CHAPTER 278: CHAPTER 84: THE "FAKE EMPRESS" ON THE DRAGON CHAIR (PART 2)

"I say, watch your step, that’s a chamber pot once used by Empress Catherine," said the man, no longer young but still spry, bouncing up and down, the very picture of a skittish monkey.

"Where exactly are we moving this to?" grumbled the movers who had been ordered about. Drenched with sweat, they complained, "There’s something wrong with you, insisting on rearranging everything in the house during the New Year, and every year at that. Isn’t it exhausting for us."

The middle-aged man giving the orders was none other than the director of this research institute. He had worked there for three decades in this nominal, yet concrete institution, which had been operated by his forebears and had now come into his hands, maintaining its meager existence.

The changing of governments and reforms had not touched this research institute hidden behind "Green Hedge Tiles." In earlier years, the state would allocate some funding, but as the years went by and no significant findings emerged from the institute, its funding gradually decreased. Eventually, even the basic daily expenses had to be eked out by the director, a middle-aged man named Luo, who had to tighten his own belt.

"Old Luo," one of the movers, more familiar with Director Luo, suggested: "I think you might as well sell this institute. Your wife and daughter are overseas, and you’re here alone, tied to all these dead things for so many years."

While talking, a knock was heard as the yellow pear wood chair, allegedly used by Yuan Shikai, hit the corner of the wall, and Director Luo immediately wailed, "Be gentle, be gentle!"

He wiped his face, removing what was perhaps a mix of sweat and tears, and said in a mournful tone: "What do you know? Everything here is a treasure. I won’t allow those bloodsuckers outside, those swindlers like Zhou Bapi, to exploit them."

The "bloodsuckers," the "Zhou Bapi" he spoke of were those old antique dealers from Luli Street who Su Ziceng had visited a few days ago. Director Luo’s ancestors were renowned landowners in Bianjing City. As liberation neared, they relied on an acquaintance to establish this research institute in name, thus preserving a house full of antique treasures.

Later, that same acquaintance helped them avoid the "cultural relic collection wave" during the Cultural Revolution, allowing them to survive until today. Though their family wealth had diminished and they had aged, the determination to protect their antiques had weakened. Yet the thought of selling off the hundreds of antiques in the house at a low price, to be placed in the homes of those who didn’t appreciate their value, pained Director Luo deeply.

The old house lay in a low-lying area, and its shaded side often suffered from dampness and water ingress, especially after heavy snowfalls. When the snow melted, the risk of water damage increased. So, Director Luo would hire people to move everything to the sunny side. As soon as spring arrived and the sun was strong, he would have the items moved back to the shaded side. This back and forth was indeed both expensive and laborious.

"Just sell them cheaply, then take that money and reunite with your wife and daughter. I heard your girl is pregnant, must be about five months along now?" the mover and acquaintee kept advising.

"Seven months, she’s due soon. I’m just a useless grandfather," groaned Director Luo as a clumsy mover knocked off a corner of a late Qing Dynasty imperial cabinet.

"Is anyone there?" Su Ziceng’s excitement grew as she overheard the conversation. When she felt she had heard enough, she confidently joined the crowd.

The presence of a young woman who seemed incapable of lifting by hand or shouldering a burden startled all the men in the room.

"Uncle," Su Ziceng glanced at the man known as Director Luo, who looked to be around the same age as Su Qingzhang. Compared to Su Qingzhang though, Director Luo seemed more cultured and kinder. At the moment, he was sizing up Su Ziceng with curiosity. Having lived his whole life behind "Green Hedge Tiles," Director Luo did not recognize this uninvited woman.

"I’m here to buy things," said Su Ziceng with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the hall’s furniture and clean porcelain, which sparkled in her eyes.

"Turn left when you go out and cross the street, and you’ll find Bianjing City’s busiest shopping district. Little miss, you’ve come to the wrong place," said Director Luo, seeing that Su Ziceng was young and fashionably dressed, out of place in this ancient-styled lane and house.

"No mistake, it’s here. I’m here to buy antiques," Su Ziceng pointed to the yellow pear wood furniture that had been dented, and the pristine antiques.

Director Luo and the movers exchanged glances before Luo resumed directing, "Stay away from the windows, lift it higher, watch the threshold." The movers picked up the pace, eager to finish the job and celebrate the remainder of the New Year, as it was only the fifth day of the first lunar month.

"Hey, listen to me, will you?" Su Ziceng felt distinctly ignored, but this didn’t surprise Director Luo and the others. After all, those in the antique trade were either wealthy with resources or old experts with extensive experience. No one resembled Su Ziceng, barely in her twenties and inexperienced. They found it hard to take her seriously.

"Go on, get out," Director Luo urged Su Ziceng to leave, having just chased away an antique merchant from Luli Street the other day, and now dealing with this young girl who seemingly knew nothing about antiques.

Just as Su Ziceng was about to be pushed out the door, she surged forward with lightning speed, landing on the "Emperor Yuan" throne, took a deep breath and declared loudly, "I’ll take all of these items." Only when the nouveau riche show their might do you realize they’re not simpletons.(To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)