"What! This was used by Emperor Yongzheng!" Expert Cai's face changed drastically, and he said in disbelief, "Where did you see Emperor Yongzheng's personal inscription?"
"Heh heh, it's on this dragon pattern." Lü Fang smiled and showed him the porcelain plate.
Expert Cai looked at the dragon pattern on the porcelain plate with suspicion. As Lü Fang's fingers turned, a subtle pattern was faintly revealed within the dragon pattern. "This is? Wait a moment!"
He quickly grabbed Lü Fang's hand, his eyes wide open, staring intently at the pattern. Soon, he understood, "This isn't a pattern, it's Manchu!"
"That's right, this is Emperor Yongzheng's personal Manchu inscription, which translates to 'I am the Son of Heaven, I am the Mandate of Heaven!'"
"Hiss~" Expert Cai gasped, feeling a chill run through his entire body!
Originally, this plate was his!
He looked at Li Yang, his mouth filled with bitterness, and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Mr. Li. I was blind and ignorant before. My judgment was poor, and I said things I shouldn't have. Please forgive me."
"You're too kind, Mr. Cai. Dealing in antiques is like this; it's all about fate. When one's judgment is insufficient, they might encounter good items but fail to recognize them. When their judgment is sufficient, they might not encounter good items. It's hard to say throughout history." Li Yang said with a smile.
Expert Cai gave a wry smile. While what Li Yang said was true, anyone would feel pain and distress knowing they missed an opportunity to get a bargain.
This was also why discerning buyers would never boast about finding a bargain in front of the seller, and smart sellers would never be foolish enough to mock buyers for overpaying.
Doing so would only worsen the relationship between the two parties.
Seeing that the dining plate Li Yang bought from him was sold for a high price of 800,000 yuan, the stall owner's originally proud face turned pale and bloodless. He immediately knelt on the ground with a thud.
Many of the onlookers who were laughing at Li Yang for being foolish and naive were now feeling the sting of being proven wrong, their faces burning with embarrassment, making them reluctant to stay.
However, some quick-witted individuals immediately recalled his previous purchase of the stone slab. "You know, that stone slab might also be something very valuable?"
"Damn, I almost forgot. Seeing this young man make 800,000 yuan just by reselling it, he must have made a lot from that stone slab before, right?"
"Definitely. Only fools like us would think he was stupid."
"Haha," Lü Fang was a man who loved to laugh, and his laughter was loud. He glanced at the onlookers and then said to Li Yang, "Mr. Li, it seems some people have finally realized that they are the biggest fools!"
"Mr. Lü, you truly have a good eye." Li Yang applauded and smiled, his words carrying a double meaning.
Lü Fang smiled and said, "Mr. Li, you jest. Your judgment is even more impressive."
"To be honest, I passed by that stall before and stopped to examine it carefully, but I still couldn't discern anything special about this plate. It wasn't until you bought it that I realized something was amiss."
"Speaking of which, if it weren't for you, Mr. Li, I might have forever missed my chance with this Doucai dining plate. So, I was wondering if it would be convenient for you to share your contact information?"
"Of course, it's very convenient." Li Yang smiled and gave him his phone number. He also added, "If you have time, you can visit Li Hao Antique Shop. That's my store. If you go there and mention my name, I guarantee the entire shop will treat you very well."
"So, Mr. Li is the owner of Li Hao Antique Shop! I've heard your name for a long time. My apologies!" Lü Fang was surprised and quickly took out a business card from his pocket, saying formally, "Lü Fang, the current owner of Ruili Lü Zhai. This is my first time in Jiangcheng, and I will inevitably travel between Jiangcheng and Ruili in the future. I hope Mr. Li will guide me."
"Oh, Mr. Lü is also in the antique business?" Li Yang said, taking the business card with a smile.
Lü Fang chuckled, "Compared to an antique connoisseur like you, Mr. Li, with your profound family knowledge and orderly inheritance, I am far inferior."
"Although my grandfather's generation was also involved in antiques, he was only a shopkeeper. My father was even less accomplished, merely an appraiser for others, not even a shopkeeper."
"It wasn't until my generation that we accumulated enough confidence to open a small antique shop. If you have the chance, I hope Mr. Li will offer me guidance."
"If I have the ability, I will not be stingy with my friends," Li Yang said, tucking the business card away.
Lü Fang said joyfully, "You consider me a friend?"
"You have good character and discerning eyes; what else could you be if not a friend?" Li Yang smiled and extended his hand.
Lü Fang eagerly shook his hand and said, "Thank you, thank you!"
"After I handle that matter, I will definitely pay you a visit."
"You are always welcome. Goodbye." Li Yang slightly lifted the food bag he was holding, indicating he had other matters to attend to, and walked away.
Lü Fang immediately bowed slightly and said, "Mr. Li, please take care."
Watching his retreating back, Lü Fang's eyes were filled with admiration. He never expected that on his first visit to Jiangcheng, before even visiting Li Hao Antique Shop, he would encounter this legendary figure!
Li Yang might not realize how famous he was.
The live broadcast of his treasure appraisal with Zheng Beidou that day had already informed many industry bigwigs. At that time, Lü Fang was visiting an old appraisal master in his hometown, Ruili, and was greatly excited to learn about this event.
Meanwhile, Expert Cai, also watching Li Yang's receding figure, was filled with bitterness and slapped himself hard. "I am truly blind! I didn't recognize that he is Li Yang, the boss with the 'Double Pupils Sacred Eyes'!"
"Double Pupils Sacred Eyes?" Lü Fang was stunned and asked in surprise, "Is that a nickname given to Mr. Li by his peers in the industry?"
"Yes. This nickname existed before Boss Li's treasure appraisal with Old Zheng. It's because he is very skilled at seeing the hidden treasures within things, beyond their surface." Expert Cai slapped himself again, "I am so stupid! I ruined a perfectly good opportunity with my own suspicion and distrust."
"Mr. Cai, don't be discouraged. Fate is hard to explain." Lü Fang comforted him a few times, then looked in the direction Li Yang had left.
Seeing the inner self through the outer appearance?
Perhaps he could ask Mr. Li for help with that matter.
Thinking of that matter, Lü Fang's expression immediately became solemn, appearing deeply troubled.
At Li Yang's home.
Looking at the table full of dishes, Shui Xiang smiled happily and leaned on Li Yang's shoulder, saying, "You are so good to me, how can I ever repay you?"