"In our Jiangnan antique circle, we need true purists, true appraisal masters, not scapegoats like Ye Fan and Jiang Zhong. Everything we have should be in our own hands. Brothers, don't you agree?"
Feng Xiao raised his arms and shouted. This time, more people below agreed, exceeding half.
Jiang Zhong and Mr. Fu were angry but helpless. They had said what they needed to say, but they couldn't change the minds of others.
There was no way but to lament their fate.
Ye Fan looked at the crowd below with a cold smile, shook his head helplessly, and then looked at the Grand Libationer.
The situation now required the Grand Libationer to make a decision.
"Since that is the case, you may proceed with your own judgments."
With a cold smile, the Grand Libationer was also displeased with these people.
He had dedicated his life to antique appraisal, always maintaining a sincere heart.
Therefore, the Grand Libationer utterly disdained their actions.
Even if they could indeed appraise something, the Grand Libationer would never allow them to pass the selection.
However, regarding this porcelain vase, the people below understood nothing.
When he saw the answers they provided, the Grand Libationer could only shake his head. Not a single one of the more than ten people answered correctly.
"These dozen individuals are all eliminated."
As the Grand Libationer coldly declared, their fates were decided.
Helpless, these people sat back in their original seats with dejected expressions, unable to do anything.
But at this moment, Ye Fan smiled and said, "Grand Libationer, this porcelain is definitely not from the early Qianlong period. I, Ye, believe I have not misidentified it. If you don't believe me, I can appraise it for you."
Ye Fan's words made the Grand Libationer pause, while the people below revealed expressions of shock.
Feng Xiao and others sneered dismissively, "Nonsense. Would the Gu family make a mistake in appraisal?"
Feng Xiao rebuked angrily.
Since he had already been eliminated, he naturally wanted to disrupt Ye Fan and prevent him from succeeding.
Hearing Feng Xiao's words, Ye Fan replied coldly, "What? Young Master Feng has joined forces with the Gu family? If so, why even participate in the selection? Wouldn't it be better to be directly appointed?"
Ye Fan was extremely annoyed by Feng Xiao's betrayal.
Faced with Ye Fan's sarcasm, Feng Xiao's face immediately darkened, and even his eyes spewed rage.
However, the Grand Libationer smiled and said, "I am willing to listen to young friend Ye's appraisal, and I also hope that I have made a mistake."
The Grand Libationer was very satisfied with Ye Fan's persistent nature. In the field of appraisal, without persistence, one could never achieve anything.
Ye Fan stepped forward with a smile, "Porcelain from the early Qianlong period has unique characteristics. Firstly, because the early Qianlong period was politically clear, the items were mostly elegant and refined, like pine, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and cypress. Such items are abundant in the market. Everyone can recall if what I say is true."
Jiang Zhong, Mr. Fu, and others fell into thought. After a moment, smiles appeared on their faces.
"Brother Ye is correct. Items from the early Qianlong period do have this characteristic, but this is not absolute, is it?"
Even Jiang Zhong now showed a look of doubt.
Ye Fan nodded with a smile, "Big Brother Jiang is right, this is not absolute, but it is the first piece of evidence."
"The first? Can you provide a second?"
The Grand Libationer asked with a smile.
Ye Fan nodded, "Naturally."
Saying this, he pointed to the belly of the porcelain vase, "The belly of this vase narrows from top to bottom. This only occurred once during the Qianlong era, during his third tour of Jiangnan, when a batch was specially commissioned. Furthermore, the paintings on it are mostly of feasting and entertainment, to showcase the happy and peaceful life of the Great Qing dynasty under his rule. Evidence for this can be found in the 'Baza Lu' (Miscellaneous Records). Grand Libationer can investigate this."
This time, even the Grand Libationer frowned.
He had indeed heard of the 'Baza Lu,' an ancient text recording miscellaneous affairs of the Qianlong era.
However, only a small portion of this book had been passed down. Even for the Gu family, finding a complete set was extremely difficult.
But from Ye Fan's expression and tone, the Grand Libationer knew that what Ye Fan said was certainly true.
To speak so confidently, one must have absolute certainty.
At this moment, Elder Lei stepped forward, "What Ye Fan said is correct. I, this old man, was fortunate enough to have seen that book. It is a precious rare copy that I treasure. Now, I can have someone bring it over, so that Ye Fan's words can be proven true."
As the vice president of the Antique Association and a first-class appraisal master, Elder Lei's words naturally carried significant credibility.
Seeing Elder Lei's serious expression, the Grand Libationer nodded, "That is excellent."
The Grand Libationer did not show any prejudice towards Ye Fan for his mistake. Instead, the Grand Libationer's mindset was calm, even a little excited.
How many years had it been since someone dared to question him? And today, a junior questioned him like this, making his long-dormant blood seem to boil at this very moment.
While everyone waited, the Grand Libationer looked at Ye Fan and smiled, "Young friend Ye is knowledgeable and broad-minded. Your performance today has truly enlightened me. However, why have I never heard of you before?"
During this spare time, the Grand Libationer asked in a low voice.
Ye Fan smiled wryly and shook his head, "In the antique business, wherever there are antiques, one can study and progress. One doesn't need to be in a big city to improve their appraisal skills."
Ye Fan's tone was calm, and his face showed no unusual expression.
These words made the Grand Libationer's heart tremble.
Yes, wherever there are antiques, one can improve. But for years, he had always believed that only in big cities, in places where antiques flourished, could one improve their appraisal skills.
It turned out that he had been stuck in a rut all these years.
Ye Fan's words gave him a sense of sudden enlightenment.
As a true appraisal master, the Grand Libationer's temperament was naturally incomparable to those young people.
Therefore, at this moment, Ye Fan's words truly resonated with him.
"Although the Grand Libationer has always been in Hangzhou, Hangzhou is a place of mixed crowds, and many treasures are kept privately. It is not as good as some remote places where true treasures can be seen."
Ye Fan spoke again, "Only by seeing more and broadening one's horizons can one elevate their perspective. Therefore, this path is not easy, but since one has entered this profession, they must move forward with unwavering determination, even if facing thorns and obstacles, without regret."
Ye Fan's eyes revealed extraordinary determination.