Chapter 382: Auction Rumors and National Treasures

It’s only fitting to apply the policies for them—as long as these collectors benefit from the auction, it will greatly aid in repatriating our national treasures scattered abroad.

Qi Jianwen nodded.

People only rise early when there’s a profit at stake; patriotic businessmen do exist, but they’re exceptionally rare.

Many collectors donate artifacts to Long Kingdom with clear expectations of what they want in return.

“Mm!”

Zuo Ping added.

While others might not grasp the magnitude of this support, he knew it all too well.

Besides tax exemptions, there are also subsidy funds.

In short,

this level of support is unprecedented and remarkably rare.

“By the way, is Christie’s auction going to be broadcast live?”

After a pause, Qi Jianwen continued.

Although he had heard Sun Xin promise that, he still wanted to see the scene firsthand.

“Live broadcast? That’s unlikely! Christie’s auctions rigorously protect the privacy of participants—not only is there no live stream, but no one is allowed to take photos once inside.”

Zuo Ping shook his head.

He understood exactly what Qi Jianwen was worried about.

“So we’re just waiting for updates?”

“Rest assured! Even though we can’t directly join the bidding, we’ll still know what’s happening on site. I’ve arranged for a trusted staff member to keep us posted at all times.”

“Is that so? That’ll do!”

“Mm!”

“Now, let’s hope Wenmo Group can turn the tide and bring the Yongle Encyclopedia back home in one fell swoop!”

“Let’s hope so!”

Tides ebb and flow.

In just a few days, the failed project of Mingsha City’s No. 4 Entertainment City reached its end—neither netizens nor tourists discussed it further. On the surface, both Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area had scored a win.

Especially among visitors—every day, many still flocked to experience the new attractions at Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area.

However, just as Fengdu Scenic Area planned to seize the moment and tout its triumph over the once-arrogant Mingsha City, they discovered the forums nearly flooded with posts about Christie’s auction set to take place in Haishi in ten days.

After all,

compared to ordinary attractions, the fate of Long Kingdom’s national treasure—the Yongle Encyclopedia—captured netizens’ imaginations even more.

“Is it the authentic edition?”

Many netizens excitedly asked.

In their eyes, if it were authentic, it would be the crown jewel of treasures and absolutely must return to Long Kingdom.

“It’s probably not authentic. Historical records indicate that after Emperor Jiajing’s death, the original Yongle Encyclopedia vanished. Of course, it’s hard to be sure now—after all, many items from the ancient palace have ended up in private hands.”

One netizen immediately offered his opinion.

“Not authentic? Well, that does take away some of the allure.”

Seeing such analysis, some netizens instantly lost interest.

“Heh, you’re losing your professional edge. Even if it’s a replica, it’s still the crown jewel among treasures! Besides, who really knows what’s going on?

What if it is authentic?”

Someone replied immediately.

Within the world of artifacts, the Yongle Encyclopedia’s status is only slightly lower than that of the He Shi Bi—which symbolizes the destiny of Long Kingdom—and in some ways, its cultural and artistic value even surpasses the Qingming Scroll.

Therefore,

even ancient replicas are extremely valuable.

“Since these replicas are so precious, will Long Kingdom’s authorities step in?”

Appreciating the importance of the Yongle Encyclopedia, a netizen couldn’t help but ask again.

“No chance! The UN’s conventions prevent participation in such auctions—not to mention, they simply don’t have the means! As expected, this item is bound to attract significant interest from foreign collectors and financial groups.

Don’t expect Long Kingdom’s cultural department to suddenly unleash a fortune for bidding.”

“Huh? So are we just here to watch the show?”

In front of their computers, many netizens frowned at this reply.

As citizens of Long Kingdom, who wouldn’t want to see their national treasures return home? “Watching the show is one thing! Rumor has it that Wenmo Group—the country’s largest cultural collection company—is stepping in, and its boss has even contacted a group of influential private collectors!

They should be able to take on those foreign financial giants.”

“Huh? Wenmo Group? Sun Xin? Is this accurate news?”

At the mention of Sun Xin,

the comments section suddenly buzzed.

Wenmo Group’s reputation in Long Kingdom is substantial—aside from its private museum, it also manages numerous cultural projects.

“Absolutely accurate!”

“If Boss Sun steps in, the chances of the Yongle Encyclopedia returning to Long Kingdom are very high! I had heard that Sun Xin wasn’t satisfied with the star exhibit at his museum.

If they manage to acquire these Three Copies of the Yongle Encyclopedia, they’d become the centerpiece—no, they’d be a sensation in every museum in Long Kingdom.”

“So, this auction is really intriguing! At least it isn’t as hopeless as some netizens claim.”

“Will the auction be broadcast live? Can ordinary people watch it?”

“No!”

“No, that’s not—”

“Don’t worry! There are plenty of experts on the forums! Even if there’s no live video, they’ll update us in real time with text on the proceedings.”

“That sounds pretty good.”

“Anyway, let’s just wait—it’s only a few days left!”

“Right!”

Unbeknownst to the buzzing netizens, as the auction trended online, at a high-rise office by the Pujiang River in Haishi, Fu Qiong, President of Qiansheng Investment, frowned while reviewing documents.

“They only registered three companies?”

She looked up at the middle-aged man in a suit seated across from her desk.

Since receiving instructions from Xu Hao, Fu Qiong had been fully immersed in preparing for the Christie’s auction.

To avoid complications and undue attention at the auction, she had her department manager register three wholly-owned Sunzi Cultural Companies.

Otherwise,

if a venture capital company were seen aggressively bidding on artifacts, many would question the professionalism of Qiansheng Investment—and worse, it might expose the link between Qiansheng Investment and Mingsha City.

“Boss Fu, didn’t you say our main targets in this auction are the Silk Road Landscape Scroll and two other items? Three companies should be enough, right?”

Hearing this,

the middle-aged man quickly replied.

The man, named Shi Quan, had once worked at the Mingsha City Headquarters!

Now, having followed Fu Qiong to Haishi, he was considered a key pillar at Qiansheng Investment, extremely reliable.

In Shi Quan’s view, even two companies might have sufficed.

After all, apart from the significance of the Silk Road Landscape Scroll to Mingsha City, the other two items weren’t as valuable as one might think.

“Our target is indeed the Silk Road Landscape Scroll, but you must have heard the latest rumor: the auction might also feature the three volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia!”

Fu Qiong slowly leaned back in her chair, massaging her brow.

“Huh? Boss Fu, do you mean we’re bidding for the Yongle Encyclopedia?”

Fu Qiong’s question left Shi Quan momentarily stunned.

How could he not know about the Yongle Encyclopedia? He never expected their company to actually participate.

“Rumor has it that the three volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia in this auction relate to traditional Long Kingdom medicine and ancient culture, aligning perfectly with Mingsha City. It would be a waste not to bid.”

Fu Qiong nodded.

“Boss Fu, is this the dictate of a high-ranking official, or does it mean even foreign financial groups are in the game? As expected, these three volumes will fetch an astronomical price—our company’s funds are ready.”

After a brief pause, Shi Quan couldn’t help but glance at Fu Qiong.

In his view, if Mingsha City were to participate directly, it would be no problem.

But right now, the link between Qiansheng Investment and Mingsha City must remain hidden; financially and operationally, they function independently, and the company’s cash flow is rather limited.

Moreover, they still have to bid for three other artifacts—funding all that seems unrealistic.

Qiansheng Investment’s approach mirrors that of Mingsha City: if they don’t act, nothing happens; but if they do, they ensure success.

If all they did was shout a few words at the auction,

it might have been better not to participate at all.

“Who do you think is really behind bidding for such high-caliber items?”

Hearing Shi Quan’s words, Fu Qiong gave him a meaningful glance.