Chapter 26: Becoming an Apprentice

  Back at the Liuli Factory, Yin Chengjun transferred 2.5 million to Qu Wen's account as promised and left with a smile on his face, carrying that Hu Kaiwen's old inkstone.

  With more than half a day to spare, Qu Wen suggested to Bao Guoqiang that they visit the National Museum, and in the blink of an eye, they had earned over 200,000 yuan. His heart was filled with joy, thinking that with a bit more effort, he could soon become a truly rich man.

  Bao Guoqiang happened to have something to attend to and couldn't accompany them, so he handed over the task to Zhao Haifeng, who led Qu Wen to the National Museum.

  With the previous contact and communication, the two young people who were similar in age became enthusiastic and their language also became much more intimate. After inquiring, it was found that Zhao Haifeng's parents both worked in the ZF department, and there was also an older brother in the ZF department. Above him was a grandfather, a retired military general, but he didn't say what rank, and Qu Wen didn't ask further.

  Sitting in Zhao Haifeng's car, they soon arrived at the National Museum.

  Talking about the history of the National Museum, it was originally established in 1912 by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China as the "Preparatory Office for the National Historical Museum" at Guozijian. In 1926, it was renamed the "National Historical Museum". After the full-scale end of the civil war and the establishment of New China, it was renamed the "National Beijing Historical Museum", and after several relocations and name changes, it finally settled on the east side of Tiananmen Square, and was named the "National Museum of China".

  The museum has a rich collection of artifacts, with over 10 million pieces collected, and is one of the largest museums in the world.

  Qu Wen came here with a purpose, and at this time he had not yet figured out the difference between the treasures in the secular world and the treasures defined by his spiritual awareness, so he wanted to explore the largest treasure gathering place in the country.

  Unfortunately, upon entering the venue, it was discovered that except for a few individual exhibits and a small number of replicas, the vast majority were locked in glass display cases. No matter how much spiritual energy was concentrated, Qu Wen could not absorb it. He couldn't possibly take a hammer and smash them open. If he did, his name would be splashed across major websites and newspapers nationwide within half a day, and he himself would spend the rest of his life in prison.

  "It seems I still have to rely on myself, first think of a way to earn more money and then talk about it."

  At this time, Quwen's Lingjue ability had not yet reached the level of being able to absorb spirits through objects, and at most was only a superhuman sense of perception, somewhat similar to the super sensory abilities in science fiction movies.

  Since you've come, don't return empty-handed. Absorb the aura and learn from the so-called treasures on display. It's also a good thing to improve your appreciation ability. To do well in antique appraisal, often visit major museums, take a look around, it will be of great help to one's understanding.

  After circling around, he returned to Bao Guoqiang's home with a sullen face. After finishing dinner, Gu Quan called Qu Wen to the main hall of the quadrangle courtyard.

  "Master Gu, what's the matter with you looking for me?" Looking at Gu Quan's serious face, Qu Wen was a bit puzzled.

  When Gu Quanzhen was in Longcheng, he had already seen that Qu Wen had a very high talent for antiques and the like. However, he also saw that Qu Wen often mixed with people from the underworld, fearing that his character might not be upright enough to corrupt the school if he were to take him on as an apprentice. After spending some time together, he gradually discovered that Qu Wen was a kind-hearted and lively young man, dispelling his concerns, and decided to take him on as an apprentice.

  "A Wen, be honest with me, are you interested in antique appraisal?"

  "Yes, of course." Qu Wen replied honestly: "Before I came into contact with this line, I always thought that antiques were just valuable old objects. After really coming into contact with them, I found that there is too much to learn in this field. It seems like every antique has a story behind it. Discovering the stories behind antiques while appreciating them is actually a very interesting thing."

  Qu Wen's words made Gu Quan very satisfied, and he nodded with pleasure: "Then do you know that in the antique business, those who become successful through self-study are almost zero. Before becoming successful, most people have a famous teacher guiding them behind the scenes. Without a famous teacher, one must take many detours, and perhaps for their entire life, they can only glimpse the entrance. Since we hit it off with each other, and you've helped that little girl Ya Xing several times, I want to take you on as my apprentice. Are you willing?"

  Qu Wen had long been deeply convinced by Gu Quan's profound knowledge, but was afraid that he himself could not enter Gu Quan's eyes, so he hesitated and did not mention it until today.

  At this moment, Gu Quan took the initiative to propose, his heart was excited and he quickly threw the Tian Shu's pig head master behind his mind. He hurriedly knelt down: "I'm willing, Master is above, accepting a bow from his disciple."

  Bao Guoqiang stood beside Gu Quanzhi, smiling but not speaking. He had long seen through his master's thoughts and took the opportunity to tell Gu Quanzhi about his views on Qu Wen and his serious attitude towards studying antiques when Qu Wen was not at home in the afternoon. This accelerated Gu Quanzhi's decision to accept Qu Wen as an apprentice, and he took him in while the enthusiasm was high.

  He made three bows to Qu Wen, and according to the rules, he formally became his apprentice. Gu Quan picked up Qu Wen, with a solemn expression, and said in a serious tone: "Now that you've taken me as your master, I have to tell you some of the rules of our sect."

  He was stunned for a moment, and suddenly felt like he had entered a cult. Was it possible that they would soon be burning yellow paper, cutting off chicken heads, and drinking blood wine?

  Without batting an eyelid, Gu Quanzhi continued to speak: "All the old trades have their own traditions and we are no exception. I was apprenticed to Master Zhao Ruzhen, a renowned connoisseur of the Qing dynasty, before entering this line of work. My mentor taught me not only about connoisseurship but also about how to be a person. He imparted many valuable lessons to me, telling me to avoid being impatient, greedy or arrogant, and to learn for the benefit of others as well as for self-cultivation. One must not pretend to be what one is not, nor pass off the inferior as superior. You must remember these words."

  I thought Gu Quan would say a lot, but I didn't expect it to be so brief. Qu Wen was stunned again and asked foolishly: "Master, is that all?"

  Gu Zhong didn't know what Qu Wen meant, and inexplicably asked back: "What's wrong?"

  "Isn't there some rule about this?"

  "Being able to do these few things well is already good enough, we're not some sort of martial arts sect, why do we need so many rules?"

  "What the master said is what the master said."

  He was secretly laughing in his heart, fortunately, the rules were not many, otherwise, he would have made thirty-six big chapters and one hundred and eight precepts, it's better to quit the sect early. After a moment's thought, he asked again: "Master, who is Patriarch Zhao Ru Zhen?"

  If not in the antique industry, ordinary people generally do not know much about Zhao Ruzhen. Qu Wen did not understand, Gu Quan did not blame him, took a sip of tea, and slowly said: "Master Zhao Ruzhen was originally a junior official at the end of the Qing dynasty, the son-in-law of Yu Ge, a famous scholar and collector of antiques at the end of the Qing dynasty. After entering the Republic of China, he served as the principal of Xicheng Peihe Middle School, opened a famous antique shop 'Cui Zhen Zhai' in Beijing, and wrote books such as 'Antique Guide', 'Antique Guide Continuation', 'Doubts about Antiques', is a master of appreciation at the end of Qing and the beginning of Ming.

  Unexpectedly, the master ancestor was a very capable person, at least in the antique industry. Qu Wen thought to himself and raised new doubts: "Master, I have seen the sign of 'Cui Zhen Zhai' in Liulichang, it seems to be an old shop specializing in ancient porcelain, but why don't you sit in the hall?"

  The words inadvertently touched on Gu Quan's sore spot, and his old face turned red as he coughed lightly: "I was just a young apprentice under my teacher's guidance back then, and I didn't really become his disciple. Later, when I followed my parents to the south, I left Beijing."

  "It turns out that I haven't even entered the door yet." Qu Wen thought to himself, secretly admiring Gu Quan's skills, and although he had only learned some superficial knowledge by following him, in the end, he relied on this and his own efforts to become a new generation of connoisseur masters.

  People who have gone through the years mostly emphasize respecting teachers and valuing morality, often saying that one day as a teacher is a lifetime as a father. Although he only worked under Zhao Ruzhen for some time and learned some knowledge of antiques from him, Guquan regarded him as a mentor and passed on his teachings to future generations. It can be seen that Guquan was also a person who valued emotions and righteousness.

  After talking for a long time, Gu Quan handed over three incense sticks and hinted: "Since you've entered my sect, go to the front altar and pay respects to our ancestors."

  "Ah."

  Thus, Qu Wen became Gu Quan's true apprentice.