The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 202 Tang Bohu's Paintings, Zhou Tiezhen's Ambitions

As evening fell, the dirt road on the mountainside of the production brigade was tinged orange-red by the setting sun.

Zhou Tiezhen walked ahead, swinging his two thick arms.

He was completely unconcerned about his personal image, shirtless with his homespun jacket draped over his shoulders, his back soaked with sweat, glistening in the setting sun.

Qian Jin followed behind him, his heart pounding with excitement.

Xiping Production Brigade has always been isolated in the mountains and has not been greatly affected by the social situation in previous years. Logically speaking, there should be quite a few old objects inside.

The old abacus he obtained from Zhou Gu last time was an antique, a brass abacus from the Qing Dynasty. Because of its exquisite casting process, it was quite valuable in the mall and sold for 200,000.

He hopes to get his hands on some more of these old items this time, so that his online store's savings can take off.

Having been in Zidian Commune for several months, he hadn't acquired many old items, so his savings had remained untouched for a long time.

Just as he was lost in thought, Zhou Tiezhen suddenly turned around.

A smile spread across his dark face, wrinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes: "Director Qian, I've packed up all those old things for you, and they're in the side room of my house."

Then he added, "I don't know what you need all this junk for. It's always women in red skirts and green pants. It's creepy to look at!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin's heart skipped a beat.

Antiques with colors, human figures, and clothing are often portraits or similar items, and if they are from before the Qing Dynasty, they are usually quite valuable.

He didn't need to hide it from Zhou Tiezhen, and asked directly, "Captain Zhou, those are all good things. You just keep them in the side room? Are you sure you can keep them safe?"

"Hey!" Zhou Tiezhen waved his hand, his rough palm making a whistling sound in the air. "It's nothing. My side room doesn't leak, how could it not be preserved?"

"I heard from Er Gou that these old things are called antiques? What's up? Do you city people like to collect these things now? Didn't you used to not be interested?"

The secret passage to Qianjin has always been of interest to people, but due to the times, people dare not be interested.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Zhou Tiezhen continued, "Two months ago you said you liked this, so I started collecting it for you. But I don't know where each household has put these old things. Some are hidden away, some are stuffed in the kang (heated brick bed). Anyway, it's quite difficult to find them."

“I was thinking of continuing to look for more for you, to gather more money for you, but now that you’re going back to the city, I’ll give it to you.”

"Don't worry, I've packed everything for you. When Accountant Zhou came back earlier and said you were leaving, I found a few sacks and stuffed everything in them. You just need to wait to drag the sacks away."

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin nearly stumbled.

Burlap sacks? Those might be priceless cultural relics, and they're being stored in burlap sacks?

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

Zhou Tiezhen was barely literate, so how could he understand these things?

The two men, familiar with the area, turned past a private vegetable garden, and Zhou Tiezhen's three mud-brick houses came into view.

A wisp of smoke rose from the chimney as Liu Guifang prepared dinner in the kitchen.

In the hot summer, most of the leftover food on the eight-immortal table from lunch remained untouched, as it was prepared for dinner.

Liu Guifang caught a glimpse of Qian Jin and quickly stood up: "Oh my goodness, Director Qian, you're back again? I haven't even cleaned up the leftovers yet. I was thinking of steaming some dry food so our family could make do for a while..."

Qian Jin explained, "I'm not back for dinner. I'm not staying for dinner. I just came to pick up some things."

Ignoring his words, Liu Guifang continued, "We still have some mixed fish at home. Let's make a mixed fish hot pot tonight."

"Hmm, make some grasshopper sauce out of the leftover fried grasshoppers. I'll go see if we have any salted duck eggs left; if not, we can use them to make another dish..."

Qian Jin said to Zhou Tiezhen, "I really won't have dinner here. I have a handover meeting tonight when I get back."

Zhou Tiezhen mumbled, "Okay, okay, we'll talk about it later. Come on, follow me to the east wing."

Zhou Tiezhen led Qian Jin straight to the side room, and a musty smell came out when they opened it.

The room was filled with all sorts of odds and ends, with two bulging burlap sacks piled in the center and two large baskets next to them, covered with tattered fertilizer bags.

Several rectangular boards stood in the corner, haphazardly tied together with straw rope.

The most eye-catching item was an old camphor wood chest, placed at the very front.

“That’s all.” Zhou Tiezhen walked over and kicked one of the sacks, making a crisp metallic clanging sound. “All the old items the team could find are here.”

"Some of these items were things that the commune had asked us to hand over before. The commune members handed them over to the team, but the commune didn't care about this remote corner of the village, so they were just left there unattended."

Qian Jin went to open the box.

Zhou Tiezhen then remarked, "Be careful not to prick your hand."

He spoke too late.

Qian Jin had already stuck his fingers into the gap in the box lid, but the edge was broken and there were dark red splinters, all of which got stuck in the grooves of his fingerprints, making him wince in pain.

Then he would have to remove the splinters that were stuck in the wood first.

Zhou Tiezhen started grinning sheepishly again.

Qian Jin could only tell himself, "Good omen, good omen, something good is sure to come. This is just how things always go smoothly."

Lifting the lid of the box, you'll find a jumble of blue cloth packages inside, each tied with hemp rope to resemble a rice dumpling.

Zhou Tiezhen pulled open the middle one, revealing half of a yellowish silk cloth. He glanced at it and muttered, "What kind of nonsense is this? Why don't you take a look at this sack next to you? There are quite a few copper coins in there."

Qian Jin squatted down and carefully untied a burlap sack.

In the dim light, he saw that the room was filled with all sorts of objects, large and small. The small objects were naturally copper coins and silver dollars, as well as some rusty copper locks, copper and iron ornaments and the like.

Larger items include ceramic jars and bamboo woven utensils.

Qian Jin shook the opening of the sack, and the items rattled and jingled.

This changed the tone of his voice: "Captain Zhou, you mean to just use sacks to pack them up like this?"

Zhou Tiezhen scratched his head: "What's wrong? What else should we pack if not sacks? These things are so heavy."

As he spoke, he walked to the corner of the wall and dragged over the boards that were tied with straw ropes. "These few ceramic tiles take up the most space; they almost hurt Lin Wen's back."

Qian Jin quickly went over to help.

When the straw rope was untied and four exquisite porcelain paintings were revealed before his eyes, his breath almost stopped.

Although the edges are somewhat worn, the image remains clear, depicting spring peaches, summer lotuses, autumn chrysanthemums, and winter plums. The flowers of the four seasons and the birds complement each other beautifully, the glaze is warm and lustrous, and the brushstrokes are delicate.

There were handwriting and a red seal on it; he could find the signature by looking closely.

However, this item cannot be sold for the time being.

Even the largest gold chest in his hands couldn't contain their size.

"What is this..." Qian Jin gently stroked the surface of the porcelain plate, puzzled.

"Oh right, what is this? You didn't know either?" Zhou Tiezhen looked on, puzzled. "Director Qian, is this something useless?"

"When I was cleaning up, I thought, what's so special about this broken piece of porcelain? I was even thinking of using it to prop up the table legs, but it's too thin to be of any use."

Qian Jin suddenly looked up, his eyes wide: "Use it as a table leg? Captain Zhou, this is a porcelain painting, it's a work of art!"

“What art or not,” Zhou Tiezhen laughed heartily, “They’re just a few porcelain slabs with flowers painted on them! If you like them, take them all!”

"By the way, didn't you not know what this was just now?"

Qian Jin smiled wryly: "I don't know their specific identities, but I know they belong to porcelain paintings. Have you ever seen a folding screen?"

"No," the brigade leader replied crisply.

Qian Jin said helplessly, "Alright, anyway, they are similar things. These four are a set, and they also need to be used with a wooden screen. The four porcelain paintings should be inlaid on the screen."

Zhou Tiezhen asked, "What's the good thing?"

"It looks nice, and it also helps to cover up some areas that are not suitable for others to see," Qian Jin explained.

Zhou Tiezhen chuckled: "If we can't let anyone see it, we can just hang a cloth curtain. It's simple and convenient."

Qian Jin gave him a thumbs up.

Brilliant! Captain, your insight is truly brilliant!

Qian Jin took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He turned to the baskets: "What's in these?"

“Oh, those are just some scrolls and odds and ends.” Zhou Tiezhen walked over and lifted the fertilizer bag. “They’re all old paintings, some of them are even eaten by insects.”

Qian Jin leaned closer to take a closer look. At the top was an ancient painting. Judging from the yellowed, old paper with wormholes in many places, it was undoubtedly an antique.

Unfolding the ancient painting reveals some landscapes, plants, buildings, and carriages.

At the very top of the scroll is a line of black characters: "The Great Ming Dynasty: A Landscape Painting".

Similarly, there are also inscriptions and red seals on this painting.

Qian Jin knew it was a good painting as soon as he saw the several red seals on it. The painting was quite valuable because it had obviously been collected by several people at different times.

In other words, this is something that has already been appreciated by famous people, and I don't know how it ended up in this remote mountain valley of Xiping Mountain.

He continued to look, and although the mounting of several ancient paintings was somewhat damaged, the paintings themselves were well preserved.

Several hanging scrolls were faintly visible below, and he opened them to take a look.

It was not stored very well.

Some were already mottled and broken on their own during the opening process.

Qian Jin became increasingly cautious.

Then he opened another painting, and before even looking at the content, he saw the signature:

Tang Yin of Jinchang! Tang Yin!

This is Tang Bohu, one of the Four Great Talents of Jiangnan!
Qian Jin's hands trembled with shock.

This was the first time he had ever encountered such an antique that was completely out of reach for ordinary people in the 21st century and only existed in the news!

Then he looked at the red seals. There were five seals in total, one of which showed the words "Tang Bohu".

That's it.

A masterpiece by Tang Bohu!

Now look at the content of the painting.

This painting is a type of portrait of beautiful women, which Tang Bohu excelled at.

However, Qian Jin, upon examining the woman in the painting, felt that she did not quite resemble the beauty he understood.

The woman had her hair piled high, her lips pursed, and she was craning her neck; he couldn't see anything beautiful about her.

There is a poem inscribed in the upper right corner of the scroll:

The spring breeze has faded, leaving only a face adorned with makeup; pitiful are the butterflies and bees in their frenzy. From now on, who can understand my feelings? My heart, filled with springtime emotions, is given to the crabapple blossoms.

This painting is also poorly preserved; some parts are riddled with insect damage, and it would probably break if touched.

Qian Jin carefully rolled it up.

He plans to find an expert who can restore ancient paintings, otherwise the painting will not be able to be preserved.

Zhou Tiezhen found Qian Jin's cautious manner even more amusing: "Director Qian, why are you treating him like he's holding a gold ingot?"

“These scraps of paper would be rotting in the homes of our team members. If you didn’t want these old things, they would definitely be used as firewood in a couple of years.”

At this moment, Liu Guifang came in carrying a kerosene lamp: "It's getting dark, I'll light it for you."

The dim light illuminated the room, and Qian Jin felt that the cultural relics seemed to radiate a new brilliance in the light and shadow.

Qian Jin carefully examined each item by the light.

Besides the precious paintings, calligraphy, and porcelain plaques, there were also many silver and copper locks, all exquisitely crafted.

Although the women's jewelry has oxidized and turned black, the exquisite craftsmanship of that time is still evident.

There are a wide variety of copper coins and silver dollars, including Qianlong Tongbao, Song Yuan Tongbao, Yongle Tongbao, Yuan Shikai silver dollars, and so on.

"Captain Zhou, do you know how much these things are worth?" Qian Jin couldn't help but ask.

Zhou Tiezhen blinked: "How much is it worth? It's just some scrap metal and old paper!"

“During the political movements of previous years, keeping these things would only cause trouble.”

Qian Jin shook his head and said seriously, "These are all precious cultural relics with high historical and artistic value."

“In the city, this porcelain plaque alone,” he pointed to the plaque depicting the four seasons, “might be worth a thousand dollars!”

"What?" Zhou Tiezhen and Liu Guifang exclaimed at the same time.

Zhou Tiezhen picked at his ear: "Director Qian, are you out of your mind? These four broken pieces of porcelain are worth several thousand yuan? That's enough to buy a whole house full of grain!"

Qian Jin nodded seriously: "There will only be more."

"Captain Zhou, please hand these over to me. I will handle them properly. I assure you, all the money from the sale of these cultural relics will be used to help our Xiping Brigade escape poverty and become prosperous!"

There was no need to tell this to that brute Zhou Tiezhen.

Within a few years, as reform and opening up intensifies, the value of cultural relics and antiques will rapidly increase.

By then, even people in the mountains will know that their old belongings are valuable items.

In this way, when the people of Xiping Production Brigade reflect on their own actions, they will naturally realize the benefits he has reaped.

That would ruin his public image.

Not worth the candle.

After listening to Qian Jin's words, Zhou Tiezhen stared at him for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter.

He slapped his thigh and said, "Director Qian, Director Qian, I, Lao Zhou, always say I'm a straightforward person, but compared to you, I'm really a hypocrite!"

“You didn’t have to tell me these things. You could have taken them back to the city. But instead, you tell me—I believe you! I believe everything you say!”

"These things would be wasted here anyway, so take them!"

After learning the value of these old items, Liu Guifang hesitated: "Honey, should we discuss it with the others in the team...?"

"What's there to discuss! Discuss what nonsense!" Zhou Tiezhen waved his hand. "These things have been piled up in everyone's boxes for years, who cares?"

"If Director Qian hadn't mentioned it, who would have known it was a treasure? Besides, how much has Director Qian done for our brigade? Even if these old folks really are treasures, I'll give them to them if they want them!"

"Besides, Director Qian is completely honest and sincere with us. Are we going to play games with him? Damn it! Let whoever wants to do that do it. I, Zhou Tiezhen, will never do it!"

"No one in the Zhou family is allowed to do that. Anyone who does it is fired!"

Qian Jin laughed and said, "Captain Zhou, you're exaggerating. It's not necessary."

"It's hard to say what the value of these things is. I need to find an expert to take a look and let them set a price. The prices I mentioned earlier were just off the cuff and were my own guesses."

"To be honest, I'm probably the only one in the entire Haibin City who can convert these things into cash. Even if you members bring these things into the city, it won't be of any use. Not only will you not be able to get any money, but you might also get into trouble and go to jail!"

Zhou Tiezhen nodded silently.

He believed that statement.

He wouldn't dare take these things to the city, or even to the commune!

He patted Qian Jin's shoulder heavily with his rough hand and said solemnly, "Director Qian, I believe in your character and your ability. Anyway, this is the situation in our Xiping Production Brigade."

"You think highly of us, so we'll all work for you. We'll do whatever you say! As long as we have it, we'll give you whatever you want!" With your words, these gifts are well worth it!

He turned to Liu Guifang and called out, "Guifang, is dinner ready? I'm in a good mood today, I have to have a couple of drinks with Director Qian!"

Qian Jin exclaimed, "We've already had several cups of wine at noon!"

“That was at noon, this is at night, how can they be the same?” Zhou Tiezhen said confidently.

Liu Guifang smiled and agreed, then turned and went to the kitchen to cook.

Qian Jin had no time for formalities with Zhou Tiezhen and his wife; he continued to carefully sort through the artifacts.

Each item was carefully examined under the kerosene lamp and then preserved under appropriate conditions.

After tidying up, Liu Guifang called out from the yard, "Honey, call Director Qian over for dinner."

"Director Qian, stop looking at that, let's eat first!" Zhou Tiezhen pulled Qian Jin up. "Those pieces of junk aren't going anywhere."

Qian Jin reluctantly put down a painting in his hand and followed Zhou Tiezhen to the dining table.

This time it's a simple farm-style dish.

Stir-fried shredded potatoes, smashed cucumber, stewed eggplant with green peppers, fried cicadas, grasshopper sauce, pan-fried bluefish, and Liu Guifang also secretly killed a chicken and stewed an old hen for Qian Jin.

Qian Jin was in a good mood, and even the same dishes tasted better than at lunchtime.

He raised his glass specifically to say, "Captain Zhou, I'd like to toast you."

"This cup is to thank you for your trust in me. I'm not one to make empty promises, so I can only say this honestly: just you wait and see, I will help your production brigade become prosperous!"

Zhou Tiezhen downed his drink in one gulp, wiped his mouth, and said, "Director Qian, I'm a rough man, I don't understand the intricacies of cultured people."

"But I know you are a genuine person and a good leader. We all remember what you have done for our brigade these past few days!"

"If you think these old things are useful, then I'll keep cleaning them up for you, okay? Come back for them when they're all cleaned up!"

Qian Jin raised his glass again: "Of course, that's great. I'll definitely come here often from now on."

“Yes, you must come often. These old guys are the bait, specifically designed to catch you, Director Qian, a big fish.” Zhou Tiezhen laughed heartily.

As night deepened, the glow of the kerosene lamp enveloped the two figures clinking glasses.

Qian Jin definitely won't be able to leave tonight.

The mountain roads are too difficult to travel at night, and motorcycles are very dangerous. One wrong move and you could veer off the road and cause a major accident.

Even if he's lucky and nothing happens to him, the old items he's carrying will be ruined.

So he decided to stay overnight and then steeled himself to drink with Zhou Tiezhen.

Upon drinking, he discovered that Zhou Tiezhen's alcohol tolerance wasn't that great, or rather, his own alcohol tolerance wasn't that bad.

The two fought to a draw.

Qian Jin was confused, and Zhou Tiezhen was also drunk.

In his drunken stupor, Qian Jin described to Zhou Tiezhen the future of mechanized operations and the new countryside.

Zhou Tiezhen stopped eating the dishes altogether and just drank along with Qian Jin's words. After drinking too much, he seemed to see the future of Xiping.

The mountain road is no longer a bumpy cement road, but a smooth asphalt road.

Every household lived not in a dilapidated thatched hut, but in a two- or even three-story building.

A brand-new tractor was still parked in front of the small building. Back then, everyone had enough to eat, and they ate refined grains instead of coarse grains. One day they ate steamed buns, the next day rice, and the day after that a bowl of fragrant, smooth noodles...

And all of this will begin with Qian Jin's support work!

(End of this chapter)