Perhaps this was an opportunity to probe Elder Qian’s depths? Wang Guan mulled it over, deciding against it. He knew Elder Qian’s temperament; unless the elder himself wished to share, no amount of pleading would sway him.

Lost in thought, Wang Guan did not drift away. Instead, he guided Mr. Zhu and Gao Zhuang around to the museum’s rear entrance. After presenting their credentials, they gained unimpeded access to the exhibition hall.

At this moment, the hall was packed to the gills. Every treasure was besieged by crowds of onlookers, so dense it was impossible to move. Despite the discomfort of the crush, no one seemed willing to leave. Every face was etched with awe, lingering long after they should have departed.

“Hearing about it is one thing; seeing it is another. Seeing it is far more impressive than hearing about it.”

Simultaneously, Mr. Zhu sighed, “No matter how the television news praises them, it can never compare to the real, visceral shock of seeing these pieces with your own eyes.”

“Exactly, precisely so.” Gao Zhuang wholeheartedly agreed. At this moment, he finally understood why Gao Wen had sounded so exhilarated when she called him. For here, now, he too felt dazzled, completely immersed in the experience.

By contrast, Wang Guan was certainly much calmer. After making a circuit of the hall and confirming that everything was in order, he nodded with satisfaction and offered the security personnel high praise.

In truth, the exhibition had been running for nearly a month now, and not a single incident had occurred. Most of the credit for this belonged squarely to the security staff. He had no idea where Elder Qian had managed to redeploy such a well-trained contingent of guards; once Wang Guan gave the order, he didn't need to worry about the specifics of their duties.

Their security measures were meticulous; even the harshest critic could find no fault. Under their tight protection, the many treasures were afforded the treatment reserved for national leaders, making them completely secure.

Wang Guan was undeniably satisfied with this. If their departments were different, he suspected he might have received several raises by now.

In any case, after his inspection tour, Wang Guan felt the usual sense of assurance. He then located Mr. Zhu and Gao Zhuang and smiled, “Well, have you seen enough? It’s lunchtime. My treat—let’s go sample the legendary dish that makes neighbors drool and even sends monks leaping over walls for a taste.”

“These are rare treasures; we’ve only had a fleeting glance. How could we possibly see enough?” Expert Zhu shook his head, sighing, then chuckled, “As for treating, how could I let Mr. Wang bear the expense? I should be extending the courtesies of a host.”

“Nobody argue; I’ll treat…” Gao Zhuang chimed in.

Amidst the friendly contention, the three departed the museum and, following Expert Zhu’s recommendation, wound their way through backstreets to a private restaurant. Mr. Zhu explained that the owner of this establishment was a disciple of the originators of Fotiaoqiang (Buddha Jumps Over the Wall) at Juchun Garden. While he couldn’t claim absolute 100% authenticity, the flavor, he asserted, was truly superb.

In fact, Expert Zhu felt that none of the Fotiaoqiang served in Fuzhou’s major restaurants compared to the offerings at this private eatery.

In Fuzhou, Expert Zhu was local royalty, so Wang Guan and Gao Zhuang naturally trusted his judgment and followed him to this private dining room named Xiang Manyuan. It was already midday, and the moment they entered the door, they were greeted by waves of rich aroma that instantly made their mouths water.

“True Fotiaoqiang requires first being brought to a boil over high heat, then simmering slowly over low heat for five or six hours until perfectly done. Thus, the dish must begin preparation at dawn to be ready by noon.”

At this point, Expert Zhu smiled, “Typically, a luncheon like today’s should have been reserved yesterday. Coming now means we’re late; there certainly won’t be a table. Even if there were a table, the dish would be gone. However, I have a good relationship with the owner, and I know he is cautious, habitually preparing an extra two jars of Fotiaoqiang just in case of unforeseen issues requiring a backup.”

As he spoke, Expert Zhu signaled to a nearby waiter. The reality proved him correct; upon seeing him, the waiter immediately broke into a smile and respectfully ushered them up to a private room on the second floor.

After serving tea and pouring water, the waiter withdrew. Soon after, a middle-aged man, portly with a protruding belly, entered, chuckling, “A magpie calls, a distinguished guest arrives. What wind blew Expert Zhu this way today?”

“A northwesterly wind.”

Expert Zhu laughed timely, “If I didn’t come here, I’d truly be left blowing in the northwesterly wind.”

“Expert Zhu always jokes around,” the middle-aged man chuckled, his gaze naturally settling on Wang Guan and Gao Zhuang, a hint of hesitation crossing his face. “And who are these two friends?”

“Distinguished guests, truly distinguished guests,” Expert Zhu introduced them. “Guests so important that even the Mayor would come out to greet them.”

“Expert Zhu, you’re trying to praise me into ruin,” Wang Guan quickly waved his hands, laughing. “I certainly don’t have the influence to warrant a visit from the Mayor. Besides, even if the Mayor came, it would be out of deference to you, Elder Zhu; I’d just be basking in reflected glory.”

“Close enough, close enough.”

Though Expert Zhu said no more, the middle-aged man had received ample suggestion that Wang Guan was a person of significant standing. He became even more effusive in his welcome.

“Boss Ding,” Expert Zhu seized the opportunity to add, “We have distinguished guests here today, all specifically in pursuit of your Fotiaoqiang. You must not let us arrive full of hope only to leave disappointed.”

Hearing this, the middle-aged man knew exactly what was required. He immediately grinned and assured them that even if there wasn’t one ready, he would find a way to conjure one up for them.

As he spoke, the middle-aged man left to prepare the banquet. Taking this moment, Wang Guan looked around the surroundings with interest. The private room was furnished in a classically antique style; the wooden floor was polished to a brilliant shine, and potted plants decorated the corners. What most captured his attention, however, were several exquisitely crafted small jars placed near the window.

It is well known that Fotiaoqiang is traditionally cooked in Shaoxing old wine jars to enhance the flavor by three parts. Yet, the jars by the window were clearly not wine vessels; they appeared to be decorative urns. Unlike typical ornamental porcelain, however, these jars were not the delicate, elegant blue-and-white, nor the vibrant, multicolored doucai, nor the purely flawless white porcelain. They were made of jet-black, lustrous black pottery.

But as Wang Guan examined them closely, he realized the jars weren't purely black pottery, because fine, wispy traces ran across their surfaces, catching the sunlight to emit dazzling, multi-hued glints.

“These are…”

Wang Guan studied them for a moment, then smiled. “These jars must be from the Jian Kiln, aren’t they?”

“Mr. Wang has keen eyes.”

Expert Zhu praised him. “Indeed, these jars are products of the Jian Kiln. Truthfully, Jian Kiln rarely produced jars. But the owner personally visited the Jianyang workshops to place an order, asking them to create a batch. They can serve as display pieces, and also as gifts for guests. When guests find they cannot finish their meal and wish to pack leftovers, these jars will be put to use.”

“The owner is truly thoughtful; no wonder his business is so prosperous,” Wang Guan said, not just paying empty compliments, but speaking sincerely. After all, he noticed the Xiang Manyuan’s signature mark emblazoned on the jars. Giving these jars to guests meant that whenever they were displayed at home, the restaurant would be constantly on their minds—the owner’s advertising objective achieved.

Furthermore, this form of advertising was an open strategy; even if people recognized it, they wouldn't feel any resentment. On the contrary, they might even think the owner was exceptionally kind, warm, and courteous…

Society changes rapidly, and marketing tactics are endless. Wang Guan was not surprised by this development.

Of course, Wang Guan’s attention wasn't fixed solely on the jars. After a brief look, his gaze shifted to the wall by the window. Here, adhering to the cultured aesthetic, hung a painting—a dragon painting.

The artwork was a vertical scroll depicting a fierce, clawing dragon stirring up waves in a tempestuous sea. Where the soaring dragon passed, clouds and mist billowed upward, creating a majestic and powerful spectacle that left a strong, breathtaking impression.

The dragon is the totem of the Chinese nation, and reverence for it has never diminished, whether in ancient times or the present. It is perfectly normal to hang a painting of a dragon in a private room. What surprised Wang Guan, however, was that the paper of the dragon painting appeared rather aged, looking very much like an antique rather than a contemporary work.

It is known that because ancient emperors associated themselves with the dragon, calling themselves the True Dragon Son of Heaven, the literati often showed tacit understanding. No matter how fond they were of dragons, they rarely chose the dragon as a painting subject, lest they inadvertently commit a taboo.

This is precisely why very few dragon paintings from ancient times have survived. This differs from ceramics, which often feature dragon motifs, mainly because official kiln porcelain was used by the emperor himself, thus avoiding any taboo concerns.

Admittedly, the period that truly treated the dragon as taboo was likely the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Before the Yuan Dynasty, it was relatively common, though not frequent, for literati to paint dragons. As far as Wang Guan knew, in the history of Chinese painting, the master painter whose dragon works have been handed down is the Southern Song artist Chen Rong.

Note: This refers to a master whose works survive, not the fictional legend of Lord Ye loving dragons or the 'dotting the eye of the dragon.'

In any case, dragon paintings were quite popular beginning in the Three Kingdoms period. Cao Buxing, a painter from Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms era, painted A Vision of a Red Dragon Emerging from the Green Stream as a gift to Sun Quan’s son to curry favor with the Sun family. The famous painter Lu Tanwei reportedly placed this painting on water in the imperial library; upon seeing it, the painting seemed to absorb water, generating mist that poured down for days, truly resembling a real dragon summoning clouds and rain!

This anecdote illustrates two points: first, the prevalence of sycophancy at that time, and second, that dragon painting techniques had already reached a high level of refinement by then.

From Cao Buxing of the Three Kingdoms, through Zhang Sengyou of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, to Wu Daozi’s Ascending Clouds scroll in the Tang Dynasty, and then to the Song Dynasty. For reasons unclear, dragon paintings were somewhat prevalent during the Song Dynasty, perhaps linked to the need for rain prayers. With this demand came more painters, and naturally, the technical skill in painting dragons became further perfected.

By the Southern Song period, Chen Rong’s dragon paintings represented the zenith of the era’s quality. His dragon works deeply captured the sense of change; ink was splattered to form clouds, water was sprayed to create mist. His brushwork was vigorous, the washes of ink fluid and rich. His work holds a pivotal place in Chinese painting history and is considered a cultural treasure of the Chinese nation.

It is also worth mentioning that Chen Rong himself was a native of Fujian province…