Chapter 37: Mr. Qi’s Elaborate Ploy

Mr. Qi stood in the treasure room, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The shelves all around were packed with a dazzling array of rare antiquities—primitive bronzewares, warm and delicate jades, and colorful porcelains—each piece seeming to whisper an ancient and mysterious story.

Known for his sharp intellect, Mr. Qi found himself uncharacteristically at a loss. The irresistible allure of these treasures left him unsure of where to begin his appraisal. He wandered among them like an adventurer lost in a labyrinth of riches. Just as his gaze fell upon a rhinoceros-shaped artifact and he instinctively reached out to pick it up for closer inspection, a thick, fleshy hand slapped his away.

Lin Dafu, with his rotund frame, waddled over, his face filled with playful reproach. "Old Qi, look at you, acting like a monkey in a rush. These are treasures; you can't just handle them carelessly."

With that, he handed Mr. Qi a pair of white silk gloves, their texture as soft and delicate as a cloud. Mr. Qi glanced at Lin Dafu, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes before he couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up. "Professional!" he praised.

He took the gloves and put them on with meticulous care, his cautious demeanor a stark contrast to his usual unflappable self. Once gloved, he picked up the rhinoceros, examining it from every angle. He squinted to inspect the patterns, brushed his fingers over the material to feel its texture, and held it up to the light, hoping to uncover hidden clues. His brow furrowed in conflict; it was clear that the difficulty of authenticating this piece exceeded his expectations.

Watching Mr. Qi struggle, Lin Dafu puffed out his chest with pride, his round belly swaying with the movement. He cleared his throat deliberately and raised his voice. "Old Qi, do you have any idea what this is?" His tone was brimming with confidence, like a master possessing an exclusive secret.

Mr. Qi shook his head helplessly, answering with a hint of chagrin, "You fat man, I truly don't. I can tell it’s from the Han Dynasty, but beyond that, I’m stumped." He paused before adding, "Every field has its own experts; pray, enlighten me!" His attitude was so humble that it was as if he were a different person from his usual arrogant self.

Hearing Mr. Qi—who always likened himself to Zhuge Kongming—ask for his guidance, Lin Dafu puffed his chest out even further, as if he had become a figure surpassing the great strategist himself. "This thing in your hand," he declared with immense pride, "is a priceless treasure: a Western Han gold-and-silver-inlaid bronze rhinoceros zun."

"This is a rare gem indeed, but such a solitary piece isn't suitable as a betrothal gift for His Majesty. You’d better put it back." As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, his eyes showing a touch of disdain for Mr. Qi. Who chooses a single item as a betrothal gift for an Emperor?

"Let me pick a few proper items for your student," Lin Dafu said, and began to walk forward with a clumsy, waddling gait.

Mr. Qi did not argue. He simply nodded silently and gently set the bronze rhinoceros back in its place. Smiling, he said to Lin Dafu, "It seems I truly must learn from you, the master, today."

"Follow me!" Lin Dafu raised his head proudly and led Mr. Qi to a pair of jade cups shielded by a glass case. The glass, reflecting the candlelight, seemed to drape the cups in a mysterious veil.

Lin Dafu pointed at the cups, his eyes sparkling. "See? Only this pair is fit to be the Emperor's betrothal gift. You bookworms know nothing—betrothal gifts must come in pairs! Who would ever offer a single piece?" His voice echoed in the treasure room with an air of unquestionable authority.

Hearing this, Mr. Qi’s furrowed brow relaxed. He thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "There is wisdom in your words. I have truly been taught a lesson today." He took two steps closer to the glass case, observing the jade cups with intense curiosity. "Then, may I ask, Master Lin, what are these treasures?" His tone held a hint of reverence.

Seeing Mr. Qi so humble, Lin Dafu felt his heart swell with joy. He patted his chest and declared loudly, "This has quite a pedigree." He paused deliberately to build anticipation, then continued, "This pair is a set of Western Han jade cups. Do you know what a jade cup really signifies?" His eyes flickered with mystery.

Mr. Qi shook his head, his face full of expectation. Seeing this, Lin Dafu became even more smug. He raised his voice, "In the Western Han, these cups were used to collect morning dew; they were items for the Emperor’s personal use. A perfect pair—wouldn't this be a magnificent betrothal gift for His Majesty?"

As he spoke, he gestured in the air, as if he could already see the Emperor’s satisfied expression upon receiving the gifts. Mr. Qi nodded with a smile, his eyes filled with approval. "Master Lin speaks with great reason. Could we perhaps select a few more?" he asked, his tone sounding like a request.

Lin Dafu, utterly intoxicated by the flattery, felt like a balloon caught in an updraft, drifting away in a daze. He dragged Mr. Qi through the treasury, introducing his prized possessions one by one. Every item was a perfect pair: exquisite jade pendants with patterns as fine as hair, seemingly flowing with the traces of time; delicate gold ornaments that shimmered brilliantly under the lights, every detail showcasing the craftsman’s superb skill; and ancient calligraphy and paintings, their paper yellowed, yet the ink still vivid, as if they could transport one to another era.

Mr. Qi felt that, having looked at a mountain of labeled items, it was already more than enough. But to his surprise, Lin Dafu remained relentless, like a child lost in his own world, incessantly showcasing his treasures. By the time Mr. Qi finally had people come to move the items, they hauled away ten full crates of treasures.

As the crates were carried out, Lin Dafu stood by, watching with a face full of joy. Before they left, Lin Dafu even generously added two crates of gold bars and two crates of silver bars. The gold and silver shimmered with the unique luster of wealth, as if they were the final display of Lin Dafu’s pride.

Once Mr. Qi’s caravan departed, the bustling scene gradually fell quiet. Only then did Lin Dafu, finally snapped out of his prideful stupor, begin to regain his senses. His heart, once filled with vanity, started to feel hollow. He thought of the empty shelves in his storehouse and the ten crates of treasures Mr. Qi had taken. Suddenly, his chest felt as if it were being crushed by a boulder, and he could barely catch his breath.

His eyes widened, and he bellowed in utter regret, "Damn you, Old Qi! You’ve set me up and swindled me again!"

His voice echoed through the room, filled with boundless desolation. Having been deceived, Lin Dafu felt like weeping, but he had no tears left. Looking around, there was not a single soul to whom he could pour out his grievances.