With this, she had a clearer idea, and perhaps she could even go abroad to retrieve the item.
However, at the moment, this idea was not realistic at all. Going abroad was not that easy, especially since she was affiliated with the military. Gu Qiaoqiao thought for a moment and felt a bit discouraged. She decided to think of other ways. The urgent task was to ensure that her eldest uncle and second uncle didnât bear this crime.
But according to Bald Zhangâs words, her eldest uncle and second uncle were certainly uninformed. The question was how they would respond when questioned.
Gu Qingfeng glanced at the pensive Gu Qiaoqiao and said in a deep voice, "Donât worry, your eldest uncle and second uncle will be fine."
Gu Qiaoqiao turned her head to look at Gu Qingfeng. The old man indeed deserved to be the head of the family. When faced with such a significant issue, he remained calm and composed, showing no difference from usual.
Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, "Great Grandfather, according to the old manâs words, these people were deceived. However, I can conclude that these so-called antiques are a guise. Ultimately, itâs about destroying Yubao Square in Jinling City."
"Why do you say that?"
"Great Grandfather, think about it. The key figures here are that person named Zhang Xiaoming and that foreigner. How could it be such a coincidence? As soon as it was retrieved, someone insisted on buying it, and it just so happened that the batch of antiques included the Blue and White Three-legged Cauldron."
Gu Qingfeng nodded, a glint of darkness flashing in his eyes, "This person is ruthless. Not only do they want to destroy Yubao Square, but they also want your eldest uncle and second uncle imprisoned."
"Who could it be?" Gu Qiaoqiao muttered to herself.
Did Gu Zhixing offend someone in the past?
Gu Qingfeng remained silent. He wasnât sure at this moment, but he knew it wasnât Old Man Fang who did it.
But up till now, Gu Qingfeng wasnât clear about past events either.
The only deep impression was left by the Fang family.
But if it wasnât the Fang family, who else could it be?
These things were all unknown.
They could only wait for Gu Zhixing to come out or ask him when they saw him.
Around ten at night, they finally reached the Gu familyâs courtyard. At this time, Second Auntâs eyes were red and swollen, waiting there. She no longer had her usual calculative demeanor, only fear and anxiety remaining.
Seeing Gu Qingfeng, even her lips trembled. Gu Qingfeng merely glanced at her lightly and said softly, "Iâve asked, and your brother is just a messenger."
Second Aunt nodded quickly, "Yes, yes, heâs just a messenger."
"Has your brother come back?"
"Heâs back, just in the courtyard next door."
"Bring him over, I have something to ask him."
At this point, Gu Lei had long returned, waiting for the Old Patriarch all along. The cold wind outside was biting, and he looked unwell, standing before the Old Patriarch with a guilty expression.
Gu Qingfeng smiled slightly, "Gu Lei, youâve worked hard during this time. Itâs not your fault, have a seat and rest well."
"Old Patriarch..."
Uncle Gu patted his son on the shoulder and said, "The Old Patriarch wonât blame you, but this is also a lesson. The Old Patriarch entrusted such a heavy responsibility to you; you should manage everything meticulously. They say to help someone to mount a horse and accompany them on their journey. If you had been more careful, this wouldnât have happened."
Gu Lei nodded repeatedly, then sat on the sofa on the other side. He also looked unwell, having just been questioned a lot inside.
Gu Qingfeng asked briefly about what items he received, how much money was involved, where they were from, and where they were placed now...
But what he handled was all from legitimate sources, so there wasnât much problem.
However, these things Gu Zhixing received had issues before he even had the chance to check. Everything happened too fast, showing that the one who orchestrated this calculated very precisely. After all, dreams multiply with the night, and if delayed, Gu Lei would surely detect the flaw, ruining their plan.
At this point, Second Auntâs brother arrived. The young man was not very old, said to have just graduated from high school. Faced with the Old Patriarch, he couldnât even speak because of his nervousness. The Old Patriarch wouldnât blame him but questioned some matters about Zhang Xiaoming.
Second Auntâs brother knew little, having only met Zhang Xiaoming a few times. Zhang Xiaoming asked him to pass a message, and if he couldnât, then forget it. So he went from Sanlitun by carriage to find his third sister and discussed this with her husband.
Who would have thought it would lead to such a big issue in the end?
Zhang Xiaomingâs appearance was described by Bald Zhang and Second Auntâs brother, but it was nothing like seeing a photo or the person himself, lacking a concrete image.
Gu Qiaoqiao didnât know how to obtain his information. As long as she had a photo, she could draw a Tracking Talisman. If they found Zhang Xiaoming, everything would be solved.
Moreover, one important thing was from which tomb the most valuable Blue and White Three-legged Cauldron was excavated, or from whose hands it was acquired, and then flowed out abroad in such a manner, wasnât it killing two birds with one stone?
Both suppressing the Gu Family and taking the precious items abroad.
Suddenly, a name popped into Gu Qiaoqiaoâs headâOld Thief He, and another oneâHe Shan.
Could it be their doing?
Once this thought emerged, it couldnât go away, but Gu Qiaoqiao had no evidence and could only suppress this idea. By this time, the night had already deepened. Despite Gu Qingfengâs robustness, a tired expression still showed on his face.
After Uncle Gu sent these people away, he took care of the Old Patriarchâs rest. Gu Qiaoqiao also returned to her room, exhausted from the journey. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.
On the next morning, the sky was rather overcast. Not long after, snowflakes started to fall lightly. In the blink of an eye, it was almost 1989.
Time passes like a fleeting dream; another two years have gone by in a blink.
In the morning, Captain Choo called Gu Qiaoqiao. Although he was not in charge of this case, he told Qiaoqiao that the matter was very troublesome.
The Blue and White Three-legged Cauldron was extremely precious. Now, it was the first time it had been discovered in our country. But before anything could happen, it already went abroad. Itâs said that the higher-ups are furious and issued strict orders to thoroughly investigate this matter and to recover the missing national treasure.
So, despite knowing it was a trap, despite knowing that the Gu Zhixing and Gu Zhihai of Yubao Square were deceived,
they were still temporarily detained for selling the item to that foreigner. Meanwhile, several cultural relic appraisal experts and archaeologists had been dispatched to Yubao Square to check if there were any illegally obtained items.