“I once heard from an elder in the business that back in the eighties, someone discovered gravel-like soil in the drawers of an antique dressing table, but dismissed it as accumulated dust and simply swept it away.” As he spoke, Wang Guan expressed deep regret. “Later, this incident reached the ears of an old master from Yixing, who immediately became agitated, berating the person severely.

Only then did everyone realize that those gravels were actually the legendary Tianqing Clay.” Speaking of this, a point needs clarification. People often have this misconception, thinking that Zisha clay is like the common yellow earth we see—a powdery granule that turns into a sticky, wet mass when water is added.

In reality, it is not so. Zisha clay, when mined from the earth, resembles angular rocks or ore—blocky and relatively hard, more like stone than mud.

However, unlike ores such as iron or copper, once the Zisha clay ore is excavated, exposure to wind and rain causes it to weather and form gravel-like particles. Therefore, refining Zisha clay in ancient times was no simple task.

After the ore was mined, the earth had to be piled outdoors until it naturally weathered into particles the size of dried jujubes or soybeans. Then, it was ground finely using a stone mill into powder, sifted, and finally, the clay powder was mixed with an appropriate amount of water and kneaded on site into wet clay blocks of specific dimensions.

During this process, the workers had to continuously walk and tread on the mixture until the clay reached a perfect consistency. The hardship involved is unimaginable unless one has experienced it firsthand.

Things are much better now, with fully mechanized production aided by crushers, mixers, and vacuum clay processing machines—the Zisha teapot industry has naturally flourished as a result. Of course, it cannot be denied that while machinery can handle the clay processing, the actual molding of a Zisha teapot still requires manual skill.

Furthermore, the difference in price between a teapot made by an apprentice and one crafted by a master is astronomical, and the spiritual essence imbued within the masterwork is indescribable. Currently, the greatest aspiration of Zisha teapot collectors—the very thing they dream of day and night—is to obtain a teapot made personally by a master using Tianqing Clay.

“However, now we have masters, but no Tianqing Clay.” Wang Guan shrugged. “So, it’s very clear: that beauty was certainly displeased with your manner of approach, but out of respect for your grandfather, she couldn’t scold you outright, so she could only refuse you indirectly.” “Refuse what?” Just then, Elder Tian walked over, smiling broadly.

“Wang Guan, it’s already noon. Director Su is hosting a lunch for everyone; are you coming?” “No,” Wang Guan refused without hesitation, then chuckled lightly.

“Elder Tian, could you do me a favor?” “What is it?” Elder Tian asked curiously. “If you have something to say, I won't stand idly by if I can help.” “This matter is simple; for someone of your stature, it certainly won’t be difficult,” Wang Guan said with a smile.

“I plan to head back now. I’ll lend you this copy of the Front and Rear Ode on the Red Cliff to admire; I’ll pick it up from you later.” “You sly boy.” Elder Tian immediately understood the situation upon hearing this and laughed, chiding him.

“You’re trying to use me as a shield, aren't you?” “If you’re unwilling, then forget it,” Wang Guan admitted directly, then smiled. “If that doesn’t work, I’ll just call Elder Zhang over; he’ll definitely be interested.” “Don't try to provoke me,” Elder Tian chuckled faintly.

“I'll grant you this favor, but I get to view the item for a month.” “Deal!” Wang Guan nodded decisively, then beamed. “Since that’s settled, I’ll be going back now.

I’ll come to thank you properly later.” “Go on, go on,” Elder Tian waved his hand. “Young people should indeed socialize less and focus more on diligent study; that’s the proper way.” Wang Guan nodded seriously, then patted Xing Qiu’s shoulder and bid farewell.

“I’m leaving now; keep in touch when you have time!” “Leaving so soon?” Xing Qiu finally snapped back to awareness. “If I don’t leave now, I’ll be swallowed whole.” Wang Guan waved his hand, chatted briefly with Xing Qiu, and then departed crisply.

Modern life is like this; everything demands a fast pace, and farewells are similar—no time for sentimentality. Several hours later, Wang Guan was already back home, just in time for dinner.

The family ate together while watching the video on the phone, casually discussing trivial matters of daily life, and thus, the day was done. The next morning, Wang Guan browsed the news pages on his computer and indeed saw the headline about the discovery of Su Dongpo’s authentic handwriting at the Huangzhou Cultural Festival.

Looking at the comments, there were supporters, neutral parties, pure onlookers, and those posting irrelevant advertisements—it was a chaotic mix, with no end to the variety. After glancing over a few things, Wang Guan simply closed the news page and went to the backyard to help his father water the flowers and plants.

Just then, his phone rang. Wang Guan took it out and felt a slight surprise before answering.

“Xing Qiu, what’s up?” “I’m in the Porcelain Capital. Where is your place?” Hearing the voice coming through the phone, Wang Guan was momentarily stunned.

After a pause, he reacted. “At the train station?

Okay, wait there, I’ll come pick you up.” As he spoke, Wang Guan said goodbye to his parents and immediately drove off. Not long after, he indeed saw Xing Qiu’s figure standing by the main gate of the train station.

“Here…” Opening the car door and waving, once Xing Qiu was inside, Wang Guan asked in surprise, “Why did you suddenly run over here?” “Hehe, what? You don't welcome me?” Xing Qiu laughed.

“Yesterday you said to keep in touch.” “It’s not that I don’t welcome you, but I feel like your sudden arrival probably isn't a good thing,” Wang Guan said with a thoughtful expression, then expertly turned the car around toward home. “That’s just your suspicion,” Xing Qiu stated righteously.

“It’s absolutely just your suspicion.” “I hope so…” Wang Guan glanced sideways and smiled slightly. “Then make sure you don’t change your tune later.” “I definitely won’t change my tune, because I’m looking for you for good news, not bad news,” Xing Qiu said cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to Wang Guan’s look of skepticism.

“You haven’t given up yet, have you?” At the same time, Wang Guan somewhat understood Xing Qiu’s purpose and frowned. “Didn’t I already tell you?

Tianqing Clay has been lost; it’s basically extinct and extremely hard to find.” “Didn’t you say it might still be in antique dressing table drawers?” Xing Qiu countered. “I also said that was from the eighties,” Wang Guan sighed.

“That was thirty years ago; where are you going to find old furniture drawers to rummage through now?” “There must be some, there must be stragglers left,” Xing Qiu firmly believed. “China is so vast, and Zisha teapots have been popular since the Ming Dynasty.

Even if Tianqing Clay ran out during the Republic of China era, surely some must have survived across the five or six hundred years of the Ming and Qing dynasties.” “There might be some, but finding it is the key,” Wang Guan reminded him. “After all, not everyone knows how precious this clay is.

Perhaps some survived but were simply thrown away as ordinary dirt; there’s nothing that can be done about that.” “That’s why I came to find you.” At this, Xing Qiu shamelessly smiled. “Elder Tian said your luck is exceptional; if you go look for it, the chance of finding it is at least fifty percent.” “Uh!” Wang Guan was speechless; he hadn’t expected Elder Tian to sell him out like that.

“Wang Guan, please help me,” Xing Qiu implored. “My happiness for the rest of my life depends entirely on you.

For the sake of the Party and the Nation, pull me up…” “Are you serious?” Wang Guan frowned. “Are you just trying to spite her because she rejected you?” “One hundred percent serious,” Xing Qiu stated solemnly.

“The moment I saw her, I knew she was the one destined to be with me for the rest of my life.” “Such dramatic sentiment…” Wang Guan shook his head slightly and said casually, “You’re in luck. I was already planning a trip to Suzhou.

Since you’ve come begging, I’ll accompany you to Yixing to take a look.” Suzhou and Yixing are both by Taihu Lake; looking at the map, one is to the right and the other to the left, creating a balance. After reaching Suzhou, traveling to Yixing won't take much time.

Upon hearing this, Xing Qiu was naturally overjoyed and quickly offered his thanks. “Don’t celebrate too soon.

Whether we find anything is still unknown,” Wang Guan cautioned beforehand. “If we don’t find it, just make sure you don't blame me.” “How could I?” Xing Qiu’s gaze was firm, his determination set.

“If we can’t find it, I’ll just risk it all and go straight to her house to pay a formal visit…” “Heh, looks like I guessed right. She really is a girl from Yixing.” Chatting and laughing along the way, Wang Guan drove back home.

After introducing Xing Qiu to his parents, he personally went into the kitchen to cook lunch. After they ate, he bid farewell to his parents and took Xing Qiu toward Suzhou.

On the road, Xing Qiu asked curiously, “By the way, I never asked why you were going to Suzhou.” “My girlfriend asked me to visit her future in-laws,” Wang Guan replied casually. “Then where is your girlfriend?” “In the capital…” Amidst their small talk, the two gradually arrived in Suzhou.

It was almost evening by then, but since Wang Guan had given them a heads-up, Bei Ye’s parents hadn't rushed to eat and waited until the two arrived before starting the meal. They naturally stayed overnight at the Bei residence to report on Bei Ye’s recent updates to her parents.

The next morning, the two said goodbye to Mr. and Mrs.

Bei and headed for Yixing. However, they didn't travel by car, nor could they walk; instead, they took a boat across Taihu Lake, eventually reaching Yixing.

Yixing is a beautiful place with clear waters and lush scenery, known for its 'Three Mountains, Two Waters, and Five Fen of Fields.' Its geographical conditions are superior, and its cultural and historical landscape is very ancient, classifying it as one of China's historical and cultural cities. Of course, when people think of Yixing, the first impression is Zisha teapots.

Yixing Zisha teapots, with their unique clay, shape, and ancient, natural aesthetic, have gained fame both at home and abroad, becoming a resounding signature brand. However, some people do not know that besides Zisha, Yixing also boasts fine pottery, celadon, Jun ware, and colored pottery, collectively known as the Five Golden Flowers of Ceramics alongside Zisha.

Thus, Yixing’s ceramic industry is extremely developed; local ancestors began firing pottery as far back as the Neolithic Age, leading to Yixing being called the 'Pottery Capital' today…RS