Pick up a princess to be your wife

"You've been here examining it for so long, just trying to make it look more convincing. A fake is a fake, why bother trying to authenticate it?" Li Mu said calmly.

Mr. Zhang, who was initially panicked, suddenly calmed down.

"Since you say it's fake, then tell me, where is it fake?" Master Zhang asked.

These high-quality antique replicas are so well-made that even a seasoned appraiser wouldn't be able to spot them all at a glance.

This kid is so young, how could he possibly know anything about antiques? He's clearly just spouting nonsense.

Li Mu can tell the difference between genuine and fake antiques because he has a system.

However, since he spent every day online in his later life, he was bound to be able to come up with a reasonable explanation.

Li Mu glanced at He Xianzhi's expression; the latter clearly brought him along because she didn't trust Master Zhang.

As long as He Xianzhi trusts himself, things will be easy.

"The ink on this landscape painting has only been dry for half a year, and the edges and corners are roughly drawn, far inferior to the delicate painting skills of the painting master."

The blue and white porcelain of the Qin Dynasty was fired in wooden kilns, resulting in bubbles of varying sizes. Modern blue and white porcelain, on the other hand, is fired in coal kilns, producing smaller and more densely packed bubbles.

As for this bronze incense burner, the smelting techniques of the pre-Qin period were nowhere near so sophisticated. Furthermore, the patterns on ancient bronzes are mostly bird and animal totems. These scribbles, however, are quite convincing. Even the rust appears to be artificially applied. Try polishing it yourself if you don't believe me.”

Li Mu was talking nonsense with a straight face.

Since they're all counterfeit anyway, anything that can be identified as fake is definitely fake.

Li Mu paused, then said in a deep voice, "Why waste time carefully examining something that's obviously fake?"

Master Zhang's face turned ashen after hearing Li Mu's words.

He tried to argue, but the kid spoke logically and got right to the point.

He Xianzhi has been quick-witted and intelligent since childhood. After Li Mu's reminder, she will definitely be able to see some of the problems.

This deal is likely to fall through.

“Since they’re all counterfeit, I can’t accept them,” He Xianzhi said to Zhou Wanfu.

Zhou Wanfu had a warm smile on his face, his eyes slightly narrowed, and he didn't seem angry at all.

"I'm so sorry, I was also tricked into buying such a large quantity of counterfeit goods," Zhou Wanfu said.

“It’s alright. If Master Zhou has any good goods in the future, he can come to me,” He Xianzhi said.

"Alright, until we meet again, farewell."

Zhou Wanfu waved his hand and hurriedly left with his men and the counterfeit goods.

Mr. Zhang stood there, stunned, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

According to the He family's rules, anyone who colludes with foreign merchants to swindle money from their employer will have their eyes gouged out and their tongue cut out.

"Miss, I was just not good enough to tell just now. Those goods are indeed difficult to distinguish between real and fake," Master Zhang quickly explained.

“Even my father can make mistakes, let alone you, Master Zhang? You have devoted yourself to Jubao Pavilion for twenty years, so naturally I have no doubts about you. You can go now,” He Xianzhi said indifferently.

"Yes."

After Master Zhang left, only He Xianzhi, his servant, and Li Mu remained in the private room.

"Xiao Lan, bring some food."

"Yes."

This country bumpkin actually has some skills?

If he hadn't noticed something amiss, Miss would probably have lost tens of thousands of taels of silver today.

"Thank you." He Xianzhi smiled at Li Mu and gestured for him to proceed.

Her smile was like an iceberg melting, revealing an irresistible charm.

“I’m doing this for money, Miss He, there’s no need for thanks,” Li Mu said in a deep voice as he sat down.

"If it weren't for you today, even if I had known these things were fake, I would have had to hold my nose and buy them anyway," He Xianzhi sighed.

"Why?" Li Mu asked, somewhat puzzled.

“That’s how the world is. I’m an outsider businessman, and Zhou Wanfu is a local tyrant. He’s obviously trying to swindle my money, so I need you to protect me from trouble,” He Xianzhi said.

Li Mu didn't fully understand the logic behind it, but he was too lazy to think about it deeply.

She was right about the second half of her sentence. Given Zhou Wanfu's personality, he wouldn't hold a grudge against He Xianzhi, but he would definitely cause trouble for Li Mu.

“You’re a local, so you need to be more careful in the future. Zhou Wanfu is no good. I can barely take care of myself, so I’m afraid I can’t look after you,” He Xianzhi said.

“Miss He, there’s no need to worry. Since I dared to expose him to his face, I’m not afraid of him.”

They've already been targeted by that vicious dog Zhou Wanfu, are they just going to watch him make a fortune?

Soon after, the food was served.

Xiao Lan sat down and ate with Jiang Hu.

"Xiao Lan, investigate tonight whether Master Zhang and Zhou Wanfu are colluding. If so, deal with them according to the family rules," He Xianzhi said calmly.

"No need to investigate, I've always suspected he's a traitor. He must have colluded with outsiders to cheat Miss," Xiaolan said indignantly.

“Handle it privately, don’t let anyone else know,” He Xianzhi said.

"Yes."

He Xianzhi took out a silver note and handed it to Li Mu.

"One hundred taels, don't think it's too little," He Xianzhi said.

Li Mu calmly pushed the banknote back and said, "I have already received the money I am owed. It would be against the rules to take more."

"It's ridiculous to refuse money when it's available. My young lady doesn't give money to just anyone she meets, let alone a hundred taels." Xiao Lan said while eating.

“In this day and age, there aren’t many people who aren’t swayed by money,” He Xianzhi said.

“A gentleman loves money, but he acquires it in a proper way. Miss He, aren’t you afraid of losing everything by collecting so many antiques in this chaotic world?” Li Mu asked casually.

“The chaotic times will eventually end. Even if I don’t live to see that day, my descendants will. As long as we can hold onto these antiques, they will definitely appreciate in value,” He Xianzhi said.

“Then why not do what Zhou the Rich Man does, hoard grain and sell it? That’s a quick way to make money,” Li Mu said.

“Everyone knows their trade. The He family has been in the antique business for hundreds of years, so why would they switch to something else? Besides, these days, the grain business is all about profiting from human suffering. If grain prices continue to rise, the Lingnan region will collapse completely before the rebels even conquer it,” He Xianzhi said.

"Yes."

Li Mu was somewhat worried about this.

He needed to establish a firm foothold in Lingnan before arriving amidst the chaos.

"If Lingnan falls, what will become of Young Master Li?" He Xianzhi asked.

"I haven't thought about it yet," Li Mu replied.

“I already have a way out. When the time comes, Young Master Li can bring his family and leave with me. I can guarantee your whole family will be safe and sound,” He Xianzhi said.

"You want to support me?"

Upon hearing this, He Xianzhi choked on his saliva and coughed several times.

Li Mu is clearly a decent person, so why did he suddenly say such things?

He Xianzhi was still a virgin, unmarried, and had never kept a male concubine.

"Pah! You shameless scoundrel! My young lady is doing this for your own good, and you actually have such thoughts!" Xiao Lan said angrily.

Li Mu smiled faintly, stood up and said, "I'm done eating. I don't think Miss Xiao Lan can eat this much either. I'll pack a few bowls of food to take with me, so we'll have something to eat for tomorrow."