Chapter 230 - 145: Gambling on Stones (2)
Ran Yun felt a bit of a pinch but, looking at the statues covered with red silk in front of him, he soon forgot about the money and waited excitedly for the stall owner to begin.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all the raw stones available today contain jade, they only differ in size and quality. Hence, the starting price is two strings of cash, and the highest bidder will take the stone. Today, we are only selling fifteen pieces, and we guarantee there are top-quality jades among them. To uphold our honesty, we will cut all the stones open for everyone to see after the end. However, if the buyer does not want it cut, then there is nothing we can do," the stall owner announced loudly, took a breath, and continued, "Next, it all depends on everyone’s judgment and luck!"
The gong sounded with a clang.
Ran Yan watched the stall owner, who was even thinner than Liu Qingsong, with great interest. The wisdom of the ancients is not to be underestimated; Ran Yan did not know when the auction industry began, but Tang Dynasty merchants had already used competitive bidding to make money.
More than ten servants simultaneously pulled off the red silk, revealing the true face of the stones. They looked no different from ordinary rocks on the outside. Most people were amateurs, which made those eager to try suddenly hesitate.
"Raw stones are bid in groups of five. If no one bids higher than your guess, you will have to purchase the raw stone at the price you guessed. Let me warn you upfront, gentlemen and ladies who do not have enough money or are not intent on buying stones, please do not bid, otherwise, we will have to see the government!" After saying that, the stall owner instructed his men to arrange the first group of stones to be placed on the wooden stage at the front.
The five stones had slight differences in color and shape, and there seemed to be not many experts present. Several richly dressed young men appeared eager to try.
After about five breaths, one of the young men in green robes pointed with his folding fan at the stone on the far right, "I’ll pay two strings for that one."