Finest Servant

Chapter 423 Detecting Forgery

Su Mubai retreated a few steps, his face deathly pale. "I, I did not lie!"

Xu Wei shook his head and sighed, "Top Scholar Su, I have spent my lifetime with poetry and painting. I can tell who painted what, and when, with just a glance. Nine times out of ten, I am right. This portrait of the White Lotus Holy Mother is neat in brushwork and delicate in strokes, and the artist has quite a level. It's a pity that like people have lifespan, trees have growth rings, paintings also have their years, and forgeries can't be hidden."

Xu Wei was a master, and everyone listened to his words, suddenly quite interested. Even the Old Emperor couldn't help but speak, "Minister Xu, you said this painting is not more than a year old. How did you see it?"

Xu Wei nodded and smiled, "To judge the age of a painting, in addition to examining the clothing, expression, and background of the characters, the canvas, scroll, and the degree of dryness and finesse of the ink and brush are also decisive. The latter points are difficult to forge and are the most important for identifying fake paintings."

Xu Wei smiled slightly and fell silent. The crowd listened to him tantalizingly and couldn't help themselves. Even Li Tai spoke, "Brother Xu, don't keep us in suspense, quickly explain it to us."

Xu Wei glanced at Su Mubai and laughed coldly, "Top Scholar Su, you ranked first in the special examination, aren't you well-learned? Haven't you heard these principles?"

"I do not know," Su Mubai's legs were weak, and he rallied his spirits.

Xu Wei laughed, "Then let this old man teach you a trick on how to identify a painting, so that you don't make the same mistake again. The characters' clothing, expressions, and background of this painting are all extremely well-matched, with no flaws to be seen. The problem lies in the ink and canvas."

Ink and canvas? Everyone looked again at the painting. The ink was natural, the canvas ancient, nothing seemed wrong.

Xu Wei took a few steps and declared loudly, "All good paintings have good ink; this is an unbreakable truth. This painting is no exception. The ink used here is of great value. It should be Huizhou ink from the Xiu Ning School in Anhui's Jixi, called Dragon Fragrance. This ink is known for its lacquer-like touch on paper, lustrous black color that doesn't fade, soft and smooth texture, remaining supple for a thousand years. Generally, particles and stripes wouldn't appear for less than three hundred years."

Xu Wei's words were a wake-up call, and some of the clever ones guessed what he meant. They looked at the strokes of the painting, but the brushwork was smooth, with no apparent problems.

Xu Wei smiled, "Good ink is good ink. Even if there are particles and stripes, they aren't easily seen. You must touch them to feel them. Please, Your Majesty, evaluate it!"

The eunuch presented the portrait, and the Old Emperor touched the texture of the clothing. He nodded, "Indeed there are grainy sensations, and it's uneven."

"Your old servant dares to ask, please touch the authentic relic of the Founding Emperor, which used the same Huizhou ink. Please, Your Majesty, discern the difference."

The Emperor lightly touched the sacred relic and exclaimed joyfully, "The ink of the Founding Emperor, though a hundred years old, has no dull sensation, still smooth as before. Minister Xu, the same ink, but different effects, what is this all about?"

"This is precisely the characteristic of good ink," Xu Wei said with a faint smile. "The calligraphy and artistic conception of famous people's characters and paintings can be imitated exquisitely, but not everyone can afford to use such excellent ink. As I have said before, the top-quality Huizhou ink will not show any granulation or striping for less than three hundred years. If the White Lotus Holy Mother was born three hundred years ago, not only would this old man find it unbelievable, but I suspect that even Top Scholar Su himself would not believe it."

The Emperor's interest was piqued, and he laughed, "Then how do you explain this granulation and striping?"

"That is the key to identifying the age of a painting," Xu Wei nodded. "Every new painting that wants to be passed off as an ancient fake must be artificially dried and baked to create an illusion of age. We all know that ink is derived from pine wood, and this excellent Huizhou ink will not granulate easily within three hundred years. Only after baking, due to uneven heating, will granules and stripes protrude irregularly. This is what the Emperor felt just now. From the distribution and texture of the granules on this painting, the ink appears aged, but the bumpy grain still feels new. It should have been completed and baked within the past year."

Everyone exhaled a long breath. Xu Wei was a master in painting, and his words were a thousand times more credible than those of Su Mubai.

"Truly knowledgeable indeed!" the old Emperor nodded and sighed. "How did you determine this from the canvas?"

"Let Little Brother Lin explain that part," Xu Wei said, smiling. "I see he seems to be an expert too."

‘An expert my foot,’ Lin Wanrong thought, breaking into a sweat. Although he had some knowledge of ink and writing, how could he compare to a master like Xu Wei? When everyone's eyes fell on him, Lin Wanrong let out a dry laugh. "Mr. Xu flatters me. I know nothing about Huizhou ink. I looked at this painting by examining the canvas. We have all painted before, so we know that the smoothness of silk canvas is essential; otherwise, it is easy for the brush to go astray."

This was easy to understand, and everyone nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong continued, "You all know what I do, right? Currently, I'm working as a servant for the Xiao family in Jinling. I get food, accommodation, and entertainment, with an annual salary of several hundred taels. As for the Xiao family, you probably know that they sell cloth. Speaking of cloth, I've learned some simple principles from Eldest Miss, so I'll share them with you. Gentlemen, please feel the canvas, isn't there a slightly curled and fluffy feeling? Prince, you also feel it, something you've wanted to feel but haven't been able to!"

Prince Cheng's face turned ashen, and he snorted without responding. Everyone else felt the canvas and found that it was indeed as Lin San had said - the silk was curled and fluffy. If they were to paint on such a canvas, even Xu Wei could not guarantee that the brush would not stray.

"Logically speaking, the White Lotus Holy Mother is a great figure; the canvas she uses must be top-notch, and the painter she hires should not be too bad. So how could such a basic mistake occur? With the White Lotus Holy Mother's celestial beauty, why wasn't there a stray brushstroke?" Lin Wanrong paced slowly around the hall, talking to himself, seemingly asking others, but also questioning himself.

Li Tai was dissatisfied and said, "Lin San, have you also learned this trick from Brother Xu? Always keeping us in suspense." The Emperor smiled without speaking, listening intently.

"Actually, the principle was already explained by Mr. Xu earlier; it's all the work of baking. Most things in the world expand with heat and contract with cold, and this canvas is no exception. This painting was baked after completion, causing the canvas to curl and puff up. To conceal the evidence, the forger of this imitation tried to straighten the canvas again. Regrettably, destruction is easy while restoration is difficult, and defying physical laws is not so easily undone. With just a bit more touching and kneading, the true nature will reveal itself. Even the best painter would have made a mistake on this canvas now," Lin Wanrong explained.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Listening to Xu Wei and Lin San's explanation, it seemed easy to discern, and they wondered why they hadn't thought of it themselves.

"Little Brother Lin, how did you discern that this painting was completed within a year?" Among the crowd, only Xu Wei was clear-headed. Lin San had talked for a while, only able to judge it as a fire-baked forgery; the specific age was difficult to determine, so he asked.

"Well, that's actually a secret. Can I not say?" Lin Wanrong looked somewhat embarrassed, saying shyly.

The officials were deeply engrossed in his educational discourse and wouldn't let him off so easily, all gazing at him with expectant eyes. The Emperor smiled and said, "Lin San, do you have a secret that you even want to keep from Us?"

Seeing that he had no choice but to tell, Lin Wanrong smiled wryly and began, "Actually, this is a trade mark known only to Eldest Miss Xiao and myself. Once disclosed today, it will become a public secret."

"Trade mark? What's a trade mark?" Even Xu Wei was surprised.

"Simply put, it's a unique symbol exclusive to a particular brand; any imitation will be prosecuted. Look here—" Lin Wanrong turned over the top corner of the canvas to show everyone. Li Tai was closest and saw some tiny characters barely visible to the naked eye. He read softly, "Yi You, Winter, the fifteenth, Hai, Gold. There's also a circle with the character Xiao inside, what does this mean?"

"That's the factory trademark and the production batch number. Alas, originally intended to prevent counterfeiting by others, I didn't expect to be forced to reveal it today," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Simply put, this piece of canvas was produced by our Xiao family—"

Prince Cheng's face turned the color of liver; he had orchestrated this, but had never expected such a blunder.

"You see this circle with the character Xiao? That's our Xiao family's trademark. Look at the characters 'Yi You, Winter, the fifteenth, Hai, Gold'; this is the production date and number, meaning this piece of fabric was completed during the Hai hour of the fifteenth day of winter in the Yi You year, in the Jinling factory. Oh, that means it left the factory on that day last winter. So, I not only know this painting was completed within a year but also within half a year. Alas, this huge secret has now been made public. Your Majesty, could I apply for some silver taels as compensation for the Xiao family?"

It was an extraordinary story; everyone wondered how Lin San's mind had worked. They looked at each other and couldn't help but smile. This top scholar had made such a blunder, using genuine materials for a counterfeit product, even marked with a production date, without knowing it. This was indeed the most bizarre and amusing case of framing in history; it was simply incredible. Li Tai and Xu Wei suppressed their laughter, their necks turning red.

Having spent much time with Lin San, the old Emperor had grown accustomed to his unconventional tactics. But this time, it was too bizarre, too amusing. Even though he tried to restrain himself, he couldn't help but laugh till his face turned red and his neck thick. He quickly turned his head aside to avoid losing his dignity.

"Little Brother Lin, I must admit, I'm completely impressed by you. This really could work! Your wisdom is truly unparalleled in history," Xu Zhiqing laughed, his face twitching with admiration, as if bowing in all directions.

"Third in the entire nation!" Lin Wanrong chuckled in response.

With a fierce slam on the table, the Emperor shouted angrily, "Su Mubai, you have plotted treachery and framed a good minister. What more have you to say?"

Su Mubai's knees gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, desperately kowtowing and pleading, "Your Majesty, spare me! I was momentarily confused, influenced by Prince Cheng--"

"Su Mubai, how dare you!" Prince Cheng roared, delivering a ruthless kick to Su Mubai's face. Su Mubai tumbled, blood pouring from his mouth, teeth falling out, unable to speak. "To think that I trusted you so much, and you conspired to plot against me. Your crimes are unforgivable. Your Majesty, we must not keep such a deceiving traitor. I propose we imprison him immediately and execute him in due time."

The Emperor's face darkened as he glanced at Su Mubai, who was on the ground, kowtowing as if pounding garlic. He shook his head and sighed, "Su Mubai, I raised you with my own hands, and you became the top scholar through your own merit. I had no favoritism. I wanted to nurture you into a pillar of our great nation. But your actions... they have truly disappointed me."

Su Mubai, his face covered in blood and twisted in agony, was whimpering and kowtowing, blood streaming from his forehead. No one could make out what he was saying. Lin Wanrong found it hard to bear. After all, he and Su Mubai had no deep-seated hatred, just a senseless jealousy.

Xu Wei shook his head and softly sighed, "The word 'jealousy' can be a person's downfall."

"Take him away," the Emperor commanded, looking tired and aged. "Hand him over to the Ministry of Justice for punishment. Report back on the chosen date." The palace guards dragged Su Mubai away as he struggled and stammered, tears mixing with blood, his agony unspeakable.

The Emperor's face was stern as he swept his eyes over the assembly and coldly said, "I'll say this once more: In my great dynasty, only the capable are employed. Those who are jealous of talent, who frame others, will be punished severely. Do you all understand?"

"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace!" The ministers hurriedly bowed in gratitude. Today's affair ended in a way that no one could have expected. Su Mubai, once a brilliant talent, had fallen. It was both tragic and regrettable. It also fully demonstrated one principle: Better to provoke the King of Hell than to provoke Lin San.

Prince Cheng, ever cunning and seeing the unfavorable situation, quickly turned to Lin Wanrong. His face was sincere, and he squeezed a few tears from his eyes, "Lin San, I mistakenly believed slanderous words. I have wronged you, and I formally apologize to you. Please accept my bow."

He actually bowed deeply. After he had finished, Lin Wanrong pulled him up, feigning modesty, "Oh, Your Highness, such a grand gesture. I am unworthy. It was a small matter, all a misunderstanding. Once cleared up, it's nothing at all. There's no need for such formality."

"Indeed, indeed, only thus can I express my remorse," Prince Cheng sincerely said.

The old Emperor slightly nodded, then coldly shouted, "Where is the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?"

Minister Ye was exceptionally obedient that day. Hearing the Emperor's stern shout, he trembled all over, quickly stepping forward and kneeling on the ground, not daring to say a word.

"Minister Ye, were you the one who was disrespectful to the Empress yesterday?" The Emperor asked, his eyes slightly closed, pondering.

"I deserve to die, I deserve to die. I did not know that was Her Majesty's phoenix carriage, disturbing Her Majesty. I deserve to die a thousand deaths!" Minister Ye was trembling all over, desperately kowtowing.

The Emperor said indifferently, "You have been an old servant for many years, and speaking disrespectfully is a crime worthy of death by law. Considering your years of service, without much merit but hard work, I will not make it difficult for you. Write a petition, and retire."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty, thank you for your grace." Minister Ye was tearfully grateful, his head even breaking from the kowtowing.

The Emperor's eyes swept across the room, sternly saying, "The Three Chambers and Six Ministries cannot be without someone in charge even for a day. As for the choice of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel—" He glanced at everyone in the hall, Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat, thinking, 'Don't choose me, I won't do this kind of nine-to-five job, that's my good time sleeping with Qingxuan, not even thunder can wake me up.'

Seeing Lin San shrinking his head back, the Emperor slightly shook his head, smiling bitterly, "Minister Xu, you will have to suffer a bit, temporarily taking charge of the Ministry of Personnel. You'll handle the Ministry of Revenue's affairs as well, until a suitable candidate is recommended to me."

Xu Wei reluctantly agreed, knowing that at his level, fame was soaring, and official position was no longer important. This move would only increase his burden, and he felt helpless towards Lin San, who was shirking his responsibilities.

Prince Cheng suddenly stepped forward, earnestly saying, "Your Majesty, Minister Ye made a mistake, and I heard it was due to the matter of the Empress. There has been no news of Her Majesty in the palace for several decades, and rumors are rife. Now that Her Majesty has returned, it should be announced to the public as soon as possible, to prevent malicious gossip that might tarnish Your Majesty's reputation."

'My mother-in-law has been dead for more than a decade, don't you, old boy, know that? Acting all righteous, I despise you,' Lin Wanrong thought, contemptuously glancing at Prince Cheng.

The Emperor's eyes were moist, his fingers trembling slightly. After a long while, he managed to calm his excited emotions and loudly said, "Brother Wang, your words make sense. I have been waiting for this day for twenty years. The rumors outside are not false. My virtuous Empress passed away due to illness seventeen years ago!"

"Her Majesty—," a series of mournful cries rang out, and the ministers, maids, and eunuchs in the hall all knelt down.

'She was my mother-in-law; I must kneel too.' Lin Wanrong sighed, kneeling down genuinely and sincerely.

The Emperor's eyes were red, and he said loudly, "For seventeen years, I have kept this news hidden and never announced it to the world. It was because the Empress had a dying wish, that if my Princess Chuyun did not return, she would not be buried, and the news would not be announced. For this day, I have waited for seventeen years, finally waited, ahem, ahem—"

"Your Majesty!" Gao Ping exclaimed in alarm, hastily handing over a few medicinal pills. Glancing at the brownish bloodstains on the yellow silk handkerchief, the Old Emperor wiped the corner of his mouth, his expression unchanged, and swallowed the pills. His complexion recovered significantly. He closed his eyes and rested for a moment before saying, "My princess, away from me for twenty years, has finally returned to my side, fulfilling the Empress's greatest wish. Tomorrow, I will announce to the world, expressing mourning throughout the land, and bid farewell to my virtuous Empress."

"Your orders will be obeyed," the ministers stopped crying and respectfully responded.

"Your Majesty, in that case, the one who returned yesterday must be Princess Chuyun," Xu Wei whispered, casting a meaningful glance at Lin Wanrong.

"Indeed!" the Emperor proudly declared, "She is the one and only Princess Chuyun of our great nation. She has grown up. After the Empress's funeral, I will announce to the world and hold a grand wedding for her."

Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. A grand wedding, something he had not considered. He felt somewhat ashamed. Qiaoqiao, Ning'er, and Qingxuan had followed him just like that, especially Qingxuan. She was already pregnant, yet there hadn't even been an official ceremony. He was indeed ashamed.

Today, the great nation experienced both sorrow and joy, and the ministers didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The Old Emperor also seemed quite worn out. He waved his hand and said, "Let's end the discussion here for today, and adjourn the court."

"Long live the Emperor. Long live, long, long live," everyone bowed deeply and made their way out of the hall. Lin Wanrong was about to leave when Li Tai slapped him on the shoulder, "Lin San, you borrowed my troops and cannons yesterday; you must make good on this favor."

Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, "Old General, please don't make things difficult for me. It's not that I, Lin San, am unwilling to serve the country. It's just that my knowledge is too limited. If I delay your frontline military affairs, I would be deserving of death."

Xu Wei, standing beside them, overheard and laughed, "Old General, don't believe his words. Before I invited him to lead troops in Shandong, he said the same thing, but what was the result? Didn't the White Lotus Sect fall at his hands?"

Li Tai sighed, "Lin San, your status is not insignificant now, and I can't do anything about you. But our great nation lacks good generals, and I am getting old. If one day I pass away, what will become of our country? With threats from the north and south, who will lead our soldiers? You can't be too selfish. If you have the ability, you must show it, not hide it. That's not what a man should do."

This old man, using both hard and soft tactics, moved him emotionally. And to be honest, Lin Wanrong was somewhat swayed. Seeing Li Tai's gray hair and wrinkled face, Lin Wanrong's heart softened, and he was about to agree impulsively. Fortunately, noticing Xu Wei's sinister smile, he stopped himself just in time, not letting the word "yes" escape his lips.

"Let's discuss this matter in a few days," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Before the army departs, I will surely give the old general an explanation."

Li Tai nodded, and Gao Ping came over, saying, "Master Lin, Master Xu, General Li, His Majesty invites the three of you to the study."

Upon entering the palace, there were indeed many matters to attend to. Lin Wanrong helplessly shook his head, following behind Xu and Li. When they reached the entrance to the study, the three stopped, and Gao Ping went in to inquire. He came out and said, "Master Lin, His Majesty asks you to enter first."

‘Could it be to discuss the matter of the grand wedding? Alas, in my two lifetimes as a human, I have never been married!’ He stepped into the study, where the scent of sandalwood filled the air and papers and memorials were piled high. The Old Emperor was standing with his back to him, gazing at the calligraphy of the ancestors on the wall, silent.

"Old man, you wanted to see me?" The atmosphere was a bit stifling, and Lin Wanrong hurriedly spoke.

The Emperor nodded slightly and said gravely, "Are you very close to Eldest Miss Xiao?"

Lin Wanrong was puzzled by this sudden question, but knowing that he couldn't hide the truth, he honestly nodded, "Somewhat close!"

"Somewhat close?" The Emperor said with a cold smile, "No need for that anymore, I’ll kill her!"

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