Yu Feibai wasn't dull; on the contrary, he was sharp and instantly grasped the situation, musing thoughtfully, "That's true. My father once told me that Fang Mingsheng has a ruthless streak—he won't give up easily until he gets what he wants. If he truly has his eye on Wang Guan's treasure, it could indeed be troublesome."

"That's precisely what worries me," Gao Dequan admitted, dropping all pretense, nodding his head. "Which is why I suggested we entrust the item to Elder Qian for safekeeping. Surely, no matter how bold Fang Mingsheng is, he wouldn't dare scheme against Elder Qian."

"He dares," Yu Feibai retorted, his eyes flashing. He scoffed, "He had better tread carefully and not let anyone see even a hint of disrespect toward Elder Qian. Otherwise, no matter how big China is, it won't be a place he can remain in."

"Don't worry, Fang Mingsheng is smart enough to know where the lines are drawn. What makes me truly happy is that Wang Guan understands my reasoning," Gao Dequan said with a chuckle. "In fact, entrusting the item to Elder Qian offers other benefits too. For instance, it’s an excellent excuse for you to visit him frequently to seek advice."

"I only realized it just now. When I was leaving, Fang Mingsheng took my phone number. That’s when I knew he hadn't given up and was still aiming for that Zitan Yin Chen Wood Bead," Wang Guan said with a wry smile. He had initially thought lending the bead was simply repayment for a favor, but instead, it resulted in him gaining Elder Qian’s protection, saving him a great deal of hassle. Just like last time, he hadn't managed to repay the favor; if anything, he was now even more indebted.

However, at this moment, Wang Guan let go of the idea of settling the debt. He felt that a man of Elder Qian's caliber and character would simply act according to his own conscience, unconcerned with gains or losses. Conversely, Wang Guan felt that dwelling on these calculations made him seem petty.

"Wang Guan, don't dwell on it too much," Yu Feibai said, noticing Wang Guan’s silence and assuming he was still worried. He quickly offered comfort, "Fang Mingsheng is the local powerhouse here, so we have to concede a little ground to him. But back in the Porcelain Capital, his reach won't extend that far; you don't need to pay him any mind there."

"I know," Wang Guan nodded, smiling, and changed the subject. "I was just suddenly wondering what Su Wenyi wanted with Uncle De. That secret discussion seemed very mysterious."

"Right?" Yu Feibai's attention was immediately diverted, and he asked with great curiosity, "Uncle De, may we know? Of course, if it’s private, you don’t have to tell us."

"It’s not exactly a secret, just something better known by fewer people," Gao Dequan hesitated, shaking his head. "Never mind, I can tell you both, just don't spread it around. Su Wenyi came to me regarding the Su family patriarch’s birthday celebration. He wants to commission a batch of high-quality replicas, but I’m still considering whether to agree to his request."

"Why wouldn't you agree?" Yu Feibai asked, puzzled. "The Su family is wealthy and powerful; they wouldn't possibly pass these replica porcelains off as genuine, would they?"

"That’s not the reason," Gao Dequan frowned. "The items he wants me to copy—I’m not confident I can replicate them successfully."

"What!" Wang Guan and Yu Feibai exclaimed simultaneously.

They were well aware of Gao Dequan’s capabilities. He was not only an experienced antique appraiser but also a master craftsman of replica porcelain, whose title as 'Master' was recognized by a national certificate, not just a casual moniker. For someone of such stature to admit a lack of confidence in replicating something was astonishing.

"Don't shout just yet," Gao Dequan said calmly. "Do you two know what Su Wenyi wants me to copy?"

"Unless it’s not porcelain, but covering everything from the Tang, Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties down to the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods, including Yuan Blue and White—Uncle De, you should be able to copy them flawlessly," Yu Feibai said, confused. "What is there that Uncle De cannot replicate?"

"The Five Great Kilns of the Song Dynasty—Ru, Jun, Ge, Guan, Ding. I cannot replicate those," Gao Dequan admitted honestly.

"Come on, hardly anyone has ever seen those pieces; how could you possibly copy them?" Yu Feibai scoffed, then gasped in realization. "Uncle De, Su Wenyi isn't actually asking you to copy the Five Great Kilns, is he?"

"It’s not Su Wenyi; you should call him Uncle-in-law," Gao Dequan chided casually, then shook his head. "It's not the Five Great Kilns. If it were, I would have refused on the spot; there would be nothing to consider."

"Then what porcelain is it? Uncle De, stop beating around the bush and just tell us directly," Yu Feibai urged. Wang Guan nodded quickly beside him, truly consumed by curiosity.

"What he wants me to copy isn't ancient porcelain, but modern porcelain..." Gao Dequan paused for effect, then smiled faintly. "Have either of you heard of 'Dian Shui Tao Hua' (Peach Blossoms Touching Water)?"

"'Dian Shui Tao Hua'..." Wang Guan murmured thoughtfully, then suddenly exclaimed in shock, "Uncle De, are you referring to Mao Porcelain?"

"Precisely," Gao Dequan confirmed with a smile, though his expression soon turned troubled. "Mao Porcelain is the unparalleled crystallization of the collective wisdom of China's ceramic masters during that special era—it is the culmination of their painstaking effort. In terms of technical mastery, its achievements rival, if not surpass, those of the Song and Ming official wares; it is an immortal artistic masterpiece."

"I’ve only seen a few pieces of that quality in my life. How am I supposed to copy it?" Gao Dequan sighed softly. "However, Su Wenyi is quite generous; he is actually offering a few broken pieces of genuine Mao Porcelain for me to study."

"No way, that’s so generous!" Yu Feibai exclaimed, then muttered crossly, "Calling him my uncle-in-law, yet he has such fine things and won't even let me see them." He wasn't wrong to be agitated; even shattered treasures were still treasures, holding immense value.

Moreover, Mao Porcelain was supposedly the product of the 'Red Official Kiln,' containing not only profound information related to the great leader but also rich political, historical, and cultural context—an absolute value irreplaceable by any other porcelain.

Of course, people of Wang Guan and Yu Feibai’s generation might not fully grasp this sentiment. But middle-aged men like Gao Dequan lived through that specific era. Such items held an irresistible allure for their generation. And for a master of antique reproduction like Gao Dequan, it was an almost unbearable temptation.

Wang Guan understood somewhat and smiled. "Uncle De, someone is handing you the actual objects for study. This is a golden opportunity, why hesitate? Just agree to it."

"Exactly," Yu Feibai chimed in bluntly. "Get the pieces first; whether you can produce results from studying them is a matter for later."

"It's difficult. If I can't research it successfully, my entire reputation will be ruined," Gao Dequan sighed. "This commission feels like holding a hot potato; it leaves me stuck in limbo. I'm conflicted."

........................... Thanks to book friends "Wuliao de Xianren, zym112075, Leonhard, Duan Jian Sheng" for the tips. A new week, a new start. Please continue to support with collection and recommendations. C