These people had interacted with Ye Fan to varying degrees and were all aware of his capabilities.
Upon seeing the expression on Ye Fan’s face, their hearts trembled.
“We’re in trouble, this scoundrel must be up to something sinister.”
This thought struck them almost simultaneously.
What followed, however, was Ye Fan’s words, which sent them into utter despair.
“Boss Zhao is correct, this imperial vat is indeed for storing water. However, if it is for storing water, it must be sturdy, otherwise it would be impractical. As everyone can see, the rim of this imperial vat is only half a finger thick, not even as thick as the plastic buckets used nowadays. I ask you, how can such a thin and brittle imperial vat be used for storing water? Was Emperor Yongle foolish to have craftsmen cast such a plaything? Or is it merely for display?”
Ye Fan’s questions struck deep into their hearts, causing them to tremble, yet they were utterly helpless.
Feng Xiao, in particular, glared at Ye Fan with malice, wishing he could sew Ye Fan’s mouth shut.
This fellow always found ways to flaunt himself.
Yet, they were completely unable to refute him, as everything he said was accurate.
Seeing that no one spoke, Ye Fan’s smile widened.
“According to the Veritable Records of Yongle, Emperor Chengzu of Ming was a man of simplicity who detested extravagance. How could such a ruler allow craftsmen to spend so much time, effort, and money casting such a useless decorative item? Therefore, this imperial vat must have been for storing water. Moreover, as Boss Zhao mentioned, the sheepskin scroll contains records, and when these two pieces of evidence are combined, the answer is clear: this imperial vat is undoubtedly a fake. The sheepskin scroll might have been intended to confuse people or to lend authenticity to the imperial vat, but regardless of its purpose, the sheepskin scroll itself and the imperial vat are fundamentally contradictory.”
If Ye Fan’s previous observation about the dragon and phoenix differences had made these people suspect the imperial vat, his current explanation had completely convinced them.
Indeed, as Ye Fan had said, if the imperial vat was truly meant for storing water, then it was undoubtedly a fake.
Zhao Dong, on the other hand, was utterly panicked, his face pale.
He staggered a few steps, nearly falling to the ground.
“Fake, this is actually fake? Impossible, absolutely impossible.”
His face contorted, and he appeared deranged.
Mr. Hu stepped onto the stage and looked at the frantic Zhao Dong with a heavy heart.
But antique appraisal was this cruel; truth and falsehood could be determined in an instant, all relying on one’s discerning eye.
If one’s vision was lacking, no matter how great their reputation, they would merely serve as a foil.
Conversely, if one possessed exceptional eyesight, even a nobody was destined to rise.
Two staff members came forward and carried Zhao Dong away.
Mr. Hu followed, but after confirming that Zhao Dong had merely been overcome with emotion, he returned to the stage.
After all, he still had to continue the competition on behalf of Tianbao Pavilion.
Mr. Hu not only possessed good character but also commendable persistence.
With a respectful nod, Ye Fan said to Mr. Hu, “Old sir, competition is a matter of the victor taking all. I have no intention of humiliating Boss Zhao, but competition is brutal. For someone to win, someone else is destined to lose.”
Ye Fan looked at Mr. Hu with a calm and sincere gaze.
These words came from his heart.
Hearing his words, Mr. Hu smiled wryly and nodded.
“Mr. Ye, at such a young age, to possess such discerning eyesight is truly a testament to the younger generation surpassing the older. With a talent like Mr. Ye, the antique business in Jiangnan will surely be revitalized and rise again.”
Mr. Hu also held high hopes for Ye Fan.
So young, with exceptional eyesight and impeccable methods, if such a person couldn't stand out, it would truly be a lack of foresight from heaven.
As the two spoke, Elder Lei stood up.
“Ye Fan has proven with facts that this imperial vat is a fake. Do any of you have any doubts? If you do, please raise them, and let Ye Fan explain further.”
Elder Lei’s words, though seemingly directed at Ye Fan, were actually praising him.
If you don’t understand something, bring it up, and he’ll resolve it. This undoubtedly elevated Ye Fan’s status.
Feng Xiao gritted his teeth, his face sullen.
Fatty Chen glared at Ye Fan with hatred, wishing at that moment that he could skin him alive.
However, Ye Fan responded to their hateful gazes with a gentle smile.
The smile held kindness, but more importantly, it conveyed mockery.
I’m this strong, what can you do about it?
Despite their hatred, the two were powerless and could only suppress their anger.
A moment later, seeing that no one from below spoke, Elder Lei smiled and said, “In that case, the conclusion for this item is settled, it is undoubtedly a fake. In this round of appraisal, only Ye Fan has emerged victorious.”
At this moment, Elder Lei was also full of admiration for Ye Fan.
He was indeed a tomb keeper, and the once renowned Mr. Ye, his discerning eye and capabilities were extraordinary, far beyond those of ordinary appraisers.
Upon hearing Elder Lei’s words, Jiang Zhong, Wang Feng, and others applauded, congratulating Ye Fan.
Their applause was sincere, but for some, it was reluctant.
Especially Elder Lu and Mr. Fu, whose gazes towards Ye Fan were filled with malice.
It had to be said that at this moment, Ye Fan had indeed stolen the spotlight from everyone.
Yet, even so, their jealousy was somewhat excessive.
After all, Ye Fan’s victory was achieved through genuine skill, not by taking shortcuts.
It was known that when everyone saw this item, they were stunned and deeply awed.
Only Ye Fan remained calm, meticulously observing and ultimately discovering the flaw.
If nothing else, this ability to maintain composure at all times was enough to make these people yield.
On stage, Elder Lei’s face showed appreciation; Ye Fan’s excellence was enough to earn the admiration of all present.
Then, Ye Fan nodded slightly to the crowd and sat down.
“This first round concludes here. Next is the second round, Tianwang Mansion.”
Tianwang Mansion drew number two. Elder Lu, with a somber face, impatiently stood up.
Within Tianwang Mansion, Elder Lu held a position of great respect. Apart from the Mansion Lord, he did not hold anyone in high regard.
Furthermore, he had no intention of attending such an appraisal convention, but the Mansion Lord insisted he come.
It was out of helplessness that he came, but he held contempt for these people.
After all, Elder Lu was once a top expert in the appraisal industry, and naturally had grounds for his arrogance.
Therefore, his disdain for the crowd was not without reason.
But seeing Elder Lu’s expression, Ye Fan let out a cold snort.
His relationship with Tianwang Mansion was already irreconcilable.
Since that was the case, there was no need to show the old man any respect.