Upon hearing Elder Lei's introduction, Ye Fan was slightly taken aback. If Elder Lei's words were true, then the Tian Bao Pavilion shouldn't have resorted to beating up a young attendant. Could it be that they deliberately lured him there?
But how did they know he cared about that young attendant?
It couldn't be a trap; it could only be a coincidence.
Ye Fan did not refute, but he had already considered many possibilities in his mind.
Seeing Ye Fan remain silent, Elder Lei glanced at Jiang Zhong before asking Ye Fan, "Why did you think to inquire about Tian Bao Pavilion? Could it be that you intend to take action against them? I advise you to quickly abandon this idea. Tian Bao Pavilion has existed for a century, its foundation is too deep, and it is also an enterprise of the Heavenly King's Mansion. If you set your sights on Tian Bao Pavilion, the Heavenly King's Mansion will certainly not stand idly by. You have already provoked the Feng family, and it is not suitable to make more enemies."
Elder Lei spoke earnestly, fearing that Ye Fan would stir up more trouble.
Hearing Elder Lei's words, Ye Fan forced a wry smile, "It's not that I want to cause trouble for Tian Bao Pavilion, but rather they are targeting me."
This statement stunned both Elder Lei and Jiang Zhong, and they looked at Ye Fan with confusion.
So, Ye Fan recounted the day's events in detail to Elder Lei.
Elder Lei frowned slightly, "If that's the case, it does seem like they deliberately lured you there. As for who is behind you and that young attendant, it was likely orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives. As for who that person is, it's still unknown. In any case, you must be careful and not be used through carelessness."
Ye Fan nodded, "I will pay attention to the people around me. However, the fact that there are fakes appearing in Tian Bao Pavilion now, and the senior appraisers are turning a blind eye, is truly strange. Does Tian Bao Pavilion dare to engage in forced buying and selling?"
Ye Fan spoke cautiously. His intuition had always been accurate. Since Tian Bao Pavilion dared to do this, they must have a reason.
Without cause, they wouldn't be foolish enough to ruin their own reputation.
Elder Lei's brows furrowed deeply, "Could it be that they are plotting something?"
As the vice-president of the Jiangnan City Antique Association, Elder Lei could not ignore these matters.
Even if the other party was the Heavenly King's Mansion, if they dared to act unscrupulously in front of him, he would still intervene.
Jiang Zhong also frowned at this moment, "Teacher, given the nature of the Heavenly King's Mansion, if they intend to act unscrupulously, we likely cannot do anything. After all, the Heavenly King's Mansion's influence in Jiangnan City is too great. If we try to confront them, we will be at a disadvantage and it will be difficult to succeed."
Jiang Zhong was deep-minded and cautious in his nature, considering issues from multiple perspectives.
Hearing Jiang Zhong's words, Elder Lei's expression became even more somber.
"Are we just going to watch them do as they please? The Antique Association is the guardian of the antique industry and the setter of rules in the antique circle. Now, seeing someone acting maliciously, and we are to pretend not to see it, then what is the meaning of the Antique Association's existence?"
Elder Lei was quite angered. The thought of the current state of the Jiangnan Antique Association made his anger unbearable.
If it weren't for President Wei constantly advising him to endure and suppress himself over the years, his personality would have long since exploded, and he would have had a major confrontation with the City Lord's Mansion and the Heavenly King's Mansion.
Questioned by Elder Lei like this, Jiang Zhong could only offer a helpless wry smile.
"Teacher, we are not sitting idly by and turning a blind eye. It's just that we need to first understand the ins and outs of the matter. The Heavenly King's Mansion is different from those small antique shops. Even if we take action against them, they can't do anything. The Heavenly King's Mansion is powerful. Once we act rashly without understanding the situation, we might be caught by them. By then, it will be difficult to explain to President Wei."
It had to be said that Jiang Zhong's disposition was more steady than Elder Lei's.
Although he was only Elder Lei's disciple, he was already a Grade One appraiser. This was not without reason.
No matter what the matter was, one must not make hasty decisions before fully understanding it. Otherwise, one might try to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice.
Ye Fan nodded in agreement.
"I agree with Mr. Jiang's suggestion. Currently, we are only speculating and have no substantial evidence to prove that Tian Bao Pavilion is acting maliciously, so we cannot take action against them. However, it is not difficult to uncover the truth."
A cold smile curved Ye Fan's lips.
When it came to schemes and stratagems, he considered himself a master.
After all, having lived two lives, he had seen too many tricks, especially in his previous life when the antique industry flourished, and all sorts of conspiracies were endless.
At that time, there were no organizations like the Antique Association, so everything had to rely on one's own discernment and ability.
Therefore, in that era, various schemes emerged, and some people, in order to seek exorbitant profits, directly disguised themselves as antique shop assistants to steal items and then sell them in the ghost market.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Elder Lei and Jiang Zhong were both stunned, "Do you have a good plan?"
They stared at Ye Fan and asked.
Ye Fan smiled even more cunningly, "We can conduct a surprise inspection. With Elder Lei's status in the Antique Association, he can completely order the selection of several antique shops in Jiangnan City for surprise inspections. At that time, Tian Bao Pavilion will be included. Even if the Heavenly King's Mansion is displeased, they cannot say anything, as other antique shops will also be inspected besides Tian Bao Pavilion. This way, the conflict can be minimized, and it can also be used to check the situation of Tian Bao Pavilion. It's killing two birds with one stone."
Elder Lei and Jiang Zhong looked at each other, and they both saw satisfaction in each other's eyes.
"The method is not bad, but although the Antique Association has this right, it has never truly done so for many years. Moreover, to inspect the Heavenly King's Mansion, it is likely that President Wei must personally issue an order. He is currently in Hangcheng, and it is impossible to contact him anytime soon."
Jiang Zhong frowned, looking troubled.
"In extraordinary times, we must use extraordinary means. We have no time to wait for President Wei to issue an order. Elder Lei can act on his behalf for now, and then explain the reasons to President Wei later. Remember, opportunity waits for no one."
Ye Fan quickly said to them.
This was no child's play, where one could act whenever they pleased.
Tian Bao Pavilion was not foolish. Once they discovered anything, they would likely prepare immediately. By then, Ye Fan's discovery would probably be without merit.
Moreover, if Tian Bao Pavilion truly had problems, they should act soon. Therefore, the current situation was extremely critical.
Hearing Ye Fan's words, Elder Lei frowned and pondered for a moment before suddenly rising.
"You are right, we can't wait any longer. We must act immediately. Jiang Zhong, go and issue the notice, tell the several chief stewards to mobilize and conduct surprise inspections of several antique shops in Jiangnan City. I will personally go to Tian Bao Pavilion. I want to see what tricks the Heavenly King's Mansion is playing."
Elder Lei decisively issued the order.
Jiang Zhong responded affirmatively and quickly left to give the instructions.
Ye Fan then accompanied Elder Lei and several appraisers from the Antique Association straight to Tian Bao Pavilion.