777米奇影

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“An authentic artifact? Hidden within a secret layer?”

The assembled crowd stared at each other, struck dumb in disbelief.

Indeed.

Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, had a profound appreciation for calligraphy, particularly that of Wang Xizhi. He held the latter’s work in such high esteem that each acquired piece was treated like a precious gem.

The reputation of the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was legendary, and Li Shimin had set his heart on securing it. But how could a mere monk like Biancai comply with the imperial demand?

Initially, Biancai feigned ignorance about the location of the original manuscript of the Orchid Pavilion. However, Li Shimin’s love for prestige stopped him from outright confiscating the artifact. Instead, he devised a strategy: he sent a man named Xiao Yi, disguised as a regular merchant, to gain Biancai’s trust. Once a bond was established, various tactics were employed to extract the whereabouts of the manuscript.

Once successful, Li Shimin sent men to seize the manuscript the very next day.

Biancai, not one to be outfoxed, had a plan. He was not about to watch passively as Li Shimin made off with his master, Monk Zhiyong’s cherished possession. In response, he gifted the Emperor an exquisite replica while cleverly concealing the original within a scroll, meant to baffle Li Shimin’s inquiry.

This replica was so convincing that it fooled even the sharp-eyed Li Shimin.

Speculation was rife on the internet that the original Preface to the Orchid Pavilion may be buried with Emperor Taizong, or it might be hidden within the Qianling Mausoleum of Wu Zetian and Li Zhi.

All these guesses were wrong.

What lay before Luo Feng was an item that had the possibility of a hidden layer harboring the authentic artifact.

“I’ve found it, it’s here!”

Luo Feng’s shout startled the crowd.

“There’s a hidden layer!” he reiterated, “The scroll’s surface must showcase Monk Zhiyong’s imitation, which was later passed onto Biancai’s disciple. After all, he originated from the Wang family. How difficult could it have been to mimic a visibly flawed copy? Perhaps it was even Biancai who made the copy.”

“But the real intrigue is in the authentic piece presented to Li Shimin, probably a meticulously crafted replica, so convincing it could pass as genuine. That replica might be the most valuable of all!”

“However, I have yet to find its location!”

“The first of the existing copies of the Orchid Pavilion belongs to Yu Shinan.

However, an imitation that could dupe Li Shimin should surpass them all!”

“The puzzling question is why Monk Zhiyong would create an obviously flawed silk copy for display. If it’s not intentionally hiding something, then it’s odd!” This line of thinking was not arbitrary. Luo Feng’s hypothesis was informed by the system’s hint that this item was of incalculable value.

Assuming the artifact was only worth several million, a hidden layer would not even have been contemplated.

To put it plainly, the silk scroll was an artifact from the Sui-Tang period, likely a subpar work of Monk Zhiyong. Hidden within, however, was the original Preface to the Orchid Pavilion by Wang Xizhi.

The system had difficulty identifying the exact period. If it belonged to the Sui-Tang period, how did it house an artifact from the Eastern Jin Dynasty?

“But whether these assumptions are correct, we’ll only Imow once we’ve uncovered the truth!” Luo Feng said to himself. He could sense the hidden layer – it had an unusual thickness for a silk scroll, but its advanced age concealed any external anomalies.

Before anyone could respond, Luo Feng swiftly pulled out his Jungle Blade. A stunned Gu Santong caught his arm, “Luo Feng, what are you planning?” “Nothing major, all I want is to open it up for a look!” Luo Feng casually retorted.

Gu Santong, whom after shooting a glance towards Zhang Shaowei, transferred the responsibility of handling the matter onto him.

Zhang Shaowei stammered, the pressure of his first tomb raiding experience with Luo Feng daunting. He mustered his courage, adjusting his glasses, and said “L-L-Luo Feng, are you certain there’s a genuine artifact inside? What if you’re mistaken?”

“I’m certain!” Luo Feng nodded, asking, “Where’s the Director of the Cultural Relics Bureau?”

“In the adjacent room, assessing more artifacts!” came the reply.

“Can someone fetch him? I need to discuss something with him,” Luo Feng requested.

“I’ll go,” Little Wu volunteered. He was off in an instant.

Mr. Zheng from the Cultural Relics Bureau arrived within a few minutes. Upon seeing Luo Feng brandishing a knife and Gu Santong holding his arm, he was baffled.

“Luo Feng, you called for me?” Mr. Zheng inquired.

“I need your assistance in assessing this calligraphy,” Luo Feng said.

“Whose calligraphy?”

Mr. Zheng glanced around the room filled with calligraphy-filled boxes, wondering why the sudden urgency when other artifacts were still awaiting assessment.

“The Preface to the Orchid Pavilion!” Luo Feng casually replied.

“Wait, the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion? Is it authentic?” Mr. Zheng’s surprise was palpable.

Zhang Shaowei quickly intervened, “No, it’s not. Luo Feng suspects this silk scroll is either a careless replica by Monk Zhiyong or an intentionally flawed one by Biancai to mislead Li Shimin..”