Chapter 185: Xiao Ye, Are You Selling This?

Yes.

How could this be possible!

Even though they had spent most of their lives dedicated to archaeology and artifact appraisal, they couldn't explain what they were witnessing.

Undoubtedly, this had surpassed their understanding.

"Master Yuan, what's going on?"

Su Enping could no longer stay calm.

He rushed over to one of the group's artifact appraisal experts.

"Incredible, absolutely incredible! This [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] far surpasses those of Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager Cixi in holiness and majesty!"

Looking at the intricate patterns of the Tibetan-style stupa, the Sanskrit mantras, and the elaborate jewel motifs—

It was undeniably more diverse and sacred than any previously discovered [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover].

"This is the funerary cover of Emperor Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang—it's his!" The expert trembled uncontrollably.

"No way! How could this be possible? The [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] was an imperial burial item starting from the Qing Dynasty! This can't be from the Ming Dynasty, let alone belong to Emperor Hongwu!"

Su Enping shook his head frantically in disbelief.

Even though this artifact had nothing to do with him, he couldn't accept it.

Not long ago, he had mocked Ye Chen for buying what he thought was a worthless burial shroud.

If this truly turned out to be a [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] from the Ming Dynasty, wouldn't that make him the fool?

No, no, no!!!

But he overlooked one thing—

Whether or not this belonged to Emperor Hongwu, the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] was undeniably genuine and immensely valuable.

Su Enping had inevitably become the fool.

"Mr. Ye, if I remember correctly, the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] was exclusively used for imperial burials during the Qing Dynasty. How could something like this exist in the Ming Dynasty?"

At that moment, one of the appraisal experts from Wuji Group couldn't help but voice the trembling question.

Because he knew Ye Chen would have the answer.

Sure enough—

Ye Chen smiled and began,

"Indeed, as widely known, the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] became an imperial burial item in the Qing Dynasty. But don't forget—the central motif of the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] is the Tibetan-style stupa, which became popular during the Yuan Dynasty. This suggests the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] may have been used as early as the Yuan era!"

"Historical records may not mention the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] being used by Yuan or Ming imperial families, but absence in records doesn't mean it didn't exist. I dare not speculate about the Yuan Dynasty, but I firmly believe that Emperor Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang, would have been deeply invested in the Dhāraṇī Sutra. History shows his connection to Buddhism was deeper than that of any other emperor."

"So, I personally think that when it comes to something like the Dhāraṇī Sutra, not only would Emperor Hongwu have paid attention to it, but he would have embraced it sincerely. The reason why the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] isn't recorded as an imperial burial item during the Ming Dynasty, in my opinion, has to do with his complicated relationship with Buddhism. As we know, Emperor Hongwu was once a monk, and he was highly sensitive about that part of his past. If he publicly displayed devotion to the Dhāraṇī Sutra, how would others judge him?"

"For this reason, not only did he avoid promoting the Dhāraṇī Sutra during his reign, but his descendants also refrained from advocating something their ancestor found taboo. Therefore, the absence of any [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] in Ming tombs is perfectly normal."

"Given my deep interest in Ming history and the discovery of a Qing-era yellow satin robe with a hidden [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover], I've pondered this for a long time. My conclusion is that Emperor Hongwu likely had a [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover], but it was lost to the outside world rather than buried with him."

"Furthermore, Emperor Hongwu's [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] may have been concealed within a satin garment, much like the Qing-era robe. That's why I was particularly intrigued by this Ming-era golden satin. When I saw this piece, perfectly sized to hold a [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover], I trusted my instincts. More importantly, the outer layer radiates imperial dignity, and the inner inscriptions and symbols resemble the handwriting of one man—Zhou Dian, the Daoist immortal venerated by Emperor Hongwu."

"A satin scroll inscribed by Zhou Dian—could it be ordinary? Based on these insights, I couldn't pass up this Ming golden satin. Whether it cost thirteen thousand or thirteen million, I would take it. I wouldn't let myself regret missing this chance. Fortunately... it didn't disappoint me. It validated the answer I've been seeking."

Unshaken by praise or blame, Ye Chen recounted calmly with a smile.

His words weren't fabrications but drawn from past experiences.

In a previous life, after achieving success, he became devoted to Buddhism and Ming history, focusing his studies on Zhu Yuanzhang and his relationship with Buddhism.

His dedication led him to collect countless pieces of Ming satin, and eventually, he unearthed the very [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover] belonging to Zhu Yuanzhang.

This revelation stirred the historical and collector communities.

Now—

After hearing Ye Chen's explanation, everyone was stunned.

At first, some thought he had merely struck gold by chance.

But after this speech, their gazes toward him were filled with awe.

Forget the meticulous analysis—

Just the mention of Zhou Dian alone was astonishing.

Anyone knowledgeable in Ming history knew of Zhou Dian.

But knowing his handwriting? Who could claim that!

Yet, Ye Chen recognized it.

What more could be said?

"Mr. Ye, give me a moment, I need to make a call—right away!"

Trembling with excitement or perhaps something else, He Zhijun looked anxiously at Ye Chen.

"Go ahead."

Ye Chen nodded with a faint smile.

He saw right through He Zhijun's intentions—likely calling the chairman, Dong Qian.

After Ye Chen's approval, He Zhijun swallowed nervously, grabbed his phone, and hurried off.

"Masters, is this more valuable than Emperor Qianlong's [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover]?"

As He Zhijun left, Zhao Qian snapped back to reality and instinctively asked the appraisal experts.

Despite being a nouveau riche, Zhao Qian, having mingled in the collector's scene, understood the significance of the [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover].

Upon hearing his question, the experts hesitated but eventually nodded.

"Yes, after verification, this is far more valuable!"

As the appraiser confirmed, Zhao Qian's excitement soared.

"Xiao Ye, are you selling this [Dhāraṇī Sutra Bead Cover]? Name your price—I guarantee no haggling!"