"The next item up for auction is titled 'Yandang Mountain Scroll', painted by Qian Weicheng, a painter from the previous Qing Dynasty."
"The entire scroll measures 731.2 centimeters and depicts fifty-three scenes of Yandang Mountain..."
After a break, the fourth item presented was a surprise to Qin Xuan.
It was none other than the long scroll he had obtained from Chen Zhongping, the 'Yandang Mountain Scroll'!
"The recent auctions were all fully booked, and I happened to have a bit of a connection with the Fang family, so I entrusted the scroll to them for handling."
Chen Zhongping said it casually, but Qin Xuan understood the clever intention behind it.
The other party wanted him to personally experience the joy of his possessions being sold at a high price!
"The starting bid for the 'Yandang Mountain Scroll' is 50 million Dragon Coins, with each increment not less than 5,000 Dragon Coins."
"Please begin bidding!"
Yi Ruo's melodious voice continued to echo through the venue.
However, the expected fervent bidding was absent from the audience.
Instead, there was unfamiliarity with the artist Qian Weicheng and questions about the starting price.
Fortunately, the wealthy attendees at the auction were accompanied by experts in the field of antique appraisal. After a brief verification of the information regarding the 'Yandang Mountain Scroll', the bidding gradually resumed.
"So it was painted by a Zhuangyuan from the Qianlong era. I'll offer 55 million as a gesture."
"This painting suits my taste. I bid 60 million Dragon Coins."
"I have my eye on this painting as well. I bid 61 million Dragon Coins!"
"I bid 65 million Dragon Coins. Please give Wang Linxin some face."
"Haha, Old Six Wang, you think you can compete with me, Qin Yifei? I bid 70 million!"
As various forces gradually joined the fray, the value of the 'Yandang Mountain Scroll' soared like a rocket.
Ye Shuliang's estimated 100 million Dragon Coins was not its limit; on the contrary, it seemed more like a starting point.
From this moment on, each bid saw an astonishing increase of 10 million!
"170 million, first call."
"170 million, second call."
"170 million, third call!"
"Sold!"
As the auction hammer fell with a resounding thud, this rare treasure scroll from the previous Qing Dynasty was acquired by Qin Yifei for a sky-high price of 170 million Dragon Coins.
"Damn, that's awesome!"
With the final price confirmed, Ye Shuliang excitedly patted Qin Xuan's shoulder. Even Chen Zhongping, who had been seated, leaped to his feet.
170 million Dragon Coins, even for people as wealthy as them, was a considerable sum of pocket money.
Qin Xuan smiled and responded to his two brothers' camaraderie, while also beginning to ponder his future plans.
Hundreds of millions in cash weren't truly a lot; only by making money generate more money could its greatest value be fully realized.
A moment later, the 'Yandang Mountain Scroll' was replaced.
The fifth item was brought onto the stage by staff members on a cart.
Yi Ruo's voice rang out again, and this time, a hint of eagerness could be discerned within her tone.
"The next item is a pair of perfect glass-type Imperial Green jade bangles!"
"Unlike the Imperial Green necklace from before, these bangles were entirely sourced from the same piece of jade rough. The bangles are crystal clear throughout, with no impurities whatsoever. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the emperor of emperors."
"Furthermore, as everyone knows, due to the significant exploitation of jade mines, Imperial Green jade of such quality and clarity has become virtually extinct."
"This means that these will be the last pair of perfect glass-type Imperial Green bangles in the world. Their value, I'm sure, needs no further explanation from Yi Ruo, does it?"
Yi Ruo's voice gradually rose, then paused at the most crucial moment.
"The starting bid is 200 million Dragon Coins, with each increment not less than 5,000."
"Please begin bidding!"
After Yi Ruo's introduction, the entire venue erupted in a clamor.
Especially the wealthy individuals in the crowd who were specifically in the jade and jewelry business, they were incredibly excited.
Just as Yi Ruo had said, with the increased demand for jade and greater mining output, it had become rare to find such top-quality glass-type Imperial Green rough stones.
Not to mention, these bangles were both made from the same piece of rough.
If someone could acquire this pair of treasures and make them the centerpiece of their store, would they ever need to worry about their brand's standing in the industry again?
Just as everyone was eagerly preparing to bid for this exquisite pair of Imperial Green bangles, a lazy yet charming female voice echoed throughout the entire venue.
"I bid, 1 billion Dragon Coins."
Wow!
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire venue instantly boiled over.
It wasn't because the price was outrageously high, but because the bidder was that legendary woman – Black Widow.
"Damn it, I forgot, she's in the jade business after going legitimate!"
"Black Widow actually made a move? Should I still bid on these bangles?"
"If none of you dare to compete, shall I make a move?"
"I'd advise you not to. Although you're not from Jiangcheng, if you offend Black Widow, your grave will likely be located in Jiangcheng!"
For a moment, everyone who had taken a liking to the bangles fell into a state of immense indecision.
If they didn't bid, the bangles would be taken by that woman for 1 billion Dragon Coins.
This price wasn't low, but it wasn't excessively high either.
However, if they bid and angered that woman, the consequences they would face might not be something that could be settled with just 1 billion Dragon Coins.
In the end, except for an older gentleman who bid 1.05 billion.
Everyone else withdrew from the bidding.
And so, the bangles were sold for a final price of 1.2 billion Dragon Coins to the feared "Black Widow."
With the auction of the bangles concluded, the auction entered another brief intermission.
According to the preview released by the auction organizers, the next two items would ignite the entire venue like bombs.
Emerging from the restroom, Qin Xuan couldn't help but ask Chen Zhongping, "Elder Brother Chen, you haven't made a move yet. I assume your target is one of these last two items?"
Chen Zhongping didn't conceal anything and nodded naturally.
"It's the last one."
"And the main highlight that this auction has been promoting."
"A complete Song Dynasty Jian Kiln Tenmoku tea bowl with a 'yao bian' glaze!"
"Is it very rare?"
Chen Zhongping nodded again.
"There are only three complete 'yao bian' Tenmoku tea bowls remaining in the entire world, all of which are in Japan."
"Although Longguo is the origin of Jianzhan, only a damaged piece has been unearthed here so far."
"If the one presented by the Fang family is indeed a genuine piece from the Jian Kiln, then its value would be comparable to a national treasure!"
Hiss!
Hearing Chen Zhongping's description, Qin Xuan couldn't help but gasp.
Only three complete ones in the entire world, and none of them in Longguo.
This wasn't comparable to a national treasure; it was a complete national treasure!
If the country's museums got wind of this, they would likely rush to bid!
Wouldn't the price skyrocket?
Wait.
Could it be...
That Hu Hao's target this time is also this national treasure-level 'yao bian' Tenmoku tea bowl?