"An authentic artifact? Hidden within a secret layer?"
The assembled crowd stared at each other, struck dumb in disbelief.
Indeed.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, had a profound appreciation for calligraphy, particularly that of Wang Xizhi. He held the latter's work in such high esteem that each acquired piece was treated like a precious gem.
The reputation of the Preface to the Orchid Pavilion was legendary, and Li Shimin had set his heart on securing it. But how could a mere monk like Biancai comply with the imperial demand?
Initially, Biancai feigned ignorance about the location of the original manuscript of the Orchid Pavilion. However, Li Shimin's love for prestige stopped him from outright confiscating the artifact. Instead, he devised a strategy: he sent a man named Xiao Yi, disguised as a regular merchant, to gain Biancai's trust. Once a bond was established, various tactics were employed to extract the whereabouts of the manuscript.
