Yu Feibai chuckled, "That is precisely why some people now claim Su Dongpo's calligraphy isn't actually that good. It’s only because the world loves the man that they endlessly praise his writing."

"For instance, because Su Dongpo's calligraphy first strikes the eye as opulent and full-bodied, Zhao Mengfu once described his script as a black bear standing guard, terrifyingly imposing. Even a Su school disciple like Huang Tingjian felt that Su Dongpo's use of ink was overly rich. Consequently, some people constantly latch onto this point and launch into heavy criticism."

At this point, Yu Feibai scoffed, "Honestly, I think they are just sour grapes. If they lack the ability themselves, they turn to envy, jealousy, and spite, completely ignoring the merits of Su Dongpo's calligraphy while infinitely magnifying its flaws."

"Alright, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. Calligraphy is the same—plump or slender, it’s just a difference in perception." Wang Guan waved his hand, "Let's not stray. Tell us quickly: does the script in this Chen Qing Biao manuscript exhibit the characteristics of Su Dongpo’s calligraphy?"

"In my opinion…"

Yu Feibai lowered his head to examine it again, hesitating, "It doesn't seem very similar."

"Sigh…"

Hearing this, Old Feng’s expression darkened, and he couldn't help but sigh faintly. He reached out as if to snatch the manuscript from the desk, intending to crush and discard it.

Old Ren, seeing this, though sympathetic to his old friend's distress, stopped his action, saying softly, "Brother Feng, don't rush. Let him finish explaining. Besides, even if it isn't Su Dongpo's authentic work, it could be a later imitation of an ancient piece."

"Young man, please continue."

After placating Old Feng, Old Ren turned back, "What basis do you have for judging that this isn't Su Dongpo’s handwriting?"

"There are certainly several reasons,"

Yu Feibai paused slightly, then slowly enumerated them: "Although the brushwork uses heavy ink, appearing thick and full-bodied, mimicking Su Dongpo’s style, the imitation is very poor. If we scored it out of ten, it wouldn't even reach a two."

"Those criticisms of Su Dongpo’s calligraphy—like 'black bear standing guard,' 'toad under a rock,' or 'ink pig'—are very superficial assessments. It's as if this manuscript thinks that by soaking the brush in thick ink and writing the characters larger and flatter, it automatically becomes Su Dongpo’s hand? It’s absurd and laughable."

Yu Feibai sneered, "They simply do not understand appreciation, nor do they grasp the exquisite mastery inherent in Su Dongpo’s calligraphy."

"How is it exquisite?" Wang Guan inquired at the right moment.

"To discuss the subtlety of Su Dongpo's calligraphy, I personally believe it can be broken down into three points."

With someone chiming in, Yu Feibai became even more animated: "First, the strokes are expansive and relaxed. Second, there is a deliberate variation in the weight and lightness of the strokes. Third, there is a stark contrast in the size of the characters. When viewing the overall manuscript through these three lenses, Su Dongpo’s work should deliver an extremely strong visual impact. It’s like viewing a painting—well-arranged and full of rhythm."

"Unfortunately, in this Chen Qing Biao manuscript, never mind the details, I cannot detect even a hint of Su’s characteristics in the overall feel," Yu Feibai shook his head, definitively confirming it was not an original.

At this point, Qi Qingguo asked from the side, "Then, could it possibly be an old imitation?"

As he spoke, Qi Qingguo blinked hard, signaling Yu Feibai to phrase his next words more diplomatically.

"I couldn't say for sure about that."

Yu Feibai understood the unspoken signal immediately. He reached out and pulled Wang Guan forward while saying, "However, Wang Guan has a much sharper eye than I do. He should be able to tell."

"You bastard…"

Wang Guan couldn't help but glare at Yu Feibai, blaming him for pushing the hot potato onto him. Yu Feibai acted as if he hadn't seen it, quietly lowering his head to gaze at his own fingers, as if he could find a flower blooming there.

"Ahem…"

Noticing the fleeting glimmer of expectation in Old Feng's eyes, Wang Guan felt the pressure intensify. He had already mentally cursed Yu Feibai thoroughly.

However, since things had reached this point, Wang Guan could not back down now; it would be too obvious.

In truth, even without his special ability, after observing it for so long, Wang Guan had already determined the manuscript’s authenticity—or lack thereof. Like Yu Feibai, he had already passed a death sentence on the piece.

Out of caution, though, Wang Guan quietly released his Bao Qi (Precious Aura) and focused on the manuscript, finding that it was indeed lifeless, like ordinary wood, eliciting no reaction whatsoever.

In that instant, Wang Guan was completely resolved, and his hesitation only grew, delaying his speech. Of course, the others present were not fools. Seeing Wang Guan’s silence and conflicted demeanor, they already understood the situation.

"Young man, don't hold back on my account. Say what you think," Old Feng’s voice was bitter. "Besides, it's only thirty thousand yuan. I can afford it. Consider it a good deed done once."

Was it only thirty thousand yuan? Not just Wang Guan, but the others felt the same way. After all, seeing Old Feng’s pained expression suggested his words were insincere.

But no one spoke up to expose him; Old Feng was already hurt enough, there was no need to rub salt in the wound.

Thus, despite hearing Old Feng’s request, Wang Guan remained hesitant, racking his brain for a way to speak delicately without provoking Old Feng.

If it were any other young or middle-aged person, Wang Guan wouldn't have such deep reservations. However, considering Old Feng’s age, he worried about his health and whether he could withstand such a shock.

If hearing the truth caused him sudden distress or anger… if anything untoward happened, his guilt would be immense.

Sensing Wang Guan’s apprehension, Old Feng forced a smile and said dismissively, "Young man, rest assured. Though this old man is quite aged, I can still manage."

At this moment, Old Ren softly advised, "Brother Feng, you once said, it’s rare to know everything."

"But once the truth is known, I can't remain willfully ignorant anymore," Old Feng sighed. "If I cling to a shred of hope, I certainly won't sleep tonight. It’s better to crush my notions so I can settle down."

"Then I shall speak," Wang Guan said with some resignation, softly, "Actually, distinguishing between an old and a new mounting material is very simple; one only needs to examine the material itself."

"Ancient mounting of calligraphy and painting was a highly meticulous craft. The dimensions for mounting also followed strict regulations. But setting those aside, let’s just discuss the materials. There was silk damask, brocade, and so on; at the very least, high-quality paper was used to mount the artwork, giving it a substantial and grand appearance."

Wang Guan then lifted the manuscript, pointing to several pinholes, "Look here. These damaged spots are not only unnecessary but are the most obvious flaw. Not only is the paper of the artwork thin, but you can also see that the mounting material is just a casually pasted layer."

"This is extremely unreasonable. No craftsman in ancient times would work this way. Only modern people, seeking convenience, would cut corners like this."

Simultaneously, recalling Master Huang, the mounting expert from Shu Du, Wang Guan hastily added, "Of course, that’s only how an unprofessional mounter would be perfunctory. A genuine mounting master would meticulously follow your instructions to achieve perfection."

"That's right."

At this, Old Ren nodded in agreement, "My works are also frequently sent out for mounting. According to the mounters, mounting a single piece of calligraphy or painting requires at least dozens of processes. Therefore, every scroll also carries a certain weight; they aren't this light and thin."

"Alas…"

At this moment, Old Feng let out a long sigh, his face etched with indescribable melancholy and deep disappointment.

"Brother Feng…"

Old Ren hesitated, then finally patted Old Feng's arm lightly, also feeling helpless.

The study fell silent for a moment.

After a short silence, Ding Yang suddenly spoke up, "Old Feng, you really don't need to be so upset. After all, this is just their one-sided argument. I believe that listening to only one side leads to darkness, while hearing both sides brings clarity; we shouldn't just listen to them. Why not take it to a specialized appraisal institution and have experts confirm its authenticity?"

"You…"

Yu Feibai's anger flared visibly upon hearing this.

"Ding Yang, silence!" Old Ren reprimanded, his face sinking. He felt his disciple had spent too long abroad and truly understood nothing of domestic social etiquette. How could such a thing be said in public? Although Ding Yang voiced a common-sense opinion, it absolutely should not have been uttered in front of everyone. It showed distrust toward Wang Guan and Yu Feibai and was a direct slap in the face.

Wang Xian also frowned, feeling annoyed internally, but he couldn't show it in front of Old Ren. He merely said blandly, "What he said has some merit. However, the appraisal institutions on the market now vary greatly in capability and are not very standardized. Some even openly display prices, issuing a certificate for whatever fee you pay."

"So, if you want something authenticated, it’s best to find a reputable auction house with a good reputation. Tell them you want to auction the item, and they will certainly help you appraise it."

Wang Guan offered a suggestion, then shook his head, "But truthfully, this item really isn't worth the trouble of such a trip."

Having said that, Wang Guan ceased speaking. The matter was crystal clear: the item was an inarguably fake forgery. Whether others believed it or not was none of his concern.

"No need to look further."

By this time, Old Feng had recovered. He waved his hand, "Though my old eyes might be dim and I was fooled for a moment, I am not completely senile. The two young gentlemen have explained it very clearly; I can judge whether it is real or fake."

As he spoke, Old Feng suddenly reached out and seized the manuscript from the desk, tearing it violently.

"Rip!"

To everyone’s astonishment, the manuscript was torn in half.

At the same time, Old Feng looked down and gave a bitter laugh, "It really is fake."

"Brother Feng, are… are you alright?" Old Ren was greatly surprised and somewhat anxious.

"Brother Ren, don't worry, I am fine," Old Feng shook his head, sighing with a wry smile. "Pity that I have already passed seventy, and due to a momentary greed, my later years are stained, making me a laughingstock."

"Brother Feng, you were impulsive,"

Old Ren avoided the topic and instead chastised him, "A perfectly good manuscript, why did you tear it up?" (To be continued) RQ