As soon as the man heard this price, he jumped up like a cat had been trampled on, and said to Xue Qinan and the others with a sharp voice: "You are commenting, this is a baby, how is it worth this money, 500,000 is already a big bargain, since you know the goods, you can't bully us countrymen!" ”

You Fang smiled: "Bullying you? I'm sorry, it's worth the price, if you put it in the cultural relics store with the packaging and appraisal certificate, you can also ask for 200,000 yuan! But you just take it like this, there are no formalities, and I can't even bring the plane with me when I buy it, and I can only pay 50,000 at most. I didn't mean to lie to you, this is an insider's word. ”

He really didn't "lie" to the vendor, and his confession was simply "cute", and at the same time he paid attention to the other party's reaction, and the hawker had a hint of imperceptible doubt.

Although Xue Qinan saw that this was an ancient sword, he was not very interested, and the handicraft business she did was all international high-end, and this kind of thing was generally not handled. And there is a difference between archaeologists and antique dealers looking at a thing, for example, when Wu Pingdong sees something, he will first pay attention to its cultural relics value, while the antique insects in Panjiayuan see a thing, and the first thought in their hearts is how much it can be worth.

Xue Qinan should say that he has the vision of both an archaeologist and an antique dealer, and they are all first-class, and they have been mixed with the "level" of the United Nations. And the most prominent value of this ancient sword is the Spiritual Blade available to the master of the arcane method.

But the physical properties of this kind of thing are not only incomprehensible to secret masters, but Xue Qinan, who has been engaged in archaeological research all his life, also feels that this is not an ordinary ancient sword, with some kind of mysterious aura, and he frowned slightly and did not speak. Shen Sibao stretched out his hand and gently stroked the looming pine lines on the sword's body, and asked, "Fellow, how much do you want to sell?" ”

He was clearly tempted. Although Shen Sibao was reluctant to take the initiative to reveal his identity, everyone knew that he was a guest house waiter when he was in Chongqing, and when Shen Shenyi came, he realized that he was originally the eldest young master of Hangzhou Sibaozhai, but no outsiders knew that he was still a descendant of the Nine Star Sect. But on the other hand, Shen Sibao did not need to deliberately hide his name in front of his fellow people in the rivers and lakes, and he still used his original name and surname to walk the rivers and lakes, so he was not as vigilant as You Fang.

The peddler saw that this stubble was over, and answered: "Didn't you say it just now, you have to get 500,000, not even a penny less!" ”

You Fang persuaded with "kindness" on the side: "Little Four, you are also an expert, this thing is really not worth it, 50,000 is in the sky, and you can't spend it so indiscriminately if you have money." ”

Shen Sibao smiled: "I know this, but this thing is really special, don't you feel it?" ”

You Fang nodded, and said thoughtfully: "Well, it's quite special, I feel that it is particularly sharp when I hold it in my hand, I used to have this feeling when I was playing with antiques, as if something wanted to speak." Saying such words shows that he can really immerse his mind in the artifacts he is studying, which further confirms that he is indeed an expert.

The peddler shouted dissatisfiedly: "You guy, if you don't want to buy it, you can't say that my things are not good, or this boss has a vision, what a special sword!" Just now he called You Fang "boss", but now he has been demoted to "guy", and Shen Sibao has become "boss" again, which is very much like a typical philistine trader.

Xie Xiaoding stretched out his hand curiously: "Let me see, well, it's quite special, the hairs on my hands are standing up." …… Fellow, you're selling this thing too expensive, isn't it? ”

The vendor rolled his eyes: "You get what you pay for, you don't buy it, if you don't buy it, give it back to me!" ”

Shen Sibao took the sword from Xie Xiaoding's hand again, did not return it to the vendor, and asked in a deep voice, "Who can travel with 500,000 cash?" Even if I want to buy it, how can I pay you? ”

Hawker: "It's okay, Li Zhuang has a bank, you can transfer money to me if you have money in your account."

You Fang persuaded on the side: "Do you really want to buy it?" This price is really not worth it, even if it feels special, but you can't do antiques based on feelings, what the market should be. ”

At this time, Hua Youxian whispered: "Brother Sibao, do you think let's come out to play and buy such a thing here, is it reliable, there should be no problem, right?" ”

This sentence reminded Shen Sibao that as the only son of the head of the Nine Star Sect, he accompanied the friend he had just met to travel, and the people around him didn't know his details, how could he come across a spiritual blade so coincidentally? And it's not sold openly in the antiquities market, it's like this vendor deliberately delivered it to his eyes.

As the saying goes, "if something is abnormal, it must be a demon", and there is a saying called "Nothing to be courteous, either a traitor or a thief".

Hua Youxian felt very special when he saw this sword, inexplicably swishing cold air on the back of his neck, and hearing You Fang say that this was a real antique, he felt that something was wrong with this peddler, he was a person who had suffered a big loss, and it was normal to think a lot about it. Besides, how could a peddler selling along the street sell such a valuable thing in this way? Besides, there is an internationally renowned archaeologist among them, is it deliberate?

If there is a problem with the origin of this thing, it is a small matter to make a joke, if it is something like a tomb robber, it is easy to say and unpleasant, and if it is not explained clearly, it will even cause unexpected trouble.

Hearing this, Shen Sibao also frowned, figured out these joints, smiled and said to the vendor: "My friend is right, I will pay a maximum of 50,000 yuan for the price here, and you can sell it if you like." ”

As he spoke, he was also paying attention to the hawker's reaction, if the hawker knew the mystery of this thing and deliberately sent it to the door, then there was a problem, if the hawker really didn't know, it was blind and the price was high, then there was still room for trading.

The peddler pouted and became a little anxious: "Since you know it's special, do you care about that money?" ”

Xie Xiaoding shouted dissatisfiedly: "That money? Four hundred and fifty thousand! ”

Shen Sibao said quietly: "It's 50,000, think about it again." ”

The peddler stretched out his hand and took the sword, turned around and wanted to walk: "Don't sell, don't sell, resolutely don't sell!" ”

Shen Sibao was about to stop him, but Wu Yuchong shouted: "Fellow, 150,000, I'll buy it." ”

The peddler looked back and said, "Can't you add more?" ”

Wu Yuchong waved his hand: "It's 150,000, if you don't sell it, you can leave." ”

The hawker glanced at Wu Yuchong, and Wu Yuchong suddenly smiled at him, indescribably charming and charming, the hawker looked straight with a smile, and suddenly sighed and said, "Who told me to wait for the money, just sell it to you." ”

Wu Yuchong asked mischievously: "Fellow, you didn't steal this thing, did you?" ”

The peddler was stunned for a moment, and then his face showed anger: "You can say that my things are not good, but you can't insult my people!" ”

You Fang whispered: "Yu Chong, do you really want to buy this thing?" The origin is unknown, but I am afraid that there is a problem, and the bid is also high. ”

Wu Yuchong still smiled nonchalantly: "I think it's worth it, I heard you say that this thing is very special, and I also feel that it is not the same as ordinary ancient weapons." …… Grandma, what do you say? ”

Xue Qinan finally spoke, stretched out his hand to the vendor and said, "Fellow, show me the sword."

…… Well, it is indeed different from ordinary ancient weapons, and it seems to have a unique sense of mystery and historical precipitation. "Yuchong, do you really want to buy it? It's not a toy, and it shouldn't be kept in the bedroom. ”

Wu Yuchong smiled: "Grandma rest assured, I understand all this." If it is placed in the Jade Chong Pavilion, it will be no problem to sell it for hundreds of thousands of dollars, right? In addition to the handling fees and taxes brought back, can the rest be counted as my part-time salary? ...", with your help, as long as you say hello and find a way, I will definitely be able to bring this sword back to Yuchong Pavilion, anyway, people are selling it on the street, who buys it or not? Wouldn't it be a pity to buy it if you don't know the goods? ”

Xue Qinan looked at his granddaughter and smiled helplessly: "Okay, you can buy it if you want." But don't forget to record the gentleman's identity and bank account information, if it is really stolen goods, you can make it clear that they are all witnesses, and you can prove that you bought it from this gentleman. ”

The inner thoughts of everyone present are different, and You Fang suspects that this person is testing the bottom line, and now the undercurrent is surging, and he is cautious first. Besides, with Shen Sibao present, You Fang didn't bother to fight with him, if Mr. Rand's identity was to be explained in the future, it would not be a discount on the identity of the predecessors.

And Shen Sibao's expression was a little bitter, Hua Youxian reminded quite right, he suspected that there was something wrong with the origin of this sword, and he also suspected the intention of the peddler, but deep down he still wanted to buy it, it was not easy to meet such an artifact, and he did not have so many scruples as You Fang.

But Wu Yuchong suddenly intervened and bought the sword for 150,000 yuan, but he couldn't see any flaws in the peddler. It's only 150,000, in Shen Sibao's eyes, it's like Bai Xuan! One and a half million is worth it, even if you can't afford it, if you talk to your father, you will definitely buy it, of course, you secretly regret it.

Everyone accompanied Wu Yuchong to really find a bank nearby, and transferred money to the vendor on the spot. After coming out, Wu Yuchong casually threw the sword into his backpack, looking very chic. Shen Sibao leaned over and asked a little embarrassedly, "Miss Wu, do you really plan to take this sword to the Jade Chong Pavilion in New York to sell?" ”

Wu Yuchong straightened his chest and said: "Of course, Yale's tuition is very expensive, I studied in the United States and worked part-time to earn money." ”

Xue Qinan interjected: "If you don't have enough money, ask grandma for it, of course, you will earn better yourself." ”

Shen Sibao rubbed his hands and whispered: "If that's the case, you don't have to be so troublesome, you can keep this sword if you like it first, and when you want to sell it, just sell it to me directly at a higher price." ”

Wu Yuchong giggled, his laughter was like a silver bell, and people trembled like flowers: "Brother Sibao, why didn't you say it earlier?" So you want it too, why did you ...... just now?"

You Fang interrupted her and said, "When you go out to travel and buy things together, how can you raise the price by your own people?" Of course, the four treasures just now can't be grabbed from you at a higher price. ”

Xie Xiaoding secretly reached out and pinched Shen Sibao fiercely, while Wu Yuchong replied: "I'll keep it in the countryside for self-defense first, and then I'll talk about it when I want to sell it." "I didn't refuse or agree on the spot, and I looked quite proud.

Hua You said idly: "Self-defense? With me and Brother You by my side, it's much stronger than that sword. ”

Just as he spoke, he walked into the ancient town of Lizhuang, and the matter of buying a sword came to an end, and no one mentioned it again.

Whether there was a problem with the peddler or not, You Fang wondered but had no evidence, and it was impossible for him to follow up and investigate on such occasions. But no matter what the other party's purpose was, or who was secretly observing and snooping, You Fang's reaction did not reveal any flaws.

As soon as he walked into the tourist area of Lizhuang Ancient Town, Xue Qinan sighed inexplicably, there are great changes here, there are many tourists, and many new buildings have been built, but they are not completely in accordance with the original pattern of the ancient town, and some places are simply not classified. But the original appearance of the ancient town is still largely intact, which is the only thing to be thankful for.

Walking along the stone alleys, Xue Sinan patiently explained the history of this ancient town, the characteristics of various buildings, and the changes from that year to today, and everyone listened carefully. As soon as Xue Qinan entered the town, he walked straight to the famous Xizi Lane.

This is an old alley less than 100 meters long, only more than two meters wide, the alley is lined with two-story wooden stilted buildings, the left and right beams of the attic stick outward, plus the eaves, almost all the above the street are covered, leaving only a line of sky about a foot wide between the eaves.

Such alleys are both ventilated and sheltered from the rain, and also shelter from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. If it's raining, you can walk along both sides without an umbrella, and the rainwater is left between the cornices, splashing small splashes in the middle of the stone alley, and this is a rainy place. The people who used to drive to pull water, shake the pampas fan to enjoy the coolness, and weave mats to sell are no longer here, and this is a tourist attraction, only tourists come and go with a look of fun, curiosity, and lingering.

Xue Qinan did not walk into the alley, but stood outside the alley and stared forward, suddenly distracted and did not speak for a long time. Wu Yuchong shook her arm and whispered, "Grandma, what's wrong with you?" ”

Xue Qinan came back to his senses and said abruptly: "I think back then, I met your grandfather here." ”

After the liberation and before the Cultural Revolution, Xue Qinan was still a middle school student studying in the county seat, only a teenager, but people in that era seemed to be more precocious than today's young people, and they could generally take charge of the family business at this age. Xue Qinan's family composition was not very good in the words of that era, but in today's terms, the family conditions are very good, and he belongs to the young lady of the local enlightened gentry's family, so he can come to the county seat to study in middle school.

Perhaps influenced by the scholarly atmosphere of her family, she liked to look for the ancient and illustrate the secluded, and occasionally came to the ancient town of Lizhuang to sketch, painting charcoal drawings that many people seemed to be very fashionable at that time.

It was an afternoon, just after a light rain, and the stone slabs on the streets and alleys of Lizhuang were washed clean and bright by the rain, as if they had an ancient warm luster. Xue Qinan combed two braids, wore a white shirt and a long black skirt, opened the painting folder and sketched at the mouth of the mat alley, but he frowned slightly and couldn't put down his pen for a long time.

"Classmate, your position is wrong, from this observation angle, it is difficult to draw the artistic conception of this alley." Someone behind him suddenly spoke, and it was a soft male voice.

Xue Qinan looked back and saw that he was a teenager about the same age as himself, and he was also dressed as a student, but he had an elegant and calm temperament at a young age, and he had seen and had an impression in school, but he was not in the same class, and he had never spoken before. Xue Qinan blinked his eyes and asked, "Then how do you say you should observe?" ”

The boy beckoned: "Come out of the alley, look at it from this angle." …… In fact, you don't have to, and it is impossible to, draw all the stilted buildings on both sides, the entire stone alley, and the first line of the cornice on one drawing, so that this structure is imprinted in your heart and felt by the people who look at the painting. …… The stone alley is close to the line, the first line of heaven is only at the end, and the stilted buildings extend from both sides of the picture, which feels very good. ”

Xue Qinan walked to the position of the young man's finger and looked at it, and suddenly handed him the painting folder, looking a little naughty, and asked a little unconvinced: "Do you know how to draw?" Draw it for me! ”

The young man was slightly surprised: "Do you really want me to draw?" ”

Xue Qinan deliberately straightened his face, nodded and said, "Well, you can't just say that you don't practice, I want to see how you draw, you must draw!" ”

The young man smiled, took the painting folder very generously, and sat down on the stone pier under the root of a wall outside the alley, the charcoal strips rustled on the white paper, and he did not draw a detailed stroke, but drew the outline of the composition of the mat alley very skillfully, and after painting, he stood up and handed it to Xue Qinan.

Watching the young man put down the pen, Xue Qinan's eyes couldn't hide the look of surprise and appreciation, and when he looked up and took the painting folder, he inexplicably felt that the young man's smile was so charming, and his face suddenly turned red for a while. - This is how she got acquainted with Wu Pingdong.

Xue Qinan told his granddaughter the story of the year, and You Fang opened a notebook he carried with him and turned to one of the pages, which was different from the other Gongbi pages in the notebook, this one was the outline of Xizi Lane, drawn with pencil instead of charcoal.

Wu Lao left the box of relics left by You Fang is too heavy, it is inconvenient to travel with him, and he stayed in Chongqing Xie Qin's house, You Fang only took the third of the five notes, and the scenery of Yibin is in it, which was painted when Wu Pingdong's hometown was revisited at the end of the seventies of the last century.

As soon as You Fang turned around, he saw the same stone pier that Wu Lao had sat on when he first met Xue Qinan and later revisited his hometown, and he also sat on it, looking at Xizi Lane from here, and then looking at Wu Lao's outline sketch, it was indeed like an artistic conception imprinted in his heart, just like the best annotation of the method of refining the realm with scenery.

With this sword, what he felt was no longer the illusion of all laws, but the same origin of all wonders.

After Xue Qinan finished telling the story of the year, he led several young people to walk slowly through Xizi Lane, speechless all the way. After leaving here, Wu Yuchong saw that his grandmother was a little distracted, as if to raise her interest, so he proposed: "Let's go visit the Spiral Palace, grandma will tell us a good story, why Liang Sicheng's predecessors have such a high opinion of it?" ”

Shen Sibao immediately nodded in agreement, and You Fang was also very interested. Before he came, he wanted to know what was the wonder of that little pavilion, which would be praised by a generation of masters, and what kind of mystery could he see in the eyes of the master of the secret method?