46: Chapter 46 Examination

Qiao Yichen followed half a step behind Teacher Song, his eyes quickly scanning the surroundings.

There were already twenty or thirty guests in the hall, mostly middle-aged or older, all dressed and carrying themselves with distinction.

They gathered in small groups of three or five, conversing in low voices, forming small circles that were both separate and subtly interconnected.

"Brother Qixiu!" A hearty voice called out from the left.

They saw an elderly man with a ruddy complexion, dressed in a dark blue stand-collar Zhongshan suit, smiling as he approached, followed by a middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor, wearing a plain qipao.

Teacher Song showed a genuine smile, stopping his steps: "Zhenhua, you've come too. Ms. Qiaozhen, long time no see."

"How could an occasion like this be without you, Teacher Song?" The old man called Zhenhua chuckled, his gaze naturally falling upon Qiao Yichen beside Teacher Song Qixiu, carrying a hint of well-measured scrutiny. "And this young man is...?"

Teacher Song moved aside, naturally positioning Qiao Yichen beside him, his tone calm: "A nephew of a friend, surnamed Qiao, Qiao Yichen. The young man has a bit of interest in old objects, so I brought him along to broaden his horizons." He paused briefly to introduce Qiao Yichen: "Little Qiao, this is Elder Li Zhenhua, a director of the local Collectors' Association, specializing in porcelain. This is Ms. Zhou Qiaozhen, who has profound attainments in the appreciation of calligraphy and painting."

"Elder Li, Ms. Zhou, hello." Qiao Yichen stepped forward half a pace, bowing slightly, his manner respectful, a suitable faint smile on his face.

Li Zhenhua sized him up and smiled: "Good, it's a good thing for young people to look around more."

Zhou Qiaozhen also smiled and nodded at Qiao Yichen but said little, clearly focusing more attention on Teacher Song: "Professor Song, I heard there is a small piece by Shen Zhou tonight? Have you had a chance to examine it?"

"I just arrived and haven't seen it yet," Teacher Song shook his head, anticipation in his tone. "But if it is truly an unrestrained work by Master Shitian, it is certainly worth a look."

The three exchanged brief pleasantries about recent matters, their conversation revolving around the evening's main attractions—a painting suspected to be by Shen Zhou, a small Jun ware cup, and a set of jade thumb rings originating from the Qing Palace. Qiao Yichen stood quietly behind and to the side of Teacher Song, acting as a qualified listener.

After a brief exchange, Li Zhenhua and his companion excused themselves and walked toward another group of acquaintances.

Teacher Song said quietly to Qiao Yichen: "Let's go. There is still some time before seven, let's find a place to sit first."

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The two arrived at the window-side seating area on one side of the hall, furnished with several sets of spacious Ming-style Zitanwood armchairs and tea tables. A few people were already seated, sipping tea.

As soon as they sat down, a female attendant dressed in a dark blue qipao with elegant makeup approached silently, bowing slightly: "Teacher Song, hello. Pu-erh as usual?"

"Yes, Pu-erh is fine." Teacher Song nodded, looking at Qiao Yichen, "And Little Qiao?"

"The same as you," Qiao Yichen replied.

The attendant nodded and retreated, her steps as light as a cat's. A few minutes later, she returned with a tray of ebony, upon which sat a Zisha teapot and two white porcelain cups. She poured the tea with fluid, graceful movements—seven parts full, no more, no less—then bowed again and quietly retreated to the guest waiting area three meters away.

Teacher Song picked up his teacup, first inhaling the aroma of the tea, then taking a sip. Qiao Yichen imitated him, gently sniffing his cup—the unique aged fragrance of Pu-erh mixed with a faint sweetness of jujube, warm upon entry, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste.

"Little Qiao," Teacher Song set down his teacup and asked casually, "Guodong mentioned that you are interested in ancient furniture?"

Qiao Yichen held the teacup with both hands, his posture respectful: "Yes, I have just started studying, read some books, but it's all theoretical knowledge."

"Oh? What books have you read?" Teacher Song showed some interest, leaning slightly forward.

"Mr. Wang Shixiang's 'Research on Ming Furniture,' 'Appreciation and Collection of Ming and Qing Furniture,' and a book titled 'research on huanghuali furniture'," Qiao Yichen answered truthfully, his tone steady. "I also looked up some information online, but it felt like there were too many conflicting opinions; books are more systematic."

Teacher Song nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes: "Old Wang's books are solidly written; that's the right place to start." He paused, shifting his tone, "However, after reading these books, where do you think is the biggest difference between Ming-style furniture and Qing-style furniture?"

This question was not tricky.

Qiao Yichen pondered briefly and answered cautiously: "From what I read in the books, Ming-style furniture emphasizes lines and structure, adhering to the concept of 'round heaven and square earth.' The joinery is exquisite, and the natural grain of Huanghuali wood is valued for its beauty. Decoration mainly uses linear moldings with little carving. Qing-style, however, focuses more on decoration and material usage, with heavy materials and elaborate, ornate carving, especially during the Qianlong period, often incorporating inlays of jade and mother-of-pearl, pursuing grandeur."

When he answered, his tone carried a clear note of uncertainty, and he added at the end: "However, I have never seen any truly fine physical examples, so my understanding might be very one-sided."

Teacher Song listened, a gentle smile on his face. Instead of judging the depth or correctness of Qiao Yichen's answer, he said, "The general direction you mentioned is correct. Although my main focus is calligraphy and painting, and I only know a little about furniture, I have heard a saying—Ming furniture is about the 'bone,' and Qing furniture is about the 'flesh.'"

"Bone and flesh?" Qiao Yichen appropriately displayed a puzzled expression.

"Yes." Teacher Song picked up his teacup and slowly explained, "The framework of Ming furniture—that is, its proportions, structure, and lines—comes first. When a piece of Ming furniture is placed there, the first thing you feel is its aura and integrity; the wood grain and decoration all serve this framework. Whereas Qing furniture, especially from the mid-to-late Qing period, often first pursues the preciousness of the materials and the splendor of the decoration."

This analogy was vivid and apt; Qiao Yichen immediately grasped the meaning and nodded seriously: "Your analogy is very fitting; I think I understand a bit now."

"Understanding is one thing, but truly comprehending requires hands-on experience," Teacher Song waved his hand, his tone indifferent. "When I look at calligraphy and painting, I focus on the spirit of the brushwork and ink. Looking at furniture, the principle is actually similar—it's about whether its 'qi' is upright. Later, when you go in to look, don't rush to examine how fine the carving is or how bright the inlays are. First, calm your mind and observe the overall feeling that piece of furniture gives you—is it dignified and grand, or heavy and cumbersome? Are the lines fluid, or stiff and deliberate?"

Qiao Yichen responded solemnly: "I will remember, thank you for Teacher Song's guidance."

Teacher Song smiled and did not continue the topic, instead saying: "I came today mainly for those few paintings. As for the furniture, look around yourself more, experience it more. If you have questions, you can also ask the staff; they are generally trained and can explain the basics clearly."

"Okay."

The two sat quietly sipping tea for a moment longer. The people in the hall gradually increased, the murmuring voices rising and falling faintly like the tide.

Qiao Yichen sat quietly, his gaze occasionally sweeping calmly over the crowd, observing the demeanor and expressions of these figures in the collecting circle.

At six fifty-five, Xu Wenyuan appeared at a slightly elevated position at the front of the hall.

He did not use a microphone, merely stood there calmly and lightly clapped his hands.

The crisp yet restrained applause was not loud, but it seemed to carry a certain rhythm, causing the entire hall's noise level to quickly subside, and all eyes naturally converged on him.

"Good evening, esteemed teachers and distinguished guests," Xu Wenyuan's voice carried clearly and steadily. "Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this 'Private Negotiation Fair for Overseas Returned Antiques.' All exhibits have been displayed in the inner hall, which is equipped with brief descriptions. A tea break area is set up on the left, and a quiet room is available on the right for in-depth discussions. The Private Negotiation Fair will officially commence at seven o'clock. Now, please follow me into the inner hall."

As his voice faded, the two heavy, carved Zitanwood doors on the other side of the hall were slowly pushed inward by the attendants.

Brighter and softer light emanated from within the doorway, where dark display cases and moving figures could be vaguely seen.

The guests began to move orderly toward the inner hall, their steps steady, their conversations suppressed even lower, blending into the rustling sound of rubbing garments.

Teacher Song finished the last drop of tea in his cup, set the cup down, and stood up, saying to Qiao Yichen: "Let's go."

Qiao Yichen also rose, his fingertips inadvertently brushing the smooth lower hem of his suit, following half a step behind him, moving with the crowd toward the door leading to the real stage.