Joy Turns to Sorrow

Because all the diggers liked selling their finds to Meng Yixian, his business flourished more and more. By the early 1990s, he had opened a shop and no longer had to brave the wind and rain like the other peddlers.

One day, Meng Yixian wandered around the market to see if there was anything that caught his fancy.

After making a round without finding anything he liked, he was just about to leave in disappointment when he happened to spot a stall owner in the corner taking out a rather exquisite-looking Suzhou Bell from his chest. Meng Yixian immediately became interested.

Meng Yixian hurried over and asked, "Xiao Feng, can I take a look at this Suzhou Bell?"

The stall owner was the same person who had sold Meng Yixian the Zisha teapot that day. He had arrived late and failed to get a good spot, but when he saw that Meng Yixian was interested in the Suzhou Bell he had just brought out, he quickly handed it over with a smile.

The Suzhou Bell was also known as an "insert" screen clock, named for its resemblance to the ancient Chinese "insert" screens. After the late Qing Dynasty, such clocks were manufactured in Suzhou, Huaiyang, Shanghai, and other areas along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. To distinguish them from imported Western clocks, the Chinese also called them "native clocks."

This clock had a redwood frame and a Gilded Bronze clock face engraved with floral patterns. Its chimes were pleasant, and the clock was in fairly good condition, with an exquisite appearance, fine workmanship, and excellent craftsmanship. It also came with a movable two-tier base. After examining it carefully, Meng Yixian could confirm that it was a good item.

"How much?"

Upon finding something he liked, Meng Yixian immediately