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Chapter 309 - 309: The Imperial Jade Seal Sold! The Birth of the World ‘s Greatest Museum! (2)
Chapter 309 - 309: The Imperial Jade Seal Sold! The Birth of the World ‘s Greatest Museum! (2)
Chapter 309: The Imperial Jade Seal Sold! The Birth of the World ‘s Greatest Museum! (2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Representing the pinnacle of power within the country, no one in the room dared to outbid him. Qin Rubing’s lips quivered slightly as she had never encountered such an impressive individual before.
Speaking of the Forbidden City Office, it was the equivalent of the Emperor’s study during the Qing Dynasty. Even a mere attendant from there would rank among the top twenty figures in all of China— an extraordinary feat.
Silence prevailed, and no one placed a bid.
Qin Rubing looked in the direction of the backstage, knowing that as this was not a formal auction, meaning that all it took was a nod from Luo Feng to complete the transaction.
“12.1 billion! Sold!”
From backstage, Luo Feng announced into the microphone, “Congratulations to the mysterious gentleman from the Forbidden City Office, who, on behalf of China, has purchased this Imperial Jade Seal!”
The most treasured item from Zhao Gao’s tomb, a national attraction, had finally been sold. Many online bettors had wagered on whether the Guangdi Museum, the Imperial Palace Museum, or the Modu Museum would secure the imperial jade seal. Most bets had been placed on the Shanghai and the Imperial Palace Museum, but in the end, none of them had won.
These museums were rendered utterly powerless.
Upon hearing Luo Feng’s declaration, Qin Rubing felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her chest. Everything had come to an end, and the imperial jade seal had been acquired by the Forbidden City. No other museum was worthy of possessing it.
Tracing back to the last time the Forbidden City Office had made a move, it was during the Yongle Ceremony not long ago, when a book containing analyses of Genghis Khan’s and Zhuge Liang’s tombs was written. That time, they had only made a phone call, but now, they had come in person.
“Mr. Luo, thank you for the sale, which has allowed the jade seal to return to Chinese hands!”
Ying Tianxiang, from the Forbidden City Office, was neither arrogant nor dismissive upon arriving backstage. He was amiable, maintaining a respectful demeanor.
“Mr. Ying, you’re too kind. It’s only right for me to do this,” Luo Feng hastily stood up, shaking Ying Tianxiang’s hand. Although he tried to hide his nervousness, it was difficult to conceal his awe at meeting such a high-ranking figure, who had unexpectedly attended the auction.
“Can the imperial jade seal be transferred now? I’ve already contacted people from the Beijing Military Department to transport it,” Ying Tianxiang said while still holding Luo Feng’s hand.
“Of course, it seems the payment has already been made, though it’s currently under review,” Luo Feng replied, knowing that such a large sum would not be received instantly.
“Under review? Why don’t you check again?” Ying Tianxiang raised an eyebrow.
Luo Feng, taken aback, understood the implication and checked his mobile banking app. The payment had indeed arrived instantly — a truly remarkable feat.
“Alright, Mr. Ying, you may take the Imperial Jade Seal away now,” Luo Feng said with a smile. Ying Tianxiang returned the smile and shook Luo Feng’s hand once more before preparing to leave. However, he paused to say, “You may want to explore around Beijing sometime. There are still some major tombs in the surrounding area that haven’t been discovered.”
Receiving another invitation to Beijing, Luo Feng nodded affirmatively, “I will, I’ll definitely go when I have the opportunity.”
Ying Tianxiang added, “Actually, he has been paying attention to you for quite some time and has investigated your background and sect. It seems you don’t have a traditional sect, or it could be so secretive that even he couldn’t find any information about it. However, it doesn’t matter. As long as the treasures you find don’t secretly leave the country and you’re only making money, he fully supports you.”
For a moment, Luo Feng was taken aback by Ying Tianxiang’s words. Who was this “he” Ying Tianxiang was speaking of? Luo Feng knew it must be referring to the esteemed Elder Huang, the current “Mount Everest” of the nation.
“As for letting treasures leave the country, I’ve never considered it because I’m already making enough money. I don’t need to earn more,” Luo Feng responded earnestly, “In a nutshell, it’s unnecessary. If I can both make money and protect cultural relics, only a fool would do something detrimental to their own people.”
His sincerity was evident, and Ying Tianxiang did not say anything further. They exchanged nods and pats on the shoulder before parting ways and exchanging phone numbers.
With a sigh of relief, Luo Feng marveled at the presence of such a high-ranking figure. He could only imagine the stifling pressure exerted by the top ten figures and Elder Huang himself.
Nonetheless, as long as Luo Feng honestly pursued treasure hunting without letting national treasures slip out of the country, all would be well.
Around 8 pm that night, as payments arrived one by one, Luo Feng had prepared a banquet throughout the entire eighth floor of the hotel to entertain the auction attendees. However, more than half had already left, leaving around only 300 guests present for the dinner.
“Good evening, everyone. This auction session is now over, and we’ll see you tomorrow!”
After ending his livestream, Luo Feng left the conference room and entered the dining hall, which could accommodate 150 guests. Another 150 guests were on the floor below, so Luo Feng had to shuttle between the two floors, ensuring everyone was well-fed and entertained.
As the night went on with toasts and lively conversation, the celebrations continued until around 10 pm..