Chapter 3 The Third Item
The third item was also a porcelain vase, but it was different from the previous two. In terms of both appearance and texture, this vase seemed to be superior to the other two.
This vase had a straight mouth and a bulging belly, but it gradually narrowed towards the bottom, presenting a shape that was slender at the bottom and thick in the belly.
What was most unfathomable was the painting on this vase, which depicted a scene of revelry.
The poses were varied and quite… eye-watering.
Even Ye Fan found it difficult to speak of.
It was known that the most porcelain items passed down were from the Qing Dynasty, but throughout the entire Jiangnan City, no such porcelain vase had ever appeared.
Even though many of those present were well-traveled and knowledgeable, they had never seen anything like it.
The Grand Consecrator smiled and looked at Ye Fan.
"How about it? Can you still appraise this porcelain vase?"
His words clearly held a deeper meaning.
Seeing the smile in the Grand Consecrator's eyes, Ye Fan couldn't help but think to himself, this old man isn't exactly a good person either. Why choose such an item instead of something else?
But did he really think such a thing could stump him?
If it were anyone else, they might have been stumped by the Grand Consecrator, but for him, this was not a problem.
In his previous life, Ye Fan had seen much more outrageous things than this.
Clearing his throat, Ye Fan revealed a faint smile, "The Grand Consecrator truly has a refined taste to possess such a collection. Today, I, Ye, have truly broadened my horizons."
His words carried a hint of mockery towards the Grand Consecrator.
The Grand Consecrator's old face flushed, and he chuckled awkwardly.
Ye Fan didn't mock him further, instead focusing on the vase.
"This porcelain vase is quite innovative and has never been circulated on the market, so I believe many friends are unfamiliar with it. However, this type of vase was very popular in the mid-Qing Dynasty, especially among officials and nobles who were quite fond of it. Therefore, the value of this porcelain vase is still quite high."
Ye Fan's face wore a faint smile, though it was somewhat peculiar.
"Brother Ye, are you saying that such things were popular in the mid-Qing Dynasty? But the people of the Central Plains have always valued propriety. How could such a situation arise?"
Someone from below stood up and asked Ye Fan.
Feng Xiao immediately chimed in, "That's right. As a land of etiquette like China, how could such sordid things be popular? It's utterly ridiculous."
Finally seizing an opportunity, Feng Xiao naturally would not let Ye Fan off the hook and began to attack him mercilessly.
But Ye Fan paid no attention to Feng Xiao's sarcasm. He was already a defeated opponent, and Feng Xiao was merely trying to regain his dignity by seizing an opportunity. There was no need to bother with such a person.
However, Ye Fan was quite interested in the young man who had asked earlier. He was also from one of the prominent families in Jiangnan City and was usually close to the Wang family.
"What the brother just said is very reasonable. China is indeed a land of etiquette, but this does not mean that the Central Plains dynasties did not enjoy such things. Everyone, please think about it, where were the people of the Qing Dynasty from? They were barbarians from outside the passes, a people of the horse. These people revered strength and respected the strong, so they would not care about such matters at all. Especially this porcelain vase, it is an item from the mid-Qianlong period. Throughout the Qianlong reign, extravagance became the norm, and Emperor Qianlong himself was fond of grand displays. Therefore, it is not surprising that such things existed."
After Ye Fan's explanation, everyone suddenly understood.
"So that's how it is. I didn't expect this porcelain vase to have so many peculiar aspects. Today, my horizons have truly been broadened."
Someone sighed, their words filled with admiration for Ye Fan.
It had to be said that at this juncture, Ye Fan's ability to answer the question further increased their recognition of him.
But the Grand Consecrator frowned, "Ye Fan, are you saying this is a porcelain vase from the mid-Qianlong period?"
The Grand Consecrator's voice was filled with doubt, as if questioning.
Upon hearing the Grand Consecrator's inquiry, Ye Fan frowned slightly, "What? Does the Grand Consecrator have a different opinion?"
From the Grand Consecrator's words, Ye Fan clearly detected something unusual.
The Grand Consecrator sighed and shook his head, "Alas, I have misjudged after all. This porcelain piece is clearly from the early Qianlong period, how could it be from the mid-Qianlong period? Ye Fan, you have made a great mistake."
The Grand Consecrator's face was full of regret. He had high hopes for Ye Fan, especially for his character.
He had initially thought that Ye Fan could pass through all the trials and successfully complete the selection, but he hadn't expected him to make a mistake here.
Upon hearing the Grand Consecrator's words, the crowd below was instantly distraught.
They covered their faces, exclaiming, "How could this be? This is absolutely impossible."
"How could Ye Fan possibly be wrong? He got the first two items right, how could he be wrong about this one?"
"I don't believe this is true, the Grand Consecrator must be mistaken."
The faces of those below were filled with anger and disbelief.
Jiang Zhong and Mr. Fu also frowned at this moment, unwilling to believe it was true. But they truly couldn't discern this porcelain vase. Could it be that Ye Fan was truly going to fail at this porcelain vase?
All eyes were focused on Ye Fan, hoping for a miracle to occur.
But at this moment, Feng Xiao suddenly stood up, "Grand Consecrator, how can the fate of my Feng family be decided by this mere wretch Ye Fan? Therefore, our Feng family absolutely disagrees with Ye Fan representing us. Our fate should be in our own hands."
Feng Xiao's words were utterly shameless, but after hearing them, a portion of the crowd immediately stood up in support.
"Young Master Feng is right, our fate should be in our own hands. Ye Fan only got lucky and guessed the first two porcelain items correctly. How can such a person represent us?"
"Yes, that's right."
"We demand to conduct the appraisal ourselves."
More than a dozen people roared, looking as if they wanted to devour Ye Fan alive.
Seeing the ugly expressions of these people, Ye Fan sighed helplessly.
Meanwhile, Jiang Zhong stood up and looked at them coldly.
"How can my Jiangnan City have such shameless people like you?"
"When Ye Fan sought your opinions earlier, why didn't you speak up? Now that Ye Fan is about to fail, you step forward. Are you not afraid of being ridiculed for such disloyal and unrighteous behavior?"
Jiang Zhong's face was filled with anger. He was truly furious with these people.
Mr. Fu also had a grim expression, "I've said it before, there are many shameless people in Jiangnan City. Such people are not worthy of entering the antique circle. Their presence will only bring shame to the antique circle and make people laugh."
Mr. Fu was also extremely dissatisfied with their actions.
However, the two of them, after all, could not represent everyone else.
Feng Xiao then coldly snorted, "The two of you represent your respective forces, and yet you are willing to be Ye Fan's lackeys. It's truly ridiculous. People like you who don't care about their reputation dare to talk about others. I think you are the ones who are truly shameless."
Feng Xiao's face was filled with a chilling coldness.