Chapter 75 – Auction

Ignoring the man’s elaborate plans, the gong on the auction stage sounded, signaling the start of the auction. The auctioneer, a middle-aged scholar wearing a square cap, bowed around and began introducing the items for tonight’s auction, starting with bulk goods.

Indeed, the first item was a shipload of iron ore. He described its quality, weight, and starting bid price, followed by copper and tin ores.

Sheng Changtian whispered, “Don’t touch these. Aside from black market dealings and ores produced by countries in the South Seas, some are smuggled out from the Central Plains. Behind each item are various powerful families and clans who come here to fence their goods. It’s very messy.”

Xu Chun felt a pang of distress. Sheng Changtian continued, “It’s uncontrollable. The sale of salt and mines is forbidden, yet there are always people who can sell them outside. In the previous dynasty, they banned sea trade, but it was still uncontrollable.”

Sure enough, soon the auction moved on to salt, sugar, spices, silk, porcelain, timber, cotton, jade ore, and more, all sold by the shipload. The prices were staggering, all settled in silver, with no acceptance of banknotes or copper coins.

But Sheng Changtian didn’t bid on anything. Next came gold, silver, and jewelry. Xu Chun spotted a set of ruby jewelry with intensely vibrant colors, thinking it would be perfect for his mother after her mourning period ended, so he bought it. After that, nothing caught his eye.

Then came antiques, ancient tripods, incense burners, statues, vases, screens, and more, each with its own history. There were also some exquisite items from the South Seas and the West, with remarkable craftsmanship in wood, workmanship, and technique.

Soon, it was time for calligraphy and ancient books. Xu Chun perked up, leaning over the screen to look down below, his cat-like eyes bright and alert. He thought that Ninth Brother would actually like these, so he should bring some back for him.

The middle-aged scholar came up but didn’t unfold the painting. Instead, he wore a mysterious smile. “The first painting today is an ancient Tang Dynasty painting we’ve just received. Please take a look.”

A painting slowly unfurled on the screen in the hall. The scholar’s voice grew excited. “Please appreciate this. This is the masterpiece of the famous Tang Dynasty painter Zhou Fang, which has been lost for a long time. We have obtained the original! Although some suspect it could be a copy by Qiu Ying, we have verified through various means that this is indeed the genuine work of Zhou Fang!”

“Please see this ‘Secret Play at Night’! Some say it depicts Emperor Ming of Tang and his beloved concubine Yang Guifei in secret play in a private room. Another theory suggests it might be Empress Wu and Xue Aocao. But look at the man’s far-traveling hat and silk shoes, clearly indicating imperial status. The woman’s fairy-gazing bun, her blushing face, her affectionate gaze, all suggest she’s dressed as a palace lady. Look at the serving maid next to her, wearing high-waisted square shoes, clearly a palace servant. Therefore, it must be Yang Guifei.”

“Everyone, please look. This is Emperor Ming’s Lao Ai-like equipment! Look at this woman’s plump muscles and delicate bones, the vermilion cleft…the brushwork resembles silk threads spewed by spring silkworms, meticulous and refined, filled with subtlety and elegance, the paper overflowing with charm! This is a rare treasure! Collectors and those who enjoy this path must not miss out!”

Xu Chun’s face flushed, and he turned away, unable to bear the sight of the overly explicit painting on the screen. However, large candles illuminated the stage like daylight, and the painting was crystal clear. This painting quickly stirred up a climax, rapidly bidding up to ten thousand taels of silver, with prices still climbing.

This painting eventually sold for three hundred thousand taels of silver. Sheng Changtian, seeing Xu Chun’s shyness, didn’t say much. But when he saw such a huge price, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “My grandfather often says that these things can’t be eaten or drunk. As merchants, we should focus on making a living and not indulge in farming or weaving. That’s already inappropriate. We mustn’t become obsessed with these elegant hobbies. Once you develop a hobby, it’s the beginning of ruin. You tell me, three hundred thousand taels for this painting! That could buy a whole shipload of pepper! What’s the point? It’s not even suitable as a gift, only to hang at home and look at…”

Xu Chun coughed lightly, not engaging in discussion with Cousin Three. Seeing how shy he was, Sheng Changtian became increasingly curious. Could it be that his cousin was still innocent?

Fortunately, the auction finally ended, and what followed were normal ancient paintings, such as ‘Hundred Buddhas,’ ‘Water Immortals,’ ‘Visiting Friends,’ and more. But after the shock earlier, Xu Chun was distracted. Seeing the high prices, he remembered what his grandfather said about things that can’t be eaten or worn. His interest waned, thinking that although Ninth Brother liked these things, he clearly exercised great restraint.

The top scholars also said that Ninth Brother handled worldly affairs practically. Fan Muchun even mentioned that Ninth Brother originally enjoyed these scholarly pursuits, but refrained from showing it to prevent officials from following suit. So it was for that reason. Compared to calligraphy and paintings, salt and mines were more useful to the country and people. Of course, if he could find a good deal…

But it seemed there were no bargains to be had here. Every item was a treasure. Then came the turn for ancient books. First up was ‘Yonghu’s Tripod Casting Method,’ detailing the casting techniques for bronze tripods. Next was ‘Five Zang Mountain Classic,’ which covered the locations of mineral deposits throughout the Central Plains.

Xu Chun suddenly sat up to bid on the book. The book wasn’t particularly valuable, and its condition was average. Sheng Changtian assumed Xu Chun liked it, but seeing that Xu Chun didn’t seem particularly eager, the two books were auctioned off for ten thousand taels of silver.

Sheng Changtian asked, “The names of the places where minerals are hidden in this ancient book differ greatly from now. They may not be accurate. Our family doesn’t do mining, and this kind of mine isn’t something an ordinary household can manage. Why did you spend so much money buying this book?”

Xu Chun replied, “The Nine Tripods are symbols of the state. I bought it for a keepsake. As for the mineral deposits, I’m worried that if they fall into foreign hands, they might one day follow the clues and covet our beautiful land. Wouldn’t that be a loss that lasts for a thousand years? Better to buy it and take it home to hide it.”

Sheng Changtian found his reasoning childish and couldn’t help but laugh. But since they were wealthy, and his younger brother liked it, he naturally let him buy it.

Next, they bought several books, including ‘Mirror Source of the Alchemy Room,’ ‘Great Smelting Ode,’ ‘Copper Immersion Essentials,’ and more. These were relatively cheap, mostly bought for a few hundred taels of silver. Buddhist scriptures and poetry books fetched higher prices, but Xu Chun didn’t bid on them. He only bought books on foreign methods of copper smelting, sugar production, and more, as well as Western books like ‘Comprehensive Meaning of Measurement,’ ‘Circle Book,’ ‘Western Water Law,’ ‘Brief Inquiry into Heaven,’ ‘Control Over All,’ and others involving mathematics, geometry, cartography, astronomy, navigation, medicine, and more.

Sheng Changtian couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you collecting such a wide variety of foreign books? These aren’t ancient books, and it’s not cost-effective to buy them. Some of the ideas are rumored to be absurd and unlikely to be true. You might as well find some time for me to send someone to collect them slowly for you.”

Xu Chun said, “Didn’t I open a printing hall? I should print some books that other halls don’t have. Poetic classics are everywhere in the capital, not rare. But these are useful. When I was setting up the charity school, I heard them say that in the future, they might need to teach more practical knowledge. It would be better to collect more books like these. Cousin Three, if you notice, please help me collect this type of foreign book. I only want practical knowledge, not poetry and romance. Agricultural books are also excellent.”

He thought to himself, “I heard he also said that the imperial uncle collected widely and knew a little bit about everything. Ninth Brother is so smart, he must like these foreign books about learning and understanding.”

Seeing that he liked it, Sheng Changtian said, “I see. The prices of these books aren’t high. Since you’re going to let the trading company come here to take a look.”

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a sudden commotion below. They looked down and saw the auctioneer opening a book. “This book is ‘Lu’s Sea Ship Manufacturing Method’! It’s the shipbuilding technique cherished by the descendants of Song Dynasty’s Lu Xiufu, kept secret for hundreds of years. It’s been verified as genuine! Look at these pages, every dimension is included! From selecting timber to drawing diagrams, to manufacturing techniques, everything is covered, even many secret skills! Very precious! On this page, there’s even Prime Minister Lu Xiufu’s handwriting, as well as notes from generations of Lu family patriarchs.”

“The ships made by the Lu family, everyone knows the quality. Don’t miss this opportunity!”

The bidding heated up, with people continuously handing their numbered paddles with bids to the servants responsible for holding up the paddles. Xu Chun instantly sat up! Ninth Brother talked about opening maritime routes and establishing a naval academy. Of course, he needed this shipbuilding method!

He immediately started bidding energetically.

It seemed that everyone here was a sea merchant or pirate, knowing the value of this book. The bidding quickly reached half a million taels of silver. Yet, Xu Chun remained calm, still raising the price. At this point, only an old man accompanied by several men, all wearing scholar’s robes, appeared to be Han Chinese. They weren’t in a private room but in the main hall, occasionally bowing towards the private rooms bidding. Gradually, fewer people were bidding.

Sheng Changtian patted Xu Chun and whispered, “Young Lin, that seems to be the Lu family. I’ve seen them before; that’s the Lu family patriarch. Looking at his unfriendly expression, this book might be a secret manual of their clan, not meant to be auctioned. It was probably stolen and put up for sale. This book…forget it. The Lu family is influential in the South Seas due to their excellent shipbuilding skills. Even pirates respect them. They can mobilize various pirates, not easy to provoke. You see, fewer people are bidding. They’re afraid to offend the Lu family and are simply giving them face. We’re outsiders here, be careful of their underhanded tactics.”

Xu Chun was taken aback, glancing at the old man who was solemnly bowing in his direction. He hesitated, then whispered, “Since the Lu family is exiled abroad, these shipbuilding techniques have been passed down generation after generation, kept secret. If I bid and take it back to promote it, how many fishermen along our coast could benefit in the future? And the naval academy…is about to be established…”

Thinking of Ninth Brother’s maritime ambitions, he hesitated. “Since it’s in the auction house, it’s their own mismanagement. What’s precious is mainly the handwriting. After I buy it, I’ll return the original to them and ask them to copy the technology for us. They shouldn’t feel embarrassed, right? And didn’t the island lord boast that bidders’ identities wouldn’t be revealed here? We should get the book first to have the upper hand, which also shows our sincerity.”

There was no time to think. Opportunities slipped away quickly. He gestured to continue bidding, directly increasing the bid to eight hundred thousand taels of silver. This was the amount of silver he could use. He told Sheng Changtian, “Cousin Three, lend me the money first. I’ll pay you back when I return.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Brothers don’t need formality. If you really want it, go ahead and buy it. Cousin Three has plenty of money.” He didn’t try to dissuade him anymore.

They watched as the Lu family patriarch repeatedly bowed, but Xu Chun still raised the price resolutely. Anger appeared on the faces of the Lu family group. The old patriarch sternly increased the bid to one million taels of silver. It seemed the Lu family indeed had some wealth. Xu Chun calculated and still raised the bid to one point two million taels.

The auction hall fell silent. Clearly, no one knew where this tycoon came from, willing to spend so much on a book. While there were plenty of sea merchants in the room who could afford a million taels of silver, few would spend it on a single book. No matter what, spending so much money and risking offending the Lu family, who might hold a grudge and target them later, was too much for just a book.

The Lu family members below looked grim. The patriarch suddenly asked a servant a question. The servant approached the auctioneer, who smiled apologetically. “Old Patriarch, the Heavenly Number auction room requires verification of funds to enter. Since they’ve bid up to one point two million taels, they indeed have that much silver. After the auction, immediate settlement will occur, deducting ten percent handling fee. The remaining silver will be promptly delivered to you. Would you like to increase your bid? According to the rules, if you don’t raise the bid, the item will be sold.”

The old patriarch’s face turned ashen. Standing up, he loudly addressed Xu Chun’s box, “Esteemed guest, if you insist on opposing my Lu family, you may win the bid, but you won’t be able to take it away!”

The auction hall fell silent. The servant reminded, “Esteemed guest, you cannot threaten other guests. The auction house ensures guest safety and privacy.”

Without a word, the old patriarch stood up and left, his sleeves fluttering.

The crowd was stunned. The auctioneer confirmed with a smile, “One point two million taels of silver. Any further bids? One point two million once, twice, three times! Sold!”

Xu Chun sighed in relief, looking at Sheng Changtian. “Grandfather and Uncle might scold me when I return… And Second Brother’s side, spending so much silver all at once…”

Sheng Changtian laughed. “What’s the big deal? Changyun told me to buy whatever you want. It’s rare for you to like something, so buy it. Besides, if this thing really has so many secrets, our shipyard can build ships too. That one point two million taels will soon be earned back.”

However, this would definitely offend the South Seas Lu family. Well, when they returned, his grandfather and father would have to figure out a solution. As long as Young Lin was happy, it was fine. Worst case scenario, they’d compensate and keep the shipbuilding book. One point two million taels, the Sheng family could afford to lose.

Just then, Island Lord Shaou and Ji Sinong entered. Shaou smiled bitterly. “Fourth Young Master of the Sheng family sure has great spirit.”

Xu Chun’s eyes flickered. “Island Lord, you’re so generous. I hope you’re not here to tell me that you’re afraid of the Lu family and can’t protect the identity of the bidder. Or are you here to persuade me to give up this book? I heard the Lu family has immense power in the South Seas and wide connections…but why did you allow this book to be auctioned here? Since it’s being auctioned, anyone can bid. You wouldn’t break your own rules, would you?”

He looked at Ji Sinong and continued, “Previously, General Ji said he would go to the Lu family for a ship. Are you going to sell my information to the Lu family? Or are you also here to persuade me to give up this book?”

Ji Sinong repeatedly clasped his hands and smiled bitterly. “Fourth Young Master, saying that makes me feel ashamed. Third Young Master and Fourth Young Master saved my life. How could I dare to act ungratefully? Today’s situation is unexpected. The Lu family and I are indeed close friends. I shamelessly wanted to ask Fourth Young Master to give up this book. But Fourth Young Master is willing to pay one point two million taels of silver, showing your determination. However, this book is significant to the Lu family. You know, Prime Minister Lu Xiufu’s loyalty endures for a thousand years. This is the foundation of the Lu family. Now, a disloyal descendant stole it and put it up for auction. If Fourth Young Master takes this, it will be an irreconcilable enmity with the Lu family. Fourth Young Master is young but extremely intelligent, with a sense of chivalry. Why not let this go? The Lu family will surely repay you generously.”

Xu Chun replied, “Not so. I saw the patriarch earlier, leaving angrily with a face full of hatred. He must have harbored deep resentment. Even if I return it now, he will only be grateful to you and the island lord, but still hate me. Since I’ll be hated either way, I might as well persevere. Let’s see if General Ji still insists. I will not give up this book.”

Ji Sinong sighed and clasped his hands. “Fourth Young Master, I will never reveal that this book is in your hands. But you should know, Java Island is too small. How many families can afford to spend a million taels of silver on a book? The Lu family’s influence in the South Seas is vast. You might not realize it, but they can easily verify each family and quickly pinpoint your Sheng family. If they bribe pirates, there will be pirates willing to act for them. Those who can establish themselves overseas are not kind-hearted in private, no matter how virtuous they appear.”

Xu Chun said, “By then, I will have returned. After I reproduce the book, I will return the original. I will ensure the handwriting of their ancestors remains intact, not damaging a single page. I spent one point two million taels, just for the shipbuilding technique. Is that unreasonable? I followed the rules of the auction and paid every penny. If General Ji is familiar with them, can you mediate and explain the righteousness? We are all children of the Central Kingdom, descendants of the Yan and Huang dynasties. Being overseas together, benefiting our homeland would be their righteousness too.”

He looked at Island Lord Shaou. “Broad is the way, and upright is the path. What does the island lord intend to do? Will you betray trust and righteousness, or remain on the righteous path?”

Shaou looked at him and smiled. “Impressive, impressive. I misjudged you. Before, I only thought Fourth Young Master was young and spirited, naive and lively, wise and delightful, destined for greatness. I didn’t expect that in a few words, Fourth Young Master is hidden beneath the earth and moves in the sky. Your adaptability is strong, and your eloquence is sharp as a blade, squeezing me and Little Ji speechless. Why wait until you achieve greatness? This boldness, decisiveness, and courage, you’re already a true phoenix.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “If the island lord is unwilling, you can say so directly. I’ll have to give up then. This is an instance where a gentleman can be deceived by his principles. The island lord and General Ji are righteous and trustworthy, granting me the convenience of this Heavenly Number room without verifying funds. I was somewhat ungentlemanly. But I am determined to obtain this shipbuilding technique. I will return the original book intact after reproducing it, only borrowing it. If the island lord can convey this for me, I would be immensely grateful.”

Shaou waved his hand. “First, I’m not afraid of the Lu family. If you really want it, I can claim I forcibly retained the book. Second, this book was indeed auctioned by a capable young man of the Lu family. Everything was done according to the rules. If you want to take it, the Lu family can’t do anything to me. But I have a few words to privately say to Fourth Young Master. If you still insist on buying it after hearing my reasons, I’ll say nothing, immediately arrange for the transaction, and guarantee that during your stay in the South Seas, no one will disturb you, and no one will know who took the book. I can also arrange a ship to send you back immediately.”

Xu Chun was taken aback, looking at Shaou smiling at him. A sense of familiarity inexplicably welled up within him. Strange, when he looked at Shaou earlier, it seemed like their first meeting. But now, looking at Shaou, his features unchanged, there was an inexplicable feeling of familiarity.

Shaou said, “How about it? Please have your elder brother, Little Ji, and your servants leave first. I have a few private words to say to Fourth Young Master.”

Xu Chun thought for a moment and waved his hand. “Alright, Cousin Three, you go out first.”

Sheng Changtian hesitated. Xu Chun smiled. “Don’t be afraid. I think the island lord is a righteous gentleman.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Don’t worry about us. Whatever the Lu family, we, the Sheng family, aren’t afraid. If you really want it, buy it.”

Shaou chuckled. “Protecting your younger brother with your life, that suits my personality. Rest assured, Third Young Master, not a single hair will be harmed.”

Clearing the room, Sheng Changtian and Ji’s family retreated. Only Dinghai remained motionless, standing behind Xu Chun. Shaou laughed. “Please have this guard step out as well. Rest assured, it’s safe here.”

Xu Chun turned to see Dinghai still there, surprised. Still, he smiled. “Big Brother Dinghai, please go out first. Don’t worry, we’re just talking. I’ll call if there’s anything. And…” He waved his hand. “The crossbow given by the island lord is still with me. I’m not completely defenseless.”

Shaou was helpless, and Dinghai bowed and stepped out.

Xu Chun looked at the island lord. “Please speak, sir.”

Shaou said, “First, Little Ji is right. The Lu family does have excellent relations and immense power in the South Seas. They perform good deeds and have prestige, and their shipbuilding techniques are indeed advanced. If they really investigate, I can’t guarantee they won’t find out. I can only say that while you’re in the South Seas, I can spread rumors to confuse their line of sight and disrupt their thoughts. But once you reproduce the book, sooner or later, they will discover it.”

Xu Chun said, “My Cousin Three said earlier that the Sheng family isn’t afraid.”

Shaou smiled and nodded. “The Sheng family is full of heroes, indeed with solid backing. Moreover, Fourth Young Master’s confidence comes from another place, doesn’t it? Prince Xu?”

Xu Chun’s heart skipped a beat when his identity was revealed, but he maintained composure on his face. “I don’t know what the island lord is talking about.”

Shaou sighed. “Prince, a few days ago, I received the white medicine you gave, and I’m very grateful. My dull and straightforward disciple, Zixing, is usually well taken care of by you.”

Xu Chun jumped up. “You!”

Pointing at Shaou, his face full of shock, “You’re actually Big Brother Fang’s…big brother…”

What was the name of the elder brother of Prince Zixing who married the princess? His mind was almost in a tangle, taking a while to react:

“You’re Marquis Wuying?!”