Chapter 4: To Boil Water and Jump into Fire

  Xu Qian smiled and said confidently, "No need to distinguish, this is fake. Look at the mounting paper on this layer, it still has a hint of dampness. Generally, only new mounting paper will be like this. This calligraphy has been hanging in your hall for some time, it should have dried out by now. But any dry mounting paper is brittle, because of insufficient moisture."

  Mr. Wang listened vaguely, but then saw Xu Qian say: "Take another look at this calligraphy, where does it look like a work of one breath? Look at the place where the brush returns, so round and smooth, obviously it was drawn out. Mr. Wang, I dare to stake my head on it, this calligraphy has been switched with another piece, and...". Xu Qian fiercely stuck his hand onto the ink marks on the calligraphy, and after a forceful wipe, his fingertips were already stained with a faint layer of ink. Xu Qian continued: "And the switching wouldn't have happened too long ago, just within these three to five days. But what's strange is that this calligraphy isn't some kind of treasure, nor does it have any inscriptions or seals from nobles, what's the point of stealing this piece?"

  "Ha! You don't understand anything," said Wang Gong coldly. "Someone is trying to make things difficult for our family, and this person has a vicious heart."

  Xu Qiancai couldn't help but glance at Wang Gonggong, seeing his face turn iron-gray. From his expression and tone, it seemed that he had guessed the importance of this painting to Wang Gonggong. It was precisely because of this that someone took the opportunity to switch the painting, which now appeared to be related to political infighting. Thinking back to Wang Gonggong's cautious demeanor earlier, Xu Qiancai thought to himself that this painting was something that Wang Gonggong absolutely could not lose, and now that it had been stolen, he didn't want more people to know about it either.

  Thinking of this, Xu Qian's neck felt a chill and he couldn't help but think, the eunuchs who died won't kill people to silence them, right? Heaven, I have an elderly father in his 40s above me, and below me are several big roosters, life is precious.

  Xu Qian felt more and more that there was a possibility of being killed to silence him, so he hastily said: "If this is someone's behind-the-scenes machinations, then after stealing the public's calligraphy, they will surely publicize it to strike at the public..." Xu Qian's words were telling Wang Gonggong that this matter could not be hidden, and even if you killed someone to silence them, it would be useless. He continued: "Moreover, this calligraphy has just been swapped out. In my humble opinion, the thief must be someone from the Gonggong's household, who was bribed to take the risk. Since the calligraphy was stolen not long ago, perhaps there is still a chance to recover it. The Gonggong can immediately dispatch someone to search for it and seize the opportunity, and there may still be room for redemption."

  "Recall? Hmph, the fewer people who know about this matter, the better. Since it was someone from our own household who committed the theft, if we give orders to cover it up, there's no guarantee that the news won't reach the thief's ears in the next moment. Human hearts are hard to fathom; our family can't take this risk."

  This has nothing to do with Xu Qian anymore, what Xu Qian is thinking about now is whether he can escape himself and whether Wang Gonggong can let him go on the grounds that he exposed the banner.

  Wang Gonggong looked Xu Qian up and down, then suddenly asked: "You're the son of a minor official, how is it that you also have a deep understanding of calligraphy and painting?"

  Xu Qian said: "I just know a thing or two, it's just a coincidence."

  Xu Qian's name has a humble word, of course, he should be more humble. In fact, he also wants to show off, but there is no capital for showing off, so it's better to keep a low profile. Looking at the many paintings and calligraphy in this dead eunuch's house, I suppose he was also a cultured dead eunuch. Since ancient times, scholars have been disdainful of each other. If one speaks too boastfully, this dead eunuch will not appreciate it. The dead eunuch's narrow-minded thoughts will spread, and he will castrate himself. Where can one go to reason with him?

  The old man smiled and said, "It's rare for someone as young as you to understand painting and calligraphy, and yet be humble. Not bad, not bad."

  Wang Gonggong suddenly changed from an angry face to a smiling Buddha, Xu Qian couldn't accept it at once. This dead eunuch was really something, he knew you could change your expression quickly, but couldn't you give people some psychological preparation?

  And...

  Xu Qian is a man of two generations, how can he not understand human feelings and worldly affairs? Suddenly, the dead eunuch praised himself, absolutely not with good intentions, most likely to ask for something next.

  As expected, Wang Gonggong had his left hand behind his back and leaned against the table, while his right hand tapped on the table in a rhythmic manner, seemingly having made up his mind. He then said: "However, your prescription killed our family's master, how can this account be settled so easily? Human life is a big deal, even if we don't punish you, when the time comes and you're sent to the yamen, you won't be able to escape being exiled three thousand miles. Nevertheless, our family isn't unreasonable, right?"

  The old man smiled and said, "Since things have already happened, the most important thing now is to make amends. Our family has a kind heart, you're still young, how can we push you into the fire pit? Here's what I'll do, I have a task for you to complete, if you do it well, your past mistakes will be forgiven, but if you don't...".

  Wang Gong's face changed again, and he smiled sinisterly at Xu Qian, saying: "Then let's settle old and new accounts together. How about it? Have you thought it through?"

  This is just a carrot and big stick, Xujian's heart was filled with despair, this is the disadvantage of having no power or influence.

  "Your Excellency's errand is a trivial matter, I am willing to go through fire and water for it. I have long heard of Your Excellency's good reputation, and being able to do something for you makes me so happy that I don't even have time to think about it, where is the reason to refuse?"

  Xu Qian did not decline, and the king's face looked much better, with a smile on his face. "We are entrusting you to find out where this calligraphy is going, this matter is of great importance, try to let as few people know as possible, as long as you can find out where it is going, the palace will naturally have more benefits for you."

  Benefits...... Xu Qian's eyes were filled with tears, he didn't want benefits, the eunuch's benefits weren't that easy to get.

  But judging from the situation, they are holding a knife and insisting that you take their benefits.

  Go ahead and investigate!

  "But to investigate, I'm afraid there aren't enough people, especially since the personnel in the Duke's mansion are not very clear. So it would be best to have a trustworthy person help out. I've heard that the Duke has a capable subordinate named Jian, who is proficient in both literary and martial arts, and is very loyal. Why don't you send him to assist me? Would you be willing to do so?"

  "Deng Jian?" He must be one of the members stationed outside the eunuch's residence. Since Wang Gonggong didn't have much impression of this person, he said: "You wait a moment, I'll go ask."

  He immediately called someone over and asked about Deng Jian's situation, then had someone go call Deng Jian in.

  Xu Qian felt triumphant in his heart, "Deng big brother, you also have a day when you fall into my hands!" He then sneered slyly.

  Deng Jian walked in with a confused expression, first staring at Xu Qian in shock, thinking maliciously: Why hasn't this Xu guy been dragged out to feed the dogs yet? When did Wang Gong become so good-tempered?

  He thought to himself, perhaps it's because his father-in-law had heard that he was ruthless and had specifically ordered him to carry out the execution.

  Deng Jian suddenly became excited, thinking chaotically, should I break his hand or his leg first? Haha... considering he's been filial to Old Man Deng, I'll dig out his eyes first. Old Man Deng has been a good person all his life, can't let this ruin his reputation, amen, all is well.

  "Ah, Deng Jian..." Old Master Wang called out to him, interrupting his daydream.

  "Your Honor, I, Deng Jian, have seen Your Honor. May Your Honor be forever blessed." Deng Jian immediately put on a flattering smile, his small eyes narrowing into a line, and his teeth were also neatly exposed.

  "Shameless!" Xu Qian cursed in his heart.

  The king nodded and said, "I have always known your loyalty. Now I have a task for you to complete. From now on, listen to his arrangements and don't ask questions, just follow his orders. If things go well, I will reward you. But if you dare to have any evil thoughts, I will take your life. Do you understand?"

  King Gong pointed at Xu Qian with his hand when he said this.

  Deng Jian was shocked, what kind of magic potion did this kid give to Wang Gonggong? Not only did Wang Gonggong not scold him, but he even let himself be bossed around by this kid, this... defies all logic.