Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 185: Experiencing what it's like to be a "super rich"! [Bonus Chapter 17 for Monthly Tickets]

A few days later, I felt it was almost done.

Zhang Biao changed into an antique-style Chinese-style top with frog buttons that he bought online, which looked quite good quality. He also put on a pair of non-prescription glasses, picked up his old canvas bag, and set off again.

This time, he had a clear goal and headed straight for the Treasure Pavilion.

The Treasure Pavilion was indeed impressive, decorated in an antique style. There weren't many customers inside, but everyone was dressed smartly.

A middle-aged man in a suit with shrewd eyes sat behind the tea tray; he was probably the manager.

After entering, Zhang Biao didn't look around as he had the previous two times. Instead, he went straight to the tea tray, nodded slightly, and spoke in a deliberately restrained, somewhat aloof tone:
"Excuse me, does your shop accept jade belts from the early Ming Dynasty?"

The manager glanced at Zhang Biao's attire and demeanor, and, not daring to be negligent, stood up and said with a smile:
"Hello sir, a jade belt from the early Ming Dynasty? This is quite rare. May I have a look at it?"

Without saying much, Zhang Biao took out several carefully selected photos and handed them to him.

The manager paused for a moment, but didn't pay much attention, immediately turning his gaze to the photos.

He examined the photograph more closely than Hou Jian, his fingers even unconsciously tracing the texture of the image. He looked at it for a good five or six minutes, only occasionally glancing at Zhang Biao with a calm and unwavering expression.

"Where's the stuff?"

The manager finally spoke, his voice calm.

"I don't have my belongings on me, and my elderly relatives at home are very protective of them."

Zhang Biao replied according to his prepared statement: "Please take a look first. If it suits your taste, we can discuss the next step."

The manager nodded, not asking any further questions, but pointed to a detail of a dragon and cloud pattern in the photo and commented:
"This wire drawing technique is an old one. The carving method of the dragon's eye has the style of the Song and Yuan dynasties, but the pattern seems to be from the early Ming dynasty... It's quite interesting."

After speaking, he pointed to the smoothness of the jade and the slight wear on the edges:
"The patina is natural; it's a heirloom, never buried. Young man, this is something special."

Zhang Biao was secretly delighted, knowing he had met someone who truly knew their stuff.

But his face remained expressionless:
"You have a good eye. So, what price would be appropriate for this item if we were to sell it?"

The manager hesitated for a moment, then held up five fingers:
"If the item is genuine and in the condition shown in the picture, it starts at five million. If you can find a matching buckle or a clear provenance, it's not impossible to fetch a huge sum at an auction."

five million!
Zhang Biao's heart pounded wildly.

This is a world of difference compared to Hou Jian's 50,000.

But he forced himself to suppress his excitement. He knew that this was not the final price, and the most crucial thing was its origin.

"The price is good!"

Zhang Biao feigned hesitation:

"Its origin is a bit unclear. It was passed down from our ancestors, and there's no proof of it."

The manager nodded knowingly. In the antique trade, many old objects are hard to describe.

"If the product is good, people will naturally recognize it."

"If you trust me, you can bring the items over, and I'll get a few reliable friends to take a look. The price is negotiable. It's definitely safer than you wandering around on your own."

Zhang Biao could sense the manager's sincerity, but he still couldn't completely put his mind at ease.

"I'll think about it some more, thanks bro."

He put away the photos and prepared to leave.

"and many more!"

The manager stopped him and handed him a simple business card with only the name 'Chen Jingming' and a phone number on it.
“If you’ve thought it through, you can make this call. But, young man…”

As he spoke, he gave Zhang Biao a meaningful look and said calmly, "Good things are hot to handle; you have to act quickly and steadily."

He knows! He knows I was the one who leaked the information about those antiques!

However, he still urged me to act as soon as possible.

Zhang Biao instantly understood.

Treasure Pavilion is indeed extraordinary; it seems completely unafraid of risks from such an unknown source.

However, the risks of direct transactions are still significant.

Zhang Biao smiled faintly, said "thank you," and turned to leave.

After watching him leave, the manager quickly left the counter and rushed upstairs to the second floor.

As for Zhang Biao, he had just come out of the Treasure Pavilion and was passing by a stall when he overheard two stall owners chatting.

"Have you heard? Wansheng Auction House is having a private exchange event next month. The threshold is very high. It is said that a lot of good items will be on display. They will be traded directly by people in the industry, without going through the public."

"In those kinds of situations, without someone you know to introduce you, you simply can't get in..."

[Private networking events? Direct transactions among insiders?]

Zhang Biao's eyes lit up.

This seems like a good opportunity!
This allows you to bypass official censorship while still connecting with truly capable buyers!

But how could he get in? He had no way of doing it.

Suddenly, he remembered what the manager of the Treasure Pavilion had said: "Find a few reliable friends to take a look together."

That man named Chen Jingming must be the owner of Zhenbaoge.

But I can't contact him directly, even if his people recognize my identity.

[Yes, I need to let him know that I'm not some clueless greenhorn. I need to show him my connections to avoid being double-crossed.]

A bold plan took shape in Zhang Biao's mind.

He contacted Hou Jian again.

"Monkey, I inquired about that jade belt from last time, and it seems it costs more than 50,000." Zhang Biao said deliberately on the phone.

Hou Jian stammered over there:
"Hey Biaozi, the market's fluctuating... Here's the deal, 80,000! Pretty good, buddy?"

"Forget about 80,000."

Zhang Biao said calmly:
"I found a way to get into Wansheng's private networking event, where the price might be several times higher. It's a pity I don't have the connections to get in."

"A private networking event in Wansheng?!"

Hou Jian's voice instantly rose, filled with envy and surprise: "You...you found a way? Who introduced you?"

"We're still in talks."

Zhang Biao gave a vague answer:

"If we could get in, this stuff would probably sell like hotcakes. Sigh, all we need is someone to connect us with the right people."

Hou Jian remained silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, clearly going through a fierce internal struggle.

He wanted to make a profit from the price difference, but he knew he couldn't afford it, and he was even more envious of the opportunity at that high-end exchange meeting.

If they could get in touch with Zhang Biao, it would be an incredible opportunity for his small shop.

"Biao Zi... no, Brother Biao!"

Hou Jian's tone instantly became ten times more enthusiastic:
"How about this? My dad has some connections with Old Master Chen Jingming. Old Master Chen is highly respected in the industry, he must have some connections!"

"Shall I ask my dad to introduce you? After it's done, you can just give me a small referral fee!"

The fish has taken the bait!

Zhang Biao sneered inwardly, but said hesitantly, "This...is too much trouble for Uncle, isn't it? And what about Old Chen's side..."

"No trouble! No trouble!"

Hou Jian was afraid he would change his mind: "I'll talk to my dad right away! Old Chen loves to mentor younger generations. Your stuff is good, he'll definitely be willing to help!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Biao let out a long sigh of relief.

Taking advantage of Hou Jian's desire to make connections, his father acted as a go-between for Chen Jingming, who then introduced them to a private meeting...

This layered buffer ensures that the goods can be seen by those who truly appreciate them, while also concealing one's true capabilities to the greatest extent possible, thus avoiding being cheated or taken advantage of.

A few days later, through Hou Jian's father's introduction, Zhang Biao met Chen Jingming.

This time he brought the actual jade belt.

After careful examination, Old Chen confirmed it without a doubt, and his eyes showed no sign of appreciation.

After a moment's thought, Mr. Chen agreed to the introduction and exchange meeting, but he made two conditions:
First, all transactions must be completed within the meeting to ensure security.

Secondly, he takes 5% as commission after the transaction is completed.

Zhang Biao readily agreed.

This is much better than being scammed by unscrupulous merchants.

Two weeks later, a private exchange meeting was held on the top floor of Wansheng Auction House.

The venue was small but elegantly decorated, and there weren't many guests, but each one had an extraordinary air about them.

Accompanied by Chen Jingming, Zhang Biao sat discreetly in a corner.

His jade belt was featured as one of the 'mystery items' and was scheduled to be displayed during the middle of the session.

When the jade belt was revealed under the soft light, it immediately attracted the attention of all the experts.

The warm, lustrous jade, the exquisite craftsmanship, and the Ming Dynasty-era standards it embodied made even connoisseurs take a deep breath.

The bidding proceeded silently among a few low-key buyers, communicating mostly through gestures and eye contact.

In the end, a composed middle-aged man acquired the jade belt for twelve million.

The rest of the process was much faster.

After signing the agreement, the organizer of the exchange meeting will be responsible for finding an authoritative institution to conduct the appraisal and registration, and for handling the relevant 'legal' procedures.

Because of the huge amount, the payment was to be made in installments. On the same day, a deposit of two million yuan was paid into Zhang Biao's newly opened bank account, and the remaining amount would be settled after the formalities were completed.

Looking at the long string of numbers in his mobile banking app, Zhang Biao's hands trembled slightly.

He not only solved his immediate survival crisis, but also acquired a huge sum of money.

"Young man, this is a good item. If you need any more in the future... remember to contact me."

Chen Jingming patted his shoulder meaningfully.

Zhang Biao nodded with a smile.

He knew that with this successful connection, the next transaction would be a direct private deal.

There are no middlemen taking a cut.

Now, Li Jinglong's colorful glass wine set, Guo Ying's official badge... and many more unknown treasures will finally have a market!

When Zhang Biao walked out of the trade fair with the bank card that gleamed with metallic luster and contained a huge sum of two million yuan, he felt his steps were a little unsteady.

The sun shone warmly on him, and the air felt incredibly fresh. The first thing he did was rush into the nearest bank ATM, insert his card, and enter his PIN.

When the long string of zeros on the screen clearly came into view, he couldn't help but pinch his thigh hard.

pain!
Not a dream!
I'm really rich now!
The long-suppressed excitement and the feeling of triumph exploded instantly, and he barely managed to keep it from shouting out in the bank.

He took a few deep breaths to calm himself, then walked to the roadside with his head held high and, unusually, with great confidence, raised his hand—

"taxi!"

……

Back at the familiar, dilapidated residential building, Zhang Biao paid the fare and had just stepped into the building when he heard that familiar, sharp, and piercing sound.

"Zhang Biao! You penniless wretch, you dare to come back?! If you don't pay the rent today, believe me, I'll throw all your stuff out!"

The landlady, Aunt Wang, was standing with her hands on her hips blocking the stairwell, spitting as she spoke, her face full of disdain and impatience.

In the past, Zhang Biao would definitely have been all smiles and trying to please him, but today…

He stopped and looked at the aggressive landlady, a mocking smile slowly curving his lips.

"Aunt Wang, don't get so angry."

Zhang Biao slowly walked forward, took out the brand-new bank card from his pocket, and waved it in front of the landlady:
"It's just rent, right? How much was it again?"

Aunt Wang was taken aback by his sudden composure and actions, and subconsciously said:

"Including the penalty for breach of contract, it's three thousand!"

"Only three thousand..."

Zhang Biao drawled out the sound, then held the bank card between two fingers and gently tapped it against the wall of the stairwell next to him, making a soft 'smack' sound. His tone carried a lazy, irritating smugness.

"Excuse me, Aunt Wang, I'm not renting this place anymore."

"what?!"

Aunt Wang's eyes widened: "You're not renting it out? Then you can forget about getting your deposit back! And you have to move out by today! Otherwise..."

"What else?"

Zhang Biao interrupted her, taking a step closer. The imposing presence of his height made Aunt Wang instinctively take a half-step back.

His face still held a smile, but his eyes turned cold:
"Deposit? That little bit of money, I'll give it to you as a reward, consider it money to buy your blood pressure medication."

"As for moving things..."

Zhang Biao scoffed and pointed upstairs: "I don't want any of the junk inside. Do whatever you want with it, throw it away or burn it, it's up to you."

His actions and words completely stunned Aunt Wang.

She looked at Zhang Biao's face, which had suddenly become unfamiliar yet full of confidence, and then at the bank card he casually slapped on the wall—a card that looked anything but ordinary—and was speechless for a moment.

Zhang Biao felt incredibly pleased as he looked at her chubby face, contorted with shock and disbelief.

He bent down, tore off a corner from an advertising flyer that someone had thrown at his feet, took out a pen, scribbled a few words, and then gently placed it into Aunt Wang's frozen hand.

"Aunt Wang, this is my new mobile phone number."

Zhang Biao patted her shoulder, his tone undisguisedly teasing: "We're even now."

After saying this, he stopped looking at the landlady standing there, turned around gracefully, whistled, and strode out of the dilapidated building that had oppressed him for so long.

Behind them, faintly heard Aunt Wang's angry yet slightly surprised scream:

"Zhang Biao! What...what do you mean? Where did you get the money?! You..."

The sounds gradually faded into the distance.

Standing on the bustling street, Zhang Biao took a deep breath of the air of freedom, feeling every pore of his body cheering.

He took out his phone and booked an executive suite at the city's best five-star hotel.

Then, he made a phone call:
"Hello, is this the Porsche dealership? Yes, I'd like to make an appointment to see a car..."

After hanging up the phone, he hailed a taxi.

"Driver, to the InterContinental Hotel—!"

Another week passed, and the final payments for the jade belt began to arrive, totaling over nine million yuan in addition to Chen Jingming's commission.

But Zhang Biao no longer felt the same way he did when he first received the two million yuan deposit.

For him, money is just a number.

So, as soon as he received the final payment, he went straight to the Porsche 4S store.

The reason he chose this relatively 'low-key' brand is because supercars are too eye-catching and do not meet his need to hide his secrets.

The Porsche Cayenne, a luxury SUV, not only provides a certain level of driving pleasure, but also offers a well-sealed space thanks to its heavy doors and privacy glass.

What if he needs to urgently handle some small items 'from the Ming Dynasty' in the car?

Seeing that he was young and dressed plainly, the salesperson initially just gave him a routine introduction.

Zhang Biao didn't waste any words and pointed directly to the top-of-the-line Cayenne Turbo GT in the showroom:

"This one, dark-colored, is in stock and available for full payment."

The salesperson paused for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Sir, the final price of this car is close to three million... Are you sure you want this one?"

Without wasting any words, Zhang Biao immediately showed his mobile banking interface.

The salesperson's expression instantly shifted from skepticism to extreme enthusiasm.

After settling on the car, the next target was naturally a villa, which offers greater privacy.

He contacted the agency with only one requirement:
[A detached villa, fully furnished, in a quiet, private location, preferably in a newly built community with few neighbors, and with a basement or detached garage.]

The agent showed him several properties, and he eventually chose a newly developed high-end villa area on the outskirts of the city.

He was very satisfied with one of the modern-style villas located furthest inside, which had a separate courtyard and a sunken garage.

Here, there is almost no disturbance from neighbors; the thick walls and advanced security system effectively prevent prying eyes.

He quickly signed the contract, and amidst countless envious and surprised glances, he took the villa keys and thick property documents and left.

Next came daily necessities and entertainment equipment—a whole host of shopping sprees.

"call"

After experiencing the joy of being a 'super rich', Zhang Biao let out a long sigh of relief.

The car solved the problems of transportation and temporary privacy.

The villa provides an absolutely safe and undisturbed secret base.

After all, I'll still have to travel back and forth between the two worlds to bring things back.

Daily necessities and entertainment equipment are naturally indispensable.

With the pressure of survival gone, Zhang Biao slumped into his chair as if letting out a long sigh of relief and turned on a brand-new, high-spec Alienware computer.

However, he didn't play his favorite game right away.

For some reason, he inexplicably typed "Zhang Biao of the Ming Dynasty" into the search box.

The result is no suspense.

Apart from information about a few modern people with the same name, there is absolutely no trace of him in the historical records of the Ming Dynasty as the "Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate," the "Auditing Maniac," or the "God-cursing Official in the Fengtian Hall."

He then tried searching for 'Shen Lang', 'Li Mo', 'Sun Gui', 'Wu Naida', and 'Zhao Fengman', but to no avail.

He paused for a moment, then chuckled self-deprecatingly:

"I must have been so stupid... They're all 'dead,' they don't remember me, how could history possibly record me?"

Those harrowing months of experiences, those people he had once cursed, audited, and even shared hotpot with, have left no ripples in the long river of history.

An indescribable sense of loss quietly welled up in my heart.

It was as if all of that was just a dream that was too realistic.

He shook his head to dispel the inexplicable emotion and turned his attention to another problem that was bothering him.

He typed 'Zhu Biao's cause of death' into the search box.

Instantly, a large number of search results and various conspiracy theories popped up on the screen.

Some say Zhu Biao died from overwork and illness;

Some say he was secretly murdered by Zhu Yuanzhang's other sons, especially Prince Yan, Zhu Di;

Some say that Zhu Biao was forced to his death or tacitly allowed by Zhu Yuanzhang because of political differences with him.
Even more bizarre stories exist, such as Zhu Biao being silenced because he discovered some palace secrets…

Various theories exist, but none are based on conclusive evidence; most are based on fragments of historical records and speculations by later generations.

Zhang Biao read through the list one by one, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

These later speculations and analyses, while some may seem to make some sense.

But compared to the undercurrents he personally experienced in the Ming Dynasty, the immense fear and pain deep within Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, and the complexity and darkness involving princes, nobles, the harem, and even potentially reaching the very top of power, it all seems so... superficial and powerless.

He had personally witnessed the instantaneous redness in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes and the suppressed rage he displayed when mentioning the Crown Prince;
He had personally heard the undisguised fear in Jiang Huan's report;
He had personally experienced the enormous conspiracy network woven around 'Shaanxi' and 'banned drugs,' a network capable of devouring everything...

The truth of history is far more profound, cruel, and complex than the few words described in later books.

"Old Zhu, oh Old Zhu..."

Zhang Biao closed the webpage, leaned back in his chair, stared at the ceiling, and muttered to himself, "Do you know the truth? Or... would you rather not know?"

He suddenly realized that his seemingly reckless question about the death of the Crown Prince might have really stirred up a hornet's nest that even Zhu Yuanzhang himself dared not delve into or could not bear.

The seemingly supreme and decisive Hongwu Emperor may have harbored unknown fears, guilt, and powerlessness deep within his heart.

Thinking of this, Zhang Biao felt a strange sense of longing for that distant and cruel era.

He shook his head, dismissing the 'dangerous' thought.

"Why think so much? I'm rich now! I'll enjoy life first!"

He decided to temporarily put the affairs of the Ming Dynasty behind him and make good plans for this rare two-month vacation.

Let me think again, what would be the best thing to bring to the Ming Dynasty?

Yes, his ability is not only to bring things from the Ming Dynasty back to the modern era, but also to bring things from the modern era to the Ming Dynasty.

"Yeah, as always, when in doubt, ask your online friends first!"

Just as Zhang Biao was wondering what to bring to the Ming Dynasty, he decisively took out his phone, opened a history forum, and posted a thread:
[Rational Discussion: If you could travel back to the Ming Dynasty and bring 50kg of stuff, what would you bring?]

Please give me double monthly votes!

(End of this chapter)