Chapter 3, Counterfeits

Bring him back! The Duke Wang squinted his eyes, his face displaying an indescribable horror

"Do not discuss it after killing him; after he is dead, we will feed him to the dogs. Tomorrow, we will settle accounts with his father. This is the consequence of deceiving our family!" After taking a sip of tea, Lord Wang watched Xu Qian, who was almost being dragged out the door, with a face full of ferocity

The eunuch Wang stared at Xu Qian with a sinister look and said: "Do you think that if you say a few flattering words, we will let you go? When it comes to sycophancy, you are still too inexperienced. At such a young age, instead of learning the right way, you have chosen to sell fake prescriptions, deceiving and swindling others. If we do not kill you now, what will happen in the future? Someone! Drag him away and beat him to death, feed him to the dogs!"

He almost let it slip and quickly used the words "this official" to remedy the situation

Xu Qian was suspended in mid-air, held by someone under his arms. In his state of panic, he caught sight of the inscription "Loyal and Obedient" hanging in the hall. In his previous life, he was a curator at a museum and had studied archaeology in university. Upon discovering something unusual about the inscription, his mind suddenly became clear.

Upon examining other paintings and calligraphy, even if they are not works by renowned masters, at least their quality is above average

Xu Qian was brought back to the hall, and he let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he found this piece of writing peculiar; otherwise, today he would have faced severe consequences, if not death, then at least a few layers of skin would have been stripped away.

The eunuch Wang's eyes flashed, and he couldn't help but nod slightly. After all, he was a literate eunuch and had some knowledge. Xu Qian did not seem to be deceiving him. Generally, when people write in running script, they do not pause, often completing it in one go, resulting in only a single layer of ink on the characters. However, for counterfeits, it is different; counterfeits require repeated outlining and even revising, which leads to the ink's thickness and concentration being much greater than that of genuine pieces. This theory sounds quite novel, but upon careful consideration, it also seems very reasonable. However, for counterfeits, it is different; counterfeits require repeated outlining and even revising, which leads to the ink's thickness and concentration being much greater than that of genuine pieces. This theory sounds quite novel, but upon careful consideration, it also seems very reasonable.

Xu Qian further stated at hetushucom.com: "If viewed from a distance, it is difficult to distinguish between an authentic piece and a counterfeit. However, under the light and in the eyes of an expert, there are discernible traces. Authentic works have less ink, and once the ink dries, they do not cast much shadow under the light. In contrast, counterfeits often have thicker and denser ink, and even after drying, their shadows tend to be clearer than those of authentic pieces. Just look at this calligraphy; the ink is so heavy that it is evident it must be a copy. If you do not believe me, take it down and examine it closely."

Upon thinking of this, Xu Qian felt a surge of spirit, realizing that he had found a way out

What did you just say? That this calligraphy is a forgery?

Just now, Master Wang dismissed the crowd, which indicates that this piece of calligraphy is very important. If the calligraphy is indeed wrapped up, Master Wang would not want more people to know. However, for him to personally retrieve the calligraphy would naturally be beneath his dignity given his status. Moreover, Xu Qian is right below; who knows if Xu Qian might secretly launch an attack.

Xu Qian took a few deep breaths and said: "Indeed, it is a counterfeit. If the esteemed one does not believe it, we can have someone come to verify it."

Xu Qian had no choice but to comply; he was now the fish, and Lord Wang was the cleaver. Xu Qian was not afraid of engaging in verbal sparring with others, but he feared the cleaver.

At this moment, these eunuchs and lackeys should all tremble in their bodies, looking at the protagonist in astonishment

Xu Qian believed that one should not strike a smiling face, and his words immediately became as sweet as if coated with candied fruit. This was a matter of life and death; what was a little flattery in comparison

They arrested a merchant selling drugs to take the blame... ? ... How could he not know about this matter? However, Xu Qian, having lived two lives, could somewhat guess the underlying reasons. It was certainly because the old man was afraid of trouble, and the yamen was pressing hard, so he simply arrested a merchant to appease them. But this Wang Gonggong is not foolish; he actually understood the reasons behind it. As a result, Wang Gonggong was naturally dissatisfied, so he decided to cut to the chase and arrested himself instead. Xu Qian could somewhat guess the underlying reasons. It was certainly because the old man was afraid of trouble, and the yamen was pressing hard, so he simply arrested a merchant to appease them. But this Wang Gonggong is not foolish; he actually understood the reasons behind it. As a result, Wang Gonggong was naturally dissatisfied, so he decided to cut to the chase and arrested himself instead.

"You old eunuch, can't you change your lines? It's always about fighting and killing; can't you be a bit more refined?" Xu Qian secretly grumbled. He did not dare to keep the suspense for long and stated firmly: "How could a lowly person dare to deceive you, my lord? In fact, it is very difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit items without careful examination. The reason I assert that this is a counterfeit is due to the shadows cast by the light. Most counterfeits are created through imitation, and since they are imitations, the ink tends to accumulate. This means that the ink density and thickness of counterfeits are much higher than that of genuine works, especially in running script. Generally, when a person writes in running script, it is done in one go, with no interruptions; this is the greatest difference between genuine works and imitations."

However, Xu Qian quickly understood as soon as he thought it over

Several guards from the residence rushed in, menacingly attempting to drag Xu Qian out

The expression of Lord Wang became even more solemn. After pondering for a moment, he waved his hand to the guards and said, "You may withdraw."

And wait! Xu Qian was terrified to the extreme; he knew that if he did not make an effort, his life would be at stake here: "Master Wang, there is something suspicious, there is something suspicious over there, that piece of writing is suspicious!"

Thus, he sent Xu Qian to fetch the inscription, both as a precaution and to save his own energy

If that is the case, it makes sense. The eunuch Wang sought to obtain the esteemed person's calligraphy, and the esteemed individual wrote the four characters "Respectful, Loyal, and Righteous." How could an ordinary person bestow such praise upon Eunuch Wang? Only someone of an extraordinarily high status could warrant such an evaluation. Thus, Eunuch Wang did not hesitate to cling to this person's leg, and when the individual wrote "Respectful, Loyal, and Righteous," he felt it was a great honor and insisted on displaying it in the most prominent place.

The official Wang cautiously glanced at Xu Qian and said, "How did you discern that this calligraphy is fake?"

Xu Qian hurriedly shouted: "Wait a moment!"

It must have been some distinguished individual who gifted this calligraphy to Lord Wang, and this person's status is certainly not trivial. Upon receiving it, Lord Wang treasured it as a precious possession, and thus, in a showy manner, he hung the scroll high to demonstrate his close relationship with the person who wrote it

I? '' Xu Qian cursed inwardly, you have so many sycophants in your residence, yet you want me to fetch it, why don't you get it yourself

Hmph! The face of Wang Gonggong was shrouded in shadow, making it difficult to see clearly, yet it carried an air of inscrutable mystery. However, his pair of eyes glinted with a chilling light, instilling fear in others. He spoke in a strange tone: "It is you who sold the counterfeit medicine prescriptions at the street corner, causing our steward Liu to die without treatment. We have long wanted to settle this account with you. Yet your father, who works in the yamen, casually arrested a merchant selling medicine to take the blame at noon. Heh heh, do you and your father really think our family is so easy to deceive? Debts must be repaid, and for murder, one must pay with their life! Today, we have brought you here to let you know the consequences of crossing our family!"

The guards filed out in succession

Thus, Xu Qian obediently fetched a stool, placed it against the table by the wall, climbed up the stool to take down the calligraphy, spread it on the table, and examined it carefully for a while. He then tore off the outer layer of the mounting paper. Seeing this, Lord Wang beside him exclaimed in anger, "Before determining its authenticity, you dare to tear the calligraphy of this lord?"

Although these eunuchs' lackeys were indifferent to Xu Qian's pleas for mercy, they treated the words of Grand Eunuch Wang as if they were a divine command, and one by one, they ceased their actions

Xu Qian further said: "Lord Wang, I am still young and inexperienced. Please consider that I have an elderly father at home who has no one to support him, and there are several chicks in my family that are eagerly waiting to be fed"

It is a pity... The protagonist has neither identity nor status, and no one takes him seriously. Even the lofty nobleman remains indifferent, propping up his legs and sipping tea from the cup on the table, blowing away the tea foam

"You may continue speaking," said Wang Gonggong, his expression growing increasingly serious. He actually left his seat to close an open window, then turned around, hands behind his back, and scrutinized Xu Qian once more, stating: "If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation, I shall take your life."

The sinister smile on Wang Gonggong's face faded somewhat, and his expression turned suspicious. Just as Xu Qian was about to be taken away, he suddenly raised his voice and said: "Wait a moment"

This is a highly unreasonable action. How could someone knowledgeable in calligraphy and painting possibly hang exquisite works in a secondary position, while instead displaying a rather mediocre and somewhat inappropriate piece in the prime location? The only explanation is that this calligraphy holds extraordinary significance for Lord Wang.

Xu Qian's words were evidently ineffective, as the strong henchmen had already seized his arms, effortlessly lifting him up. Xu Qian's feet left the ground, his toes swaying unsteadily.

Xu Qian said: "In fact, it is quite simple. Under the illumination of the candlelight in the hall, this calligraphy clearly has shadows"

Xu Qian hurriedly said: "Your Excellency Wang, please see clearly. The prescriptions I have sold number at least dozens, if not a hundred, and I have never heard of anyone dying from them. Surely there must be some misunderstanding. I have long heard that Your Excellency Wang is a person of great righteousness and integrity. I implore you to help me seek justice and clear my name."

The eunuch Wang sneered and said, "Could it be that in your desperation, you are recklessly seeking help, deliberately trying to deceive us and the *Tushu* scholar?"

Lord Wang, that piece of calligraphy is fake! It is a counterfeit!

As Xu Qian spoke, he gradually lost his confidence. He was filled with resentment; he had originally intended to learn a few lines of street slang from the television dramas and apply them in real life. However, halfway through his speech, he realized that the old gentleman had not yet reached his seventies and did not have any underage children... In the end... he could only face a tragic outcome

This is a deliberate test, Xu Qian hurriedly said: "How could a petty person dare to deceive? If I have spoken incorrectly, I am willing to accept punishment"

Only Wang Gonggong and Xu Qian remained in the hall

However, the most conspicuous inscription above the main hall is clearly of a much lower standard compared to the other calligraphy and paintings. It is not to say that the characters are poor; they can only be considered mediocre at best, at most reaching an average level. Moreover, the four characters "Respectful, Obedient, Loyal, and Good" always give a somewhat awkward impression.

Xu Qian thought to himself, it is merely because a piece of calligraphy involves the issue of forgeries that this Lord Wang is overly anxious. However, this further confirms Xu Qian's suspicion that this piece of calligraphy is closely related to Lord Wang. Once it spreads, Lord Wang will be affected.

Hmm? How could Wang Gonggong know that Xu Qian had encountered more genuine and counterfeit items in the museum in his past life than the bridges he had crossed? In later generations, the methods for identifying antiques are numerous, and the counterfeits of this era seem utterly trivial to Xu Qian

This piece of writing is quite strange, evoking an indescribable feeling in Xu Qian from the very beginning. First and foremost, the arrangement of this hall is noteworthy. It is important to recognize that eunuchs are also educated, especially many of those who were sent out as garrison eunuchs; most of them have studied in the inner study of the palace. This explains why the hall of Master Wang possesses such a refined atmosphere, not merely because Master Wang is fond of elegance, but because he genuinely appreciates this style.

At this moment, Lord Wang found himself in a difficult position. After a brief silence, he said: "Alright, you take down this piece of calligraphy."