Zhang Ermao listened with a sense of confusion and instinctively asked, “Master Charlie, why are you using genuine artifacts that are associated with tombs to deceive people? To be honest, tomb raiding has be heavily scrutinized these days. Antique dealers like us are afraid to buy items from those sites due to the risk of legal trouble. However, if the items are already familiar and established, that’s a different story. For instance, Jiu Yuan was excavated ten years ago; even if it had been deemed illicit then, it’s now considered legitimate.”


    Charlie waved his hand dismissively, saying, “Don’t concern yourself with the reasons; just tell me if there’s a way to fix this.”<fnb141> Original content can be found at find?novel</fnb141>


    With that, Charlie pointed again at the lightning-struck wood and added, “I want to create something from these materials that gives the impression of being recently unearthed. Do you have any expertise in this area?”


    Zhang Ermao pondered for a moment and replied, “Master Charlie, this is quite straightforward. I have a background in fakes, as you know. Our specialty lies in transforming new items to resemble ancient artifacts, allowing us to deceive people. For example, porcin that has just been made can be altered to appear as if it’s an official Qing Dynasty piece freshly excavated. I have a half bottle of a special concoction, but it’s tough to fool the experts.”


    Continuing, Zhang Ermao shifted the conversation, saying, “However, if you’re nning to use genuine Qing Dynasty pieces to pose as recently unearthed artifacts, that’s simple. There are countless ways to do this. To put it bluntly, first, I’ll handle the coloring and pasting for you. Then, we can dig up some soil from a nearbytrine in the countryside, mix in some pig offal, and bury the item along with it. Finally, at night, we sprinkle a bit of urine on top. The next day, when we dig it out, it will appear as if it was just discovered!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Charlie inquired, “Is there a chance others might discover this method?”


    Zhang Ermao shook his head and exined, “If you were to use new items to imitate old ones, sure, people would find ws. But since you’re using real artifacts, who could uncover it? Even if an expertes with a carbon-14 tester, they’ll still identify it as a Qing Dynasty piece. Experts primarily judge whether an item is from a tomb by examining its color, texture, and scent—specifically the earthy, metallic, or bloody odors. As long as we execute this well, they’ll be convinced it’s newly unearthed.”


    Charlie nodded, smiling as he said, “Alright then, I’ll leave this matter in your hands.”


    Zhang Ermao, appearing puzzled, asked, “Master Charlie, why do you need me to handle this?”


    Charlie didn’t directly answer the question but instead expressed curiosity, asking, “Zhang Ermao, since you’ve been with Hong Wu, why do you still engage in business here at the antique market?”


    Zhang Ermao replied hastily, “Master Charlie, I am grateful to you and Fifth Master for your kindness. I have had the opportunity to ride alongside Fifth Master, and I’ve lost interest in pursuing antique dealings. I’ve long since set that aside and no longer concern myself with it.”


    Charlie stated seriously, “The task I’m asking of you actually requires you to dedicate some time to manage your antique business.”


    Zhang Ermao, surprised, asked, “Master Charlie… what do you mean by this? I’m not clear; please exin.”