Su Mubai took a few steps back, his face pale. "I … I'm not lying!"
Xu Wei shook his head and sighed. "Zhuangyuan Su, this old man has spent his entire life with poetry and painting. I know who painted the painting and what year it was painted. This painting of the White Lotus Madonna is very neat and the handwriting is exquisite. The painter is also quite good. Unfortunately, people have sixty years, trees have growth rings, and so does a painting. It can't be faked. "
Xu Wei was a master and everyone was interested in his words. The old Emperor couldn't help but ask, "Official Xu, you said that this painting is less than a year old. How can you tell?"
Xu Wei nodded his head and said with a smile, "To determine the age of a painting, other than the clothing, bearing, and background, the canvas, scroll, and the degree of dryness of the brush and ink are the basis of this judgment. The latter points are difficult to fake, and are also the most important in determining whether a fake painting is real or fake."
Xu Wei lightly smiled and remained silent. Everyone was unable to restrain themselves when they heard him keep them in suspense. Even Li Tai spoke, "Brother Xu, don't keep us in suspense. Quickly tell us everything."
Xu Wei glanced at Su Mubai and sneered. "Zhuangyuan Su, you are the number one in Enke and your knowledge is not shallow. Haven't you heard of these principles?"
"I don't know." Su Mubai's legs went weak and he forced himself to answer.
Xu Wei laughed. "Then this old man will teach you how to identify paintings. I hope you won't make the same mistake again. The clothing of the person in the painting, the expression, and the background are very well matched. The problem lies in the brush and the canvas. "
Brush, ink, and canvas? Everyone looked at the painting again. The brush and ink were natural and the canvas was old. There was no problem.
Xu Wei took a few steps and said loudly, "All good paintings have good ink. This is the unbreakable truth. This painting is no exception. From this painting, the ink used is very expensive. It should be the Xiuning Sect's ink from Anhui's Jixi region. It's called Dragon Fragrance. This ink is particular about the paper being like lacquer. It has a black luster and will not fade after a long time. It is said to be smooth for a thousand years. After a thousand years, the brush and ink will still be smooth. Under normal circumstances, grains and stripes wouldn't appear in less than three hundred years. "
Xu Wei's words woke up the people who were dreaming. Some of the smarter ones had already guessed the meaning of his words. They looked at the brush strokes and saw that the brush strokes were smooth, without any problems.
Xu Wei smiled faintly and said, "Good ink is good ink. Even if there are grains, it is not that easy to see. One needs to touch it to feel it. Your Majesty, please appraise it!"
The eunuch presented the portrait to the Emperor. The old emperor stroked the veins on his clothes. Nodding his head, he said, "Sure enough, there is a dull and uneven feeling."
"If I may be so bold as to request Your Majesty to come into contact with the Sacred Ancestor's legacy again. It's the same ink of Xiuning Sect. Your Majesty, please examine it and see if there's any difference. "
The Emperor touched the sacred relic slightly. His face was filled with delight as he said, "Even after a hundred years, the divine ancestor's brush and ink are still as smooth as before. Xu Qing, the same brush and ink have different effects. What is going on? "
"This is the characteristic of good ink." Xu Wei smiled and said, "The calligraphy and paintings of famous people can be imitated vividly. However, not everyone can afford to use good ink. I've already said that fine Hui ink won't have any fine lines in less than three hundred years. If the White Lotus Virgin was born three hundred years ago, not only this old man, but even Zhuangyuan Su himself would not believe it. "
The Emperor's interest was greatly increased. He smiled and said, "Then how do you explain the grains and stripes?"
"This is the key to identifying the age of the painting." Xu Wei nodded and said, "All new paintings have to be disguised as fakes of ancient paintings. In order to increase the age of the brush and ink, without exception, they have to be dried to pass off as genuine. As we all know, the ink is taken from pine wood. It is very difficult for fine ink to have grains and stripes in less than three hundred years. Only after drying will the grains and stripes be raised due to the uneven heat. This is where the grains and stripes that Your Majesty touched just now are. From the distribution of the grains and the texture of the painting, although the brush and ink seem old, the uneven grains feel new. It should be completed and dried within the last year. "
Everyone let out a long sigh. Who was Xu Wei? He was the ancestor of painting. His words were a thousand times more credible than Su Mubai's.
"You are indeed knowledgeable!" The old Emperor nodded and sighed, "Then how can you judge from the canvas?"
"Brother Lin, please explain." Xu Wei smiled and said, "I think he is also an expert."
Expert my ass. Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. Although he started out as a tabloid newspaper and knew a thing or two about brush and ink, how could he compare to a master like Xu Wei? Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, Lin Wanrong laughed dryly, "Mr. Xu is too kind. I don't know anything about Hui ink. When I look at this painting, I look at the canvas. Everyone has painted before and should know that the smoothness of the cloth is very important. Otherwise, it is very easy for the brush to slip. "
This point was easy to understand and everyone nodded. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Everyone knows what I do, right? Currently, I am a civil servant in the Xiao Family of Jin Ling Prefecture. My salary is a few hundred taels. I believe everyone knows that the Xiao Family sells cloth. Speaking of cloth, I have learned some simple principles from my Grand Mistress and will share them with everyone. Everyone here is an expert. Please touch this canvas. Does it feel curly and fluffy? Your Highness, you should touch it too. You have always wanted to touch it but could not! "
Cheng Wang's face was ashen. He grunted and ignored him. Everyone touched it. As Lin San had said, the cloth was curly and fluffy. If they were to paint on this kind of canvas, even Xu Wei couldn't guarantee that the brush would not slip.
"Logically, the White Lotus Virgin is a hero of a region. The canvas she used would naturally be good and the painter she hired would not be too bad. But how could there be such a low-level mistake? The White Lotus Virgin has the appearance of a goddess. Why did the brush not slip? " Lin Wanrong slowly walked in the main hall as he talked to himself. He seemed to be asking someone else but also asking himself.
Li Tai discontentedly said: "Lin San, how did you learn this trick from Xu Xiandi? You only know how to whet our appetite. "The Emperor smiled without speaking and listened attentively.
"Actually, Mr. Xu has already explained the principle. It is all the work of baking. Most things in the world expand when heated and contract when cold. This canvas is not an exception. After this painting was completed, it was baked so the canvas was curly and fluffy. To hide the traces, the person who made the fake straightened the canvas again. It is a pity that it is easy to destroy but hard to build. It goes against the laws of physics. It cannot be so easily restored. If you touch it a few times, knead it a few times, it will show its original form. On this canvas, no matter how good the artist is, he still has to use his brush. "
Everyone nodded. From what Xu Wei and Lin San had said, it seemed to be easy to distinguish. Why didn't I think of it?
"Brother Lin, then how can you tell that this painting was made within a year?" Of everyone, only Xu Wei was clear-headed. Lin San had talked for a long time and could only determine that it was a fake baked over fire. It was hard to determine the age so he asked.
"This, actually, is a secret. Can I not say it? "Lin Wanrong was slightly embarrassed and said shyly.
The officials were addicted to listening to him talk about popular science. How could they agree to him? They all looked at him with expectant eyes. The Emperor smiled and said, "Lin San, what secret do you have? Do you want to hide it even from me?"
It seemed like he had to say it. Lin Wanrong didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He could only say, "Actually, this is a trademark secret. In the whole world, only I and Lady Xiao know about it. Now that it has been made public, it has become a secret known to everyone."
"Trademark? What is a trademark? "Even Xu Wei was surprised.
"Simply put, it is a unique trademark. It is unique and imitations must be investigated. Everyone, look here … "Lin Wanrong flipped the top corner of the canvas and showed it to everyone. Li Tai was the closest. There were a few small words that were almost invisible to the naked eye. He softly read, "On the fifteenth day of the winter of Yi You, Hai Jin. There's also a circle at the back with the word "Xiao" written inside. What does this mean? "
"This is the factory's trademark and the batch number. Ai, originally it was to prevent other companies from making counterfeits. I didn't think that we would be forced to make it public today," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Simply put, this canvas, was produced by our Xiao Family — —"
Cheng Wang's face instantly became as red as a pig's liver. He had single-handedly directed this but hadn't thought that he would make such a big mistake.
"Everyone, look at this circle with the word" Xiao "written inside. This is our Xiao Family's trademark. Look at the words "On the fifteenth day of the winter of Yi You, Hai Jin". This is the date of production and the serial number. It means that this canvas was produced at the fifteenth day of the winter of Yi You. Oh, it was produced on the fifteenth day of the winter of last year. So, not only do I know that this painting was completed within a year, I also know that it was completed within half a year. Ai, such a big secret, it has been made public. Your Majesty, can I apply for a few taels of silver to compensate the Xiao Family? "
This was simply an unheard of story. Just how did Lin San's brain work? Everyone looked at each other in dismay and couldn't help but laugh. This scholar was really too lousy. He made a fake and inferior product and even bought the real thing. He didn't even know that the date of production was marked. This was truly the most bizarre and hilarious case of framing in history. It was simply too hilarious. Li Tai and Xu Wei held back their laughter, their necks turning red.
After spending so much time with this Lin San, the old Emperor was already used to his strange tricks. But this time, it was really too bizarre and too funny. Even though he was extremely patient, he couldn't help but laugh until his face and neck turned red. He hurriedly turned his head to avoid losing his decorum.
"Little Brother Lin, this old man really admires you. You can even do this! Your wisdom is truly unprecedented. "Xu Wei laughed until his face was cramping. He was full of admiration.
"Just so-so, third in the entire country!" Lin Wanrong said with a laugh.
The Emperor slammed the table and said angrily: "Su Mubai, you conspire against the law and frame a good official. What else do you have to say?"
Su Mubai's knees weakened and he had already collapsed to the ground. He furiously kowtowed: "Emperor, spare me. This official was confused for a moment and accepted — —"
"Su Mubai, you have guts!" In a rage, Cheng Wang kicked him hard in the face. Su Mubai rolled a few times, blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. Even his teeth had fallen out. He couldn't speak. "This wang trusted you so much, but you colluded with ben wang's family to frame me. This is an unforgivable crime. Your Majesty, this kind of person who deceives the Emperor cannot be allowed to live. This official brother suggests that he be immediately imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison. He will be executed later. "
The Emperor's expression was dark as he swept his gaze over him. He then looked at Su Mubai, who was kowtowing on the ground like he was pounding garlic. He shook his head and sighed. "Su Mubai, I raised you with my own hands. You became the Zhuangyuan because of your own ability. I had wanted to raise you well to become a talent of my China. Who would have guessed that you — your actions have really disappointed me. "
Su Mubai's face was covered in blood. His expression was ferocious as he screamed and furiously kowtowed on the ground. Blood flowed down his forehead. No one could hear what he said. Lin Wanrong also couldn't bear to watch. In the end, he didn't have any deep hatred with this zhuangyuan Su. He was just inexplicably jealous.
Xu Wei shook his head and sighed: "Jealousy can kill."
"Detain him." The Emperor's expression was old. He waved his hand powerlessly: "Leave him to the Ministry of Justice. Report at a later date." The palace guards dragged Su Mubai out. The zhuangyuan continuously struggled and stammered. Blood and tears flowed together, his bitterness unspeakable.
The Emperor's expression was dark as he swept a glance across the people in the hall. He said coldly: "Zhen will say it again. China will only employ the virtuous and capable. Those who are jealous of the virtuous and frame others will be severely punished. There will be no tolerance. Ministers, do you all understand? "
"Thanks for Emperor's grace!" The officials hurriedly bowed and raised their hands. No one could have thought that today's matter would end like this. Su Mubai, a genius of his generation, had fallen like this. It was a pity. At the same time, it proved one truth — it was better to offend the King of Hell than to offend Lin San.
Cheng Wang was very experienced. Seeing the situation was unfavorable, he instantly turned to Lin Wanrong. His expression was sincere, a few old tears squeezing out of his eyes: "Lin San, I mistakenly believed slander. I have wronged you. This King hereby solemnly apologizes to you. Please accept ben wang's bow. "
He actually bowed to the bottom, really bowing. When he finished, Lin Wanrong pulled him back and said hypocritically: "Aiya, wang ye is so courteous. This little brother doesn't dare to be called such. These small matters are all misunderstandings. It's fine if it's explained, there's no need to be so grand. "
"Yes, yes. Otherwise, it can't express ben wang's guilt," Cheng Wang said sincerely.
The old Emperor nodded slightly and shouted coldly: "Where is the Minister of Appointments?"
Official Ye was very well-behaved today. Hearing the Emperor's shout, his body instantly trembled. He hurriedly knelt on the ground and didn't dare to say a word.
"Official Ye, was it you who was disrespectful to the Empress yesterday?" The Emperor's eyes were slightly closed as he asked.
"This sinner deserves to die, this sinner deserves to die. I didn't know it was niangniang's imperial entourage and disturbed niangniang. This sinner deserves to die ten thousand times!" Official Ye's body trembled as he furiously kowtowed.
The Emperor said faintly: "You have been an official for many years. According to the law, you should be beheaded for disrespect. Seeing that you have been an official for many years, even if you haven't done much, zhen will not make things difficult for you. Submit a memorial and retire. "
"Thank you, Emperor, for your benevolence, thank you, Emperor, for your benevolence." Official Ye was moved to tears and his head was broken from kowtowing.
The Emperor's tiger eyes swept across and he said sternly: "The Three Ministries and Six Ministries cannot go a day without a leader. The candidate for the Minister of Appointments — —" He looked at the people in the hall. Lin Wanrong's heart jumped. Don't choose me. Going to work at five every day, even if you beat me to death, I wouldn't do something like that. That's the best time for me to hug Qing Xuan and sleep. Even lightning wouldn't wake me.
Seeing Lin San shrink his head back, the Emperor shook his head slightly and grimaced: "Official Xu, you have to work harder. Temporarily take charge of the Ministry of Appointments, and also the Ministry of Revenue. When there is a suitable candidate, then you can recommend to zhen."
Xu Wei was helpless, and could only respectfully agree. At his level, his reputation was like the sun in the sky, and his official position was already a mere worldly possession. This action would only increase his burden, and towards Little Brother Lin who was shouldering the burden, he was also helpless.
Cheng Wang suddenly stepped out of the ranks and said sincerely: "Emperor, Official Ye has made a mistake. Subject brother heard that it was because of the matter of the Empress. There hasn't been news of niangniang in the palace for decades. There are many rumors on the streets. Since niangniang has returned, it should be announced to the public as soon as possible to prevent people from spreading false rumors and damaging the Emperor's reputation. "
My mother-in-law passed away more than ten years ago. Don't tell me you don't know? Pretentious, I despise you. Lin Wanrong snorted inside and looked disdainfully at Cheng Wang.
The Emperor's eyes were wet, his fingers trembling. It took a long time for him to calm his emotions. He said loudly: "Wang Xiong's words are reasonable. Zhen has waited for this day for twenty years. The rumors on the streets are not false. Zhen's virtuous empress died of illness seventeen years ago! "
"Niangniang — —" A wave of wails sounded. The officials, palace maids, and taijian in the hall all knelt down.
This is my mother-in-law, she has to kneel. Lin Wanrong sighed, knelt down, and sincerely kowtowed.
The Emperor's eyes were red as he said loudly: "In these seventeen years, zhen has suppressed this news and did not announce it to the world. This was because the Empress had said before her death that if zhen's Princess Chu Yun didn't return, she wouldn't enter the mausoleum and wouldn't announce it to the world. For this day, zhen has waited for seventeen years. Finally, cough, cough — — "
"Emperor — —" Gao Ping exclaimed and hurriedly handed over a few pills. Looking at the brown blood stains on the yellow silk, the old Emperor wiped the corner of his mouth. His expression didn't change as he swallowed the pill. His complexion recovered greatly. He closed his eyes to rest for a while before continuing: "Zhen's princess has left zhen for twenty years and has finally returned to zhen's side. She has also fulfilled a great wish of the Empress. Tomorrow, zhen will announce to the world that the entire nation will show filial piety and send zhen's virtuous empress. "
"As you command." The officials stopped crying and respectfully shouted.
"Your Majesty, does this mean that the one who returned yesterday was Princess Chu Yun?" Xu Wei asked in a low voice as he gave Lin Wanrong a meaningful look.
"That's right!" the Emperor said proudly. "She is China's one and only Princess Chu Yun. She has already grown up. After the Empress' funeral, zhen will announce to the world that we will hold a grand wedding for her. "
Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. Grand wedding? I haven't thought about it yet. Speaking of which, I'm really ashamed. Qiaoqiao, Ning 'er, and Qing Xuan have followed me just like that, especially Qing Xuan. She's already pregnant, but there isn't even a formal ceremony. I'm ashamed, really ashamed.
Today's sad event in China was followed by a happy event. The officials didn't know whether they should laugh or cry. The old Emperor also seemed very haggard. He waved his hand and said, "Let's end the discussion here for today. Court is dismissed."
"Long live! Long live! Long live! "Everyone bowed and walked out of the palace hall. Before Lin Wanrong left, Li Tai patted his shoulder. "Lin San, you borrowed my troops and cannons yesterday. You have to accept this favor from me."
Lin Wanrong laughed dryly. "Old General, please don't make things difficult for me. It's not that I, Lin San, don't want to serve the country, but I really don't have enough knowledge. If I delay your military affairs at the frontlines, I won't be able to repent even if I die ten thousand times."
Xu Wei was beside the two of them. When he heard what Li Tai said, he smiled and said, "Old General, don't believe his words. Before I asked him to lead the troops in Shandong, he also said the same thing, but what was the result? Didn't the White Lotus Sect still perish in his hands? "
Li Tai sighed. "Lin San, today, your identity is no longer a small matter. I can't do anything to you. It's just that there are no good generals in China's court. I am also getting old. If I let go one day, what will happen to China? There are Hu people in the north and Wokou pirates in the south. Who will lead the soldiers? One cannot be too selfish. If one has the ability, one should show it. Hiding and hiding is not what a man should do. "
This old man, if the hard way doesn't work, he will use the soft way, using emotion to move people. You don't say, laozi really likes this. Seeing Li Tai's white hair and wrinkled face, Lin Wanrong's heart softened. She impulsively wanted to agree, but when she saw Xu Wei's strange smile, she hurriedly stopped herself. She didn't even manage to say 'okay'.
"We will talk about this matter in a few days." Lin Wanrong sighed. "Before the army departs, I will definitely give Old General an explanation."
Li Tai nodded. Gao Ping walked over and said, "Lin daren, Xu daren, General Li, the Emperor invites the three of you to his study for a chat."
Once they entered the palace, there were many things to do. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly and followed behind Xu and Li. When they arrived at the door of the study, the three of them stopped. Gao Ping went in to ask for instructions and came out. "Lin daren, the Emperor invites you in first."
Could it be that he wants to discuss the wedding with me? Ai, I have lived two lives and I have never been married before! Stepping into the study, they saw that the room was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and was filled with documents. The old Emperor stood with his back to the wall, looking at the inscriptions of the ancestors in silence.
"Old Master, you were looking for me?" The atmosphere was a little stifling. Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked.
The Emperor nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Are you very close to Lady Xiao?"
Why did he ask about this for no reason? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. He knew that he couldn't hide this from the Emperor and nodded honestly. "Very close!"
"Very close?" The Emperor laughed coldly. "There will be no need for that in the future. We will kill her!"
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