As soon as Mr. Tyler finished speaking, someone from the crowd shouted loudly, “Mr. Tyler, what we heard was incomplete. Please tell us more.”
“Alright.” Mr. Tyler cleared his throat. “Yang Huizi had already gained a great reputation during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang. During the era of Empress Wu Zetian, she summoned him to the palace and gave him an almost impossible task: to carve the entire text of the tao te ching (a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism) on a jade stone with the size of a small fingernail.”
“Presumably, Empress Wu Zetian just wanted to give Yang Huizi a hard time. After all, he was renowned as a master sculptor, and that didn’t sit well with her, the ruler of the dynasty at the time.”
“This challenge didn’t stump Yang Huizi. He completed the task in just three years.” Mr. Tyler pointed to the large screen. “Yang Huizi carved this statue of Laozi and engraved the complete text of the 5, 162 characters of the tao te ching on a tiny gourd the size of a small fingernail.”
As Mr. Tyler explained, the camera zoomed in on the gourd, revealing the densely carved seal script.
“All the features of this Laozi statue match the descriptions found in related ancient texts and historical records. That’s one aspect of determining its authenticity. Furthermore, it’s well known that Yang Huizi’s sculpting skills reached an unparalleled level. Look at the intricate lines on the statue and the hollow lines on the clothes.”
Everyone’s gaze was fixed on the screen as the behind-the-scenes staff adjusted the camera to show the relevant details.
“The most distinctive feature is the staff held by the statue, with the carved patterns using the slant pattern technique. This technique is one of Yang Huizi’s closely guarded secrets, and hardly anyone can imitate it.”
“Lastly, let’s talk about its aura. Look at the expression on Laozi’s face in the statue-a smile that is neither a smile, a worry that is not quite a worry, an urgency and leisure intertwined. It’s truly indescribable. From different angles, different expressions can be seen. This level of artistry can only be achieved by Yang Huizi. Therefore, my conclusion is that this Laozi statue is undoubtedly authentic.”
Mr. Tyler passed the microphone to Mr. Kipling.
Taking the microphone, Mr. Kipling declared loudly, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Tyler has already explained everything about this statue. My conclusion is the same as his: this Laozi statue is undoubtedly authentic!”
As soon as Mr. Kipling finished speaking, the audience became excited.
The two antique experts in Langstel had made their appearances, making the probability of a mistake close to zero. So everyone had a clear understanding and was no longer debating whether it was a counterfeit. Instead, they began discussing the value of the item.
“I wonder what the starting price will be?”
“Don’t worry about the starting price, it doesn’t matter. So, how much do you think this thing is worth?”
“It’s hard to estimate. Anyway, I want it!”
“What do you mean by ‘I want it’? Show me the money!”
“…”
The auctioneer didn’t start the auction immediately. Instead, he let the crowd engage in heated discussions. It was a good way to stir up emotions.
Thinking about it, the price this legendary treasure would fetch at the auction would surely not disappoint him.
“Although this statue depicts Laozi, why is it called the ‘Laozi at the Border’? Which border is it referring to?” Coral curiously whispered.
Leo shifted his gaze away from the big screen and explained, “I think it’s from an allusion.”
“What allusion?”
Since Coral was curious, Leo explained the legendary story behind the tao te ching.
Among the few well-known disciples of the founder of Daoism, Laozi, none were as famous as Guiguzi. However, if we consider the greatest contribution to later generations, it should be Guan Yinzi. But why?
Because ancient philosophers generally adhered to the principle of “explaining but not writing.” Laozi wasn’t originally planning to write a book, but it is said that Guan Yinzi persuaded him to complete the tao te ching.
Laozi served as the head of the library and lived in the Zhou capital, where he studied and contemplated the principles of Dao. However, during this time, the feudal lords were vying for power, and the realm was in constant turmoil.
After Confucius, the avid learner, paid him a visit, his department became even quieter. Later, seeing the decline of the Zhou dynasty, Laozi realized that the rule of the king wouldn’t last long and that he was getting older. He decided to travel to various places, imparting the teachings of Daoism and governing the world, while also finding a place to retire.
At that time, the Western Regions were considered uncivilized. So Laozi left the Zhou capital, riding on an ox, and headed westward to civilize the region.
When passing through the Hangu Pass, he was stopped and asked to provide identification. According to some historical records, it was intentional on the part of Guan Yinzi. Because Guan Yinzi often read astronomical prophecies and one day, he saw purple Qi moving westward from the east. It was an auspicious sign, indicating the arrival of a sage passing through the Hangu Pass.
He knew that this purple Qi was an auspicious omen and believed that a sage would travel from east to west. Based on this, he calculated the possible route that the sage would take. So he requested the king of Zhou to appoint him as the commander of the Hangu Pass, a place that the sage must pass on his east-to-west journey.
After being appointed, he showed great respect by fasting, cleaning the road, and burning incense, waiting respectfully for the arrival of the sage.
Sure enough, one day, he welcomed this sage with large ears, a long beard, extraordinary demeanor, and immortal-like presence. Guan Yinzi respectfully paid homage and invited this “Laozi,” who would have a tremendous influence on future society, to his thatched pavilion to reside and cultivate.
In troubled times, encountering such a studious and ambitious young man made Laozi very happy. Thus, he accepted this disciple and explained the true essence of Daoism to him.
Not long after, Laozi wanted to continue his journey westward. Guan Yinzi felt that it would be a shame to let such a wise man leave without leaving anything behind. So he made a request to Laozi, saying, “After being in charge of the library for so many years and about to retire, please do me a favor and write a book, so that more future scholars will have the opportunity to inherit and learn from your thoughts and pursue the great Dao.”
Impressed by his sincerity, Laozi agreed and wrote the tao te ching in two volumes, containing more than 5, 000 words, using concise language, and granted it to Guan Yinzi.
When Guan Yinzi opened it, the first lines he saw were, “The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao.” He was instantly shocked and a little confused, so he asked cautiously, “What is the Dao? Is it something mysterious?”
Laozi laughed and replied, “My words are easy to understand and easy to practice. But in the world, no one can understand them or put them into practice.”
Guan Yinzi asked again, “Then how should I proceed?”
Laozi said, “When a superior person hears about the Dao, they diligently practice it. When an average person hears about the Dao, they are uncertain. When an inferior person hears about the Dao, they burst into laughter.”
Guan Yinzi quickly said, “I will diligently study and practice, never burst into laughter.”
Guan Yinzi then asked about the concept of “virtue.”
Laozi said, “The Dao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, and Three gives birth to all things. The Dao gives rise to them, virtue nurtures them, and circumstances shape them. Hence, all things revere the Dao and value virtue.”
And thus, he completely transformed into a different person!