Li Xian watched the descending gavel, his smile deepening. Although Li Feng’s interference had drawn the wealthy Sun Chengyue into the fray, driving the price up to 800,000 taels, it was still well below the maximum price Li Xian was mentally prepared to pay. He had to have this item; the Phoenix Raw Stone was worth far more than just the jade itself.
The auctioneer’s wooden gavel descended, but showing extraordinary professional skill, she pulled it back when it was a mere millimeter from striking. "Very well! His Second Imperial Highness bids one million taels!"
It all happened in a flash. The guests in attendance looked toward the Second Prince’s private box in confusion, while the First Prince, Li Xian, was so furious he felt as though he might vomit blood. The gavel had been falling, yet the auctioneer had yanked it back from the brink of impact, and the person who had suddenly placed the bid was none other than the "useless" younger brother he despised most.
Chapter 62