A glint of murderous intent flashed in the depths of his eyes. Such a person could not be kept, lest he threaten his position in the future.
Even the powerful Sun Yilang felt a sense of fear towards Ye Fan, which showed how great the impact Ye Fan had on them.
In this round, the Jiangcheng antique circle was thoroughly defeated, and Ye Fan's reputation began to spread outwards through these people.
Sun Yilang waved his hand, signaling the previous appraisal master to step down, and announced that he would personally preside over the rest of the appraisal meeting.
As the owner of Boguzhai, one of the most mysterious figures in Jiangcheng, it was the first time Sun Yilang had personally presided over an appraisal meeting, showing how much importance he attached to this event.
In other words, this was a gesture of respect towards Ye Fan!
"Everyone, an appraisal meeting focuses on appraisal. Even the items presented by our Boguzhai may not all be genuine. If all items were appraised by us, what would be left for you to appraise? Therefore, please keep your eyes open and do not be deceived by fakes."
Sun Yilang spoke with a smile, his words skillfully protecting Boguzhai's reputation while also enhancing his own image, achieving two goals with one action.
The audience immediately erupted in thunderous applause, with many praising Sun Yilang.
"As expected of the owner of Boguzhai, to kindly remind us."
"No wonder Boguzhai is so prosperous. With such a righteous person presiding, it's hard for it not to be."
...
Shen Tianyin shook her head with a wry smile. Reputation precedes a person; flattery had become a fashion. With Sun Yilang's status and position, even his farts were considered fragrant.
As one drinks water, one knows if it's cold or hot!
Ji Nanshan also sneered, speechless towards these thick-skinned individuals.
"Next, we present the second item from Boguzhai, also a porcelain piece, but its value far exceeds that of the previous blue and white large plate."
With that, he gestured for a servant to bring over the tray.
The red cloth was lifted, revealing a pair of rooster-fighting cups to the assembled guests.
"The Chenghua period rooster-fighting cups. I won't introduce them further; please take a look."
Ji Nanshan's eyes lit up with excitement as he rose to his feet.
The Chenghua rooster-fighting cups were treasures of the nation. If this were genuine, its value would be immeasurable.
It was known that among all the porcelain of the Ming Dynasty, Chenghua porcelain stood in a class of its own, reaching the pinnacle of porcelain craftsmanship and clay.
Especially since the number of Chenghua porcelain pieces that have survived is extremely small, their value is even higher.
Genuine Chenghua porcelain had not been seen in the market for decades, so the rooster-fighting cups immediately caused a sensation...
In stark contrast to the crowd staring intently at the rooster-fighting cups, Ye Fan sat quietly, as if petrified.
"Is this also a fake?"
After a few glances, seeing no obvious flaws, Shen Tianyin asked in a low voice.
Ye Fan slowly opened his eyelids, giving it a cursory glance. "Chenghua porcelain? Heh."
He shook his head dismissively. "The genuine Chenghua porcelain has all been buried with the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. If this rooster-fighting cup is indeed from the Chenghua period, then it must be looted from a tomb, and this Mr. Sun would likely go to jail."
As a tomb keeper during the Republic of China period, Ye Fan knew too well the weight of the burial objects of the ancestors underground.
From the bronze wares of the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the enamels of the late Qing, everything was available. Any good object, any real treasure, had been taken away by these ancestors.
This was also why famous artifacts never circulated in the market.
As for looted items, they would likely be hidden away, so why would anyone be willing to present them for appraisal and auction?
Shen Tianyin nodded, a embarrassed smile appearing on her face. Such a simple truth had eluded her, and she felt a flush of heat on her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Ji Nanshan also returned to his seat, frowning and remarking, "From the color, craftsmanship, and quality, it looks genuine. However, I still feel something is a bit off, though I can't quite place it."
He shook his head helplessly, glancing at Ye Fan from time to time, hoping to get an answer.
As expected, Ye Fan yawned, "The chickens are wrong."
"Hmm?"
Ji Nanshan looked at him with confusion. "Young friend Ye, please explain in detail, what is wrong with the chickens?"
On the rooster-fighting cups, two roosters were depicted with bared beaks and brandished claws, exuding an imposing, kingly aura. They appeared to be without any flaws.
Ye Fan, not impatient with Ji Nanshan's question, calmly asked, "Elder Ji, have you ever seen a cockfight?"
Ji Nanshan nodded. "I saw them when I was young, and at that time, cockfighting was a popular trend. However, I haven't seen any in recent years."
Although he was puzzled as to why Ye Fan asked this, he answered truthfully.
"May I ask Elder Ji again, what state are the roosters in during a cockfight?"
Instead of directly answering Ji Nanshan's question, he led him step by step, guiding him gradually.
Ji Nanshan frowned, recalling the scenes he had witnessed, and said in a low voice, "Baring their beaks and brandishing their claws, full of fervor, their neck feathers bristling, looking like mad..."
Before he could finish speaking, Ji Nanshan suddenly looked up at Ye Fan, his eyes wide, filled with shock.
"Could it be..."
Saying that, he turned to look at the rooster-fighting cups.
"So that's how it is! No wonder I felt something was strange. The problem lies here. I am truly senile to have overlooked such a detail."
Ji Nanshan smiled bitterly. For him, a great expert in antiques, to be so helpless indicated how fatal the oversight was.
Ye Fan smiled faintly and said no more. Since Ji Nanshan had already identified the problem, there was no need for him to say anything further.
On the other hand, Shen Tianyin listened with a bewildered expression, her beautiful face showing displeasure as she frowned at the two men.
"What exactly do you mean? Is there something wrong with this rooster-fighting cup?"
Ji Nanshan smiled and shook his head. Just as he was about to explain to Shen Tianyin, he heard Sun Yilang say with a smile, "It was Mr. Ye who spotted the problem with the blue and white large plate just now. I wonder if Mr. Ye has any insights on this Chenghua rooster-fighting cup?"
This was a direct challenge aimed at Ye Fan.
Instantly, almost all eyes turned towards him, awaiting Ye Fan's answer.
Ye Fan waved his hand and said, "If I were to appraise all the items, would there be any need for this appraisal meeting to continue? Why don't Elder Ji Nanshan explain this fake to everyone?"
Fake?
The crowd was once again shocked. Ye Fan actually called this Chenghua rooster-fighting cup a fake?
Sun Yilang frowned even more. "Mr. Ye, are you so certain that this is a fake? I fear it will be difficult to convince the public."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Nanshan slowly rose and said, "Such an obvious fake, why trouble young friend Ye? Allow me to explain to everyone."