Chapter 101: The Noble Family Crest (Please Vote)

Upon hearing the butler’s words, Ning Zhiheng nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you very much.”

Standing nearby, Liu Datong observed the scene clearly and subtly curled the corner of his mouth into a smirk. He thought to himself, “A mere tutor’s household gatekeeper dares to accept a tip from Officer Ning? Truly blind to greatness. It seems this so-called Professor Fang is not as upright as he appears.”

Ning Zhiheng and his two companions followed the butler into the house and entered the living room. The butler invited the three to take a seat on the sofa before turning to fetch Professor Fang.

Shortly after, an elderly professor with a lean face and a refined scholarly demeanor descended slowly from the second floor.

Ning Zhiheng and Chen Yanqing rose immediately to greet him. Seeing this, Liu Datong, unwilling to show disrespect, reluctantly stood as well.

When Ning Zhiheng saw Fang Boyi, he felt a momentary pause in his thoughts but maintained a composed expression, smiling politely. “Please forgive our impromptu visit, Professor Fang.”

Fang Boyi laughed heartily and motioned for them to sit. “I am but a man of empty reputation. You three have come sincerely—what guidance do you seek?”

After speaking, Fang Boyi turned and took the main seat, smiling as he looked toward the three, his gaze chiefly fixed on Ning Zhiheng.

With his extensive experience and sharp eyes, Fang immediately discerned that among the three, Ning Zhiheng’s bearing was the most distinguished. Though appearing the youngest, Ning sat centrally, his posture upright and demeanor steady, clearly the leader of the group.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ning Zhiheng took two jade boxes from an iron container and gently placed them on the tea table, sliding them forward. “I am Ning Zhiheng. My family possesses modest wealth, and I have a fondness for antiques and jade artifacts. Today, I happened upon two pieces, but lacking the expertise to ascertain their origin or value, I humbly seek your guidance, Professor, to examine them for me.”

In the antiques trade, there is an old rule known as “jade should not pass through hands,” especially with fragile items like jade and porcelain. One party places the item on the table; only then does the other pick it up for inspection.

Direct hand-to-hand exchange is taboo, for if the delicate object slips and breaks, both sides suffer trouble, leading to disputes and souring goodwill.

One must not overestimate the moral boundaries of some opportunists. Not only in Ning Zhiheng’s past life did such “con artists” exist; in this era, there are those who specialize in exploiting such exchanges—though not with cars, but antiques—using the moment an item passes hands to extort money. A piece may already have a hidden flaw, but when it suddenly breaks in your hands, the offender demands compensation.

Ning Zhiheng’s gesture was precisely to avoid such pitfalls; he gently pushed the two jade boxes toward Fang Boyi.

“Oh, then I would very much like to take a look,” Fang said with a smile.

With steady hands, he picked up one jade box and carefully opened it. Inside lay a finely crafted jade magatama, gleaming with exquisite detail. He examined it closely for a long moment before speaking. “This is a magatama of exceptional quality! Mr. Ning, are you familiar with magatamas?”

Ning Zhiheng nodded. “Yes, I have some knowledge. Magatamas appear in East Asia—in China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. My reason for seeking you out, Professor, is to clarify the precise origin of this magatama.”

Fang Boyi looked at Ning with slight puzzlement. He found it curious that Ning did not question the authenticity of the piece but instead inquired about its provenance. After a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “It should originate from Japan.”

“Please, enlighten me further,” Ning requested. He had his reasons for wanting to identify the exact origin of the jade magatama; he sensed that the tenant Dong Chengjie might be involved with Japanese espionage.

Leaning back in his chair with confidence, Fang explained, “The magatama shape has a heritage in both our countries, but genuine ancient magatamas are scarce in China today. In contrast, they are widely cherished in Japan. There is even legend that magatamas are among Japan’s ‘Three Sacred Treasures’—items passed down from the divine deity Amaterasu to the Japanese emperor. This has inspired many Japanese citizens to emulate the magatama, making most of them produced in Japan.

“Significantly, the magatama’s crescent shape resembles the yin-yang fish symbol found in Chinese Daoist Bagua. Ancient Chinese, valuing Daoism, favored magatamas shaped like yin-yang fish. Japanese magatamas, however, tend to be more elongated in form. Look at this jade magatama you have; isn’t it somewhat narrower compared to the typical yin-yang fish shape?

“Judging by its quality and material, even in Japan, this would not be worn by ordinary people. It is an item befitting the wealthy or noble.”

Hearing this, Ning Zhiheng quickly took up the jade magatama from the table, observing it intently before expressing admiration. “Professor Fang, your knowledge is truly vast and your insight piercing.”

He was now certain that the jade magatama was of Japanese origin, which meant that its owner—the tenant Dong Chengjie—might indeed be Japanese.

“Now, please take a look at this item,” Ning said, pushing the other jade box forward. “Professor Fang, can you tell anything about this gold-inlaid jade seal?”

Fang took the box, opened it carefully, and his eyes brightened upon seeing the gold-inlaid jade seal inside.

He removed it and examined it closely for an extended period. After gathering his thoughts, he finally said, “This is not a Chinese antique either. It is a very rare Japanese noble family’s heraldic seal.

“Apart from European nobility, only Japan has used family crests since ancient times—and even more extensively than Europe.

“Japanese society has long been strictly hierarchical, with a clear divide between noble and commoners. Their aristocracy, especially those with long family lineages, each have their own family crest.

“European crests often feature animals like lions or eagles. Japanese family crests mostly derive from plants. The Japanese are meticulous and precise; their crests are always symmetrical and orderly.

“Look at this gold-inlaid jade seal: its pattern is four plum blossoms arranged neatly in a diamond shape, symmetrically balanced vertically and horizontally.

“My expertise in Japanese noble history is limited, so for the exact family this belongs to, you might consult a specialist in Japanese history. But suffice it to say, this is a fine artifact, truly worthy of collection.”

Ning Zhiheng nodded. This confirmed his suspicions perfectly. Coupled with Dong Chengjie’s suspicious haste in leaving, it was now certain: he was Japanese, and a person of considerable standing.

Such a valuable family crest seal would not be casually possessed by just any family member—only an important individual would carry it.

Having large sums of cash hidden at home is not illegal, but possessing a Japanese noble’s exclusive accessory, especially this family crest seal, undoubtedly raises suspicion.

When Dong Chengjie discovered this crucial item missing, he did not actively search for it but instead fled swiftly. This aligns with spy protocol: always prepare for the worst-case scenario in any emergency, never relying on luck.

It seemed Ning Zhiheng had once again caught the tail of a big fish. His spirits soared with renewed determination. This would be, after cracking the Shadow Spy Cell case, another major opportunity.

When opportunity knocks, one must never miss the chance.

Ning Zhiheng carefully packed the jade boxes, his face full of respect as he smiled at Fang Boyi. “Professor Fang, your reputation is well deserved. Your knowledge is profound, far beyond my humble understanding. We felt lost as if in a fog, but your words have cleared the skies. We are truly grateful.”

Then, from his pocket, he retrieved a stack of French currency and placed it respectfully on the tea table. “A small token of appreciation—please, do not hesitate to accept it.”

This was also a custom in the antiques world: experts must be paid for their appraisal services. Knowledge is valuable, as it always has been.

Fang Boyi nodded, accepting the fee without refusal. Providing expert appraisal was his profession and rightful income.

With the matter clarified, Ning Zhiheng and the others did not linger. They rose to take their leave.

Fang stood as well and escorted them to the gate. The two sides exchanged courteous farewells, watching the trio depart. Only then did Fang return indoors.

Shortly after, the butler entered and informed Fang, “They took a military vehicle at the crossroads and have already left.”

Fang nodded knowingly, having already suspected as much. Among the three, only the leader, Ning Zhiheng, carried the aura of a military man. His demeanor bore subtle marks of soldierly discipline.

Fang himself had once fought on battlefields in his youth as a soldier before transitioning to academia, taking a professorship at Jinling University for his work.

He said, “This Ning Zhiheng must be a former serviceman. It is normal for him to arrive in a military vehicle. His behavior shows no attempt to conceal his identity. It seems he genuinely came only to seek my appraisal, so there should be no cause for concern.”

The butler nodded as well. “He is young but shrewd. He even slipped me a twenty-yuan tip. Quite generous!”

Fang joked, “So you call that bribery, do you?”

The butler laughed, pointing at the stack of notes on the table. “My ‘bribery’ took me half a day’s hard work, but you earned that much with just a few words.”

The two shared a hearty laugh. The butler had been Fang’s loyal aide for many years, responsible for his security.

Their camaraderie was evident in the easy banter between them.