Chapter 4, Guo Jiu, the guarantor

Gao Qiu and Wu Dalang are not familiar with each other; it would not be an exaggeration to say that they are merely acquaintances. What gives him the right to vouch for Wu Haogu? Moreover, the guarantee amounts to 7,200 strings of cash

Upon hearing these words, Wu Haowen nearly jumped up

Since there is the seal of Chen Daizhao, let us proceed according to the rules

The crowd parted, making way for Gao Qiu, who was holding a painting, and Liu Wuji, who was carrying an easel, to walk through.

Wu Haowen's expression suddenly changed, and he shouted loudly: "Why doesn't Lord Wan from the Wan Family Shop come himself? I suspect there is something fishy about this matter!"

Alright, if it's one month, then so be it!" Wu Haogu cupped his hands and said, "I must thank you, Master Zhao, for that.

Those who can become waiting officials are all masters in calligraphy and painting, not only excelling in their artistic skills but also possessing exceptional discernment. In the calligraphy and painting circles of Kaifeng, waiting officials are the authorities among authorities

The Head of the Hanlin Academy's Painting Institute, known as the Waiting Scholar, is essentially the supervisor of all Waiting Scholars, artists, scholars, and craftsmen (the five positions of the Hanlin Painting Institute). Although he does not hold an official title (the Waiting Scholar is the most esteemed position in the Hanlin Painting Institute, yet it is merely a bureaucratic identity), he is already very close to being appointed to an official position (being appointed is the pathway for bureaucrats to transition into official roles), and he may receive an official appointment at any time

"No more than one month." Zhao Tieniu looked at Wu Haogu and said, enunciating each word, "Just one month, it cannot be extended!"

The sound of the response came from within the tightly closed door of the painting studio, and then Wu Haogu saw the main door of the studio being pushed open from the inside. A boy, around sixteen or seventeen years old, with a delicate appearance but somewhat thin and short stature, appeared at the door.

"How about I vouch for it?" Gao Qiu handed the painting to Liu Wuji and then patted his chest as he spoke

The family possesses shops, real estate, and many exquisite paintings and calligraphy; however, they do not have much cash on hand. Otherwise, they would not need to use authentic masterpieces as collateral to borrow money from the Pan family in the alley.

Elder brother

The authenticity of the calligraphy and paintings sold on Panlou Street cannot be determined solely by the claims of buyers or sellers; it must be assessed by the officials from the Kaifeng Calligraphy and Painting Shop, or the waiting scholars from the Hanlin Academy of Calligraphy and Painting.

Thank you, esteemed sir. Wu Haogu also hurriedly cupped his hands in salute

Hehe, how about this? Here is a promissory note. You and your father, who is in prison, just need to sign it. One month later, if you cannot repay the debt, your family's painting studio will serve as collateral. If that is still not enough, then it will be unfortunate for your family.

Since the esteemed official has come forward to vouch, I have no objections

Wu Haogu let out a soft sigh, knowing that it would make no difference whether he asked or remained silent

Wu Dalang was still pondering, but his younger brother Wu Haowen spoke up to express his gratitude first

The esteemed Lord Wan from Wanjia Puzhi does not dare to defy those influential figures who covet the treasures of the Wu family, and without a doubt, Zhao Tieniu must also be acting under someone's orders to step forward as the villain.

Wu Haogu feigned a relaxed smile and said, "It is merely 7,200 strings of cash; there will always be a way to raise it."

This boy was originally Hao Gu's half-brother, named Hao Wen. He is only 16 years old this year and is a diligent scholar devoted to Confucian studies. Most of his time is spent studying hard at the Kaifeng Prefectural School, and he rarely comes to Panlou Street to help out, so he naturally does not know the rules of Panlou Street

He cupped his hands towards Zhao Tieniu and said, "Master Zhao, if you can trust my family, how about granting a grace period of two to three months?"

Upon hearing Gao Qiu announce the title of Prince Consort Wang, Zhao Tieniu's heart began to race.

The esteemed General Gao certainly does not come with good intentions, and behind Zhao Tieniu and Hanlin Academy's waiting official Chen Youwen, there may also be significant players involved. Furthermore, with a certain high-ranking eunuch in the palace, it is as if they could easily gather a full table for mahjong.

But where in the house is there seven thousand two hundred cash

"Wait a moment." At this time, Zhao Tieniu extended his hand and said, "Wu Dalang, it is not that I do not trust you, but the Wu family's situation is quite evident now. Can you really produce seven thousand two hundred coins in a month? What if you brothers run away? Where would I go to look for you then?"

Zhao Tieniu pulled out another document and threw it in front of Wu Haogu. Wu Haogu did not move at all, but Wu Haowen rushed out from inside the room, bent down to pick up the document, and scanned it quickly, his expression immediately turning very grim

Upon hearing Gao Qiu's words, Zhao Tieniu and Wu Dalang simultaneously changed their expressions.

Thank you very much for your assistance, esteemed official. I am deeply grateful for your kindness.

However, considering that the Wu family also has this unruly friend who is not to be trifled with, it would not be appropriate to press the matter too hard

"It is settled with a word; I will respectfully await the arrival of the two esteemed guests tomorrow at the hour of Si in front of the Kaifeng County Yamen."

"Er Lang." Wu Haogu waved his hand, interrupting his brother's words, "The rules of the calligraphy and painting industry are just like this"

Gao Qiu laughed and said: "No need, I will come to take it myself."

Gao Qiu said: "Could the small official Gao Qiu at the Prince's residence possibly provide a guarantee?"

It is Master Chen, the esteemed official, who is awaiting his appointment at the Hanlin Academy of Painting, Master Chen!

Zhao Tieniu said: "The official documents are here, you may read them yourself"

"Huang Family Prosperity" is a painting style pioneered by the renowned painter Huang Quan of the Later Shu during the Five Dynasties period. Its luxurious style, intricate outlines, and rich colors make it particularly suitable for the opulent atmosphere and decorative tastes of the imperial court, thus earning the favor of the Northern Song dynasty royalty. In the early Northern Song period, it became a standard for evaluating the quality of the painting academy. For the martial brothers who aimed to master painting techniques and enter the academy, "Huang Family Prosperity" was a style that they could easily grasp.

Zhao Tieniu smiled and handed the scroll in his hand to Wu Haogu. Wu Haogu took the scroll and looked at it; there was a seal on it, which bore the impression of "Hanlin Academy Waiting for Orders Zhi Chen." Half of the impression was on the seal, and the other half was on the scroll. Additionally, at the junction of the scroll and the seal, several characters were written in running script, including "forgery" and "Chen Youwen."

Wu Haogu looked at Gao Qiu in surprise. Gao Qiu seemed to have anticipated Wu Haogu's reaction and smiled faintly at him

If Chen Daizhao issued the official document, then the Wu family must have sold a fake painting

The boy was also dressed in scholarly attire, with a sprig of emerald leaves tucked behind his ear, glaring angrily at Wu Dalang

Then how will you proceed

"Bring the painting over for me to take a look," said Wu Haogu.

Wu Dalang had no experience in the martial world in his previous life, but the memories of this life tell him that the troubles of the Wu family on Panlou Street are becoming increasingly significant now

Wu Haogu said: "Thank you very much for your kind favor, I will deliver the painting to your residence in three days."

Zhao Daguoren, which official issued the document stating that the painting is a forgery? Wu Haogu furrowed his brows, but in his heart, he already understood what was going on

Just when one was feeling anxious, suddenly someone in the crowd shouted loudly: "That bird, do not push people too hard."

Zhao Tieniu, however, remained unconcerned and said with a grin: "Wu Erlang, if you do not believe me, feel free to go to the Wan family shop on Moxing Street and ask Master Wan for clarification... However, after you have clarified, this sum of 7,200 coins cannot be a single cent less!"

Thus, he can only apply the hyper-realistic painting style to meticulous brushwork. Fortunately, he has diligently practiced meticulous brushwork in both his past and present lives, and his painting skills are quite commendable. Coupled with the mastery he has achieved in this life, he can indeed be regarded as a master artist.

"It is fine if you do not sign, then just find a guarantor," Zhao Tieniu said. "If there is no one to act as a guarantor, then do not blame Zhao for being unyielding..."

Indeed, how could the Wu family painting studio engage in such unscrupulous business? It seems that not long ago, the palace also sought a refund from their establishment...

"Hehe, I also cannot stand that rogue's arrogance." Gao Qiu waved his hand dismissively and said with a smile, "I just saw that Da Lang's meticulous work is truly impressive, and I am quite fond of it. Such painting skills must have been genuinely passed down from the wealthy Huang family. I wonder if you could paint a piece for me?"

However, what Gao Qiu saw in the charcoal drawing was not "Huang Jia Fu Gui," but rather a hyper-realistic sketch from later generations, which was simply unfinished, leading Gao Qiu to mistakenly believe it was a meticulous draft (drafts generally refer to preliminary sketches and do not necessarily have to be made with chalk or earth pigments). Nevertheless, Wu Haogu currently cannot sell his charcoal sketches, as without fixative, charcoal drawings cannot be preserved long-term, and the fixative requires alcohol, specifically high-purity distilled white liquor... This will require some effort... However, Wu Haogu currently cannot sell his charcoal sketches, as without fixative, charcoal drawings cannot be preserved long-term, and the fixative requires alcohol, specifically high-purity distilled white liquor... This will require some effort...

A wave of discussion arose around, all in support of Zhao Tieniu, while Wu Haowen's expression was extremely grim, his pair of questioning eyes fixed on Zhao Tieniu

This guarantor is acting very suspiciously

Moreover, according to the regulations, paintings and calligraphy sold by official merchants cannot be appraised for authenticity by other official merchants; they must be evaluated by the Hanlin Academy's waiting scholars.

Zhao Tieniu cupped his hands in salute to Gao Qiu, then cast a complex glance at Wu Dalang before leaving in a dejected manner with his idle subordinates

Wu Haogu understood that this was the rule of the calligraphy and painting trade, whether it was a request for a waiting order or the regulations of the official's inspection. The seller could only break the seal and examine the calligraphy and painting under the mediation of the intermediary if they were prepared to refund the money and goods. If the calligraphy and painting was not the one sold, then it would be a matter to be resolved in the official court

Zhao Tieniu was somewhat annoyed

Zhao Tieniu is an old hand; upon glancing at Gao Qiu, he immediately discerned that he was not a person to be trifled with, and promptly clasped his hands together, saying: "Isn't this the esteemed official Gao, with the surname Gao and a great name?"

If it is said that the paintings and calligraphy sold by the Wu family are forgeries, then even if they are genuine, they are of no use

Wu Haogu thought to himself, this is indeed 7,200 coins! When the Wu family was prosperous, it was naturally not a problem, but now, who would dare to stand up as a guarantor?

Wu Dalang sneered: "Zhao Tieniu, you really dare to say that. The shops on Panlou Street cannot be bought for thirty thousand coins in the market, yet you actually offer only seven thousand two hundred coins? My son and I will not sign this IOU. Even if this painting studio is to be sold, it is not your turn to take over..."

You ... ...

Since it is possible, then disperse immediately. As for this guarantee contract, tomorrow I will wait for Wu Dalang in Kaifeng County, and we will sign and seal at the yamen in Kaifeng County (which includes Kaifeng and Xiangfu counties within the city of Kaifeng)

guarantor

It is a customary practice in the art and calligraphy trade for the party withdrawing from the transaction to grant the seller a grace period. Major transactions in the art and calligraphy market often involve thousands or even tens of thousands of cash. No household would keep such a large sum of cash in their backyard, thus it is essential to allow the seller time to raise the necessary funds

What treasure did the Wujia actually obtain to provoke so many significant figures?

He did not actually intend to go against the Wu family; he was merely acting under someone else's instructions to create trouble for them. The one-month grace period was not something he could decide, but rather a favor granted by that person

This painting by the Zhao family is indeed an authentic piece! What is the reason for the withdrawal?