auction house for eight million Renminbi—definitely a bargain.
Once the transaction was completed, Master Yuan and his team of appraisers were about to leave when Hanno called out to him.
"Master Yuan, I have another ancient painting that I would like your help in appraising."
Master Yuan and the appraisers immediately halted in their tracks, their eyes lighting up as they stared at Hanno. Having just seen one 'River Sail Pavilion Painting,' surely the next one wouldn't disappoint?
Hanno produced the 'Guo Guo Consort's Spring Outing Painting' and unfolded it.
A series of gasps filled the air.
"This is the 'Guo Guo Consort's Spring Outing Painting'?!" Master Yuan exclaimed, disregarding his image as he leaned closer, while the other appraisers reacted similarly.
Hanno stepped back and smiled at Ying Bin Xia. "Could you please pour me another cup of hot tea?"
"Of course," Xia replied.
Ultimately, "Guo Guo Consort's Spring Outing Painting" was also authenticated as a genuine piece. This time, Hanno chose not to sell it directly but opted for an auction instead. The auction would take place next month in Hong Kong, and Master Yuan provided Hanno with an invitation to attend in person. After considering her schedule and finding nothing pressing, she agreed to go. Master Yuan bid her farewell with a warm handshake, inviting her to visit again.
Hanno smiled lightly, "I will."
The treasures brought by the trash can were not to be underestimated. There was definitely a chance for another collaboration with Denglin Pavilion.
Ying Bin Xia sent off the "Fortune Goddess" Hanno with a beaming smile and an overly courteous attitude. The bonus received from hosting Hanno was equivalent to her monthly salary.
With the money already deposited, Hanno had no intention of holding onto it any longer. She hurriedly found a nearby bank and transferred the funds to Zhang Mingqiao's account as instructed. To avoid any shortage, she sent an additional one hundred thousand.
Two minutes later, Hanno received a call from Zhang Mingqiao.
"Sister-in-law, you sent too much money."
Hanno replied, "A little extra never hurts; just keep it. I’m not short on cash. When you run out, just call me again, and I'll send more."
Zhang Mingqiao's voice trembled with emotion, tinged with tears. "Sister-in-law, thank you so much."
After hanging up the phone, Hanno sighed. She had already learned from Wei Feng's other comrade about the reason Zhang Mingqiao needed the money: Zhang Mingqiao's brother and sister-in-law had been in a car accident; his sister-in-law died on the spot, and his brother had broken both legs. Upon hearing this tragic news, Zhang Mingqiao's mother collapsed, leaving only his elderly father and his two-year-old nephew. Saving Brother Zhang and their mother required a significant amount of money, but the Zhang family was not wealthy enough to come up with such a sum all at once. Although Special Forces salaries were high, Zhang Mingqiao did not have much savings; combined with Brother Zhang’s savings, they only had over six hundred thousand, while treating both would cost over a million. With no other options left, Zhang Mingqiao had to borrow money. However, his comrades were not wealthy either; he could only turn to Hanno for help. He thought of the compensation Wei Feng had left for Hanno and wasn't sure if she had used it all or if she would help him out of respect for Wei Feng. In desperation, he decided to take a chance. To his surprise, Hanno proved to be just as Wei Feng described—one of the best women around—not only lending him money without asking questions but also sending him an extra one hundred thousand just in case. With the funds arriving in time, both Zhang Mingqiao's mother and brother received proper treatment and were out of danger.
Aside from Zhang Mingqiao, many of Wei Feng's comrades faced various unresolved family difficulties. Now that they had some money on hand and quick ways to earn more, Hanno contemplated establishing a fund specifically to help soldiers address their family issues. This idea originally came from Wei Feng; unfortunately, he was no longer around to see it through. Hanno decided she would help realize it for him. However, this was not something that could be rushed. Setting up a foundation involved too many complicated procedures and management tasks; being somewhat lazy herself, Hanno preferred to find a partner who could handle all those details while she simply provided the funding.
After spending two hours at Denglin Pavilion and another half hour at the bank, it was already past noon. Hanno felt her empty stomach and found a restaurant for lunch before checking into a room at a nearby four-star hotel. She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly—selling the painting within half a day and transferring money to Zhang Mingqiao—and now she found herself unsure of what to do next. But since she was already in Provincial Capital, she decided to enjoy herself some more. Instead of visiting local attractions like Du Fu Thatched Cottage or Qingyang Palace, she headed straight for Chunxi Road—the most famous pedestrian street in Provincial Capital—and the Lotus Pool market where she splurged on food, clothing, and various items until she was nearly overwhelmed by her purchases. With so many things that she couldn’t carry them all back by train, she rented a car instead and filled half the trunk before having it drive her home.
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