Chapter 7, The Counterfeiting Syndicate
Moreover, the only way to make a quick fortune for Wu Dalang is through forgery... As long as he has money, he can easily slip away from Kaifeng, first settle down in Yangzhou, and after Fang La's rebellion, go to Hangzhou to buy property. He is likely to be able to preserve himself amidst the future chaos.
However, the foresighted Wu Dalang was not in the mood to consider the great calamity of the Jingkang era at this moment, as his Wu family painting studio was currently facing a significant crisis. If he could not overcome it, Wu Dalang might end up with nothing, even worse off than that vendor of fried cakes, Wu Dalang.
This windfall also presented an opportunity for Guo Jing and Liu Wuji. Therefore, Guo Jing returned from the military camp to Panlou Street, met Liu Wuji, and upon hearing about Wu Dalang's encounter in the evening, immediately thought of the idea of forging paintings to make money
Guo Jingdao: "Dalang, both Xiao Yi and I are aware of your skills. Your imitation of the Huang family's wealth and nobility is nearly indistinguishable, and your white sketching in the style of Wu Daozi is also quite proficient..."
As Wu Dalang was about to down the wine bowl in one gulp, he noticed two men dressed as Taoist priests walking in from outside the shop
Having consumed a considerable amount of liquor, the somewhat dazed Wu Dalang became slightly more alert upon hearing Guo Jing's words, and a hint of vigilance appeared in his muddled eyes. He reached out and grasped Guo Jing's arm.
Having made up his mind, Wu Dalang said to Guo Jing and Liu Wuji: "Third Brother, Fifth Brother, I have some items here for you to take to the monk at the Daxiangguo Temple. Also, tell the monk that I will move in to live with him in three days."
The market at the Daxiangguo Temple is integrated with the temple fair, opening eight times a month, specifically on the first, fifteenth, third, and eighth days. It does not solely sell calligraphy, paintings, and cultural artifacts; rather, it offers a wide variety of goods, and there are also performers showcasing their skills. In essence, it is a regularly scheduled large market. The quality of the calligraphy, paintings, and cultural artifacts available for purchase varies significantly, with the vast majority being poorly made forgeries. However, occasionally, one or two exquisite pieces may appear. These fine items primarily come from dismissed officials who discreetly sell them at the Daxiangguo Temple to avoid drawing attention.
However, 7,200 coins is not a small amount..." said Daoist Liu, "I wonder how many certificates that could buy.
With a substantial windfall, the Wu family could seek a "peace talisman" from the Pan family of generals, allowing them to rise again elsewhere and continue their ancestral business in calligraphy and painting
"Alright, we will go there right away," Guo Jing replied with a beaming smile
However, officials like Wu Cheng, who are also prominent merchants, do not go around the streets soliciting business. Therefore, there is a large group of minor assistants helping with errands. Among them, Guo Jing and Liu Wuji are two of the minor assistants who have a good relationship with Wu Dalang
The term "ghost market" refers to a trading method characterized by "trade without meeting". There are many tea houses on East Cross Street that serve as venues for ghost market transactions, where trading typically begins at five in the morning (around four o'clock) and concludes at dawn. The goods traded often have unclear origins and are not suitable for public display, such as paintings, calligraphy, and cultural artifacts. The buyers are usually experts in the fields of painting and calligraphy, and the father and son duo, Wu Dalang and Wu Cheng, are also regulars on East Cross Street.
Moreover, the Wu family is clearly in trouble now, and it is estimated that in the end, they may not be able to maintain a foothold in the Kaifeng painting and calligraphy market, at least they cannot independently support a painting studio. If the Wu family is to leave under the emperor's feet, they will undoubtedly need to make a substantial profit before departing.
What does this mean?
"Da Lang, why are you drinking alone in such a gloomy manner?"
This person is named Li Tang, and he is one of the "Four Masters of the Southern Song Dynasty" in history. His works are also displayed in the Palace Museum (both the Taipei and Beijing Palace Museums have them) — the Panlou Street market is truly a place where hidden talents abound
The certificates of the Song Dynasty were originally a type of financial instrument, sold in the "bank" of the official Pan, but they were not cheap at all. Without a windfall, Liu Wuji did not know how long he would have to endure to purchase the identity of a Taoist priest
Indeed. Liu Wuji also said, "Isn't Li Zhang'an from the Pan family's treasury living so carefree?"
Liu Daoshi is Liu Wuji. Guo Bansian is named Guo Jing, not Guo Jing, but he is also a man with a dark complexion, tall and strong. He is a soldier in the Forbidden Army of Kaifeng Prefecture, serving as a cavalryman under the Second Command of the Tianwu Army, while also working part-time in fortune-telling around Panlou Street and Mahang Street, and engaging in private calligraphy and painting activities.
His words are merely meant to intimidate Guo Jing and Liu Wuji. Lord Pan is not the head of the Pan family, but rather a mere official of the eighth rank serving in the East. If there is a need to take severe action against the 'great villain' of the Wu family, Lord Pan would be of no consequence at all
"Good." Wu Dalang nodded at the two, "From now on, my brothers and I will share blessings and face difficulties together."
The Pan Family Pawnshop is affiliated with the gold and silver silk and satin trading house, primarily providing loans to the calligraphy and painting shops in Panlou Street Market. Naturally, it requires the discerning eye of a great expert, and Liu Wuji mentioned that Li Zhang'an is indeed a great expert, and a very distinguished one at that
Liu Wuji also said: "We can take the ghost market at Daxiangguo Temple and the East Cross Street to sell. Dala, you need not show your face; I and Brother Guo San will handle it, ensuring everything is in order"
However, they have already set their sights on me and have taken a bite
Guo Jing and Liu Wuji are private servants who have always assisted the Wu family in their painting studio, so both of them are aware that Wu Shicheng and Wu Haogu possess the skill to forge paintings for illicit profit
He did not come to Panlou Street today during the day, but instead went to the military camp...! ... He is a member of the Imperial Guard cavalry. Of course, he had to go to the military camp to put on a show like Lord Pan, but his horsemanship is somewhat better than Lord Pan's; at least he did not fall off. However, he still found an excuse to take leave.
In times of chaos, one buys gold; in times of prosperity, one treasures antiques. Just by observing the flourishing state of Panlou Street today, one can understand that the Great Song Dynasty is indeed at its zenith. If it were not for foresight, perhaps no one would have anticipated that in just over twenty years, a great calamity would befall.
The sun gradually sets in the west, about to descend.
Guo Bansian and Liu Daoshi exchanged bitter smiles as they sat down beside Wu Dalang. Guo Bansian cleared his throat and said, "Dalang, I heard from Liu Xiaoyi that you were deceived by Zhao Sanheizi and were swindled out of more than 7,000 coins"
Liu Wuji nodded and said: "Da Lang, from now on my brothers will follow you, but if there are any tasks, feel free to speak up."
This explains that during the Song Dynasty, private tooth collectors (牙人) were rampant, with about seventy to eighty percent of the people hanging around Panlou Street working part-time as private tooth collectors. Private tooth collectors do not require a tooth shop, nor do they need a security deposit, and they certainly do not need an official badge issued by the government; it is almost a business with no capital investment, which naturally leads to a large number of practitioners. However, as the number of practitioners increases, it becomes difficult to make a profit.
"Hi, how could you expose your handle?" Guo Jing smiled, "I didn't ask you to do it in your own studio."
However, tonight, Wu Dalang will surely find it difficult to sleep. This is because he knows that the Wu family possesses no treasures that would captivate a person of Wang Shen's caliber
They say they are friends, but they are merely acquaintances who share food and drink
Exchanging glances with Guo Jing, Liu Wuji then said to Wu Haogu: "Darlang, 7,200 strings of cash is not a small sum. In the past, it may not have been a significant amount for your family, but now... do you see any business coming to this painting studio?"
It is unclear whether it is due to the continuous exposure of the "fake painting scandal," but there were almost no customers visiting the Wu Family Painting Studio tonight, while Wu Dalang sat in the corner of the shop, drinking alone.
This is probably the only way out for Wu Haogu in today's world
My family has a longstanding friendship with Lord Pan. Wu Dalang looked at the two drinking companions before him and said word by word, If I truly cannot preserve my family business, I can still seek refuge with the Pan family
Thus, Wu had long had this plan in mind
Guo Jing was taken aback upon hearing this and immediately responded with a question
This matter is indeed quite difficult to handle
After finishing this remark, Wu Dalang let out a hearty laugh and even burped, which made Guo Jing and Liu Wuji feel that the opportunity was right before their eyes
So what? Isn't the business of calligraphy and painting such that it doesn't open for three years, but when it does, it can sustain itself for three years? With my abilities, this seven thousand two hundred strings is not a significant amount; even considering the eighteen thousand strings that should be given to the palace, it is not impossible to raise the funds.
"Does Sanlang not know that our family has already been targeted? If any more evidence comes to light..." Wu Dalang spoke while gazing intently at the two friends before him
He lowered his voice: "Da Lang, this money cannot be given... If there were a thousand coins, I would go find a few brothers from the Imperial Guard and take care of Zhao Sanhei!"
"It is Guo Sanlang and Liu Xiaoyi." Wu Dalang rushed over to greet the guests, "Come, sit down and have a couple of drinks together."
However, for the calligraphy and painting antique shops in Panlou Street Market, the day's business has only just begun. As the lights begin to glow, Panlou Street Market, which was a street of snacks during the day, transforms back into a gathering place for various artistic items such as calligraphy, paintings, cultural relics, incense, and falcons. The streets are filled with officials, nobles, wealthy merchants, and literati who come to seek out treasures and cultural artifacts.
That is also true. Seeing the reactions of Guo Jing and Liu Wuji, Wu Dalang no longer had any doubts—he was now somewhat on edge, perceiving everyone as if they were sent by the "great villains".
As long as the Wu family father and son remain alive, they will be able to rely on their abilities to serve under the esteemed Pan. If Guo Jing and Liu Wuji dare to harm Wu Dalang, it will be their misfortune at that time
The monk's surname is Fu. He is currently a young monk at the Great Xiangguo Temple. Before becoming a monk, he used to hang around Panlou Street Market and Mahang Street, where he became acquainted with figures like Wu Dalang, Guo Jing, and Liu Wuji, establishing a good relationship with them. Recently, he took a master named "Shao Zhu Yuan" as his teacher, and it seems he has gained a bit of influence. With his help, Wu Haogu can rent a monk's room at the Great Xiangguo Temple to quietly forge paintings.
If Wu Dalang wishes to sell counterfeit paintings now, he can only do so at Daxiangguo Temple and the ghost market on East Cross Street
"It is still not enough with just the three of us," Wu Dalang said as he released Guo Jing's arm, pondering, "We need to involve the monk. Only with the four brothers together can this business thrive"
"That is, that is." Guo Jing remained unperturbed, "In fact, it doesn't really matter. With your skills, Wu Dalang, isn't it easy to come by thousands or tens of thousands? Without the burden of a shop, life is even more carefree."
Wu Dalang let out a belch and said, "Do not cause any trouble. My family is now being watched by someone, so we must be cautious in our dealings. As long as we can maintain a month of peace, spending a little more money is not a problem."
"Dalang, is it because of Zhao Sanhei's anger that you are like this?"
However, a casual remark from Lord Pan can still make individuals like Guo Jing and Liu Wuji disappear forever from the streets of Kaifeng Prefecture
Feng Erniang and Wu Haowen have returned to the residence in Tianshui Alley, while Liu Wuji's whereabouts remain unknown, leaving only Wu Dalang in the shop. The shop has two floors, with the second floor serving as Wu Dalang's bedroom and studio. After the night market on Panlou Street concludes, he usually sleeps in this shop.
Within the city of Kaifeng, there is not just one calligraphy and painting market, but a total of three markets
Guo Sanlang, are you not trying to harm me?
The books and paintings sold at the Great Xiangguo Temple, even if they are exquisite (not necessarily authentic), typically do not hold significant value. However, true high-priced masterpieces, if not found in the Panlou Street market, will certainly appear in the ghost market on East Cross Street
Wu Dalang, with his eyes blurred from drunkenness, looked at the two individuals, who turned out to be his two drinking and feasting companions, Liu Daoshi and Guo Banjian.
Panlou Street Market is the largest and most regulated market among them. The merchants operating there, such as Wu Chengzhi, are mostly connected with the Hanlin Academy and the Bureau of Calligraphy, allowing them to obtain high-quality goods, even if they are replicas, they are still considered top-notch