After listening to Emperor Chongzhen’s explanation, Fan Jingwen was completely stunned. Emperor Chongzhen’s lack of knowledge regarding antiques was not because he had never seen authentic items, but because he had never seen fakes. Having seen so many genuine articles, it was easy to rule out counterfeits.
Fan Jingwen picked up the teacup in his hand with a sense of disbelief, the more he looked at it, the more wrong it seemed. Once suspicion takes root, the verdict is as good as delivered. The more Fan Jingwen thought about it, the angrier he became, and he itched to smash the thing to pieces. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to do it; after all, he had spent fifty taels of silver on this tea set to maintain a respectable appearance.
Watching the agitated and vexed Fan Jingwen, Emperor Chongzhen laughed heartily. "Minister Fan, please do not harbor such gloom; it is not worth damaging your health over."
Chapter 495