flstandardbreds Chapter 335 Li Zhen visits Elder Li in the capital
Chapter 335 Li Zhen visits Elder Li in the capital
After a long while, Tang Shao slowly stood up, his eyes filled with some puzzlement, and looked at the expert sitting to the side: "Upon careful examination of the ink marks and techniques, it is indeed the work of Emperor Huizong of Song, and is undoubtedly his authentic work. However, the painting is so new that it seems to have been freshly made in recent years, which inevitably makes people feel a bit strange and out of place."
Upon hearing this, the expert frowned slightly, carefully appreciating the artistic conception in the painting, and slowly said: "These paintings and calligraphy works have reached the pinnacle of Emperor Huizong of Song's life. In particular, the landscape paintings he depicted are magnificent and profound, and should be a reflection of his state of mind in his later years, full of the sedimentation and vicissitudes of time."
The calligraphy and paintings hanging in the room were indeed painted by Li Zhen's late father-in-law, Old Zhao, each stroke revealing his true skill. Having experienced the vicissitudes of life, Li Zhen's later years, accompanied by Emperor Huizong of Song, were filled with warmth and peace. Imagine, if we follow the conventional historical record, Old Zhao would probably have long been frail and sickly in Wuguo City, struggling even to make ends meet, let alone wielding his brush and leaving behind such masterpieces for the world.
Tang Shao smiled as he looked at Li Zhen, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration: "Brother, you are truly blessed to have collected such a vivid and pristine antique. The artistic conception in this painting seems as if it were just completed yesterday, truly breathtaking."
Before stepping across the threshold, Li Zhen had already prepared his words. Now, he laughed heartily, his voice carrying a hint of mystery: "Hahaha... Young Master Tang, have you ever heard of the legendary underwater tombs? Those ancient tombs seem to be the crystallization of wisdom and cunning, cleverly hidden beneath the deep waters. To prevent tomb raiders from disturbing them, the tomb builders not only went to great lengths in choosing the location, but also used unknown secret methods when sealing the tombs, ensuring that everything inside was in a near-perfect vacuum-sealed state."
Of course, such rare treasures, if not retrieved using specific methods, will vanish due to sudden changes in the environment if handled rashly, like a fleeting, beautiful but short-lived flower. Only by mastering the lost techniques can these treasures, spanning millennia, be preserved and allowed to see the light of day again without losing their luster.
Although Li Zhen's words carried a barely perceptible hint of forced authenticity, the quietly displayed objects before everyone present unequivocally confirmed their truth. Upon hearing this, Tang Shao's eyes flickered, and his doubts gradually dissipated with everyone's unanimous confirmation, so he did not pursue the matter further.
As night fell, Li Zhen followed Tang Shao into a secluded courtyard deep within Fragrant Hills. Moonlight, like a gentle wash, bathed the courtyard, illuminating the lush grape trellis. Beneath the trellis, a figure intently pruned the branches—it was the highly respected Elder Li.
With a warm smile on his lips, Tang Shao greeted cheerfully, "Uncle Li, look, I'm bothering you again. Hehehe... Look who I brought with me!" As he finished speaking, his eyes gleamed with a hint of pride and anticipation.
Upon seeing this, Li Zhen responded politely and naturally, his voice carrying a hint of humility: "Good evening, Elder Li. I apologize for my unauthorized visit and hope you will forgive me." His words revealed respect and courtesy towards the elder.
Although it was our first meeting, I had already spoken with Mr. Li several times on the phone, and seeing him today filled me with a sense of warmth. Just then, Li Zhen and his group stepped through the threshold, and Mr. Li's movements were unusually slow. He gently put down the tools in his hands, as if they were old friends who had been with him for many years, and he was reluctant to part with them. Then, he naturally picked up a slightly worn cane and walked over step by step, each step exuding the steadiness of age.
Tang Shao reacted swiftly, stepping forward to carefully help Old Li to his feet, as if he were handling a rare treasure, and gently guiding him to a nearby wicker chair. The chair swayed gently, as if welcoming this highly respected elder.
Old Li's smile was warm and kind. He looked at Li Zhen, his eyes sparkling with familiarity and expectation: "You must be Li Zhen. We've been talking on the phone for quite some time now. Alas, time waits for no one. My leg is acting up again. Back in the day, when I was in the south, I was wounded by those monkeys' bullets. Now it aches whenever it's rainy. You can't deny getting old."
After speaking, Old Li sighed softly, his eyes filled with both nostalgia for the past and expectations for the young man before him. At that moment, even the air seemed to freeze, leaving only fragments of past stories echoing gently in their hearts.
With an almost reverent gesture, Li Zhen slowly placed an exquisite rectangular gift box in front of Old Master Li, his movements carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible, respect.
"Elder Li, I apologize for my abrupt visit and for not having prepared a generous gift. This Jin Dynasty scimitar, which I just acquired overseas, is a small token of my appreciation. I hope you will be so kind as to offer your guidance and take a look at it."
Upon hearing this, Old Li smiled warmly and nodded slightly in gratitude. Beside him, a male secretary in a sharp suit with a serious expression stepped forward at the right moment. With an almost ceremonial gesture, he deftly opened the lid of the gift box, then carefully lifted the Jin Dynasty scimitar hidden inside, as if holding a rare treasure, and respectfully presented it to Old Li.
The moment Old Li's gaze fell upon the precious sword, it was as if a stone had been thrown into an ancient pool, causing ripples to spread. With leisurely movements, he gently pulled out a section of the blade, and instantly, the curved sword seemed to contain the aura of frost and snow, its cold light chilling and making one's heart tremble.
"Hahaha... What a rare and wonderful item! It's been a long time since I've had the chance to see such a treasure. Judging from the faint murderous aura emanating from the blade, it must have been through countless battlefields and drunk countless blood."
After speaking, with an almost ritualistic solemnity, Old Li slowly sheathed his precious sword, a warm smile appearing on his lips, and turned his gaze to Li Zhen: "Speak, this visit must have something to ask for or something to discuss, so please speak frankly."
Upon hearing Li Lao's words, Li Zhen decided to cut to the chase and said directly, "Li Lao, I actually have a favor to ask of you. I wonder if you could spare some military supplies for me? I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is overseas. He is currently developing his business in the Middle East and is in urgent need of a batch of supplies."
Smiling at Old Li, Li Zhen slowly took out a heavy gold bar from his clothes, gently placed it on the table, and continued, "The transaction will still be settled in gold. As for the pick-up location, it would be more appropriate if it could be arranged abroad."
Old Li: "How much do you want?"
Upon hearing this, Li Zhen's heart stirred. He smiled and said, "I have a ton and a half of gold. I want to exchange it all for military supplies. Weapons and bullets are the best, but I also want some of the other items."
The secretary chimed in at the opportune moment, her voice carrying a hint of competence: "Mr. Li, this is just the right time. We are currently dealing with our inventory, and we have a considerable amount of military equipment that was originally planned to be exported to Europe and America."
After a moment of silence, Old Li's voice rang out, carrying the steadiness of years: "Since you have come here specifically for this purpose, you may handle these supplies. Similar to the last transaction, the pick-up location will still be within the territory of Great Mao. You only need to deliver the gold to Xiao Zhao as agreed. Judging from the time, it is already lunchtime. Why don't you stay and have dinner with us?"
The group followed Old Li into the restaurant, leaving only the cicadas chirping incessantly in the grapevines.