Wang Guan spoke eloquently, then chuckled, "Master Banshan, am I correct in what I've said?" "Amitabha, layman Wang speaks without error," Master Banshan continued to nod, confirming Wang Guan hadn't lied. In truth, Old Mr.

Han and Han Lang harbored no suspicion. Living in Hong Kong, where many customs were preserved, even celebrations featured lion dances, culminating with the main boss dotting the lion’s eyes for good fortune.

Therefore, during the dedication ceremony for a deity statue, a ritual involving 'awakening the spirit' was entirely understandable to them. "In other words, the inscription on the lotus pedestal base indicates the date of the original dedication ceremony." Wang Guan smiled faintly, "The twenty-third of the third lunar month...

The first month is early spring, the second is mid-spring, the third is late spring. The twenty-third of the third month...

I recall the Bodhisattva Guanyin has three observance days: the nineteenth of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months." "The nineteenth of the second month is the day she became human, the Third Princess. The nineteenth of the sixth month is the day she jumped into the fire pit.

Her father forbade her from studying Buddhism and had her burned alive. This is actually the Bodhisattva's memorial day, the day of her deepest suffering and sorrow.

The nineteenth of the ninth month is the day she achieved Buddhahood, the day she ascended as a Bodhisattva and sat upon the lotus throne." Wang Guan calculated briefly, his interest piqued: "What a coincidence, all on the nineteenth. But it has no connection to the twenty-third of the third month.

Shouldn't we then rule out the statue being Guanyin Bodhisattva? By the way, Young Master Han, I am referring to the lunar calendar.

Furthermore, this is an ancient statue, and the date inscribed is also lunar." "I know," Han Lang’s expression darkened slightly, yet he maintained his composure: "But you’ve circled around without hitting the crucial point. This isn't about eliminating possibilities now; it’s about confirming the statue’s actual origin..." "Arang, silence," Old Mr.

Han unexpectedly shook his head, signaling Han Lang to say no more. To Han Lang's perplexed gaze, Old Mr.

Han gently reprimanded him: "He has already told you the answer; you simply don't realize it yet. You need to read more books on this subject in the future..." At this moment, not only Old Mr.

Han but also Pi Qiushi and Master Banshan nearby were smiling, clearly having discerned the hidden meaning in Wang Guan's words. "Brother, you are absolutely right," Pi Qiushi sighed.

"We were indeed suffering from 'first impressions.' Seeing the lotus pedestal, we subconsciously assumed the carving was related to Buddhism. Especially noticing the wooden sculpture depicted a female deity, we instinctively believed it was Guanyin Bodhisattva, causing us to stray further and further down the wrong path..." "Amitabha, Layman Wang’s intelligence and ingenuity are truly admirable," Master Banshan praised sincerely.

After all, everyone understood the principle of the clear-sighted observer, but when one is caught within the situation, not everyone can step outside the circle. Only then did the slow-witted Han Lang realize Wang Guan had furnished the answer, and it seemed a convincing one, even earning Old Mr.

Han’s tacit approval. Seeing this, Han Lang couldn't help but ask quietly, "Grandfather, what answer did he give?

What is the origin of this statue?" Old Mr. Han glanced at his grandson and finally revealed the truth: "He is speaking of Mazu, the Heavenly Empress.

The twenty-third day of the third lunar month is Mazu's birthday, which customarily calls for a grand ceremony." Mazu, also known as Tianfei, Tianhou, or the Holy Mother of Heaven, is a deity revered by sailors, seamen, travelers, merchants, and fishermen alike throughout the ages. In ancient times, seafaring often exposed vessels to sudden storms and waves, leading to wrecks and drowning; the safety of the crew was the paramount concern for navigators, who placed their hopes in divine protection.

Before setting sail, offerings were made to Tianfei, praying for fair winds and safety, and sometimes even a shrine for the Heavenly Empress was erected aboard the ship for worship. China has an extensive coastline; apart from the inland provinces, temples dedicated to Mazu can be found wherever there is a connection to the sea.

Moreover, through a thousand years of propagation, the faith in Mazu has spread globally following the footsteps of the Chinese diaspora. Maritime trade is one of the pillars supporting Hong Kong's economic prosperity.

Although Han Lang might not necessarily worship Mazu, he was somewhat familiar with her exploits. Following Old Mr.

Han's gentle reminder, he immediately understood. He recalled accompanying company employees to the Tin Hau Temple to burn incense on the twenty-third of the third lunar month last year.

"Old Mr. Han," Wang Guan said with a light chuckle, "Do you find the points I raised logical and convincing?" Old Mr.

Han remained silent for a moment, then glanced at Han Lang before suddenly smiling, "Indeed, the younger generation is formidable. A puzzle that baffled many experts has been neatly solved by you.

It’s no wonder Master Banshan recommended you to assist." "You flatter me," Wang Guan replied with a faint smile. "Ultimately, it was the lotus pedestal that misled everyone.

The lotus on the base sent us astray. In fact, the lotus flower is not exclusively a Buddhist implement; Taoists, Confucians, and even officials frequently employed it.

After all, the lotus symbolizes integrity and purity, the quality of being 'crystal clear.' Elevating the Heavenly Empress Mazu on a lotus throne to highlight her transcendent nature is also quite common." "Yes, precisely so," Pi Qiushi agreed wholeheartedly, mixed with a touch of melancholy. "We were victims of dogmatism, or perhaps empiricism—in short, we went astray without realizing it..." As he spoke, Pi Qiushi suddenly grinned slyly, "Speaking of which, who was just mentioning sincerity?

Full sincerity, no less. Don't go backing out on your word now." Han Lang’s expression instantly shifted, cursing himself internally for his foolishness.

He knew this young man had a knack for appraising antiques; why did he have to bring up the matter of sincerity? "Don't worry, Mr.

Pi. Since you two have solved a problem that has plagued me for years, I shall certainly reward you handsomely." Old Mr.

Han’s smile was strained. It wasn't joy at seeing Han Lang humbled, but rooted in his own situation.

A little reflection made it clear: Old Mr. Han was a devout Buddhist, devoted to vegetarianism and chanting for years, especially treating this partial wooden carving as his personal link to Buddhist fortune.

Yet, the truth could be harsh: the carving had nothing to do with Buddhism; instead, it represented something from Taoism, the spiritual adversary of Buddhism. Mazu, the Heavenly Empress, has always been a protective deity of Taoism, an undeniable fact.

Thus, upon learning the truth, Old Mr. Han felt that his years of devout worship of the partial statue seemed like a farce, leaving him in no mood for happiness.

It was at this juncture that Wang Guan also began to grasp the situation dimly. Old Mr.

Han had invited many experts and masters to appraise the carving; it was unlikely he was the only one who noticed clues. Perhaps others had deduced the carving's origins but deliberately played ignorant, saying nothing to Old Mr.

Han. On the benevolent side, the masters might have wished not to shatter Old Mr.

Han's cherished vision. If one were to speculate on darker motives, perhaps the masters feared Old Mr.

Han's displeasure and chose ambiguity, leaving only a blunt fellow like Wang Guan to expose the stark reality. Thinking of this, Wang Guan managed a faint, wry smile, feeling his cultivation of mental composure still needed refinement.

Just then, Old Mr. Han stood up listlessly, saying in a weak tone, "Arang, entertain our guests well.

I feel tired and will rest in my room for a while." "Grandfather, let me help you back to your room," Han Lang exclaimed in alarm, rushing forward to assist. "No need," Old Mr.

Han gently shook his head, then added casually, "This partial statue... if they like it, just give it to them.

Consider it their reward." The object Old Mr. Han had cherished as a treasure was now tossed aside like refuse, clearly indicating the depth of his displeasure!

Out of sight, out of mind; he wanted the carving gone quickly so it wouldn't provoke his anger. Han Lang was startled again by this command and wanted to interject, but Old Mr.

Han was not in the mood to listen and simply walked away, waving his hand dismissively. Seeing this, Han Lang had no choice but to call a servant to assist his grandfather back to his room, then turned to face Wang Guan.

Old grievances remained, now compounded by new ones; there was no hope of receiving a warm reception. "You know this isn't my fault; I merely spoke the truth," Wang Guan spread his hands.

"Besides, don't forget, you were the one who pushed me first, forcing me to expose the facts. So, any resentment should first be directed at yourself." "You..." Han Lang wished intensely that he were a dissolute young master; if he were a second-generation rich scion, he wouldn't need to deliberate right from wrong and could simply explode in anger.

But now, having received an elite education, he couldn't bring himself to stoop to the level of a shrewish scold. "Understood!" Noticing Han Lang's murderous glare, Wang Guan instinctively knew the score: "We will leave immediately.

One more question: are you truly giving us this partial wooden carving? Think carefully; that is Golden-Silk Nanmu, an exceedingly precious material.

Even incomplete, the remaining portion is worth at least several million..." "Do you think the Han family cares about a few million?" Han Lang shot back, then decisively waved his hand: "Take the thing and go." "Then I truly am leaving," Wang Guan tested the waters. "Don't you have anything you want to ask?" "Ask what?" Han Lang replied irritably.

"Be on your way, and don't bother seeing us out!" "Oh!" Wang Guan smiled and immediately called out to Pi Qiushi: "Brother Pi, let’s go." As he spoke, he turned back to address the monk: "Master, what about you? Will you stay as a guest, or join us outside for tea?" "Amitabha," Master Banshan smiled gently.

"As fate dictates." Wang Guan immediately understood and chuckled: "In that case, Master, perhaps you could lend a hand?" "Good!" Master Banshan smiled and rolled up his sleeves, joining Wang Guan and Pi Qiushi as they lifted the lotus pedestal, slowly walking toward the exit. Since Old Mr.

Han had given them the item, there was no need to feign politeness; they would simply move it. Soon after, the three loaded the object onto the vehicle, got in, and the car slowly pulled away from the mansion, speeding off.

En route, Pi Qiushi, who was driving, still held a degree of worry: "Brother, if we take the Golden-Silk Nanmu and the Han family later regrets it, could that cause us trouble?" "Not a chance," Wang Guan’s eyes held a flicker of a smile, perfectly composed. "I wouldn't dare speak for others, but Han Lang will certainly need my help again.

He’s probably regretting right now why he didn't ask me to stay..."