novelraw Chapter 1787 - 406: Beyond Price, A Veil for the Eyes (Part 1)
Chapter 1787 - 406: Beyond Price, A Veil for the Eyes (Part 1)
Li Chuan’s calm voice was firm and resounding.
The wealthy merchants were stunned as they listened.
Yun Ya looked at Li Chuan with a smile, stepped forward, and respectfully offered the calligraphy with both hands.
"Ten thousand taels of gold are easy to obtain, but a kindred spirit is hard to find. This piece of calligraphy should be gifted to someone who understands it."
"Miss Ji...this?"
"This girl is also a person of character, Li Chuan, just accept it." Old Master Zhuang said with a smile.
"I cannot take this calligraphy for free, so I will donate 1.5 million in Miss Ji’s name to an elderly home to extend your filial piety and accumulate blessings for the teacher’s wife."
The old lady couldn’t stop smiling from sheer joy.
The wealthy merchant, feeling embarrassed, snorted and sat down, not daring to say anything further.
Li Chuan enjoyed a great reputation in the calligraphy world, understanding that character is more important than the actual work. This girl was exceptionally talented, yet more importantly, she was not burdened by desires, possessing a noble and pure demeanor, truly embodying the qualities of a distinguished family.
After returning, he spread the word in the calligraphy world, building Yun Ya’s reputation. Most people were skeptical until he presented Ji Yunya’s work at a grand gathering. Ji Yunya’s name thus became renowned in the calligraphy world, reaching a point where her works were indeed hard to obtain, even for a thousand pieces of gold.
Because Ji Yunya’s ink works were scarce, their value became incomparable. A fan who once donated a million to receive a piece during a live broadcast found it had turned into a family heirloom...
Moreover, Ji Yunya’s works later fetched astronomical prices, becoming a monumental presence in the domestic calligraphy scene...
This, however, is a story for another time.
Back in the main hall, as the calligraphy controversy passed, Yun Ya approached the old lady, speaking with a smile:
"Aunt Zhuang is currently abroad and couldn’t make it back for Grandmother’s birthday, so she entrusted me to deliver her birthday gift."
Yun Ya received the box handed over by Ah Yun and presented it with both hands.
Everyone knew Zhuang Xiyue was currently overseas.
The old lady received it with a beaming smile, Huo Rendong remarked: "Mother, won’t you open it? Every year, Yueyue’s birthday gifts have been much to your liking. What novel item is it this time?"
The old lady shot her a glance, and Huo Rendong suppressed a smile.
"Indeed, Master, what did Lady Yan send that we could all feast our eyes upon?" Xu Yun said with a smile.
"Alright then." The old lady opened the box, and upon seeing the contents, she was instantly enamored, lovingly picking it up: "Such exquisite workmanship!"
The jade shimmered like a firefly with excellent transparency. It was evidently an extraordinary jade, but even more remarkable was the craftsmanship. The gourd was round and lustrous, the Buddha’s face was kind-hearted, both form and spirit were perfectly balanced, indescribably wonderful.
"Ah, this must be top-quality Hetian jade. I’ve heard that the mining of Hetian jade is nearing completion, its value soaring. This small piece is already worth a fortune, let alone the craftsmanship. The combination of both brings out the jade’s maximum worth, offering significant collectible value."
Hetian jade originates from Kunlun Mountain. Now that the source is exhausted, from a narrow perspective, Kunlun Mountain’s Hetian jade is becoming irreplaceable, offering unparalleled collectible value.
"This was personally designed by Aunt Zhuang and carved by Master Shen Duyu, with Master Huiying, a virtuous monk from Dabei Temple, bestowing spiritual blessings. We hope Grandmother enjoys health and prosperity, and her wishes come true."
"So it’s the work of Master Shen Duyu, no wonder."
"Master Huiying? I heard he has been reclusive and not seeing outsiders for years..."
Discussions buzzed.
Master Shen Duyu and Master Huiying merely embellished this extraordinary piece of jade.
"Lady Yan’s filial piety is commendable, remembering her mother’s gift even from abroad. The teacher’s wife truly has a good daughter."
"Indeed, Lady Yan’s devotion is rare, and the teacher’s wife is blessed."
Listening to these praises, the old lady couldn’t stop smiling and immediately wore the jade around her neck.
"Yueyue was thoughtful."
The old lady, holding Yun Ya’s hand, said with a smile: "You were thoughtful too."
At the midday banquet, Yun Ya sat right next to the old lady, while her own grandchildren and daughter-in-law sat further away. The old lady kept holding Yun Ya’s hand. Huo Rendong and Zhuang Jingmo were both good-natured people. Seeing this, they only teased the old lady for being biased without harboring any other thoughts.
With many guests, the banquet was quite lively, and only after much effort did the banquet finally end, and the old lady reluctantly let go of her hand.
"Go take a rest with your cousin."
Zhuang Jingmo, smiling, took Yun Ya out the door, whispering in her ear: "Tonight is the main event. Stay over tonight, sleep in my room. You came all this way; I don’t want to let you leave."