Chapter 115

These days, Old Pang has been organizing his home and came across the art and calligraphy left behind by his late son.

Some of them have been damaged by insects. While he doesn’t understand art, he knows that these pieces can be valuable. However, lacking knowledge on proper preservation, he wants to find someone knowledgeable to sell them.

Song Haowen believes the old man is likely telling the truth and asks how he plans to sell them. Old Pang replies, “Young friend, don’t be hasty. I have a total of eight basically intact pieces here. Look at all of them before making any decisions.”

Song Haowen nods and proceeds to examine the remaining collection. Among them are two calligraphy pieces, and judging by the quality of the rice paper, he recognizes them as contemporary works with anonymous authors. Although the characters appear decent, they don’t seem worth collecting.

The other five are traditional Chinese paintings. One looks quite new, featuring the Yangtze River with a large bridge, but the technique is average, and the artist is not named.

There are also four landscape paintings, visibly aged, with three seeming to be from the Republic of China period. Unfortunately, the skill level of these painters is average, with many flaws.

While these three pieces might serve as decorative items at home due to their age, their value as collectibles is not significant.

There’s also a landscape painting that initially didn’t catch Song Haowen’s attention. The mounting of this painting has holes, although it hasn’t damaged the artwork.

However, the scroll is damaged, affecting its aesthetics. Additionally, due to improper storage, the image appears somewhat dark, not immediately captivating the viewer. Yet, when he looks at the painting a second time, he senses an inexplicable ancient charm. It doesn’t seem artificially aged, almost as if it has a history of several hundred years.

This sparks his interest, and as he carefully observes the painting, he’s pleasantly surprised.

 The painting is titled “Scenic Beauty of Tianping,” depicting the scenery of Mount Tianping in Suzhou.

In his past life, Song Haowen had visited Suzhou multiple times and climbed Mount Tianping.

With an elevation of 201 meters, Tianping Mountain is steep and treacherous, historically known as Baiyun Mountain or Cishan, the burial place of the ancestors of the Northern Song Dynasty statesman Fan Zhongyan.

The area is renowned for its “Red Maple, Strange Rocks, and Clear Springs,” with eighteen scenic spots, including Wanhutou pointing to the sky, Gaoyi overlapping greenery, Wanzhang red clouds, and Yuchen murmuring springs.

The painting “Scenic Beauty of Tianping” vividly captures the unique scenery of Wanhutou, perilous passes, and the faintly visible Baiyun Spring.

There is a temple at the foot of the mountain, but it lacks one of the three wonders, the “Red Maple,” and the Tianping Mountain Resort.

The entire scene is elegant and graceful, balanced in complexity, with layered mountains, diverse trees, flowing mist, a majestic atmosphere, and a sense of artistic mastery.

In the upper left corner of the painting, there are three lines of regular script inscriptions by the author, stating, “In the fifth month of the first year of Zhizheng, the Daoist Foolish for Nature created ‘Scenic Beauty of Tianping,’ at the age of seventy-three.” It bears the seals of “Huang Gongwang,” “Yifeng Daoist,” and “Descendant of the Huang Family for Generations.”

Seeing these, Song Haowen couldn’t help but be stunned. In his previous life, he was well aware of Huang Gongwang, the leading landscape painter of the Yuan Dynasty, crowned among the Yuan Four Masters.

“The Picture of Lake in the Mountains” was his masterpiece, created with meticulous care at the age of seventy-three, depicting the scenic beauty of Tianchi Mountain, thirty miles west of Suzhou.

If the painting in Old Pang’s hands is genuine, could it be that, in addition to “The Picture of Lake in the Mountains,” Huang Gongwang also created “Scenic Beauty of Tianping” during his time in Suzhou? Or is it the work of later artists imitating or forging his name?

Song Haowen suddenly felt excited about the prospect of finding a hidden gem.

Huang Gongwang was indeed famous during the Yuan Dynasty! “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” is his representative work, set against the backdrop of the Fuchun River, acclaimed in later generations as the “Lanting Pavilion in the painting.”

Later, this painting was burned into two segments due to certain reasons. The front segment was named “Remaining Mountain Picture” and is now housed in Hangzhou, while the longer rear segment is called “Useless Master Scroll” and is kept in Taipei.

In his past life, on June 1, 2011, the world was stirred by the special exhibition “Perfect Harmony of Mountains and Rivers – Huang Gongwang and Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” held in Taipei’s National Palace Museum.

After 360 years, “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” (Remaining Mountain Picture) and “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” (Useless Master Scroll) were finally reunited, displayed together, and became a major event in the art world that year.

However, Song Haowen couldn’t help but have doubts. His luck had been good since his rebirth, but could it really be this good? Regardless of whether “Scenic Beauty of Tianping” is genuine or not, the calligraphy with the signature “Qichang” and the quality of these two paintings are exceptional, worthy of collection.

Song Haowen asked Old Pang, “Master, how much are you asking for these calligraphy and paintings?”

Old Pang raised his index finger. Qian Youlai exclaimed, “Are these old things worth a hundred?”

Old Pang smirked and then waved his index finger.

“Young friend, get things clear. Is this a hundred?”

Qian Youlai was puzzled and asked, “Not a hundred, is it ten yuan? Are you willing to sell at such a low price?”

Old Pang burst into laughter. He said to Song Haowen, “Young friend, you seem refined and knowledgeable. Do you know the value of these things?”

Song Haowen wasn’t new to business. He understood that if he quoted too low, the other party wouldn’t agree. Conversely, if he quoted too high, he’d end up at a loss. However, he wasn’t an unscrupulous merchant without principles, so he spoke honestly.

“You have a total of three calligraphy pieces. Except for the first one, which looks a bit old and may have some collectible value, the other two are contemporary and not worth much. As for the five paintings, one with the Yangtze River Bridge has no artist’s name – not valuable at all. The other four paintings seem to be over a few decades old, but the artistry is average; they’re only suitable for self-enjoyment at home. Only ‘Scenic Beauty of Tianping’ might have some value.”

Old Pang dismissed it, saying, “You are intentionally downplaying them to lower the price.”

Song Haowen countered, “Then, what’s your asking price?”

“Ten thousand yuan. Not a penny less,” Old Pang said coldly.

“I can’t believe it!” Qian Youlai exclaimed. “Old Pang, are you joking with us intentionally? With these ten thousand yuan, we could buy two courtyard houses like yours! I wouldn’t even want to spend fifty yuan on these paintings and calligraphy.”

Surprised by the exorbitant price, Song Haowen couldn’t help but wonder, “Master Pang, since you dare to ask for such a high price, can you explain why?”

“Young friend, I have to admit, your discernment is quite good.” Old Pang complimented Song Haowen. “I have acquaintances in the museum. Last week, I showed them these calligraphy and paintings, and as you said, among these eight pieces, only the calligraphy by Qichang and the painting by Huang Gongwang are most valuable. There’s a 70% chance they’re authentic. Later, I went to the calligraphy and painting society, and they reached a similar conclusion, offering me five thousand to sell. At that time, I thought, if these two pieces are genuine, they would be priceless, so I didn’t agree. Later, they sent someone to my house, urging me to sell, but the price remained the same. I didn’t agree, and they threatened that keeping these things might not be a good idea. If the cultural department finds out, they could come and confiscate them, and I wouldn’t get even a hundred yuan. With these concerns in mind, I considered selling, but I’m not willing to sell at too low a price. If it weren’t for the fact that most people don’t have money now, my offer wouldn’t be so low.”

Song Haowen chuckled, “Actually, there aren’t many people in the entire capital who can come up with ten thousand yuan.”

Old Pang shook his head and said, “But you can. When I was talking with Little Qian this morning, I found out that you’re a big celebrity and run an antique shop.”

Song Haowen smiled wryly, “Master Pang, just because I can afford it doesn’t mean you can ask for an exorbitant price. Besides, leaving aside the uncertainty of these two pieces being genuine, even if they are, in today’s world where most people are busy with basic needs, how many can afford or are willing to spend ten thousand yuan on a few paintings and calligraphy that are only for viewing, can’t be eaten, and come with the risk of theft and confiscation?”

Old Pang’s face turned red, and he argued stubbornly, “But these paintings and calligraphy are worth that much money.”

“Being valuable doesn’t necessarily mean they can sell for a good price, right? Poor people sell even their children for basic needs. Children, being human beings, conceived for ten months, not objects, not cattle or sheep, unique and irreplaceable – theoretically, aren’t they priceless treasures? How much can they be sold for? Soldiers sacrifice their lives on the battlefield, and what’s the amount of their compensation? If a person holds onto the principle of equivalent exchange and refuses to suffer any loss, it’s likely challenging to achieve anything. The current issue is whether you want to sell or not. If you don’t want to sell, we can’t negotiate; if you want to sell, let’s discuss how to proceed. Surely, it can’t just be your terms we’re listening to?” Song Haowen spoke confidently.

“But, this is the price…” Old Pang was unwilling to compromise.

“We definitely won’t reach an agreement at this price. Qian Xiong, let’s go.” Song Haowen said as he walked towards the exit.

“But, how much can you offer?” Old Pang hesitated.

Song Haowen laughed, “We can’t offer much. In my opinion, Master, you should sell these paintings and calligraphy to someone willing to pay five thousand yuan. In this world, I doubt anyone can afford such a high price for now.”

Old Pang’s face showed a mix of red and white, with a hint of embarrassment. He said, “So, how much can you offer?”

“In my view, your paintings and calligraphy are worth at most a hundred or so yuan.” Song Haowen said casually.

“You’re deliberately not buying. There are two rare treasures among them.” Old Pang complained.

“It’s just a possibility. What if they turn out to be forgeries? You don’t have an authentication certificate. Why should I take such a big risk?” Song Haowen explained his reasons.

Old Pang’s face darkened, and his eyes seemed to shoot fire. “But the price is too low. I might as well keep them for my own enjoyment. Besides, I’m not desperate for that small amount of money.”

“If you genuinely want to sell, I’ll consider it a good deal. Sell them to me for 200 yuan, or else, we’ll leave,” Song Haowen deliberately proposed a low price.

“This… it’s too low, it can’t be less than 5,000,” Old Pang reluctantly said.

“Are you crazy, or do you think I’m foolish? Does anyone really offer this price? You’re treating me like a fool,” Song Haowen scoffed.

“Someone did offer this price.” Old Pang argued vehemently with a red face and a thick neck.

Song Haowen shrugged. “Alright. Didn’t I just say it? Whoever offers this price, sell it to them. I don’t want to be the sucker.”

“Well, let’s make it a deal then. I see, Little Master, you really want to buy. How about 4,000?” Old Pang suggested.

“200!”

“3,000, not a penny less.”

“200!”

“Why are you so stubborn? Alright, I’ll make one last concession. 2,500.”

“Old Pang, you don’t need to test me like this. 200 is my bottom line. But, considering your hard work in bargaining and the fact that I don’t mind this small amount, I’ll make a final offer. 500!”

“Master, are you insane? This thing that’s not worth even 50, you’re offering 500? Ten times too much?” Qian Youlai was astonished.

“Well, it’s too little—” Old Pang was still unwilling.

“Then, we’re leaving—” Song Haowen saw that the other party was on the verge of giving in and added more fuel to the fire.

Old Pang couldn’t resist anymore, gritted his teeth, and with red eyes, said, “Fine! I’ll take the loss! 500 it is.”

“Master, that’s too expensive…” Qian Youlai expressed his disagreement.

“It’s okay. Consider it a plaything for me. Master Pang, please write a simple contract. We’ll both sign it. When the time comes, I’ll pay you, and you’ll hand over the items,” Song Haowen generously suggested.

“Alright. How should I write it? You tell me, and I’ll write,” Old Pang said.

Song Haowen took 500 yuan from his pocket and handed it to Old Pang. Old Pang found a cloth bag to wrap the eight paintings and calligraphy and handed them to Song Haowen. Then, both parties signed the contract, keeping a copy for themselves.

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