Chapter 193: 【193】Is the appraisal done?_1
 

As Tang Feng pointed out each issue with the phoenix hairpin, everyone crowded around once again to take a closer look.

It was like taking a test, really.

If you were to take it alone, many of the answers would elude you for quite a while.

But when someone else started explaining the questions, you would suddenly have an epiphany: I knew all these problems, so why didn’t I think of the answers just now?

In fact, the issues that Tang Feng mentioned were not unfamiliar to them.

But firstly, they had too little time to observe just now, and secondly, the aging techniques were too masterful.

For a time, not a single person could see the problems.

Now, as Tang Feng identified the issues, they gradually spotted the flaws on the phoenix hairpin.

Zhang Jicheng also had the staff bring over a microscope to facilitate closer observation for everyone.

Under the microscope, many easily overlooked issues were revealed with nowhere to hide.

“Ah, how did I not notice that earlier? This oxidation of the metal does look abnormal.”

“Right, right, the polishing on this jade also has some issues, it’s obvious that it was initially machine-polished before being hand-polished, and such technology did not exist during the Northern Li Dynasty.”

“It looks like the wear is deliberate too, I can’t believe I missed that.”

“How could I make such a rookie mistake…”

Everyone started to post-rationalize as if to remedy their oversight.

With a faint smile on his face, Tang Feng looked up at Xue Yingjie, “Did I pass this challenge?”

Xue Yingjie looked back at him with a complex expression, “I have to admit, your skills are stronger than I imagined. You got the first question right.”

Everyone looked at Tang Feng with surprise and uncertainty.

“Tsk tsk tsk, this Mr. Tang’s appraisal strength is really not to be underestimated.”

“I feel that his appraisal skills are already on par with ours.”

“Stop flattering yourself, what do you mean on par with us? Did you spot the issues with the phoenix hairpin earlier?”

“I… I didn’t look at it closely just now, but given some time, I could have seen the problems too.”

“Heh, how long would that be? One year or two years? Mr. Tang didn’t take much longer than us either.”

“…”

Everyone began to praise Tang Feng collectively.

Putting other things aside, Tang Feng’s ability to appraise jewelry had indeed surpassed theirs.

The staff of Ya Garden, in particular, began cheering excitedly.

Tang Feng represented the reputation of Ya Garden and having cracked the first challenge, they all shared in the glory.

Once Xue Yingjie and the others calmed down a bit, he continued speaking, “Congratulations on passing the first hurdle. But don’t celebrate too early; the first question was just an appetizer. The real show is just beginning.”

With that, he took out another wooden box from his bag.

The box was rectangular, about one foot in length, and around half a foot in width and height.

Everyone was curious about what the second antique artifact would be and craned their necks to see.

Xue Yingjie slowly opened the box, revealing a blue and white porcelain vase inside.

White with blue patterns, it was quite beautiful.

“This blue and white porcelain vase was acquired by me last year. I spent a total of 800,000 on it and have kept it close all this time—it’s the first time it’s been taken out for public viewing,” he said.

He slowly walked over, placing the blue and white porcelain vase on the table next to Tang Feng, “The second question, please appraise the authenticity of this blue and white porcelain vase.”

“The same rules apply, everyone is welcome to give it a try.”

Eager to jump in, everyone crowded around it and began to examine it closely.

The methods for appraising porcelain essentially involve aspects such as patterns, glaze, shape, color, base, body, and markings.

“Judging from its shape, patterns, and base, this should be a Ming dynasty blue and white porcelain vase.”

“Hmm, it should be from the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty, retaining some characteristics of Yuan blue and white porcelain.”

“The body is thick, the blue and white is dense, and it has a sandy base, it seems undoubtedly genuine.”

“Mr. Xue only paid 800,000 for it, he certainly found a huge bargain…”

After a thorough examination, everyone unanimously believed it to be genuine, one after another praising Xue Yingjie for his insightful purchase.

Xue Yingjie simply smiled without saying anything, waiting until everyone had finished their inspection before turning to Tang Feng, “Everyone’s had their look, now it’s your turn.”

Unlike the others who picked it up for a close inspection, Tang Feng just stretched out two fingers and gently tapped the surface of the porcelain vase.

“Ding!”

The blue and white porcelain vase emitted a crisp sound.

Tang Feng closed his eyes to listen attentively.

After a moment, he opened his eyes with a smile on his lips, “I’ve finished my appraisal.”

“Thump!”

Perhaps too astounded, someone actually fell onto the ground with a thud.

The rest were equally slack-jawed, staring at Tang Feng.

The last time he appraised the phoenix hairpin, he had at least taken fifteen minutes.

This time it was even more outrageous—just a light tap and he was done?

Could it be any less serious?

Xue Yingjie’s brows furrowed, “Are you sure that just tapping once is enough to determine the authenticity of this blue and white porcelain vase?”

“This is a unique method I have created called… ‘Listening for the False’. One can judge the age by the sound waves of the porcelain,” Tang Feng could not continue fabricating his story.

He was simply too lazy to waste more time and wanted a quick resolution.

The crowd, hearing his explanation, became somewhat skeptical.

Could it be that this man really had a unique method?

If that were true, would he not be in a position to establish his own school?

Regardless of whether others believed it or not, Xue Yingjie certainly didn’t.

Tapping is indeed a commonly used method among appraisers when examining antiques, but it’s only one of many.

It’s far too hasty to rely solely on tapping to determine authenticity.

He judged based on common sense that Tang Feng was bluffing.

“Heh, since you’ve made your judgement, go ahead and tell us your answer. Remember, you have to give a plausible reason,” Xue Yingjie said, a bit wary of Tang Feng guessing randomly, and emphasized his expectation.

Tang Feng slowly picked up the blue and white porcelain vase, “I determine that this blue and white porcelain vase is… fake.”

As soon as these words were spoken, his hands suddenly let go.

“Clang!”

The exquisitely beautiful blue and white porcelain vase shattered into pieces in an instant.