For several days, Liu Jiangmin played the role of a host, taking me and Fatty around Guangbei. We enjoyed sightseeing every day; it was truly a pleasure.
I hadn't forgotten my purpose for coming here, so after a few days of touring, I told Liu Jiangmin that he didn't need to bother with us anymore.
He said, "How can that be? You are honored guests. If Director Wu asks later, how will I explain myself?"
I smiled and said, "Director Liu, I will speak with Director Wu myself. Please don't worry. You've been a great help these past few days. We have some matters to attend to, so you don't need to accompany us."
After much persuasion, Liu Jiangmin finally relented.
There was still a week left until the appraisal convention. My primary intention was to use this week to explore Guangbei's antique street thoroughly.
Firstly, I wanted to understand the market conditions for antiques in Guangbei. Secondly, I wanted to find an opportunity to meet Yan Hongguang.
After all, the main purpose of coming to Guangbei was not to participate in an appraisal convention, but to seek Yan Hongguang's help in deciphering the topographical map.
This day, Fatty and I wandered around Guangbei for a few circles. We found that the number of people involved in antique collection in Guangbei was even greater than in Jiangdong. Many of them were big clients from external ports.
Upon inquiring, we learned that many were from antique companies in Hong Kong. They came to Guangbei to find valuable items and then took them back to sell to foreigners at auctions.
The antique market in Guangbei was completely different from that in Guangling. Here, many things had already formed a standardized industrial chain. Moreover, there were countless antique appraisers.
In such an environment, there were also many scammers, with many posing as appraisers to engage in fraudulent activities.
Fatty and I encountered several "item dealers" in just two days. They claimed their items could pass for genuine and even came with certificates.
After wandering for two days, I finally contacted Yan Hongguang.
I had kept the business card he gave me in Guangling. When I dialed the number, a somewhat low voice answered, "Who is this?"
"Uncle Yan, it's Xiang Fei."
"Xiang Fei?" The voice on the other end paused for a moment, then a hearty laugh erupted. "It's Little Fei. How have you been?"
"I'm doing well, Uncle Yan. I'm in Guangbei now," I said.
Hearing that I was in Guangbei, Yan Hongguang seemed surprised and asked when I had arrived.
I replied, "Just a few days ago... Uncle Yan, do you happen to have some time? I'd like to treat you to a meal."
"Little Fei, you're too polite. Since you're in Guangbei, it's my duty to host you. Where are you now? I'll send someone to pick you up. I happen to be free this afternoon," Yan Hongguang said enthusiastically.
After I told him the location of my residence, the people he sent arrived in about half an hour.
Fatty and I got into the car and were driven to Yan Hongguang's residence.
The place was a large estate, quite a distance from the city center, located halfway up a mountain.
The entire house was in a Western style, while the interior was decorated in a New Chinese style.
"Master Xiang, this place is truly magnificent," Fatty whispered into my ear as soon as we entered.
I said, "Keep your mouth shut later and don't say anything out of line."
Fatty asked, "Who are we going to meet?"
"An old friend of my father's," I replied.
As we entered the house, we were greeted by an older woman, who appeared to be a servant of the Yan family.
"Mr. Xiang, the master is waiting for you in the study."
I nodded, told Fatty to wait in the living room, and followed the woman to the study.
Upon arriving at the study, the moment I entered, I saw Yan Hongguang standing by a rosewood desk, practicing calligraphy.
He held a brush in his hand, writing gracefully on a piece of Xuan paper.
I had to admit, Yan Hongguang's calligraphy was excellent, possessing its own unique style.
Seeing me, he put down his brush and gestured towards a tea table nearby. "Little Fei, please sit."
I cupped my fists and greeted him, "Uncle Yan."
"Don't be nervous. Make yourself at home."
We sat down at the tea table, and he began to prepare the tea set. His tea-making skills were very proficient, indicating he was a regular tea drinker.
"What made you decide to come to Guangbei?" Yan Hongguang asked with a smile.
I took a sip of tea and said, "I've come specifically to ask for your help this time."
"Ask for my help?" He chuckled. "I heard the Wu family gave you the An Yuan Tang?"
I nodded.
"Are you encountering any operational issues?" he asked.
I shook my head. "There are no problems with operations, as An Yuan Tang has a solid foundation."
"Then why are you looking for me in Guangbei?"
Yan Hongguang's tone was gentle, making one feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze. Coupled with his refined demeanor, he appeared exceptionally approachable.
Without any reservation, I explained the matter of the topographical map directly.
After listening, he frowned slightly and asked, "Did you bring that topographical map with you?"
I nodded, took out a photocopy of the map, and handed it over.
Yan Hongguang seemed surprised. "What about the original?"
I replied with a wry smile, "The original is not in my possession."
The original map was with Wu Hao. Wu Tingxiu had made a copy of it, and then made two more photocopies. One was with me, and the other was with her.
Yan Hongguang didn't press further. Instead, he began examining the photocopy. After a moment, he said, "Where did you get this topographical map from?"
"From an ancient tomb," I replied.
He nodded, picked up the map, and studied it for a long time. "The encryption method on this is too specialized; I'm afraid I can't help."
I was taken aback by this answer.
According to Wu Tingxiu, Yan Hongguang's research on topographical maps was among the best in the country. Even he couldn't decipher this map?
"The mountains and rivers depicted on this topographical map are not easily identifiable. Unless the encrypted characters on it are deciphered, it would be impossible to deduce the accurate locations drawn," Yan Hongguang said.
He paused. "Although the structure of the characters is simple, there is no connection that can be made with the map. At first glance, it looks like text written casually, with no relation to the map... The encrypted topographical maps I've studied before usually involve alterations to the map itself. This topographical map you've shown me employs a dual encryption."
"Dual encryption?" I was confused.
"This means both the map and the text have undergone encryption. To decipher the map, one must first decipher the text above it. In other words, the text is the key to unlocking this topographical map," Yan Hongguang explained.
His explanation made me understand.
"I do know of a family that has considerable research in ancient text decipherment..."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Yan, could you introduce me to them?"
He sighed helplessly. "It's a shame that this family has disappeared, and their descendants are nowhere to be found... However, I can have someone inquire for you."
"Thank you, Uncle Yan," I said, cupping my fists.
"When we were in Guangling, I told you that if you ever needed anything, you should come to me. As long as I can help, I will never refuse."
Yan Hongguang took a sip of tea and looked at me. After a moment, he said, "Your visit to Guangbei, besides the matter of the topographical map, I presume you're also here for the appraisal convention?"