Chapter 38: Master Feng Arrives

"An imitation Qing Qianlong white jade inlaid with a hundred treasures and an imperial poem inscribed on a screen!"

"An imitation Qing Qianlong white jade armrest with eight treasures pattern, a pair!"

…

As Yang Bo's emotionless announcements echoed through the courtyard, everyone was somewhat stunned, even the police officers gathering clues slowed their pace, afraid of disturbing the ongoing inventory.

Yang Bo's speed was too fast; he announced the name of the artifact within half a minute of it being in his hands. This was not surprising, as many people could do this, but when Yang Bo also announced the dynasty of the artifact, it was truly astonishing!

On TV, appraisal shows often seem to determine the age of an artifact in a single camera cut, but that is the result of post-production editing. Anyone with a bit of common sense should know that artifact appraisal is extremely challenging and requires professional knowledge and experience. Yang Bo's actions seemed to defy everyone's understanding!

Captain Liang, seeing this, became even more solemn. Yang Bo's age and the professional competence he displayed were completely opposite. Most of the people in the courtyard were colleagues from the police system, and while they could use their skills in investigations, they were clueless when it came to artifact appraisal. This made it impossible to verify whether Yang Bo's judgments were correct, causing him great distress.

Yuan Yezǐ stood to the side, still harboring resentment, cursing that everything Yang Bo said was wrong!

Because of Yang Bo's speed, an additional person was assigned to record, and a few others were responsible for organizing.

When Yang Bo picked up a piece of porcelain, he suddenly froze, which surprised many of the onlookers. Since Yang Bo first spoke, he had never stopped, only pausing to wait for the recorders. He had never paused for so long!

"Qing Qianlong famille-rose lantern vase! A second-grade artifact!" The vase in Yang Bo's hand resembled a round, long lantern, with the outer wall painted in famille-rose with a vivid scene of children playing in a courtyard, a rare and exquisite piece from the Qianlong era!

The recorder, Xiao Lu, was momentarily stunned. This was the first time he had heard Yang Bo use this term, "second-grade artifact?"

Yang Bo nodded, "It is a second-grade precious artifact, and it requires special handling."

Xiao Lu lowered his head to record, clearly not understanding the significance of a second-grade artifact. In China, artifacts are classified into general and precious categories, with precious artifacts further divided into three grades. According to relevant standards, these grades are determined based on historical and artistic value.

However, to better understand these grades, the industry often uses market prices. General artifacts are valued at less than 10,000 yuan, third-grade artifacts are valued between 10,000 and 100,000 yuan, second-grade artifacts are valued at hundreds of thousands to millions of yuan, and first-grade artifacts are valued at tens of millions of yuan! In recent years, a batch of paintings and porcelains have reached prices over 100 million yuan, which can be called special-grade artifacts. Above these, there are national treasures, but there has never been a transaction of national treasures in the market!

Yang Bo was deeply impressed by this porcelain because it had sold for 3.7 million yuan at auction, a rare sight in the underground auction market.

Luo Yaohua had been closely watching the situation, and he was the only one who understood the value of a second-grade artifact. He could not help but stand up and look around, muttering to himself.

Next, Yang Bo's speed increased again.

Around 7:00 PM, Captain Liang received a call and hurriedly went out.

Not long after, Captain Liang returned, followed by an elderly man with gray hair. Luo Yaohua saw him and quickly walked over, "Master Feng, why have you come?"

The man was Master Feng, who had helped Luo Yaohua with the appraisal at the auction that night. Master Feng nodded slightly at Luo Yaohua, "I received a call and came over, eager to see if there would be any good items here!"

Captain Liang explained, "Master Feng just returned from a meeting in the capital early this morning. We contacted him when he arrived at the Nanjing airport, and he immediately came over. We truly appreciate your help, Master Feng! Thank you for your trouble!"

Master Feng waved his hand, "Let's skip the formalities. You've caused me enough trouble. Just treat me to a meal later. Let's start looking now!"

"A Republican imitation Qing Yongzheng copper inlaid with silver wire beast face pattern small tripod incense burner!"

A clear voice rang out, making Master Feng pause. He looked over and saw a young man holding a small incense burner, who then picked up another item, while someone was quickly recording. This scene made Master Feng pause, and he looked at Luo Yaohua.

Luo Yaohua smiled lightly, "Master Feng, take a closer look. Don't you recognize him so quickly?"

Master Feng looked closely and found him somewhat familiar, surprised, "Is this? The young man I recommended to you that day? He claimed to be just a shop assistant, didn't he? Did you really ask him to appraise the items?"

Luo Yaohua nodded, "We owe it to your keen eye. Later, we met Professor Cao, and their appraisals matched. Professor Cao even praised him highly!"

Master Feng smiled, but his heart was shaken. At that time, he could not tell Luo Yaohua that he had dragged Yang Bo to get rid of his纠缠 (entanglement), but he did indeed see potential in Yang Bo, though he did not expect Yang Bo to gain the favor of Cao Yuande!

"Oh, is that so? That's good!" Master Feng's wrinkled face broke into a smile.

Captain Liang could not help but interject, "Master Feng, before you arrived, Xiao Yang had already appraised many items. Why don't you re-examine them?"

Master Feng glanced at Captain Liang, understanding his meaning, and smiled, "Sure, let's take a look!"

With that, Master Feng, guided by Captain Liang, walked over to the artifacts. Yuan Yezǐ had just returned and, seeing Master Feng, hurriedly ran over, "Grandpa Feng, you must take a good look. This young man is always talking big, thinking he's the best in the world. He should be given a lesson!"

Master Feng chuckled and glanced at Yang Bo. Since he entered, Yang Bo had not stopped, his expression focused, seemingly unaware of the commotion. However, it was clear that everyone was skeptical.

"Sure, sure, Yezǐ, I'll take a look first!" Master Feng smiled and picked up the first item.

A piece of paper was pressed underneath. Master Feng read it, "Qing Daoguang white jade small bottle with dragon pattern," and smiled, not commenting. He carefully examined the white jade bottle.

The dragon was majestic, with bared teeth and claws, but lacked a bit of spirit, likely carved during the mid-to-late Qing dynasty!

Master Feng's expression became more serious as he carefully compared several details, looking for common places where fakes might be made. After a long time, he finally put down the white jade bottle.

Everyone's attention was focused on him, even Xiao Lu, who was recording for Yang Bo, was distracted and looked over.