She had heard Zhang Yi mention the Ge Kiln before.
Yet, she had no idea there was a division between the North and the South.
She stood by Dongfang Yu’s side for two reasons: first, she wanted to hear what Dongfang Yu would say, and second, to be on guard just in case something unexpected happened, so she could react in time.
Dongfang Yu, seemingly oblivious to Gu Qiaoqiao’s caution and distance, continued, "Originally, the Ge Kiln from the South couldn’t compare to that of the North. Later, the South sent one of their daughters to marry into the North, and then seized the opportunity to secretly learn their skills..."
At this point, Dongfang Yu paused.
Gu Qiaoqiao asked with surprise, "And then what...?"
This sounded like something out of a TV drama.
Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao’s interest, Dongfang Yu appeared pleased, "Eventually, they did learn it, but what’s infuriating is that, having learned it, that woman actually set a fire before she left."
"She burned all the Ge porcelain that was to be presented to the royal family from the North."
"Without the porcelain, the entire family was executed, and from that point on, there was no more Ge Kiln from the North, and the South’s Ge Kiln reigned supreme."
"This porcelain piece is a work from the North, but, there shouldn’t be many left in the world today. If someone truly recognizes its value, it would be nearly priceless."
Dongfang Yu spoke confidently.
Gu Qiaoqiao, somewhat shocked, stood to the side.
This was the first time she heard such information.
It felt like listening to a story.
Could such a thing really have happened?
Neither her Great Grandfather nor Zhang Yi had ever mentioned such a thing.
Her gaze was filled with skepticism.
Unexpectedly, Dongfang Yu curled his lips into a slight smile, "Never mind, just take it as if I’m speaking off the cuff."
With that, he crouched down and gestured to the White Cat that had been circling around Gu Qiaoqiao’s feet.
The White Cat, reluctantly, strutted over.
Then, Dongfang Yu picked up the White Cat, smiled at Gu Qiaoqiao, and left with an air of nonchalance.
Gu Qiaoqiao hesitated for a moment, then followed him out.
She stood at the entrance, watching Dongfang Yu’s receding figure, her brows slightly furrowed.
Suppressing her astonishment, she turned and entered Yubao Square.
Then, she stood in front of the blue and white vase for a long while.
At that moment, Zhang Yi arrived too.
He smiled at Gu Qiaoqiao, "Qiaoqiao, you’re here so early today?"
Gu Qiaoqiao returned to her senses and nodded, "Yes, I got up early today, so I came over to have a look."
She then recounted Dongfang Yu’s visit to Yubao Square to Zhang Yi.
After that, she pointed to the vase and repeated the story that Dongfang Yu had told her to Zhang Yi.
Zhang Yi, surprised, raised his eyebrows and stood frozen for a while.
Suddenly, he walked towards the back of the room.
Gu Qiaoqiao was confused.
But she didn’t follow him, as she had no idea what Zhang Yi was up to.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yi found a book in the study at the back.
He flipped through it, page by page.
A short while later, he stopped at one page and read intently for some time.
After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yi took the book to the Duobao Pavilion of Yubao Square, looked at the porcelain vase, and asked Gu Qiaoqiao, "What did you say that man’s name was just now?"
"What did he come here for?" Zhang Yi asked quite eagerly.
"He said he came for a part-time job?" Gu Qiaoqiao replied softly.
"He’s the director of some Ancient Culture Research Center, said they were running at a deficit and didn’t have money for food, thought of working part-time here," Gu Qiaoqiao responded with some surprise.