This is a major discovery; from the age of this jar, it can be determined that these pottery jars are inextricably linked with that Han Princess Tomb beneath Anmin Alley.
These jars are very likely washed out from the ancient tomb due to geological changes and rainfall.
After repeated examinations by Huo Sining and Zhou Shitao, it can be basically confird that the three jars for pickling vegetables at the old man’s ho are Han Dynasty antiques and should have been crafted by the sa kiln factory.
Although there is no bottom mark or inscription to prove which official kiln these jars ca from, the details of the clay, glaze, and shape of the jars can still suggest that these jars are very exquisite, and clearly not common household items. In that era, only the royal family could use such objects.
"These jars are first-class cultural relics unearthed from the Han Dynasty, sir. We’re going to contact the Cultural Relics Bureau shortly. Please cooperate with our staff in registering. We need to pack and preserve these three jars and then take them back to the Cultural Relics Bureau."
The old man had been eagerly waiting for Zhou Shitao to give him an answer. Hearing that the jars were indeed Han Dynasty cultural relics, he beca so excited that he grabbed his wife’s hand and stamred:
"Old lady, did you hear that, we have antiques... you silly woman, using antiques to pickle vegetables... Antiques, the expert says they can give us money... We’re going to get rich..."
Huo Sining found it amusing and Zhou Shitao shook his head, while Ji Kun couldn’t help but remind:
"Sir, there’s sothing we must clarify first: these three jars originally belong to the state. According to regulations, these three jars are national protected cultural relics and must be taken by us. Even if you’re unwilling, we can forcibly retrieve them. So this doesn’t an that our Cultural Relics Bureau is buying these jars from you. Therefore, the term ’get rich’ you’ve just ntioned isn’t quite appropriate."
The old man was stunned upon hearing Ji Kun’s words: "What do you an? Didn’t this gentleman just say they would give us money? Why are you now saying you’re forcibly taking them back?"
Ji Kun laughed, "No, it’s indeed you who discovered these jars, so out of moral consideration, the Cultural Relics Bureau will provide a certain compensation. However, the amount isn’t as substantial as you might imagine and isn’t enough to make your family rich overnight. If you’re dissatisfied with this compensation, the Cultural Relics Bureau will also forcibly take the jars away. That’s how the national law is set, and if you obstruct, you’re breaking the law and could be imprisoned. Do you understand what I an?"
Hearing this, the old man felt as if cold water had been poured over him, and he beca sowhat despondent, asking gloomily: "Then how much compensation will you give?"
Zhou Shitao, having just finished a call to the Fucheng Cultural Relics Bureau, paused for a mont at the old man’s question, then turned to Ji Kun and said:
"Given the special age of these jars and their potential connection to the ancient tomb ntioned in Huo’s thesis, they’re considered crucial clues. This old gentleman has contributed significantly. So, on top of the compensation, an additional reward can be given. Let’s make it a total of 150,000, with 100,000 for compensation and a 50,000 reward. If the Fucheng Cultural Relics Bureau can’t approve it, see what they can offer, and I’ll cover the rest out of my pocket."
Ji Kun hesitated upon hearing Zhou Shitao’s words: "Master, although it’s not much money, if you start this way, in the future... Besides, it’s not right for you to pay out of your own pocket."
But Zhou Shitao was indifferent: "Just do as I said, 150,000, that’s it!"
Ji Kun wanted to say more but was pulled aside by Huo Sining: "Brother, you should know our Master better; once he makes a decision, he won’t easily change it. Besides, who knows, maybe the Cultural Relics Bureau will approve it."
Ji Kun grimaced, "Don’t be so sure. You don’t know what those people at the Cultural Relics Bureau are like. I’ve dealt with them many tis and know better than you. They’re stingy, harder to convince than Zhou Bapi. Getting them to compensate 150,000 is like killing them."
Huo Sining couldn’t help but laugh, "Really? Then leave this task to , I’ll handle it. Maybe if I go, they’ll agree to approve it."
Ji Kun was amused and exasperated, "It won’t help if you go, you’re not familiar with the people at the Cultural Relics Bureau."
Huo Sining smirked and said, "True, but if I can help them reduce manpower and material costs during the upcoming Han Tomb excavation and locate the corridor to enter the ancient tomb quickly, in exchange for that, the funds they save would exceed 150,000, right?"
Ji Kun was taken aback, then imdiately understood Huo Sining’s intention. His eyes lit up as he reached out to tap her on the head, laughing:
"You’re right. If you use that as a bargaining chip, those stingy guys can’t disagree, and they might co asking for your help. I forgot, in our field, you’re the biggest asset! Okay, you don’t need to handle it, I’ll negotiate with those bloodsuckers. But you won’t mind if I na-drop you to strengthen my position, right?"
Huo Sining playfully stuck out her tongue, grinning, "As long as it helps, just go for it, even if you end up selling off."
Ji Kun shook his head with a laugh, "You’re so cunning, it’s good enough that I don’t get tricked by you. Selling you off would be harder than reaching the sky."
While Huo Sining and Ji Kun were discussing, Zhou Shitao already inford the disheartened old man about the compensation amount.
The old man originally thought the compensation would be a re three to five thousand, not expecting such an unexpectedly positive outco.
150,000, compared to selling Han Dynasty antiques, is indeed trivial, but for these old folks living a frugal life, it’s a windfall, like a giant pie falling from the sky, shocking the old man.
The old man was at a loss for words, continuously holding Zhou Shitao’s arm, persistently confirming, as if to ensure he hadn’t misheard:
"Brother, is it really 150,000? Did I hear it wrong?"
Zhou Shitao nodded, confirming over and over that it was indeed 150,000. The old man’s face turned crimson, and his whole body trembled uncontrollably.
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